Did the Bottom Just Fall Out?

 I started my new job today.

I quit my new job today.

It wasn't as fast, nor as complete, as that. 

Truth is I did start online training for a project that is estimated to last about a week. I got through the training, the team meeting in regards to the project. Details are basically analyzing data breach information and tagging/flagging items of certain content related to personal to finance, to medical. Pretty cool stuff. Got through all of that, and went to log into the software to start, and there is a glitch. I can't get logged in. there were a few others that could not as well. 

As time ticked and I sat waiting for them to let me know things had been fixed/reset/whatever, I got an email from the HR department requesting a second form of ID, and they had to have it today, or I would be let go. I lost my SS card. I noticed it awhile back, but have not been to the SSA offices here as they are closed for COVID restrictions. I don't have a birth certificate available (RM, not your fault... it's just gone somewhere). Needless to say, after an hour, I still could not log in the system, so informed the team lead that I needed to try to get this issue resolved, otherwise I would have to back out of the project.

I went online. SSA website would not let me create an account with them to request a replacement card. I called the local office, and actually spoke to a person (don't know if they were at the office, or a call center somewhere else in town) who directed me to another office that handles all issues with card replacements. I called that office, recording told me that it could only be requested in person at that location. Drove over there (about 15 miles) and the parking lot is empty. I walk tot he doors to see if there is anything posted about what I should do, and a security guards opens the door and says they are closed until further notice. I explained my issue, and he said I have to mail an application for request for a replacement, to that exact office. But who is checking the mail, or doing the work if the office is closed????

So, a wasted trip. I get back home and I look up about getting a copy sent of my birth certificate. It would be coming from Indiana, and the Vital Statistics there...oh man.... it's only $10 plus postage (which isn't listed in the fees). The main website says it is a 25 day process, but on top of that, they are running an additional 45 days over. Next option is a third-party.... but would that be quicker than the governmental branch? It sure is a hell of a lot more expensive. To have A copy (one copy) mailed to me, the fee is $75. The have a copy that can be emailed and I print it out (all in theory, because I don't see how that can be considered certified without the creased stamp like a notary) is only $55. But both options say nothing about how long the process actually takes... Her eis what each third-party site says:

"Each US state offers varying waiting times between 1 to 8 weeks to receive your Vital Records Certificate"

Up to two months?!? Whooooaaaa.... There is no fast solution to my problem. I do not have a passport. Either way I ended up notifying the Team Lead that due to the situation not being able to be resolved quickly, I had to back out of the project. Another email was sent to the recruiting department, explaining what happened, informed them I needed to remove myself from the project, and be placed on BUSY status with the company until I can resolve it all. Once one of them get here, I can go ACTIVE and hopefully get into the next available project. 

But now we are looking at a minimum of two months for either to get here.... and I need both in theory anyways. Might as well finish out the damn year without a job.

Sigh.

PeacE

Will Today be the Day?

I think today is the first day in quite awhile I set my alarm to be up early. Most days I get up when the Wife does, but today I wanted to be up and ready a bit earlier. I am hoping to hear back about the "Job" I have been waiting on for the past several months. I figured since the recruiter's email was based out of Texas, I would get up so I would be ready to go at 9am TX time (about 7am my time).  And that is just to hopefully get the email saying that they will be training and assigning my this week, not to necessarily start work today. Yes, I am anxious to get started... even if it is working from home.

The weekend came and went. My brother got pinned for Captain in the US Army Reserves. I didn't make the ceremony due to the drive involved. But I'm happy for him.I know he is working on "retirement" from there.

This is the last week before school starts for my youngest Son. They start next Monday going "virtual". When we did a walk-through registration, he was assigned a Chromebook laptop, for connection for his classes. The past two weeks he had used his tablet mostly for Band Camp, even though there will be no competitions this year. The emphasis was on breathing exercises, and a second session daily for individual groups and working on the music. Teaching classes virtually has to be a daunting task for any teacher, but how much harder is it for say, a band director? Or a teacher that teaches a class more "hands-on, like wood shop - do they actually teach those types of classes anymore? Probably not.....

The Daughter sent some pics and short videos of my Doodad this weekend. Her first time with a "slip n' slide" was one of them and pretty cute. I wish they lived closer and had the ability to visit more, but am happy at least they are where they are - compared to where they lived last. I know I sound like RM in that. I guess it is true that as you go through life, you start realizing the things your parents said/did. Depressing in some ways....

Welp, I am off to finally go check my emails and see if that one I am waiting for arrived. If not, then it will be some Warcraft, with periodic checks of email throughout the day.

PeacE

What a Week!

When i woke this morning, I was feeling a bit groggy. I stayed up too late reading last night, actually putting the book down finally around 2am. I mean, it was good I was reading, and I was able to fall asleep fairly fast once I tried. So I am sitting there on the edge of the bed, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, trying to get my mind awake and figuring out what needs to be done today. I'm thinking, 'It is Friday. nothing on my schedule".

I already mentioned the Hawaii Anniversary thing. It really hasn't set in yet, as it is pretty early to make reservations for travel yet. I did start bookmarking some websites that deal with the whole 'things to do' there sites. I think we will probably just end up staying on Oahu. It will help keep expenses down, and for it being a first time there for both of us, there will be plenty to see/do.

Yesterday, was the day the IRS said it was going to finally re-release my economic relief check. As of this morning, it still says " Your check is scheduled to be mailed July 30th..." so have no way of verifying if it ACTUALLY was cut and sent. It's going to be at least 3-5 days if it is coming from the east coast.... maybe less if they sent it from Utah (which is the address where we send in our taxes). All I know is it would be nice to have it soon. We ain't dying, but no employment check on my side since March is definitely make us crunch things more. Not like we can just go out to eat whenever, etc....

Speaking of employment, some more good news. The job I was to start back in March, sent a contact letter yesterday. They have two new contracts starting up here in the next week or so. This has happened 2-3 times during the time period, and each time I had to contact them to let them know that I had not been trained on the software, and with the offices closed, how was that to happen? I never got a reply back. this time, I did send of another query about my lack of training, and actually received a response this time. The are doing training remotely. So I responded to definitely keep me in mind for the upcoming contracts then. hopefully I will hear something early this next week about training, and move into working remotely from home. This job would be great for me... set my own hours M-F 7a-7p time frame - no weekends. Earn PTO at a decent rate. Work from home. Paid weekly. Sigh. Yeah... maybe too good to be true.

So what a week....

PeacE

Out with the Old and in With the New

Yesterday was the last day of six and a half years of employment with the Company. I'll miss a few people there... I'll miss some of the work I did. But now is the time for new things.

First thing this morning I contacted the new Company, and let them know I am now ready to go active with them. I am hoping to hear from them within the next couple of days. In the meantime, I sent out a handful more job applications online today as well. This is going to be my regular procedure for the next few days until I hear something from someone. Though, I really want to get on with the first Company.

Other than that, today was spent just playing around on the internet and Warcraft. Waiting for the two younger sons to get home from school. The Wife will be home in a couple hours or so. Last week while on vacation, the time spent idle like this was no big thing. Maybe it was because I was getting paid for it. Though, I have paid dearly for the time there. I found out what parts of my body are truly hurt (knees, back, shoulder) versus the regular everyday of everything hurts all over. I have only taken acetaminophen once in the past week and a half... compared to several every day.

I just noticed, the spellcheck option on here is gone.Weird.

PeacE

Vacation and Changes

This last week hasn't been a cheap one for me. Last week I caught the edge of a curb and had some tire damage. A popped tire and a bent rim kind of damage. Unfortunately, the previous owner of my car had put 22-inch performance rims on this car, and no body locally had them. Long story short, ended up with a 20-inch rim and tire, but still rides fine. in the next couple weeks I will get a same style/size to even out the car (in my opinion).

Then this morning, went to go to work and the car wouldn't start. hauled the battery to the local parts store. Yep. Bad battery. Put a new one in, started the car just fine. Went in to put up tools and wash hands, came back out and wouldn't start. After 15-20 attempts at starting, I got it to turn over. I called into work and about 8am I went out and tried to start it again to see about getting it to the shop. About 20 tries later I managed to turn it over and start it. Turns out the starter was going bad. Got that replaced and this evening have the car home and ready for work tomorrow.

Speaking of work, I only have two days this week then start my vacation. After my vacation, I work Mon, Tues, Wed, and then am gone from the company. I had that interview and was pretty much hired over the phone. Best news I have had in a couple years. So... starting a new job soon.

PeacE

Starting Work

Today I start my new job, and it is going to be a long day. Normally scheduled to start at noon, today he has asked I show up a couple hours earlier, so that the office manager can introduce me to certain people, as well as get me the the address and phone numbers of the techs I will working with, plus get me set up with a company phone. From what my buddy, Don, has told me, the manager had met with the techs last week, letting them know that there was going to be a new driver, and to be sure to be around to meet me as I came by this week. To top that off, the manager was telling them that I would be better organized, on time, and much better all the way around form the previous person that held the position. Inadvertently, I found out the guy had two major strikes against him, and they were looking to be letting him go soon either way, he just gave notice and quit the next day this past week. Either way, the manager seems to be either making me out to be something really good, and making the techs expect a lot from me. I don't think it will be difficult.

So, with a new job, writing may slow down a bit, especially since it is not a job that has a computer in front of me all day. It'll be nice to not have to work at the pub late nights now, though the owner there has asked me to try to keep my Saturdays there. I mentioned just to help out with the larger event nights, like the pay-per-view UFC fights, as I would like to keep the employee discount for drinks/food, but I guess we will see. This coming Saturday is the UFC night. But will see how tired I am from the job.

Guess that is all I have for today. I need to get in the shower and get set for the day.

PeacE

One Small Step

I started a job yesterday. After not having any luck in finding a job for the last five years, I finally have gotten a hit. The local pub I like to go to had fired a 'bouncer' on Friday night. I happened to be there, spoke to the other bouncer, who referred me to the owner. Now I know the owner, as being a customer there, and playing on both softball and pool leagues with them as a sponsor. I spoke to him Saturday morning, left my phone number with him, and by 1 o'clock, the other bouncer was calling to say for me to start that night.

Obviously a bouncer's job isn't terribly difficult. Mostly keep the fights to a minimum, assist the staff (picking up empties, helping stock, etc.). The most boring part of the job is probably when one has to be outside to check IDs. Which is what I landed last night, and probably will be doing most of the time. For the first night, it wasn't too bad. There were only three altercations (not necessarily a fight, could have turned into one). I can't count the times people tried to get a rise out of me (this being the 'younger' crowd that did not know me, and had been cut off and escorted out). My legs and lower back are a bit sore, as there was quite a bit of being on my feet for 6 hours. I'll get used to it over the next few times.

It is only two nights a week, Fridays and Saturdays, but it is a small amount of money I wasn't making before, that can help a bit here at home, plus it'll be two nights I won't have the thought of wanting to drink. In fact, after last night, I wonder why do I drink. Then again, I am not stupid like these punks were getting. Next week shall be fun as hey are televising the big pay-per-view UFC fights. Seems there are always fights on those nights. I know there was last month when my buddy Don & I were there to watch.

Overall this weekend was good. The oldest son turned 15 on Saturday and we had dinner out at Olive Garden. Got a job. Made some money. Hung out with my little brother, Stuman, a bit Friday night. That is all good. A good friend, Bill, was in from Georgia, and it was nice to visit from him a bit. It had been awhile since I last had seen him.

My aunt 'Nina is in the hospital though, I heard last night. She has some pleurisy of the lungs, due to pneumonia - if I said that correctly. Reverend Mother said she was in ICU, and this morning has heard she is a bit better, though the plans are to keep her in there fora couple days. After that it will be base don her recovery, I am sure.

I think that is enough for a Sunday. I am spending today just kicking here at home.

PeacE