Doctor Visit
After much hesitation, I made and kept the appointment with the Pulmonologist. The results were NOT good. The docter was extremely pleasant and very understanding. Being a 30+ year smoker, that was my biggest fear. I already know all the reasons why I need to quit and don't require a lecture on the dangers of smoking.
The testing results were not conclusive but rather pointed in the direction needed to be taken. The first was a breathing test -- blow into a device for 10+ seconds and I failed. The second was a blood oxygen level test. Simple test, they put a little clip on your index finger and it magically reads the oxygen level in your blood (amazing). Just sitting on the examining table, without exerting myself, I failed the test. My understanding is the level should be around 100 and mine was 85. The third test was a 6 minute walking test while monitoring the blood oxygen level. I failed this test with flying colors. The assistant stopped the test after one minute because my blood oxygen dropped to 75 and I was already short winded.
While the results of the testing do not point to one specific condition, there are 3 possiblities -- Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma or Emphysema, the doctor believes I have Emphysema. I'll have a more in depth test done next month, after giving the inhalers a chance to work, allow my recent bout with Bronchitis to completely clear and hopefully quit smoking. The in depth test will be conclusive and we can determine the best route of action to be taken, at that time.
After a long talk with the doctor, I left the office with multiple inhaler prescriptions and two prescriptions for Chantix (starter & continuation packs). I need to call my insurance provider to see if they will cover Chantix. The website says no but the doctor believes they will cover but only if I also sign up for the support plan. It's going to be a struggle to quit but it must be done.
Wish me luck --- I'm going to need it!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Time Flies.....
To my faithful readers, I apologize for not updating my blog sooner. Honestly, I thought I had posted around Thanksgiving but apparently not. BAD ME!! I'll ask the cats to give me 30 lashes with wet kitty tails.
Cruise:
The cruise was exactly what I wanted it to be --- relaxing. We pretty much did nothing for the week. Just sat around doing nothing, enjoyed coffee & croissants on the balcony every morning, read a book, and just relaxed. I did watch Game 4 of the World Series on the Lido Deck theater size TV screen. NICE :) Great game even though we were being rained on at the time.
Holidays:
I was suppose to drive to NC for Thanksgiving week but the weather had other plans for me. Something about driving in dense fog on black ice in my new car did not seem very appealing.
Christmas was depressing this year. I had been fighting a chest cold that turned to bronchitis. The cold hit me a couple of weeks before Christmas. By Christmas Day, I was having a difficult time breathing. My parents wood stove normally causes me to wheez but with the bronchitis, I had to leave the house or stop breathing. Then again, outside wasn't much better. Everyone in the area has a fireplace or woodstove going. A couple of days later, I decided it was time to visit the doctor and get meds.
Off to the doctor's I went and returned with all sorts of good meds and a referral to a pulmonologist (lung doctor). It's quite possible I also have the start of emphysema. It took me awhile before I finally called the doctor for an appointment. I'm not sure I want to hear what I know he's going to say -- quit smoking. I know it's coming so I'm gearing up for it. I see the doctor tomorrow, heaven only knows when I'll blog about the results :)
Winter:
With having bronchitis and a bad back, I decided to pay someone to shovel/plow the driveway and sidewalks for me this year. Debbie J. is great and has taken care of it, for the most part, for the last couple of years but I felt guilty. The person I hired will do my driveway, the sidewalk for the length of our property and the walkway to my front door. The guy charges by the inches --- 3"-6" $35; 6"-9" $45; ..... Last weeks snowfall was probably the first one I didn't dread, in a very long time! We got about 8" of snow. The guys showed up and in 15 minutes everything was cleared. NICE! Debbie gets to enjoy it too. With the front sidewalk being shoveled, she only has the end of her driveway and her front walkway to shovel. She has 2 cars in her driveway so there's not much to shovel, except around the cars.
Work:
What can I say -- work has been work. The co-worker with the cell phone addiction was finally terminated on 1/11/08. Her attendance was horrendous, work ethics were non-existant and while I hadn't noticed, several people (including our team leader) had smelled alcohol on her breath. I did pick up the aroma of "beer breath" one night but couldn't tell where it came from. Oh but what I failed to mention is that about the beginning of Decemeber, this same person announced she was pregnant. Myself and several co-workers doubt the pregnancy. Mostly because she wasn't the most truthful person around. Of course, once she made the announcement, we all knew it would be difficult to terminate her. I'm sure she tossed around claims of being fired only because she is pregnant. That makes me think whatever the termination reason, it was well documented, and grounds for immediate termination.
Family:
Not much has been happening with the family. Rick flew in from Hawaii last Saturday and will be here until 2/2/08. Marsha will be flying in at the end of the month, hoping to see Rick while he's here. We're planning to have a family picture taken while Rick is here. This one will be with just my parents and the children - no spouses or grandchildren. It seems everytime we include spouses and grandchildren there are additions and deletions soon after. This time it will be just a picture of our family.
Kitties:
Bean is still being "Queen Bean". She guards the kitty door and hisses and anyone that tries to enter or leave. I noticed several of the cats jump on the perch and look both ways before coming through the door. They are looking to see if Bean is in the vicinity. Shadow has figured Bean out. He knows that Bean only hisses and does not attack. Bean is all talk no action :) Now that Shadow has her figured out, he's been known to chase her into the den. He also goes looking for her if she's not in the dining room. Atleast Bean lets him into the kitchen to eat now. For awhile she wouldn't let him near the food dish. Poser isn't doing well, he needs to take a trip to the vets office. He seems to have allergies and they aren't getting any better. His sinuses seem to be blocked along with alot of sneezing and coughing. It doesn't seem to bother him but I'm sure he would like to feel better. BTW, Poser has finally realized that it's ok to curl up in the bed with me and Shadow. With the cold nights we've have, I appreciate the extra warmth!!
To Marsha --- Poser & Shadow absolutely love the laser mouse!! Bean doesn't stay in the same room long enough for me to play with her.
To my faithful readers, I apologize for not updating my blog sooner. Honestly, I thought I had posted around Thanksgiving but apparently not. BAD ME!! I'll ask the cats to give me 30 lashes with wet kitty tails.
Cruise:
The cruise was exactly what I wanted it to be --- relaxing. We pretty much did nothing for the week. Just sat around doing nothing, enjoyed coffee & croissants on the balcony every morning, read a book, and just relaxed. I did watch Game 4 of the World Series on the Lido Deck theater size TV screen. NICE :) Great game even though we were being rained on at the time.
Holidays:
I was suppose to drive to NC for Thanksgiving week but the weather had other plans for me. Something about driving in dense fog on black ice in my new car did not seem very appealing.
Christmas was depressing this year. I had been fighting a chest cold that turned to bronchitis. The cold hit me a couple of weeks before Christmas. By Christmas Day, I was having a difficult time breathing. My parents wood stove normally causes me to wheez but with the bronchitis, I had to leave the house or stop breathing. Then again, outside wasn't much better. Everyone in the area has a fireplace or woodstove going. A couple of days later, I decided it was time to visit the doctor and get meds.
Off to the doctor's I went and returned with all sorts of good meds and a referral to a pulmonologist (lung doctor). It's quite possible I also have the start of emphysema. It took me awhile before I finally called the doctor for an appointment. I'm not sure I want to hear what I know he's going to say -- quit smoking. I know it's coming so I'm gearing up for it. I see the doctor tomorrow, heaven only knows when I'll blog about the results :)
Winter:
With having bronchitis and a bad back, I decided to pay someone to shovel/plow the driveway and sidewalks for me this year. Debbie J. is great and has taken care of it, for the most part, for the last couple of years but I felt guilty. The person I hired will do my driveway, the sidewalk for the length of our property and the walkway to my front door. The guy charges by the inches --- 3"-6" $35; 6"-9" $45; ..... Last weeks snowfall was probably the first one I didn't dread, in a very long time! We got about 8" of snow. The guys showed up and in 15 minutes everything was cleared. NICE! Debbie gets to enjoy it too. With the front sidewalk being shoveled, she only has the end of her driveway and her front walkway to shovel. She has 2 cars in her driveway so there's not much to shovel, except around the cars.
Work:
What can I say -- work has been work. The co-worker with the cell phone addiction was finally terminated on 1/11/08. Her attendance was horrendous, work ethics were non-existant and while I hadn't noticed, several people (including our team leader) had smelled alcohol on her breath. I did pick up the aroma of "beer breath" one night but couldn't tell where it came from. Oh but what I failed to mention is that about the beginning of Decemeber, this same person announced she was pregnant. Myself and several co-workers doubt the pregnancy. Mostly because she wasn't the most truthful person around. Of course, once she made the announcement, we all knew it would be difficult to terminate her. I'm sure she tossed around claims of being fired only because she is pregnant. That makes me think whatever the termination reason, it was well documented, and grounds for immediate termination.
Family:
Not much has been happening with the family. Rick flew in from Hawaii last Saturday and will be here until 2/2/08. Marsha will be flying in at the end of the month, hoping to see Rick while he's here. We're planning to have a family picture taken while Rick is here. This one will be with just my parents and the children - no spouses or grandchildren. It seems everytime we include spouses and grandchildren there are additions and deletions soon after. This time it will be just a picture of our family.
Kitties:
Bean is still being "Queen Bean". She guards the kitty door and hisses and anyone that tries to enter or leave. I noticed several of the cats jump on the perch and look both ways before coming through the door. They are looking to see if Bean is in the vicinity. Shadow has figured Bean out. He knows that Bean only hisses and does not attack. Bean is all talk no action :) Now that Shadow has her figured out, he's been known to chase her into the den. He also goes looking for her if she's not in the dining room. Atleast Bean lets him into the kitchen to eat now. For awhile she wouldn't let him near the food dish. Poser isn't doing well, he needs to take a trip to the vets office. He seems to have allergies and they aren't getting any better. His sinuses seem to be blocked along with alot of sneezing and coughing. It doesn't seem to bother him but I'm sure he would like to feel better. BTW, Poser has finally realized that it's ok to curl up in the bed with me and Shadow. With the cold nights we've have, I appreciate the extra warmth!!
To Marsha --- Poser & Shadow absolutely love the laser mouse!! Bean doesn't stay in the same room long enough for me to play with her.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Cell Phones
Today's world of technology has introduced a new breed with an appendage - a cell phone! These phones are everywhere and should not be allowed in many places. One place is the workplace. While the phones are handy to reach employees for emergency's, many abuse this privilege and place co-workers in very awkward positions. Until management speaks up, employees are forced to listen to private conversations, which should not be taking place at work.
A new co-workers is one of the new breed. Working for a Help Desk, we are suppose to be on the phone, but with end users and trying to resolve technical problems. I have been subjected to working twice as hard, listening to endless dribble of "Mommy misses you too" and last night's argument of "Why are such an ass when you drink?.... We have no money but you can go out and party with your friends...." Then she was expecting me to console her after her husband hung up on her. I really wanted to tell my co-worker my true opinion -- she's a needy drama queen with tendency to be a controlling nag! Whatever happened to keeping your personal problems out of the workplace? Arguments that should be kept at home, between married couples are now public.
In this case, it causes me extra work as well. While co-worker is on her cell phone, she takes herself off the help desk phones. That means all incoming calls route directly to me. It also means she is not working on problems that come in via email. I brought this to managements attention last week, and she was spoken to about it. They looked at the reports and realized she was unavailable more than she was available. With the exception of a 30 minute meal break, the remainder of the time she was on her cell phone. I really don't like appearing as a bitch but I'm tired babysitting a grown person. This person is hoping to go on 3rd shift and work alone. It's not going to happen! She needs constant supervision to get her to do her job and not gab on the phone all night.
ARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH --- I NEED A VACATION!!!!
Today's world of technology has introduced a new breed with an appendage - a cell phone! These phones are everywhere and should not be allowed in many places. One place is the workplace. While the phones are handy to reach employees for emergency's, many abuse this privilege and place co-workers in very awkward positions. Until management speaks up, employees are forced to listen to private conversations, which should not be taking place at work.
A new co-workers is one of the new breed. Working for a Help Desk, we are suppose to be on the phone, but with end users and trying to resolve technical problems. I have been subjected to working twice as hard, listening to endless dribble of "Mommy misses you too" and last night's argument of "Why are such an ass when you drink?.... We have no money but you can go out and party with your friends...." Then she was expecting me to console her after her husband hung up on her. I really wanted to tell my co-worker my true opinion -- she's a needy drama queen with tendency to be a controlling nag! Whatever happened to keeping your personal problems out of the workplace? Arguments that should be kept at home, between married couples are now public.
In this case, it causes me extra work as well. While co-worker is on her cell phone, she takes herself off the help desk phones. That means all incoming calls route directly to me. It also means she is not working on problems that come in via email. I brought this to managements attention last week, and she was spoken to about it. They looked at the reports and realized she was unavailable more than she was available. With the exception of a 30 minute meal break, the remainder of the time she was on her cell phone. I really don't like appearing as a bitch but I'm tired babysitting a grown person. This person is hoping to go on 3rd shift and work alone. It's not going to happen! She needs constant supervision to get her to do her job and not gab on the phone all night.
ARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH --- I NEED A VACATION!!!!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
In A Rut
Planning of the upcoming cruise doesn't excite me the way they used. I'm looking forward to getting away but will probably do as little as possible while on the cruise. Maybe just hang out on our balcony and veg out for the week.
There are a few things I need to take care of for this cruise. We'll be having a costume party on the ship and I'll be dressing as the "Cruise Fool". The costume I have if a jesters costume but I really need to find some purple tights to wear with the costume.
One of the perks of cruising with a group is that we have our own fun contests. We have a door decorating contest and for this cruise the theme will obviously be Halloween. Marsha and I have already thought about this one and came up with a sunken ghost ship as our decoration. Now we just need to figure out how to create the decorations without needing to bring extra luggage.
Halloween just wouldn't be right without cabin decorations :) I need to taken an inventory of what I have for decorations and maybe do a little shopping for more. The decorated cabin will also require we bring extra $$$ as a tip for our cabin steward. When we previously cruised for Halloween, our steward never knew what to expect when he stepped into the room. There was a flying bat one day and eyeballs in the ice bucket the next.
It looks to be a beautiful but cool day today and I'm going out for a drive. Staying home is just not an option for me today. I've been in a rut for too long and the walls are starting to close in around me. I need to escape before the weather turns and keeps me inside for months. A walk around Devil's Hopyard always seems inviting. Maybe I'll bring my notebook and do some writing while I'm there.
There are a few things I need to take care of for this cruise. We'll be having a costume party on the ship and I'll be dressing as the "Cruise Fool". The costume I have if a jesters costume but I really need to find some purple tights to wear with the costume.
One of the perks of cruising with a group is that we have our own fun contests. We have a door decorating contest and for this cruise the theme will obviously be Halloween. Marsha and I have already thought about this one and came up with a sunken ghost ship as our decoration. Now we just need to figure out how to create the decorations without needing to bring extra luggage.
Halloween just wouldn't be right without cabin decorations :) I need to taken an inventory of what I have for decorations and maybe do a little shopping for more. The decorated cabin will also require we bring extra $$$ as a tip for our cabin steward. When we previously cruised for Halloween, our steward never knew what to expect when he stepped into the room. There was a flying bat one day and eyeballs in the ice bucket the next.
It looks to be a beautiful but cool day today and I'm going out for a drive. Staying home is just not an option for me today. I've been in a rut for too long and the walls are starting to close in around me. I need to escape before the weather turns and keeps me inside for months. A walk around Devil's Hopyard always seems inviting. Maybe I'll bring my notebook and do some writing while I'm there.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Yeah Me!
I bought a new car today!!! It's a 2007 Nissan Versa HatchBack 1.8 SL My future BIL (Joe) gave me a great deal - $16,840 -- $400 over invoice along with an extra set of floor mats. All the sales guys couldn't believe my current car is 11 years old with 166K miles. It runs great, I just think it looks like crap. They kept saying they're going to clean it up and use it as a show car to prove Nissan's last.
I bought a new car today!!! It's a 2007 Nissan Versa HatchBack 1.8 SL My future BIL (Joe) gave me a great deal - $16,840 -- $400 over invoice along with an extra set of floor mats. All the sales guys couldn't believe my current car is 11 years old with 166K miles. It runs great, I just think it looks like crap. They kept saying they're going to clean it up and use it as a show car to prove Nissan's last.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Time for updates:
As I stated in my previous post, my time at FedEx National will be ending soon. It was announced in May, effective July 23rd our breakbulk will become an end-of-the-line teminal. Currently we receive trailers from all over the country and Canada, break it down and ship it all over New England or other breakbulks across the country. That will change to only receiving trailers from Harrisburg, PA and New England.
Approximately 90 people will either be transferred or lose their jobs. Our office staff of 10 full timers will be cut to 3 full time and 1 part time employee - all based on seniority. When I transferred to part time, I lost my seniority. I've been asked to stay on for a week or so after the 23rd to assist with the mounds of transfer/termination paperwork. Then I'll be laid off with everyone else.
I've managed to build a small nest egg with the extra earnings. Enough to partially repay my parents for money I borrowed while unemployed. That happened yesterday and it felt great to give back to them for all they have done for me. They wanted to give it right back to me but I insisted they do something for themselves with the money. Then I suggested they join Marsha and me on the Halloween cruise. The money should cover the cost of the cruise, flight and maybe even the hotel.
My intentions on working the two jobs was to pay off my parents and put a downpayment on a house or condo. Well, I decided I really need a car before purchasing a home. My car is 11 years old with 165k miles. While my mechanic says it will probably go for another year, I don't want to start paying for repairs that I keep expecting to happen anytime. I've loved my Nissan so much that I'm looking at a Nissan Versa. It's smaller than a Sentra but it comes in a Hatchback. I used to have a Sentra hatchback and I miss the convenience.
As you can see, I changed my blog template. Eventually I will have links to other blogs again but for now, this will have to do.
As I stated in my previous post, my time at FedEx National will be ending soon. It was announced in May, effective July 23rd our breakbulk will become an end-of-the-line teminal. Currently we receive trailers from all over the country and Canada, break it down and ship it all over New England or other breakbulks across the country. That will change to only receiving trailers from Harrisburg, PA and New England.
Approximately 90 people will either be transferred or lose their jobs. Our office staff of 10 full timers will be cut to 3 full time and 1 part time employee - all based on seniority. When I transferred to part time, I lost my seniority. I've been asked to stay on for a week or so after the 23rd to assist with the mounds of transfer/termination paperwork. Then I'll be laid off with everyone else.
I've managed to build a small nest egg with the extra earnings. Enough to partially repay my parents for money I borrowed while unemployed. That happened yesterday and it felt great to give back to them for all they have done for me. They wanted to give it right back to me but I insisted they do something for themselves with the money. Then I suggested they join Marsha and me on the Halloween cruise. The money should cover the cost of the cruise, flight and maybe even the hotel.
My intentions on working the two jobs was to pay off my parents and put a downpayment on a house or condo. Well, I decided I really need a car before purchasing a home. My car is 11 years old with 165k miles. While my mechanic says it will probably go for another year, I don't want to start paying for repairs that I keep expecting to happen anytime. I've loved my Nissan so much that I'm looking at a Nissan Versa. It's smaller than a Sentra but it comes in a Hatchback. I used to have a Sentra hatchback and I miss the convenience.
As you can see, I changed my blog template. Eventually I will have links to other blogs again but for now, this will have to do.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
I'm Alive --- Just Not Awake
I know, it's been eons since my last post and so much has changed since then. The first MAJOR change is that I now work only PT for FedEx National and FT for a company called Global Help Desk Solutions.
The job change came last January. I was offered a FT position at Global, taking help desk call for CBS Broadcasting. It's a pretty cool job - nerve wracking at times - but still a cool job. So far I've fixed Paul Schafer's (Letterman Show) IPod, speak quite a bit with the IT Tech (Lilibet) at the Rachel Ray show; assisted Ashley Jones (Brigdet on Bold & The Beautiful) with getting access to the stage hands radio sets. My favorite person to speak to though is "Shotgun" Tom Kelly Shotgun has a problem remembering his password :)
Anyway, the job is why I've been away for so long. Putting in 60 hour work weeks, doesn't leave much time for blogging. Hell, I'm lucky I have time for Scrabble moves and a few emails. Things will quiet down in the very near future and I'll post more about that later. I just wanted to let everyone know I'm alive and just keeping very busy.
I know, it's been eons since my last post and so much has changed since then. The first MAJOR change is that I now work only PT for FedEx National and FT for a company called Global Help Desk Solutions.
The job change came last January. I was offered a FT position at Global, taking help desk call for CBS Broadcasting. It's a pretty cool job - nerve wracking at times - but still a cool job. So far I've fixed Paul Schafer's (Letterman Show) IPod, speak quite a bit with the IT Tech (Lilibet) at the Rachel Ray show; assisted Ashley Jones (Brigdet on Bold & The Beautiful) with getting access to the stage hands radio sets. My favorite person to speak to though is "Shotgun" Tom Kelly Shotgun has a problem remembering his password :)
Anyway, the job is why I've been away for so long. Putting in 60 hour work weeks, doesn't leave much time for blogging. Hell, I'm lucky I have time for Scrabble moves and a few emails. Things will quiet down in the very near future and I'll post more about that later. I just wanted to let everyone know I'm alive and just keeping very busy.
Monday, November 20, 2006
$&*)#*&@#*@ MONDAY!
Today was the typical bitch of a Monday!! It started with nightsweats at 12:34 AM. That was first time I woke up. I was awake at 1:30, 3:00, 4:00 and finally at 5:00 I climbed out of bed. So much for getting a good night's sleep.
Ok, so I get the coffee going, let Shadow out and go through my morning routine. Finally it's time to leave for work. Climb in the car, turn the key and listen to my battery's last gasp. Thankfully, my neighbor was still home and I knew she would jump start the car. Otherwise it meant waiting for AAA to arrive. Just what I needed for a Monday morning ... a dead battery and now to be late for work. It wasn't too bad, I was only 15 minutes late.
I get to work and things are going too smooth for a Monday morning. Finally an e-mail from the CEO arrives. Business has been extremely slow and there is a hiring freeze in effect. In the meantime, we need to "tighten our belts" across the board. Although he didn't come right out and say it, I'll go out on a limb and state it -- looks like we will be having layoffs. The question now becomes WHEN. Happy Holidays -- yeah right!
Now it's time to leave and guess what?!?! My battery is totally dead. It didn't do any charging on my drive to work. Thankfully we have a Maintenance Shop for the tractors & trailers. They have portable batteries for jump starting. While I waited for someone to come out and jump start the car, I called my mechanic. He usually closes at 5:00 PM but stayed at the shop until I got there, to install a new battery for me.
Let's see, to recap the car issues for the last couple of months -- Tune-up & oil change, new water pump, 4 new tires and 1 new battery. What next!?!?!?
Today was the typical bitch of a Monday!! It started with nightsweats at 12:34 AM. That was first time I woke up. I was awake at 1:30, 3:00, 4:00 and finally at 5:00 I climbed out of bed. So much for getting a good night's sleep.
Ok, so I get the coffee going, let Shadow out and go through my morning routine. Finally it's time to leave for work. Climb in the car, turn the key and listen to my battery's last gasp. Thankfully, my neighbor was still home and I knew she would jump start the car. Otherwise it meant waiting for AAA to arrive. Just what I needed for a Monday morning ... a dead battery and now to be late for work. It wasn't too bad, I was only 15 minutes late.
I get to work and things are going too smooth for a Monday morning. Finally an e-mail from the CEO arrives. Business has been extremely slow and there is a hiring freeze in effect. In the meantime, we need to "tighten our belts" across the board. Although he didn't come right out and say it, I'll go out on a limb and state it -- looks like we will be having layoffs. The question now becomes WHEN. Happy Holidays -- yeah right!
Now it's time to leave and guess what?!?! My battery is totally dead. It didn't do any charging on my drive to work. Thankfully we have a Maintenance Shop for the tractors & trailers. They have portable batteries for jump starting. While I waited for someone to come out and jump start the car, I called my mechanic. He usually closes at 5:00 PM but stayed at the shop until I got there, to install a new battery for me.
Let's see, to recap the car issues for the last couple of months -- Tune-up & oil change, new water pump, 4 new tires and 1 new battery. What next!?!?!?
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Washing Maching Update
My e-mail was passed on to Excel Direct Logistics, the company that handles the deliveries for Bernie's TV & Appliances. Last Thursday I had a call from them, on my answering machine, when I returned home after work. After playing "telephone tag" for several days, we finally got to speak to each other today.
First, this was a new driver and he was being overly cautious. Apparently the drivers are held financially responsible for any damages, dents, scratches...etc, during deliveries. Ok, so now I understand why he was being way too cautious about getting through the tight spaces. If it was coming out of my pocket, I would be just as cautious. He needs to explain this to the customer and let the customer decide if they want to take chance.
Second, as for disconnecting the old hose, he will be spoken to about that problem. Reconnecting the old hose to the new machine, again goes back to the first issue of being held financially resposible.
Third, connecting to the drain pipe. On that issue, the driver had previously been told to not connect to any drain pipe that was more than 4 ft. high, from the floor. That isn't what the driver said to me but I let it slide. The reason for this (I had already made sure this wasn't an issue for me) some machines can not pump the water, out of the machine, up more than 4 ft. to the drain pipe. I had previously checked out washer specs to make sure my old machine and new machine, were capable of pumping the water up to drain pipe.
Anyway, it's a long story to say that it was happily resolved. The driver will be coached in how to properly explain things to the customer and I will be receiving a full refund on the delivery fees.
My e-mail was passed on to Excel Direct Logistics, the company that handles the deliveries for Bernie's TV & Appliances. Last Thursday I had a call from them, on my answering machine, when I returned home after work. After playing "telephone tag" for several days, we finally got to speak to each other today.
First, this was a new driver and he was being overly cautious. Apparently the drivers are held financially responsible for any damages, dents, scratches...etc, during deliveries. Ok, so now I understand why he was being way too cautious about getting through the tight spaces. If it was coming out of my pocket, I would be just as cautious. He needs to explain this to the customer and let the customer decide if they want to take chance.
Second, as for disconnecting the old hose, he will be spoken to about that problem. Reconnecting the old hose to the new machine, again goes back to the first issue of being held financially resposible.
Third, connecting to the drain pipe. On that issue, the driver had previously been told to not connect to any drain pipe that was more than 4 ft. high, from the floor. That isn't what the driver said to me but I let it slide. The reason for this (I had already made sure this wasn't an issue for me) some machines can not pump the water, out of the machine, up more than 4 ft. to the drain pipe. I had previously checked out washer specs to make sure my old machine and new machine, were capable of pumping the water up to drain pipe.
Anyway, it's a long story to say that it was happily resolved. The driver will be coached in how to properly explain things to the customer and I will be receiving a full refund on the delivery fees.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
New Washing Machine
I HAVE A NEW WASHING MACHINE!!! Yippee!!! Ok, I never thought I would be this excited to be able to do laundry but, my machine bit the dust about 2 weeks ago. While I love my new washer, if it had been left to the delivery people, I wouldn't be using the machine now. Here is a copy of the e-mail I sent to their customer service dept. after the horrendous delivery today.
"This the 4th major purchase I've made from Bernie's and to date, I've always been happy with the deliveries. Today's delivery started with the driver believing the washing machine would not fit through a narrow area in my kitchen or down my cellar stairs. I told him it's a tight squeeze but yes, it will fit. When he got down stairs, he tried to loosen the hoses. The cold water came off easily, the hot water was going to require a little muscle that he didn't bother to use. Instead he kept insisting that he couldn't disconnect the old washer but he would bring the new one to the celler and leave it there. It would be up to me (single female, living alone) to disconnect and remove the old washing machine. He didn't even attempt to disconnect the hose at the washing machine connection, only at the pipe.
When I suggested he disconnect the hose at the machine and reconnect the new machine using the same hose. He started about how the hose was old and bloated and couldn't be connected to the new machine because it would burst. Funny how there was nothing wrong with the actual hose until I made the request.
At that point is when the 2nd delivery person came downstairs. Surprisingly he was able to remove the old hose, at the pipe without ANY effort. They disconnected the old machine and saw that the drainage hose is not the typical connection. The water has to go up a PVC pipe, approximately 5 ft., to the drain pipe. I had rubber coupling and clamps but was told they wouldn't fit on the hose for the new machine. Finally, I just told them to remove the old machine and leave, I would do the installation myself. It was easier than trying to tell them it could be done. Within 15 minutes after they left, not only did I have the machine installed, I was doing laundry.
The impression the first person gave me, was that he just didn't want to do the work associated with the delivery & installation. I can appreciate that it's not an easy task but it IS his job. There are many people that aren't willing/capable of installing a washer. If I had a couple of guys and a truck available, I wouldn't have spent $60 to have the machine delivered and the old one taken away."
Needless to say, I was not happy with the delivery service. The 2nd person seemed to be ok, for the most part. As for the hose being larger than the coupling/clamp. I don't know that the 2nd person even looked. He just took the 1st guys word that the hose was larger than the coupling. If either had bothered to look, the hose for the new machine AND the old machine, were the same size!
Anyway, I'm just happy that I can do laundry again.
I HAVE A NEW WASHING MACHINE!!! Yippee!!! Ok, I never thought I would be this excited to be able to do laundry but, my machine bit the dust about 2 weeks ago. While I love my new washer, if it had been left to the delivery people, I wouldn't be using the machine now. Here is a copy of the e-mail I sent to their customer service dept. after the horrendous delivery today.
"This the 4th major purchase I've made from Bernie's and to date, I've always been happy with the deliveries. Today's delivery started with the driver believing the washing machine would not fit through a narrow area in my kitchen or down my cellar stairs. I told him it's a tight squeeze but yes, it will fit. When he got down stairs, he tried to loosen the hoses. The cold water came off easily, the hot water was going to require a little muscle that he didn't bother to use. Instead he kept insisting that he couldn't disconnect the old washer but he would bring the new one to the celler and leave it there. It would be up to me (single female, living alone) to disconnect and remove the old washing machine. He didn't even attempt to disconnect the hose at the washing machine connection, only at the pipe.
When I suggested he disconnect the hose at the machine and reconnect the new machine using the same hose. He started about how the hose was old and bloated and couldn't be connected to the new machine because it would burst. Funny how there was nothing wrong with the actual hose until I made the request.
At that point is when the 2nd delivery person came downstairs. Surprisingly he was able to remove the old hose, at the pipe without ANY effort. They disconnected the old machine and saw that the drainage hose is not the typical connection. The water has to go up a PVC pipe, approximately 5 ft., to the drain pipe. I had rubber coupling and clamps but was told they wouldn't fit on the hose for the new machine. Finally, I just told them to remove the old machine and leave, I would do the installation myself. It was easier than trying to tell them it could be done. Within 15 minutes after they left, not only did I have the machine installed, I was doing laundry.
The impression the first person gave me, was that he just didn't want to do the work associated with the delivery & installation. I can appreciate that it's not an easy task but it IS his job. There are many people that aren't willing/capable of installing a washer. If I had a couple of guys and a truck available, I wouldn't have spent $60 to have the machine delivered and the old one taken away."
Needless to say, I was not happy with the delivery service. The 2nd person seemed to be ok, for the most part. As for the hose being larger than the coupling/clamp. I don't know that the 2nd person even looked. He just took the 1st guys word that the hose was larger than the coupling. If either had bothered to look, the hose for the new machine AND the old machine, were the same size!
Anyway, I'm just happy that I can do laundry again.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Fun At Work
Since I bitch alot about my job, I thought I would give a few minutes to the fun side of my job. We occassionally have cookouts where the company buys all the food and management does the cooking. Well tomorrow, our sales reps are cooking for the drivers. Our drvers are the people the customer deals with most of the time. They make the sales reps. job alot easier with they "take care" of the customer.
Today I designed a sign for the cookout. The office personnel were rolling with laughter. Even the boss asked for a copy and passed it around, laughing. You will notice the sign is complete with Bromo Seltze and name badges! This image has color but I printed it in black & white to give it more of a oldies feel.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Aww Fuck!
Finally over the FedEx to Watkins paperwork hurdle. We survived the visiting VP hurdle. Thinking finally time to relax a little --- not gonna happen this week. We received notice this afternoon the Corp. Auditor will be here Wednesday. Just what we needed amidst all the other BS going on.
My paperwork should be ok with the exception of a shortage in the petty cash that happened while I was on vacation. I reported the shortage, to my boss when I noticed it, a few days after I returned to work. If it was for a couple of dollars - not a problem just put the cash into the drawer. This was not a minor shortage, nor did someone get paid from petty cash and not submit a receipt. This was a theft. Since we have never run across this before, neither of us knows how to report it to Corporate. Hopefully he will be able to get some answers and have this resolved before the auditor shows up.
Finally over the FedEx to Watkins paperwork hurdle. We survived the visiting VP hurdle. Thinking finally time to relax a little --- not gonna happen this week. We received notice this afternoon the Corp. Auditor will be here Wednesday. Just what we needed amidst all the other BS going on.
My paperwork should be ok with the exception of a shortage in the petty cash that happened while I was on vacation. I reported the shortage, to my boss when I noticed it, a few days after I returned to work. If it was for a couple of dollars - not a problem just put the cash into the drawer. This was not a minor shortage, nor did someone get paid from petty cash and not submit a receipt. This was a theft. Since we have never run across this before, neither of us knows how to report it to Corporate. Hopefully he will be able to get some answers and have this resolved before the auditor shows up.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Sunday Ramblings
The beginning of the week was filled with stress. The VP of FedEx National LTL was visiting and my boss had to do a presentation. Silly me, I thought everything was all set Monday night, after putting in a 11.5 hr. day. Tuesday morning, all I would need to do is print out the presentation and assemble in binders. WRONG! I arrived to find the District Manager wanted changes made --- Add 5 new graphs, delete one graph, change the title screens. After all that, reorganize them and then I could print them. All this had to be done before 10:00 AM, when the meeting was to start. Co-workers were a tolerant with me when I tied up two printers for about 30 minutes. During their lunch break, I informed my boss that I was going home early. Thankfully he said "Go for it!"
While looking for some paperwork, I came across a statement from the Wiremold Federal Credit Union. As I looked at the statement, I couldn't recall if I had ever closed my account with them. I hadn't received statements for years but then again, I've also moved several times since leaving Wiremold in 1998. If the account hadn't been closed and I remembered correctly, there was about $100 dollars in the account. The CU's hours are strange in that they are only open from 11 - 1:00 on certain days and one day until 3:00. I managed to call them this week and inquire about my account -- it hadn't been closed! Woohoo --- found money! I like found money :) In order to close the account, I would need to go to the CU during their hours. After explaining that I work about 20 miles away, during those same hours, they agreed to close the account, if I could fax them a copy of my drivers license. I could pick up the check at Wiremold's Security Office during the off hours.
I haven't a clue how much was in the account at the closing point. The teller said the amount in the account was $105 but that interest needed to be added. Yesterday, I happily drove to West Hartford to pick up the check. I arrived and explained to security why I was there. There was no check waiting for me. Ut oh, where's my check? Well it seems there had orginally been 3 checks to be picked up by various people. One of those checks was left to be picked up but it wasn't my check. The guard on Friday night, apparenty gave the wrong check to a Wiremold employee and we have no way to contact this employee. This employees check had been made out to CL&P. I'm hoping and praying he realizes the error before he sends the check to CL&P. Here I am, with found money that is now lost. Just in case the employee realizes the error and returns the check, I left my home & work phone numbers with the security office. On Monday, I'll contact the CU, again, to see if they can contact the employee.
The beginning of the week was filled with stress. The VP of FedEx National LTL was visiting and my boss had to do a presentation. Silly me, I thought everything was all set Monday night, after putting in a 11.5 hr. day. Tuesday morning, all I would need to do is print out the presentation and assemble in binders. WRONG! I arrived to find the District Manager wanted changes made --- Add 5 new graphs, delete one graph, change the title screens. After all that, reorganize them and then I could print them. All this had to be done before 10:00 AM, when the meeting was to start. Co-workers were a tolerant with me when I tied up two printers for about 30 minutes. During their lunch break, I informed my boss that I was going home early. Thankfully he said "Go for it!"
While looking for some paperwork, I came across a statement from the Wiremold Federal Credit Union. As I looked at the statement, I couldn't recall if I had ever closed my account with them. I hadn't received statements for years but then again, I've also moved several times since leaving Wiremold in 1998. If the account hadn't been closed and I remembered correctly, there was about $100 dollars in the account. The CU's hours are strange in that they are only open from 11 - 1:00 on certain days and one day until 3:00. I managed to call them this week and inquire about my account -- it hadn't been closed! Woohoo --- found money! I like found money :) In order to close the account, I would need to go to the CU during their hours. After explaining that I work about 20 miles away, during those same hours, they agreed to close the account, if I could fax them a copy of my drivers license. I could pick up the check at Wiremold's Security Office during the off hours.
I haven't a clue how much was in the account at the closing point. The teller said the amount in the account was $105 but that interest needed to be added. Yesterday, I happily drove to West Hartford to pick up the check. I arrived and explained to security why I was there. There was no check waiting for me. Ut oh, where's my check? Well it seems there had orginally been 3 checks to be picked up by various people. One of those checks was left to be picked up but it wasn't my check. The guard on Friday night, apparenty gave the wrong check to a Wiremold employee and we have no way to contact this employee. This employees check had been made out to CL&P. I'm hoping and praying he realizes the error before he sends the check to CL&P. Here I am, with found money that is now lost. Just in case the employee realizes the error and returns the check, I left my home & work phone numbers with the security office. On Monday, I'll contact the CU, again, to see if they can contact the employee.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Happy Birthday Hailey-Jai
I spent my day, at Hailey's (my niece) birthday party. It's good to be home were things are MUCH quieter. Aunt Bernie bought Hailey her first Barbie doll. As you can see from Hailey's dress, that was the theme for today. Luckily Hailey isn't much of a fashion diva and didn't seem to mind that Barbie showed up wearing the same dress!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Reorganizing at work
Just a few of the changes now being put into effect at work:
Just a few of the changes now being put into effect at work:
- No more Regional VP's (they have been downgraded to Regional Managers)
- Only sales force will have company cars -- currently all VP's, Regional, District
and Terminal Managers have company cars. - Sales people will not longer report to terminal managers but will have their own "chain
of command" up the corporate ladder.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Crazy Days
These last several weeks have been a madhouse at work! The rumor about the Personal Time "use it or lose it" was true! "Corporate" didn't want to tell the workers about this because everyone would want to take the time off. Our TM went against their decision because many of us had accrued a significant amount of personal time. He felt we had earned and deserved to use that time before losing it. I had 50+ hours of personal time and managed to squeeze in a week off, this month. If possible, I'll use up my last 10+ hours this week otherwise, I'll lose it. I don't mind losing 10 hrs. It's difficult to leave early when I'm putting in OT everyday. As for my vacation time, well I currently have 64 hours that Watkins will pay out at the end of August.
To say it has been stressful at work would be an understatement. Trying to allow people to use up personal time, has left us short staffed. We've also had 1 driver quit without notice and another took 2 weeks vacation. It was either allow the driver the vacation or he would quit. We have another contract driver that decided to call out sick because she wasn't being kept locally. She would have needed to gas up her tractor ($350+) for the 2nd time in a week. This driver is not making the move to FedEx and doesn't care whether freight is delivered or not.
In the office, one co-worker started having seizures last weekend. After several days in the hospital and numerous tests, the doctors have put her on medication to control the seizures. Unfortunately, until they are certain the dosage is accurate and controlling the seizures, the doctors will not allow her to drive for 6 months. That means she can't get to work! She lives about 45 minutes from the office and public transportation, in CT, sucks.
One of our sales reps is also in the hospital with heart palpitations and internal bleeding. So far, there is no word on what is causing either of these conditions.
And if those were enough, a Dock Supervisor was on vacation in FL when his wife fell at the hotel swimming pool and fractured her ankle in 3 places. She is having orthopedic surgery, if FL, and he needs to stay in FL to take care of the kids.
Last week we had "Employee Appreciation" week. This is where Waktins thanks their worker's by filling them with food! Tuesday we had free ice cream bars. I ordered 300+ ice cream and the night workers said they didn't get any ice cream. Apparently someone called corporate and the complaint made it down the "chain of command" to me, that I didn't order enough!! After being told that, I discovered there were still 50+ ice cream bars in the freezer! Apparently the guys decided they didn't like the bars and therefore there was nothing left. For Wednesday, I ordered grinders. Now these are not the average size grinders. These are 16" grinders with atleast 2 lbs of meat on each grinder!! A 1/2 grinder, for a "normal" person is 2 meals. I ordered 115 grinders for 100 people and was told it wouldn't be enough and to order another 50. By friday, I was begging people to take the leftover grinders, home with them!! While the bread had become stale, the meat was still very good and would make excellent sandwiches.
Today is the culmination of Employee Appreciation Week - an outing at High Meadow. Having been to High Meadow when I worked for Wiremold, I know what they provide for rain shelter (yes, it suppose to rain most of the day). There is one covered pavillion where the food and tables are set up and an activity tent. We are sharing the grounds with Hamilton-Sunstrand employees. I have a feeling everyone will be packed into the pavillion. Unless other tents are set up, it's going to be very crowded with screaming kids running amok. While I did want to attend, it doesn't sound like much of a fun time to me. I'll stay home, unless the sun comes out and dries up the ground.
With all the above happening, I did manage to squeeze in a week's vacation to Campobello Island, Canada/Lubec, ME. Thanks to Victoria and Karl it's was a very nice week. They had already rented a cottage and invited me to join them for the week. I took a few pictures and downloaded them to my webshots page. We spent time playing tourist and visiting with another friend, Colin, that is from Lubec.
These last several weeks have been a madhouse at work! The rumor about the Personal Time "use it or lose it" was true! "Corporate" didn't want to tell the workers about this because everyone would want to take the time off. Our TM went against their decision because many of us had accrued a significant amount of personal time. He felt we had earned and deserved to use that time before losing it. I had 50+ hours of personal time and managed to squeeze in a week off, this month. If possible, I'll use up my last 10+ hours this week otherwise, I'll lose it. I don't mind losing 10 hrs. It's difficult to leave early when I'm putting in OT everyday. As for my vacation time, well I currently have 64 hours that Watkins will pay out at the end of August.
To say it has been stressful at work would be an understatement. Trying to allow people to use up personal time, has left us short staffed. We've also had 1 driver quit without notice and another took 2 weeks vacation. It was either allow the driver the vacation or he would quit. We have another contract driver that decided to call out sick because she wasn't being kept locally. She would have needed to gas up her tractor ($350+) for the 2nd time in a week. This driver is not making the move to FedEx and doesn't care whether freight is delivered or not.
In the office, one co-worker started having seizures last weekend. After several days in the hospital and numerous tests, the doctors have put her on medication to control the seizures. Unfortunately, until they are certain the dosage is accurate and controlling the seizures, the doctors will not allow her to drive for 6 months. That means she can't get to work! She lives about 45 minutes from the office and public transportation, in CT, sucks.
One of our sales reps is also in the hospital with heart palpitations and internal bleeding. So far, there is no word on what is causing either of these conditions.
And if those were enough, a Dock Supervisor was on vacation in FL when his wife fell at the hotel swimming pool and fractured her ankle in 3 places. She is having orthopedic surgery, if FL, and he needs to stay in FL to take care of the kids.
Last week we had "Employee Appreciation" week. This is where Waktins thanks their worker's by filling them with food! Tuesday we had free ice cream bars. I ordered 300+ ice cream and the night workers said they didn't get any ice cream. Apparently someone called corporate and the complaint made it down the "chain of command" to me, that I didn't order enough!! After being told that, I discovered there were still 50+ ice cream bars in the freezer! Apparently the guys decided they didn't like the bars and therefore there was nothing left. For Wednesday, I ordered grinders. Now these are not the average size grinders. These are 16" grinders with atleast 2 lbs of meat on each grinder!! A 1/2 grinder, for a "normal" person is 2 meals. I ordered 115 grinders for 100 people and was told it wouldn't be enough and to order another 50. By friday, I was begging people to take the leftover grinders, home with them!! While the bread had become stale, the meat was still very good and would make excellent sandwiches.
Today is the culmination of Employee Appreciation Week - an outing at High Meadow. Having been to High Meadow when I worked for Wiremold, I know what they provide for rain shelter (yes, it suppose to rain most of the day). There is one covered pavillion where the food and tables are set up and an activity tent. We are sharing the grounds with Hamilton-Sunstrand employees. I have a feeling everyone will be packed into the pavillion. Unless other tents are set up, it's going to be very crowded with screaming kids running amok. While I did want to attend, it doesn't sound like much of a fun time to me. I'll stay home, unless the sun comes out and dries up the ground.
With all the above happening, I did manage to squeeze in a week's vacation to Campobello Island, Canada/Lubec, ME. Thanks to Victoria and Karl it's was a very nice week. They had already rented a cottage and invited me to join them for the week. I took a few pictures and downloaded them to my webshots page. We spent time playing tourist and visiting with another friend, Colin, that is from Lubec.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Bad Bernie!
I know it's been way too long between updates but I've been keeping busy with mundane things like work.
The trip to Maryland was great! I got to see my cruising cronies and had a fabulous time. The surprise guests were Steve & Arline Holub, all the way from Lakeland, Florida. I had been secretly hoping it would be them but knew that it was a long drive from FL. Arline doesn't fly unless she has no choice. I think I'm getting too old for these mini-vacations. For the most part, I just wanted to eat and sleep while I was there.
At work we still have more questions than answers regarding the FedEx purchase. The SEC imposed "closed mouth" period, ended last Tuesday. Hopefully will have some answers this week but I won't count on it. Rumors have been flying around regarding our Personal Time. One rumor is that we will be able to use our accrued PT until a certain date. On that date, we lose whatever we have for PT OR they could buy it back from us. The other rumor (I don't like this one) we will simply lose all accrued PT without having a chance to ever use it. I haven't heard any rumors about Vacation time, yet.
On 8/1/06 we will receive New Hire packages from FedEx. We, in essence, need to reapply for our current jobs. While this is simply a formality, it will be a PITA because of the timeline. We have only 1 week to make sure about 150 employees fill out the forms and they must be done on-site, no taking them home to fill out. Later in the month we'll need to go through all this, again, but with the Benefits package. No one should have this much fun at work.
This weekend I drove to Manchester, NH for my cousin's (Maxine) wedding reception. Maxine & Matt had the ceremony on Friday night and the reception on Saturday afternoon. The drive up was long and very tiring. Torrential downpours plagued me for the whole trip. At some points the top speed on the highway was 45 mph. Visibilty was near zero during these downpours.
I arrived at the reception 30 minutes late but still ready to have fun. This was a very untradional wedding and the reception was more of party. We entertained ourselves while listening to a local radio station. The cake, instead of traditional tiered cake, was a sheet cake. The dinner was a simple buffet. It was great to see several cousins that I hadn't seen in way too many years and catch up with them.
After the reception was formed a mini caravan to the hotel. After checking in, several of us were going to continue the party at a local "watering hole". Once inside the hotel is when the troubles began. First to check in was Cote/Perry. Ok, Perry reservation is good! Woohoo! Oops, no reservation for Cote. Ut oh -- not good. Next to check in was Nash but two rooms. Hmm, there are 3 rooms booked under Nash. Ok, they give one of the rooms to Cote, afterall we're all family. Next come my parents - 2 rooms for Damboise. Wait, there's only booking for Damboise. The girl is frantically searching for the 2nd reservation and there is none and the hotel is booked solid. The clerk wanted me to wait because someone else was having a problem with their credit card and that room MIGHT become available. I nicely explained that if it wasn't available, I have atleast 2-hr. drive to get home so I wasn't hanging around for a "maybe room". While everyone headed to their rooms and then to the watering hole, I drove home last night! Thankfully I had only had 1 glass of wine at the reception so I was capable of driving that distance. I made it home, thankfully without torrential downpours, about 9:30 last night.
Needless to say, the management at Fairfield Inn by Marriott, in Manchester, NH will be on the receiving end of a complaint. I don't fault the clerks, there was simply nothing they could do. I do fault the sales person that handled all the room reservations. When we told the clerk who the sales person was she shook her head and called him "her problem child" and "I should have known it was him". Those statements alone, tell me they have problems with him on a regular basis.
I know it's been way too long between updates but I've been keeping busy with mundane things like work.
The trip to Maryland was great! I got to see my cruising cronies and had a fabulous time. The surprise guests were Steve & Arline Holub, all the way from Lakeland, Florida. I had been secretly hoping it would be them but knew that it was a long drive from FL. Arline doesn't fly unless she has no choice. I think I'm getting too old for these mini-vacations. For the most part, I just wanted to eat and sleep while I was there.
At work we still have more questions than answers regarding the FedEx purchase. The SEC imposed "closed mouth" period, ended last Tuesday. Hopefully will have some answers this week but I won't count on it. Rumors have been flying around regarding our Personal Time. One rumor is that we will be able to use our accrued PT until a certain date. On that date, we lose whatever we have for PT OR they could buy it back from us. The other rumor (I don't like this one) we will simply lose all accrued PT without having a chance to ever use it. I haven't heard any rumors about Vacation time, yet.
On 8/1/06 we will receive New Hire packages from FedEx. We, in essence, need to reapply for our current jobs. While this is simply a formality, it will be a PITA because of the timeline. We have only 1 week to make sure about 150 employees fill out the forms and they must be done on-site, no taking them home to fill out. Later in the month we'll need to go through all this, again, but with the Benefits package. No one should have this much fun at work.
This weekend I drove to Manchester, NH for my cousin's (Maxine) wedding reception. Maxine & Matt had the ceremony on Friday night and the reception on Saturday afternoon. The drive up was long and very tiring. Torrential downpours plagued me for the whole trip. At some points the top speed on the highway was 45 mph. Visibilty was near zero during these downpours.
I arrived at the reception 30 minutes late but still ready to have fun. This was a very untradional wedding and the reception was more of party. We entertained ourselves while listening to a local radio station. The cake, instead of traditional tiered cake, was a sheet cake. The dinner was a simple buffet. It was great to see several cousins that I hadn't seen in way too many years and catch up with them.
After the reception was formed a mini caravan to the hotel. After checking in, several of us were going to continue the party at a local "watering hole". Once inside the hotel is when the troubles began. First to check in was Cote/Perry. Ok, Perry reservation is good! Woohoo! Oops, no reservation for Cote. Ut oh -- not good. Next to check in was Nash but two rooms. Hmm, there are 3 rooms booked under Nash. Ok, they give one of the rooms to Cote, afterall we're all family. Next come my parents - 2 rooms for Damboise. Wait, there's only booking for Damboise. The girl is frantically searching for the 2nd reservation and there is none and the hotel is booked solid. The clerk wanted me to wait because someone else was having a problem with their credit card and that room MIGHT become available. I nicely explained that if it wasn't available, I have atleast 2-hr. drive to get home so I wasn't hanging around for a "maybe room". While everyone headed to their rooms and then to the watering hole, I drove home last night! Thankfully I had only had 1 glass of wine at the reception so I was capable of driving that distance. I made it home, thankfully without torrential downpours, about 9:30 last night.
Needless to say, the management at Fairfield Inn by Marriott, in Manchester, NH will be on the receiving end of a complaint. I don't fault the clerks, there was simply nothing they could do. I do fault the sales person that handled all the room reservations. When we told the clerk who the sales person was she shook her head and called him "her problem child" and "I should have known it was him". Those statements alone, tell me they have problems with him on a regular basis.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
End Of The Tunnel
I can finally see a light end of the roller coaster tunnel!!! It's been a very hectic couple of months and should be slowing down after this weekend --- I hope!
Updates:
Dad is home and his recovery is going great! There has been a VN coming in daily to check on his incision and progress. I didn't ask how his doctor appointment went yesterday but the VN expected him to be released from their care.
Darryl's divorce was finally granted last Monday, now it's time for his healing to start. Unfortunately he won't be getting back any of the money he put into his ex's house. On the up side --- she didn't get the $1/yr alimony she desperately wanted.
Work has been a feast or famine these last few weeks. First, I didn't get the job as District Secretary. For reasons, only known to the District Manager, he hired someone from the outside. My boss was more upset than I, that I didn't get the job. Actually he was more upset at the way the DM handled the whole process. Personally, I felt I was called in for the interview only because the DM had been questioned about it. I really believe he had already determined he would not hire from within. The next issue was the DM never told either of us that he had hired from outside or that he made a decision to hire someone. I found out from the "out going" secretary that she would be in the office, last week, to train her replacement.
For anyone that does not follow the business/industry news, Watkins Motor Lines was purchased by FedEx. While we all knew something was going on, the rumor mill was that it was DHL buying Watkins. Maybe two weeks before the announcement, I had been hearing it was FedEx. Right now the SEC, other government agencies and lawyers are working out the details and paperwork. Sometime within the next 60 - 90 days, there will be a new division of FedEx called -- FedEx National LTL. That will be us. Our jobs, at this time, are secure. Of course we all know that is always said during aquisitions. Only time will tell if that is a reality. I don't believe my job would be jeopardized but upper management & corporate may need to worry.
News:
On 06/06/06 my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage!! Tomorrow, Darryl & I have a surprise cookout planned to celebrate. I wish I could do more but it's difficult without the funding. We have about 25-30 people attending and hopefully it will be a nice surprise for them. From the looks of the weather forecast, we may even have sun tomorrow. THANK GOD! I wasn't sure how we could do an indoor cookout if it was pouring outside.
Next weekend, I'm off to Maryland for another of our annual "Cruisers Land Parties". It's about a 5-6 hr. drive but will be well worth the time can gas prices to relax with my friends. Cruisers beware --- Lunyma & BadBinky2 will be sharing a room again!! Will the Clarion in Aberdeen survive us? I seriously thought about cancelling but Lunyma had already purchased her airline ticket and I had promised to share costs for the hotel.
With everything that has taken place in the last few months, I've earned some serious R&R. That's just what I'll be doing during July 4th week. I was going to visit relatives in Maine but have decided to stay home. Gas prices are currently $3.19/gal. and I know they will go higher for the Holiday. While I can pay for the gas to get to & from Maine, I usually do alot of driving while there. We're talking about $150 just for gas --- never mind tolls, eating out, must have lobster, Pat's Pizza, Italian Sandwich.... Then to fight the Holiday traffic, it's just not worth the trip and definatley not the relaxation I could use right now.
TTFN!
I can finally see a light end of the roller coaster tunnel!!! It's been a very hectic couple of months and should be slowing down after this weekend --- I hope!
Updates:
Dad is home and his recovery is going great! There has been a VN coming in daily to check on his incision and progress. I didn't ask how his doctor appointment went yesterday but the VN expected him to be released from their care.
Darryl's divorce was finally granted last Monday, now it's time for his healing to start. Unfortunately he won't be getting back any of the money he put into his ex's house. On the up side --- she didn't get the $1/yr alimony she desperately wanted.
Work has been a feast or famine these last few weeks. First, I didn't get the job as District Secretary. For reasons, only known to the District Manager, he hired someone from the outside. My boss was more upset than I, that I didn't get the job. Actually he was more upset at the way the DM handled the whole process. Personally, I felt I was called in for the interview only because the DM had been questioned about it. I really believe he had already determined he would not hire from within. The next issue was the DM never told either of us that he had hired from outside or that he made a decision to hire someone. I found out from the "out going" secretary that she would be in the office, last week, to train her replacement.
For anyone that does not follow the business/industry news, Watkins Motor Lines was purchased by FedEx. While we all knew something was going on, the rumor mill was that it was DHL buying Watkins. Maybe two weeks before the announcement, I had been hearing it was FedEx. Right now the SEC, other government agencies and lawyers are working out the details and paperwork. Sometime within the next 60 - 90 days, there will be a new division of FedEx called -- FedEx National LTL. That will be us. Our jobs, at this time, are secure. Of course we all know that is always said during aquisitions. Only time will tell if that is a reality. I don't believe my job would be jeopardized but upper management & corporate may need to worry.
News:
On 06/06/06 my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage!! Tomorrow, Darryl & I have a surprise cookout planned to celebrate. I wish I could do more but it's difficult without the funding. We have about 25-30 people attending and hopefully it will be a nice surprise for them. From the looks of the weather forecast, we may even have sun tomorrow. THANK GOD! I wasn't sure how we could do an indoor cookout if it was pouring outside.
Next weekend, I'm off to Maryland for another of our annual "Cruisers Land Parties". It's about a 5-6 hr. drive but will be well worth the time can gas prices to relax with my friends. Cruisers beware --- Lunyma & BadBinky2 will be sharing a room again!! Will the Clarion in Aberdeen survive us? I seriously thought about cancelling but Lunyma had already purchased her airline ticket and I had promised to share costs for the hotel.
With everything that has taken place in the last few months, I've earned some serious R&R. That's just what I'll be doing during July 4th week. I was going to visit relatives in Maine but have decided to stay home. Gas prices are currently $3.19/gal. and I know they will go higher for the Holiday. While I can pay for the gas to get to & from Maine, I usually do alot of driving while there. We're talking about $150 just for gas --- never mind tolls, eating out, must have lobster, Pat's Pizza, Italian Sandwich.... Then to fight the Holiday traffic, it's just not worth the trip and definatley not the relaxation I could use right now.
TTFN!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Week at a glance
Sat. 5/13 - Happy Birthday Darryl!
Sun 5/14 - Happy Mother's Day! Visit the family for celebrations & gift exchanging. Also, Happy Birthday Becky
Mon 5/15 - Dad goes in for stress test and possibilty of stents. Slight change in plans. Dad has stress test, immediately transported to Hartford Hospital for emergency quadruple bypass. Oops, another change in plans, need to get Dad's BP under control, bypass scheduled for Wed.
Tue 5/16 - Quiet day. Work, as usual, then visit Dad at Hospital
Wed 5/17 - Happy Birthday to me! Dad goes in for quadruple bypass at 1:00. I leave work about 3:00 to keep Mom company at Hartford Hospital. Dad's surgery goes without complications and he's out of surgery about 6:00 and made comfortable in ICU. I headed home around 7:00.
Thu 5/18 - Dad's breathing tube was removed, he's walking around and doing well. Unfortunately, Uncle Edmond is now admitted to hospital in Maine with shortness of breath. Shadow brought me a belated birthday present around 6:00 am --- a Blue Jay. His first ever catch. Quickly catch Shadow and put him outside. Determine the bird is still alive but has broken leg and maybe injured wing (or just in shock). Bird is now cornered in the dining room (with food & water) and I'll determine what to do when I return home from work. No visiting Dad today, I have bird to attend to! Return home to find bird is now missing. I'm only guessing but I'd say the wings are fine. After much searching I locate the bird -- snug in my bed!! No doubt about it, it's wings are fine, I couldn't catch the bird. I opened the back door and did my version of a "round up", heading the bird towards the door. Finally bird finds open door and flew away.
Fri 5/19 - Dad not doing well at all. Didn't sleep Thu night and not able to hold down food. Again, I didn't visit because Dad wasn't up to having visitors. Uncle Edmond was checked out and determined his previously inserted stents were fine and they found no blockage. However, he has now been diagnosed with emphysema. Should be discharged Sat.
Sat 5/20 - Dad still not holding down food but did sleep better. Uncle Edmond will NOT be released today because he was having chest pains last night. They are keeping him in for observation. I won't be seeing Dad today. My apartment looks like Hurricane Katrina aftermath. My clothes refuse to jump into the washer and wash themselves. I can't trust Shadow to the grocery shopping.
I NEED A CRUISE!!!!!!!!
Sat. 5/13 - Happy Birthday Darryl!
Sun 5/14 - Happy Mother's Day! Visit the family for celebrations & gift exchanging. Also, Happy Birthday Becky
Mon 5/15 - Dad goes in for stress test and possibilty of stents. Slight change in plans. Dad has stress test, immediately transported to Hartford Hospital for emergency quadruple bypass. Oops, another change in plans, need to get Dad's BP under control, bypass scheduled for Wed.
Tue 5/16 - Quiet day. Work, as usual, then visit Dad at Hospital
Wed 5/17 - Happy Birthday to me! Dad goes in for quadruple bypass at 1:00. I leave work about 3:00 to keep Mom company at Hartford Hospital. Dad's surgery goes without complications and he's out of surgery about 6:00 and made comfortable in ICU. I headed home around 7:00.
Thu 5/18 - Dad's breathing tube was removed, he's walking around and doing well. Unfortunately, Uncle Edmond is now admitted to hospital in Maine with shortness of breath. Shadow brought me a belated birthday present around 6:00 am --- a Blue Jay. His first ever catch. Quickly catch Shadow and put him outside. Determine the bird is still alive but has broken leg and maybe injured wing (or just in shock). Bird is now cornered in the dining room (with food & water) and I'll determine what to do when I return home from work. No visiting Dad today, I have bird to attend to! Return home to find bird is now missing. I'm only guessing but I'd say the wings are fine. After much searching I locate the bird -- snug in my bed!! No doubt about it, it's wings are fine, I couldn't catch the bird. I opened the back door and did my version of a "round up", heading the bird towards the door. Finally bird finds open door and flew away.
Fri 5/19 - Dad not doing well at all. Didn't sleep Thu night and not able to hold down food. Again, I didn't visit because Dad wasn't up to having visitors. Uncle Edmond was checked out and determined his previously inserted stents were fine and they found no blockage. However, he has now been diagnosed with emphysema. Should be discharged Sat.
Sat 5/20 - Dad still not holding down food but did sleep better. Uncle Edmond will NOT be released today because he was having chest pains last night. They are keeping him in for observation. I won't be seeing Dad today. My apartment looks like Hurricane Katrina aftermath. My clothes refuse to jump into the washer and wash themselves. I can't trust Shadow to the grocery shopping.
I NEED A CRUISE!!!!!!!!
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