Ah, Spring!

Very "spring-like" today (a cross between March with the very brisk winds and May with temperatures approximating the low 80s. A few more of these days and the excessive electric bill of the past few days will begin to be balanced with the lack of air conditioning.

Of course the kitties had a busy morning. Out early (about 7:30 am) to evaluate the state of the grass and enjoy the cool morning sunshine (sun warm, temperature in the upper 60s). They have been worn out ever since (see evidence - Black Beauty and Blondie spent most of the day curled up at my feet under the desk).

Short Break: Happy Birthday, "Uncle John" - you are divisible by 11!

Back to the issues at hand - job and what have you. In order to satisfy the horribly overpaid at the Unemployment office, I am pursuing at least 5 applications and/or "contacts" each calendar week. In order to satisfy myself, I am now planning on implementation of the information I have gleaned from my latest reading endeavors. This could prove to be a very interesting, and hopefully productive, period.

With the current break in "global warming" (high tomorrow forecast to be in the LOW 70s), I need to get my rear off the computer chair and clad my feet in running shoes again. Time to travel the local roads by foot and clear my head, define the vision, and gain the energy and momentum to move to the next stage.

"The most potent muse of all is our own inner child." - Stephen Nachmnovitch

Under siege or just the universe?

Before I begin ranting and raving - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAURA!

First: Yesterday I actually was upset enough at our congress (the US House of Representatives to be precise), that I went on line and sent a message to my local representative. I told him to vote against the "cap and trade" bill. He voted for it. I will vote against him in the next election.

This country needs to wake up and soon. Why do lawyers, who have a higher "unemployment" wage than I do (as congressional representatives they clearly can't maintain jobs as real lawyers and are, therefore, no better than the rest of us on unemployment [i.e., public "dole"])) feel that they know more about everything than the experts in the various fields they decide to attack (they have decided they - as appointed czars - can run automobile cars and banks, for example)? Better question - why do we the voters allow them to carry on with such arrogance?

Topic two: I am so tired of the hype foisted on me under the guise of "news" concerning M Jackson. The guy was nuts! The news media and clearly many of the unwashed public adore this person. His music was fine, his videos cutting edge, and his life was a mess. Too bad that Farah and Ed McM had to die within 24 hours of MJ and, thus, their good deeds and life examples have all but disappeared in favor of the lascivious details of Michael.

Area three: Once again the government has struck me on a personal scale. As a citizen I endeavor to follow all the rules and instructions provided for the public good (with the possible exception of speed limits - but that's another issue). Electronic phone systems drive me insane. Why can't I deal with a real person! When I don't the government sends threatening letters. I am dismayed. I have to wait until Monday to tilt at the government windmill.

Deep breath - I am recovered. Thanks for letting me blow off some steam. I look forward to both the 4-hour work week and simplifying my life. I am resigned to having a move looming in my near future. That is the way of the universe. The plans of mankind do not matter, they only serve to entertain us with the "what ifs" until the reality appears.

"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life doing nothing." - George Bernard Shaw

Where to Begin

"Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop" - from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, King to the White Rabbit.

Having started this way, for some there might be an explanation required. It certainly has been a busy few days since the last post, so let's begin.

Weddings: As some know, I have always been a huge fan of weddings. They have proven to always been a grand time, and last weekend was no exception.

After several hours in the vehicle, I arrived in Merrillville at 2:30-ish Saturday afternoon. No problem - wedding scheduled for 4 PM and directions indicate there would be a 12-minute drive from the hotel. The directions must have been written for a Chinese driver leaving at midnight. I managed to arrive at the outdoor site minutes before the wedding party processed to the gazebo. WHEW! I was not the last to arrive either. I did find shade to stand in, and that made it tolerable. Too bad for the bride and groom - they were in full sun.

Reception was delightful - in AIR CONDITIONING! Yippee! I sat at a table with several interesting people (and handed out my personal business cards - who knows where the next job lead could come from). Open bar, good food, great discussions (learned much about the groom's father - perhaps TMI). Hung out with the groom's grandparents and learned how to manage groundhogs (kill 'em, and then place 12-gage wire in an attractive display around buildings to keep them from burrowing).

Brunch with the groom's family members at a posh country club the next morning. The most interesting of the group was an aunt who's front tooth kept coming out. She was definitely a throw-back to the 60's (or as a friend would say, a "hicker-billy").

Volunteering: Monday was my day for completing a "good deed." I have a good deed as an objective for every day, but perhaps Monday will be good for several days (or even weeks or months). A person from church asked if I would be able/willing to assist a somewhat disabled gentleman get ready to sell his house. This person has a contract to purchase a home in Shelbyville, contingent on selling his current one. No problem.

I called almost daily a week ago, but could not make contact. On Friday before the wedding I sent a note to my contact and told his wife I had "given up" - could not make contact. On Monday morning my contact called and asked if I could assist in the afternoon. I (perhaps in a weakened state, making a poor judgement) said yes.

I arrived at the location shortly after 1 PM. The gentleman, after several knocks on the door, came and suggested I start with the sink in the rental unit (the renters had moved out, and the air conditioning was on). He brought me a bottle of some unknown liquid, which he stated could be used to clean the sink. After working for about 20 minutes I had managed to remove about two-thirds of whatever had coated the surface. My contact arrived.

We entered the person's "living quarters" (he also has a small dog). The smell would have knocked a weaker person over! I headed for the local convenience store to pick up supplies - Comet, paper towels, Pine Sol, and Fabreeze. It was going to be a LONG afternoon.

Highlights: I found the sheets wadded on the floor and made the bed (which sagged about a foot in the center). Picked up unknown paper towels from the floor, vacuumed (with a vacuum cleaner what was STICKY), and used a good portion of the Fabreeze in the room. I used bleach only in the bathroom on the shower and floor - and only used a mop! There was no bird in the house and what I thought were thistle seeds were really mouse dropping (huge piles around the kitchen floor, under things that were moved, along the walls, and across the kitchen counter). I am not a great house keeper, but you can't pay me to do that job! I did my best and at 5:40 PM the house was ready to clean. I left and my contact, the realtor (who worked on the outside of the house and then assisted me inside) remained to show the house at 6 PM. I went home (which I was going to clean that afternoon), walked in and thought, "this isn't too bad." Poured a tall one.

Job Hunting: The never ending saga. I have completed my first reporting for extended benefits. I "waived" the first week (ended June 13) and claimed the next. I have 12 more weeks of coverage. Let's hope for the best - I will no longer be able to turn down a written offer that will pay more than what I get on unemployment (at least that is what the directions indicate).

Books: Because the government is now restricting how I go about my job hunting, I am now reading more books. Check my Facebook page to watch my completions. I have started "The 4-Hour Workweek" (T. Ferriss), "Hot, Flat, and Crowded" (T.L, Friedman), and "Energy Independence" (C.Woodside). Last week I finished two others. I have never been able to read only one book at a time (is that ADD?).

"Name must your fear be before banish it you can" - Yoda

Job Hunting

Sometimes I wonder about our government agencies. I am now on another extension of unemployment benefits. After all, in rural areas (particularly in a state as corrupt as this one) there is little or no need for "environmental cops." For the privilege of getting my $1.98 every two weeks, I must keep track of all the employment contacts made. At a minimum, I am required to submit applications to 5 jobs each week on a minimum of 3 days during the week (this flies in the face of the outplacement services and on-line job hunting tips, which clearly state that you should only apply for jobs that you are totally qualified for and that will meet your needs). On the other days I am required to continue job hunting activities. I must fill out a form and provide it to the state every two weeks to ensure the benefit. Should I not meet the minimum requirements for any given week, I am supposed to "waive" the benefit for that week. If I do not, the agency will stop my benefit and it will not be reinstated until I have worked for 4 months being paid more than the benefit. Whew!

I have met 80% of this week's quota. Today I hope to complete the quota - I have spotted a potential position in St. Louis to round out the applications. Of the first three that were submitted, I have been "rejected" for two (the environmental engineering ones - go figure). Yesterday, I completed the Wal-Mart application for a supervisor position (yes, dear reader, you thought I would go for the "greeter" - but it was not one of the choices). It is easier to get a government job for a senior-level engineering job and answer the KSAs than complete the Wal-Mart series of questions (the multiple choice answers left much to be desired).

In my next life I am going to be a cat. Clearly a career in the electronic communication field will not do - I still can't get the photos of Nicole's move to come alive on this blog.

"More people out of work leads to higher unemployment." - Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933)

Spring Break - Over!

Most people look at "spring break" as a time to go to a "vacation" place, rest, and drink fun drinks with little umbrellas stuck in them. As for the recent break taken by this author, it began with cleaning house, patching leaks in the roof, and walking behind a mower after the rider snapped the deck clamp (for the second time!). Then off to Sullivan for a couple of very BUSY days.

We arrived on Cross Street in time for the evening cocktail hour, followed by dinner at the local "fine dining" establishment (the famous Melody). Food was passable (as it generally is), but the company was great!

The next day we were up and on our way for the "BIG MOVE," arriving at the embarkation point around 8:30 AM. OMG! Carol was busy packing stuff in the kitchen, Nicole was attempting to figure what needed to be accomplished, and we walked in stunned. Jason arrived and literally "dumped" the kids, then took off for his paying position. So much for assistance.

Mom arrived and the first 4 vehicle-loads were transported to the new location. I stayed and learned how to make strawberry milk for the younger two. Where to start?

The morning progressed - stuff packed, stuff loaded and transported, and stuff unloaded (some put away in the kitchen). Finally, pathways were required so the "big boys" would be able to move the larger furnishings from the rooms to the trucks and/or trailer, and on to the new location. The temperature rose, the workers kept up the steady pace, and the bulk was delivered by 4:30 PM. We departed and cleaned up. Time for another drive to TH for dinner. We looked pretty decent after a day of being busy packers and movers. WHEW! What a day!

We all slept very well that night.

Thursday, after a leisurely morning, we headed back to the new place to see what additional assistance we could lend before heading out of town. One trip to the old place to pick up clothes, and it was time to organize for our departure. The 4X4 Ford is tough on your back! The drive home was murderous!

The rest of "spring break?" Friday, after breakfast in town and picking up plumbing stuff, Don headed north. Within an hour my friend Ellen called - she arrived at 9 PM Friday night. Saturday, after breakfast, we mounted the bicycles and toured the local area - including the campground at Coon Creek (full of hills I might add). Ellen left at 5:30 PM - another long day.

Sunday - the day of rest: church, groceries, laundry (hung on line to dry), picked (or gleaned) strawberries from neighbor's patch, more laundry on the line, mowed, laundry off the line (started to rain), and - finally - porch time with my book! Vacation has ended - time to rest.

"All human situations have their inconveniences. We feel those of the present but neither see or feel those of the future; and hence we often make troublesome changes without amendment, and frequently for the worse." - Benjamin Franklin

Summer Break

I have decided to take a break. Sometimes, when things just aren't going smoothly, one needs to step back a couple steps, take a deep breath, and get re-organized. Summer break - not sure how long it will be.

"Never explain - your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway." - Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)

Little Voices

Now it starts. The South Carolina offer has been forwarded via the current system - electronic mail. Before this is was all speculation and I could pretend that it might go away without me having to deal with it. However, reality has arrived.





Naturally, there are a few "tiny" issues I have with the official offer letter. Presumably they can be fixed (like how much in per Diem and how much in salary). The job details remain fuzzy at best. Starting information will be provided within a week prior to my anticipated arrival/start date. Very odd if you ask me. And no, they will not provide a knowledgeable person to discuss the actual work assignment with prior to arrival on site. This does not bode well.





The voices are starting to chatter in my head. Pros versus cons. I did "score" a pet sitter today - and that would be a "pro." However, this evening (in fact, just about a half hour ago) for the first time ever BK popped up on the couch next to me and snuggled up for a brief nap (voice - con). Young raccoon wandered by on the deck (could be a neutral or could be considered a con). These are the little things. The gut is not cooperating. I can feel stress starting to come into my body (is this the ego?). The "recruiter" is off looking for additional victims to send forth to the site, and I am in the "win" column.

To help the situation, I left a message for a recruiter who called a couple weeks ago and inquired about a potential position closer to home. No response (stomach tightened).

The only option is to move forward with the South Carolina gig. Tomorrow "official" name, permanent address, and SSN to the temporary agency that will provide my pay check. At least the insurance payments will be reduced by about 45% over my current COBRA cost. I figure I have until June 25 to get a "better offer" or show up in Aiken on June 29 ready to work for a minimum of 90 days (maximum of one year).

"Decisions are made by people who have time, not people who have talent." - Scott Adams ("Dilbert")

That said, perhaps I won't make a decision - at least not yet. - Bandit