Will This Be A Work Week?

 Late in the afternoon on Friday, I received an email from the Company informing me there is a project to start on Tuesday this week. Of course I immediately replied back that I was ready and available. I also informed them I would need resets on access to programs since it has been many weeks (nine in fact) since I last had access, and they lock person(s) out after three weeks of them not logging in to said programs. I was told I would be contacted prior to the start day with the needed information regarding the project and other access.

Today, I was hoping to have that info and access so I could be sure there were no additional issues regarding logging in to their system from remote. Every time I had that email notification on my phone, I would quickly check my email account. Each time it was some junk mail, or offers from places I have bought stuff. Finally around 2:30pm I received three separate emails giving me access to the HR site where one can manage their information, and complete tasks to make sure they are legal and have accepted terms and conditions for the company on file. I completed that in 10 minutes.

Now I am waiting for the important stuff: new temp passwords for the remote login and other assorted accesses needed. With most of this contact coming from the east coast and it being after 5pm there now, I hope it is here in the morning a couple hours ahead of the scheduled meeting (11am my time). Joy.

Other than that, nothing is going on here. Waiting on work. Who would have thought they would have an employee eager to work, and not give them anything....sigh.

PeacE

Black Friday 2021

Let me feel like a Lib-tard, or Donkey-crat, or whatever... but isn't Black Friday racist? I don't care, because it is just another normal Friday for me.

Oh my! Yesterday was such a wonderful day. We arrived down in Tucson around 9:45am, and I got dressed up for Doodad.

I know you can't read the shirt well, but it says "Papaw's the name, Dress-up is the game". It was one of two shirts the Daughter had made for my birthday. It included the outfit of the boa, hat and a tutu the Wife made. Here's a better shot...

Doodad was surprised to see Papaw dressed up for her, so she ran off to and changed into one of her princess dress-ups. Then she pretty much ignored me most of the day because she had her uncle Youngest there to play outside with. We got settled in and I started on making my dessert. The older boys showed up and meal prepping began. By 1'ish we were sitting down to one of the biggest meals I have ever sat down to. SIL had done a wonderful job smoking a turkey, and deep-frying one as well. And the ladies, well, all the extra dishes they put out there were terrific. A couple hours after the meal, and other shenanigans, we had dessert, which is always good. Doodad "inhaled" the Cherry Delight I made - so I was surprised. Afterwards, everyone pitched in with clean-up and putting/splitting the food away. The Boys decided to start a game, and it was near time for us to leave. We left Youngest there, where the two older ones brought him home later.

Though Doodad didn't want much to do with her Papaw, it was still a good day. We had left about 8pm, and around 11pm we got a call from the Daughter. Doodad had been sleeping when we were leaving, and no one could wake her up (Uncle Youngest had done a good job wearing her out). She woke crying because we were gone and she didn't get to tell us bye, so they called. Then it was lights for me.

Today nothing new is planned. Going to the VFW later on, do some reading, and probably stay for karaoke. The Wife had to work. She is adjusting to the new job, and says she really likes it. I guess my biggest decision right now is: smoked turkey, or deep-fried turkey for my sandwich for lunch?

PeacE

Grumpy Hump Day

 The Company is trying to kill me with anxiety attacks. Monday they sent an email stating a project was FINALLY ready to start up this week. They were expecting Tuesday or Wednesday to be the start date, and those selected for the project would be notified. Within five minutes of receiving that email, I responded that I was available for the project and ready to start immediately. Tuesday I get an email stating that "with this being a holiday week, project plans have been changing minute by minute; however, there will be no projects this week". WTF? This is like the third time they have sent out notice of a new project, then the next day, say no, no new project. I'm at like week nine of not working now. Yet they left me with hope, as "there should be several projects ready to start next week". We will see.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and it will be a nice one. All my children are getting together at the Daughter's in Tucson for the meal. I was hoping Oldest Son would be able to make it, and he has confirmed he will be there. Oldest and the Wife were going over the list of items Daughter said would be needed for the dishes and whatnot, plus we were to bring any dessert we wanted. SIL is making his chocolate pumpkin pie. Oldest Son is bringing an apple pie, and he specifically requested I make my Cherry Delight. I rarely make it - maybe once a year, if that. Not that it is difficult, I just usually don't make it.

So I got "our list" from the Wife of what we needed to get/bring. I wanted to get out and do the shopping for supplies on Monday, but didn't get around to it. So yesterday I waited until the Youngest got home from school and asked if he wanted to go with. Surprisingly he said yes, and we were off. Took us three grocery stores to get everything needed for the dessert. The list of things we filled at the first store. Hard to believe that graham cracker pie crusts were in such high demand this holiday! Either way it was nice to hang out one on one with Youngest, and all supplies are ready for our trip tomorrow.

I guess after tomorrow all thoughts turn to Christmas. I know I am waiting a couple (few) more packages to arrive. I know there are a couple more gifts that need to be bought yet, but I have no idea what to get that person(s). Then there are the plans and times to be places for Christmas day. I am sure within my immediate family we will be talking about that tomorrow.

Well, I guess I have rambled enough. Been sitting here for fifteen minutes ruminating on a mish-mash of stuff in my head, and none of it worth writing about.

PeacE

Maybe a Week of Changes?

 The Wife has just recently left, to start her first day of being employed again. It has been just over a year since she last "worked" (thanks Covid) but when I asked if she was feeling overly nervous, she had replied not too much. First Day job jitters, I'm sure many of us have had them. I know I wish I was starting a project for work today ... but enough bitching about what ain't happening.

As we get nearer to the family-gathering-type holidays, I find myself in a dilemma. The Wife has no family that live fairly close, or that we are over close in relationship. That leaves my family. Several years ago, at one said family gathering, I had finally had enough and spoke out against my sister and BIL. They have always had a way of speaking down about everyone, and making comments at my children about things they should not. My Daughter had already decided to not have anything to do with them, and I verbally told them that neither was the rest of my family.

I have tried to mend some of the relationship between my sister and I, but once it seems to get on the mend, she repeats her mistake of talking down about my wife/kids, or makes accusations of me. Frankly, I am done with it. However, this past August she dragged my Mother into our "fight". I won't go into details, but in short, I told RM that I pretty much was done with all of them, as she consistently took my sister's side of things, and I was done with everyone, including her.

Harsh to say to one's mother. But I (still) feel that I am in the right on this topic. I did tell the Wife, and all my kids that if they want to talk/spend time/whatever with RM, I was not stopping them. I was the one mad at her after all. And I know the Wife has spoken/texted with her, and I am sure some of the kids have as well.

Anyways, so this morning I get a text from RM asking about the (previously always done) Thanksgiving dinner with her and PT on Friday evening. I'm a bit shocked. Though RM has texted a few times (health updates on PT) I have never responded. So, being invited for dinner is new to me considering my anger about things right now. Asking if I or anyone in my family was coming for dinner. I don't know if anyone knows about it. The Wife has to work. Older two Sons probably will be working. I just don't know.

Be nice and go? Try not to say anything so no arguing? Feel miserable because this is still an issue for me? Or don't go, and let the Wife decide if she wants to go with the Youngest?

I don't know. And then there is Christmas coming up ....

Ain't no PeacE here today ...

Another Messed Up Week

 So nothing exciting happened this week. No emails for getting assigned to a project with the Company. No other offers from other places I have emailed my resume. The Wife is starting a new job this Monday, at a different facility from the one she left, yet owned by the same umbrella corporation. Plus she is getting more money. Distance is about the same as before, but instead of fighting the traffic morning and evening, it will be a bit of an easier travel.

My first Santa gig got cancelled. It was supposed to have been this morning, traveling with the Posts' MCA group. Last week it was around 7-8 families where we would drop off gifts for the kids, a turkey, plus other fixings for Turkey Day or Christmas. Also two Fire Stations, where we would drop off a large number of small plush animals (they use at scenes to help comfort kids). But as of Friday night, all the families had backed out (no reason given) and he was down to one fire station and one family (that didn't have kids). So it will be a couple weeks until the next one.

Instead, I was able to attend the State Marching Competition where the Youngest was performing. They ended up 7th of 8, but this is their first year in a new division. They were in a smaller one before. I thought for the first year, being one of the smaller bands in this division, they did well!

Went out to dinner after picking Youngest up from the school, and though it is barely 8pm, feels like 11pm or later. The Wife and I are both yawning and trying to not go to bed early.

PeacE

The Morning Ritual

 Four in the morning is not the most pleasant of times to wake up, and not be able to fall asleep. Yet, that is what happened this morning. At least I got six hours of sleep (so far). Spent an hour playing Warcraft. Spent the next two watching a new show "Mayor of Kingstown" (which is looking pretty interesting) that is directed by the same guy as the "Yellowstone" series I have been enjoying. Both shows started up here this last week, and spinoff of the Yellowstone is called "1883" is supposed to air tonight as well. Yeah, guess I will be adding yet more TV shows to be watched, even while trying to catch up on some others.

Not sure what I will be doing today. I may go lay and try yo nap some more this morning, but not sure. May go to the bar this afternoon, but not sure. At this point, I have no clue how to entertain myself today. Yesterday was hard enough to get through without going bonkers.

PeacE

Unbridled Boredom

 An email was written and sent on Monday from myself to the Company. While typing it up, I had to change words frequently, as I was doing my best to place an inquiry, without sounding like I was berating their ineptitude. Well, at least what I feel is their ineptitude. When every two weeks, or so, you are told 'Projects are lining up fast and starting soon' and then 6 weeks later one is still having to inquire about said projects...sigh. Frustrating is a good way to describe this mess, at least from my side of things. Either way, I did get a response to this week's email to HR - and here is the direct quote:

"Yes, apologies that things have been so slow lately. I’m really hopeful projects will be picking up quite soon."

At least I got a response, one would think. I think I should start looking around for another job. This month and a half (plus) between projects is not good for me, nor the bank account. I did have a tentative job offer from a friend, but it is still a couple months off, and I still need to consider the conditions of the position.

In the meantime, I am getting pretty bored. One can only sit around and watch so many movies, or television programs. My reading is over the top - I have finished 186 books of my goal of 150 this year. Computer games are just not keeping me entertained like they used too. All because I don't have the work going on to break up the monotony. 

And up at 5:30am today, to repeat the cycle. Yee haw.

PeacE

Still Waiting ....

 It is going on six weeks now, since I last was on a project for the Company. Every two weeks I get an email from them stating "Many projects getting ready to start" but yet, here I sit waiting for them to give me a start time. I think this morning I shall write my contact there, and ask again what is going on. I understand delays come up to start projects sometimes, while finalizing details with the client, parameters, etc, but this is getting to be a bit much for me. I need to get back to work. I have sent out my resume to to a couple other places that do similar work, and have not heard anything from them. One I know was looking only for college graduates (which I am not) so that may be a wash eother way - even with my experience.

Otherwise Life has been ... well, Life. I feel like I spend most of my days watching TV show episodes of series on Netflix, or Paramount. Either that or I end up at the bar in the mid-afternoon. I do like to have my beer when I am reading.

First Santa gig is in a couple weeks, with a second one a couple weeks after that. First year doing this sort of thing, and though I sort of am looking forward to it, I am getting a bit leery. I think it is like 'job jitters' people get before an interview type thing.

I was able to get four hours sleep last night, and up now eating some breakfast the Middle Son dropped off this morning. Wife is back in bed catching a couple more hours (wish I was, too).

PeacE

Eastbound and Down (Sorta) and Poorer

 Well, made it back from Las Vegas yesterday, just in time to be picked up by the Wife and rushed off to the Youngest's Marching Band event. They were the last band, so it was near 8pm before they got on the field. There are nine high schools in our district, and they are the biggest band. It had been at least three weeks, if not longer, since I had last seen/heard the band, and last night they rocked it! I actually got the little shiver with goosebumps at one point of the performance. They did make State Semi-Finals, which is this coming Saturday - in Gilbert, which is literally the other side of the Valley and like a good 1.5 hour drive. Sigh. Fucking rich people's schools always get the big events. Which they would change it up and switch sides of the Valley to do this on. Another bitch, another time.

Vegas was alright. The Wife and I had made a trip there about 20 years ago, and stayed on the Strip at the Mirage. This time I stayed at the South Point - about 5 miles south of the Mirage, and most of the main hotels on the strip. SP was pretty cool. There were several restaurants/eateries of different variety all over the casino, so there really was no need to leave the place - unless you had something specific you wanted to do/eat/see. I did leave Saturday and toured Madame Toussad's Wax Museum, had White Castle's for lunch, and did a little walking around the Venetian and the grand canal shops. For me, it was quite a bit of walking, and I estimated I did about 5K that day. Most of the days were spent at the main casino where we stayed. I drank a bit, but no where near as much as I regularly. I just didn't feel like being that intoxicated in a large crowd and that far from my room. Did I mention I hate crowds before? I would "find my spot" at one of the bars and spend most of my day (when not in my room) playing video poker and drinking so no one would bug me. The friends and I would meet up every now and then and hang out talking, watching games on Sunday, and a meal here and there. Was nice to hang out with friends, and having a mini-vacation. Of course I came back with less money than I went with - but still did not spend all I took. I was happy about that.

Still haven't heard much from the Company. Last was last week with the 'availability' questionnaire, and the "several projects coming very soon" comment. Think it may be time to start looking at similar other places and see if I can split time between companies and projects. The Wife has not heard more from any employers recently either - that I know of anyways. Gonna be a weird Christmas, especially I have not started shopping because no one knows what they want. Ask the kids and I get " I don't know"...buttheads (said in an affectionate way of course - this time).

Middle Son went with us to the marching band thing last night, so was able to catch up a little with him. We see him more than the Oldest Son or even the Daughter. He was supposed to be by this morning as well, but haven't heard him yet. It may still be a little early for him on his day off.

Guess I should get off this post and get on to the emails and other catch-up stuff from the weekend.

PeacE