Day 5

I think this will be the last entry in the "diary of a new employee."  From here on it will be the usual observations and comments. 

That said, Day 5.  Finished all the required training modules, tapped into some of the corporate files (but the system was really "glitchy" and required logging off between each document), still no computer, didn't see boss (who will be out next week) but met my counter part (Manager, Health and Safety).

This is definitely going to be a lot of fun!

"The number one sign you have nothing to do at work: The 4th Division of Paperclips has overrun the Pushpin Infantry and General White-Out has called for a new skirmish." ~ Fred Barling, Humorscope

Day 4

Accomplishments -

1. Located my office (in the oldest trailer in the "trailer patch"), 
2. Was finger printed for the second time,
3. Completed my initial "environmental" training, which was given by the environmental engineer (one of my two "staff" members,) and
4. Received my password.  Additionally, accessed my payroll account.

Yet to be done -

1. Still do not have a computer. 
2. My payroll account has not been set up.
3. Need one more item of "plant-specific" garb
4. Finger prints have not been cleared.  With out that, I have to always have an escort in the plant.

Progress.

"Patience is also a form of action." ~ Auguste Rodin

Days 1 through 3

Day 1:  At 8:00 AM I entered the plant to clear security.  Returned to car and left cell phone.  Back to security, scanned, got visitor badge (006), and escort showed up.  Put on green hard hat, yellow booties over shoes, and a gauze-like "jacket" (XL).  Crossed over to the "trailer patch" and began my training.

Best part of the day - plant manager's assistant/secretary came and told me she was excited to meet me.  Her aunt and uncle live near Shelbyville and told her about me coming to the plant.  They live next door to a couple that I know from my church.  Small town life (at both ends of the road).  How fun.

Got finger printed (about six times).  My "password" is MIA - so I can't get to my e-mails or company website (for things like signing up for my benefits).  Left about 2:30 to get my new steel-toed boots.

Day 2:  Arrived at health assessment provider's location at 8:20 for my 8:30 appointment.  No they did not perform the blood test immediately.  First, there were papers (and papers, and papers, and ...) to fill out.  I finished.  I paced.  I talked running with one of the receptionists (she just completed her first half marathon this fall - Evansville). 

My name was called and they weighed me and got my height.  Then they attempted to get my blood pressure.  I warned them it would be VERY HIGH.  It was a mere 187/84.  Instead of the eye test I had the blood draw - but not until I had a exam table to lie down on.  After the blood was taken, they turned out the lights and shut the door.  My heart rate began to subside.  Ten or 15 minutes later and they tried my blood pressure again (153/80 - much better).  Good enough to get off the table and on with the rest of the tests.

Eyes, pulmonary function, EKG, and fit tests.  I was done shortly after noon.  I spotted the Kroger across the road and bought about $100 worth of groceries.  I put them away (in my Marriott efficiency apartment) and headed to Bob Evans.  Made it to the plant about 2 pm and completed several training "modules" along with my two training buddies.  Left about 4:45 pm.

Day 3:  I started with a visit to the local hospital and finished about an hour and 15 minutes later (following my simple chest x-ray).  Got to the plant in time for my escort to take me to a different training room to learn the basics of one more electronic data base.  Finished that about noon.  Lunch with the trainers (I made mine from the Kroger stash).  Then went "shopping" at the plant store for coveralls (which have to be worn from the time I get into the plant along with the new steel-toed boots that never leave the "hot" locker), jacket, goggles, and miscellaneous stuff.  Completed training module and went to a "manager's meeting."

The best part of the day - I got to meet my new boss.  He is a great guy.  This is going to be FUN!  I can't wait to get my password.  Oh yes, finger prints have to be redone as well.  Will have to have an escort for several more days. 

"Patience is a most necessary qualification for business; many a man would rather you heard his story than granted his request."  ~ Lord Chesterfield

Weekend Fun

I certainly hope this doesn't become the norm.  Saturday is supposed to be a day devoted to chores that take more than five minutes.  Today was definitely one of those.  I should learn not to procrastinate and then expect to catch up on all of them at once.

Day started with preparing to send a small package and talking with Jean (we had a very nice chat).  As soon as she hung up, however, a horn honked in the drive.  It was 9 AM, I had not had a drop of coffee, and it was time for the "daily walk" with my neighbors.  We went.  It rained (actually a heavy mist).  We finished at 9:45 AM.

I changed and went into the big town of Findlay.  Stopped at the post office and discussed box rental with the head person.  Then I went to the local dive, the Sunrise Cafe and had breakfast.  Home by 11:05.

The phone rang again (the second or third person since I hung up with my sister).  It was Ellen Kay.  We talked until 12:25 (no surprise there).  Wide ranging discussion.

Then time to get to the chores.  First, finished cleaning carpets (guest room, hall, and bedroom).  Cleaned two chairs in the living room.  The tackled the basement and got to use my "new" mop and bucket with the "mop squeezing" attachment.  Swept floor, vacuumed up the dead bugs, cut some of the out of use wires, rearranged stuff, mopped, and quit. 

Back upstairs and finished cleaning guest room.  Moved to the bedroom and hung clothes that were washed a couple days ago.  Cleared off the dresser.  Bach aching.

Oh yes, in between called Buns for her birthday and caught up on the Gerber side.  The talked with Don (twice - once at 7 and once at 8).  Finally, sat with an "adult beverage," left overs and a call to Mom.  Guess my legs and back are tired (wonder why?).  Couch has my name on it.  One more day before I start being paid for my efforts.

"It's all in the attitude - housework is exercise. Slim your way to a clean home! " ~ Linda Solegato

Work Hardening - HA!

Hard to believe that this is/was my last FREE Friday before I get back to earning a living.  Up at 7:20 AM (listening to Bob & Tom, naturally), coffee, cats outside (and in and out and in and so forth). 

The calls from Honeywell relocation (and the e-mails) began at 11:10 AM on Wednesday.  Since then they have become more than amusing.  Yesterday, for example, the moving company called and were ready to schedule my furniture pickup.  Going where?  I explained the situation to them - that I had only had my initial contact midday Wednesday.  With my start date of Monday there really isn't enough time to find a place to move into ... yet.  I think I detected a bit of amusement in the caller after I explained the situation. 

Today I heard from the local real estate agent in Metropolis (he called after I had spent about an hour on his website looking at all the houses he has listed).  I told him I had thought about renting, but if that was not possible I would consider a SMALL house in/around town.  I told him I have a mortgage (actually I have two, but who's counting), and would prefer to work with the current holder to determine my level of pre-qualification.  I will get back to him.

I went to lunch with two former coworkers from Dynegy and we had a terrific time.  They are both at the same company now (in Assumption - great diner there for lunch).  The irony of it all is the company is going to open an executive office in Decatur - in the same building where we worked for Dynegy!  What goes around ... .

Came home to another call.  This one from another company that will help me locate rental houses in the Metropolis area - for a "small fee."  They want nearly $1,000 and will get me in touch with a local realtor.  Hmmmm ... I think I don't need that MUCH assistance.  We will see.

Then, taking advantage of the final rays of sunlight on this last, forecasted day of warmth, I hung my Christmas lights, took down a few old wasp nests, and swept the garage.  Now to start on my "things to get done before I start work" list.  Guess I can't put off the remaining carpets any longer. 

First I need to put on my "work" clothes (read that as sweat pants long past their attractive phase and some old shirt), and get on with the evening activity. 

Oops, what just flashed along the bottom of my computer - another email note.   Now hear this - I have 24 HOURS to respond.  They are thrilled they have found my temporary apartment (i.e., at the Residence Inn in Paducah).  I must provide appropriate documentation (by either fax or scanned e-mail) or I will not get my lodging.  These contract companies are rather "employee unfriendly" in their manner/written words.

Just one more speed bump along life's highway.  I am sure things will look much better after I get there on Monday morning.  My Plant HR Manager will not be in; I won't seem him until the 22nd.  By then perhaps I will have even more stories to tell.  He did call to confirm I would show on Monday morning.  I said I would be there.  We are good.

  "I think housework is the reason most women go to the office."

~ Heloise Cruse

It was a dark ...

... and chilly night.  The grandmas were snuggled in chairs under wraps. 

When what to our wondering eyes did appear?  A small flower girl in all of her curls.

The groom and his "men" were somber and cool.  The bride was elegant and her young man was too.

What a grand night - it was all about family.  Moms (there were two), Dads (one here and one above) and brothers,too.  The group was gathered to hear Preacher Paul give his blessings to the couple, who pronounced their love out loud.

Now I'm not a poet (as you can well see), but a little lyric goes a long way.  So after the words (and the big, wet kiss), we all scrambled in for the words we had missed:  "Let them eat cake!"

The gathered witnesses, full of sweet delights, gave their good nights.  The newlywed couple had a short night to spend, as they rose early for sunny Florida's end.

"A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year." ~Paul Sweeney

Morning Blog

I remember ... keep writing.  I skipped yesterday - more of a blur, at least for part of the day.  I did venture into "town" and upped my car insurance, dropped film from the wedding (more later) to be developed, and picked up cat "stuff" for the next couple weeks.  The afternoon included my first run in more than a month - TERRIFIC.  No Tums required and the gut is better (at least for now).

On the flip side, no call from the relocation folks.  Some people just are not good at keeping appointments I suppose.

Walk with neighbors completed, first load of laundry on the line, second in the washer and soon to be pinned on the line (which is now sagging due to outside exposure for the past six months), and then on with the day's activities (you know, the never ending "check list" of household chores and what have you).  Then a run in the early afternoon (I can't wait - will target the campground to minimize any negative impact of the wind), and a conference call concerning the "Environmental Scan" for the Society of Women Engineers (it isn't what you think).

Buddy was dreaming.  He started to "talk" in his sleep.  It woke him up.  Very interesting.

Of course, it is sunny and warm out now (11 AM), and who''s to say that a book has my name on it and will require some time on the deck to scan a few pages.  So much for "work hardening."

"Reconsider, v. To seek a justification for a decision already made." ~Ambrose Bierce

Way Over Due

Thank you good and faithful reader(s).  The past six weeks seem like a rush.  For those who have not yet heard, the interview at Honeywell on September 22 lead to a job offer (October 6) - Manager of Health and Safety.  The offer was accepted (October 8 - didn't want to see "too eager" or "needy"), which triggered a series of events that ultimately were totally out of my control.

There is the background check (for the security clearance at the plant), the "pee in the cup" test, and the financial background check (to name a few I can remember).  There has been more paper between me and Honeywell than was used to write and print the Health Care Bill. 

After I pee'd and was successful (that was not in doubt at all), they called on Thursday (October 28 - afternoon) and asked if I was ready to start on the following Monday, November 1.  Are you kidding?! 

Well, the official start will be a week from tomorrow - November 15. I have been living with extreme doses of Tums and Acidophilus the past week or so.  Stress of the unknown (and the known) has been mounting.  I will be really happy when I finally get to the plant and start.

Interesting aside:  The sermon this morning was about work.

Meantime there is much yet to be completed - upgrading insurance on vehicles, finding pet sitter, dealing with the mail, and assorted other "stuff" around the house.  For example, today I took and hour and trimmed three bushes.  There are at least two more wheel barrel loads more to be taken off other bushes.  I'm just saying ... .

But I think I am more than ready to work again.  Income issues aside, I need the frequent interaction with others to keep my mental state in tact (not that you have noticed my lack of logic at times).  The weekly drive to Metropolis will likely get "old," but I think it will be fine.  I PROMISE to keep you updated more frequently during this final week of preparation and then after the start.  It should be FUN!

"Many people quit looking for work when they find a job." ~Author Unknown