OT Sucks A-S-S

And not in the good way kids.

About a month ago, we learned at work that some of the salaried employees would finally be eligible for overtime, rather than comp time. Previously, we'd have to work over a half day or a full day to get comp time. If it was just one or two hours over, we were told, "it's just part of the business."

So we were also informed there was no money budget for OT, and we might just have a shorter day on our last day of the workweek to help offset the problem. Fine by me, it means I get to hit the road earlier to go to J's.

Week one, I was asked to stay late on Friday because we were short staffed. I reminded them it would put me in OT. No problem they say. Ok fine.

Yesterday, I found out I would be working a 10.5 hour day, when some of my coworkers come in later and would leave earlier. I pointed out it would make more sense if I had a different job for the day that didn't require me to rack up more OT. Then I was told, "you're just trying to get out of work." I said, "No, I'm being a team player by pointing out your poor planning skills to help you avoid spending uncessary money that we don't have."

Whatever!
"W"

Award Winning BF

Of course I'm proud of J. Other than being the most wonderful man in the world, he's also bringing home some hardware!

In a mega award season without a lot of the red carpet glitz and glamour, it's good to know my sweetie helps fill the void.

Late last week he found out he was a finalist for "Employee of the Year"...there are about 80+ employees in his building.

Monday he got the news he was indeed "Employee of the Year"!!! And in case you're wondering, he directs the choir at church and does something much similar to little people.

Next stop...the district level!

"W"

It's Raining Serbs

So it's time for some shameless shirtless photos of HOT HOT HOT Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic.

Yummy right? Ok, so he needs a little more meat on his bones for some of you, but still hot.

Nole won the Aussie Open last weekend.

Doggie Style

A few days ago, work took me to a rural town stuck in the 1940's.

At issue...a special needs woman claims she's deaf and reads lips. She trained her dog to help her answer the phone, the door, etc., and even claims the pet saved her life from a stove fire. 1940's town doesn't allow pit bulls...and that's the breed of the woman's helper dog.

The woman also claims the police shoved a gun in the dog's mouth once and threatened to kill both dog and woman. Just a little crazy, right?

Now they city is taking the woman to court, because it's against the law there to have pit bulls. This dog isn't certified or trained as a help dog. The city also documented multiple times the dog has been lose, caused problems, etc.

So we talk to the woman. Then we need to see her dog, which is locked away in a back room viciously growling. Out comes a 150 pound beast, foaming, snarling, and licking it's lips. I'm terrified. Too scared to pee myself, I sat there thinking, "this is it". All the while, my work partner isn't doing his job yet, and I yell at him to get to work so we can leave. It's a miracle the woman managed to hold on to the dog without either of us becoming a snack.

Oh, and as I blogged Monday about people being racist...the woman says she needs the dog to protect her 'from the blacks'.

:W:

What is Today?

Monday.

January 21st.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Yup...all of these.

During the morning meeting, I brought up a concept known as 'white privilege'. It's a sociological theory that white people benefit more than black people, simply because of skin color. It doesn't mean you are prejudice or racist, just the fact you might receive different treatment because you're Caucasian.

My good blogger buddy Lewis did a similar post today, and it encouraged me to briefly mention white privilege.

Today, of all days, I encountered racism twice during my project. Talking to two different people in a town of about 1000...WHAM! However, neither of them used my favorite ironic phrase...when someone says "I'm not racist...but..."

I too may be guilty of unconsciously playing into white privilege...I'm more likely to strike up a conversation with a white person, as compared to someone with a different color skin.

See what happens when we reflect on our own actions. Scary sometimes.

Smooches
"W"

Is it Morning Already?

It's never fun waking up to a blaring alarm clock. In this case, it was my cell phone alarm, but annoying enough anyway. At 6:30 I rolled out of bed (yes, Lewis, I know you get out of bed much earlier ;-)...got in the shower...and left J's house at 6:55...and drove home just in time for work at 9. At least I got to wake up next to my sweetie. BTW...his brother is recovering from the surgery, but still has a ways to go.

The planned afternoon interview for the khaki job went AWESOME! I'm glad I was relaxed and personable and charming. Whatever comes of this, I still feel great about the interview. Of course, I'd love the change of pace and new career. I'm not necessarily a fish and wildlife kinda guy...but whatever. As long as I don't have to handle snakes (not THOSE snakes silly!)

The AM phone interview is MUCH more promising. It's with a major alcohol maker...basically doing what I do in my current job...as far as writing goes...just less face time, which is fine and dandy. I think I impressed the guy doing the hiring...he wanted to see more of my work samples and asked the million dollar question..."how much money do you want?" Ugh...I gave a range where I felt comfy. He replies..."oh we can definitely do that!" Which makes me think I low balled...but perhaps they're more likely to like me, since they could get me 'cheap.'

The timeline for the khaki job is 2-4 weeks, I should hear something. The 2nd job would require an interview in 2-4 weeks. I'm crossing my fingers for both.

Here's to a great weekend!
Smooches!
"W"

Two Interviews, One Day

Wednesday is the big day for W this week.

I've got an in person interview 2:30 for a job that deals with the great outdoors. Faithful readers, or casual passers by can probably tell I'm not a huntin' and a fishin' kinda guy. Pay me enough and put me 15 minutes from J's house and I'm there. Actually, this seems like a perfect opportunity...one that I've just been looking for!

The other interview is a surprise...a pleasant one at that. I've got a phone interview at 9:30 for a writing job with the same place I interviewed back in November. Different division/position...one that I would not have a problem doing.

"J"s brother J made it through brain surgery just fine yesterday. He's still in ICU and doing better, but not exactly on track as the doctor's hoped.

J is flying back home tomorrow, and I'll greet him at the airport.

Prayers, good thoughts, etc are welcome!

Smooches
"W"

Withdrawl

Busy week ahead...job interview on Wednesday...and I need to spend some time getting ready to impress. I'm VERY excited about the opportunity, and it puts me very close to J.

Which is great, because this weekend I stayed home. He's with his mother while his brother has brain surgery tomorrow. Serious stuff, so hopefully things will work out just fine. I shouldn't complain too much about not being together for just one week.

I ran four miles yesterday as part of the 'long run day' for the half marathon training. Luckily the Sabbath is a day of rest, and that means no workouts for just one day a week!

"W"

Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?

Like a zillion other people, I too decided to change my eating and exercise habits at the start of the new year. Technically, I didn't make any resolutions. I just have a few areas of my life where I want to improve.

I sought help from my friendly nutritionist at the gym (who I often use for work stuff as well). She recommended a diet with 1700 calories...something about a formula where you pick your target weight and multiply by 100.

Last week I started cutting back on my junk food/fast food intake, in an attempt to wean myself. This week is more strict, and so forth.

I also began my half marathon training this week. Gal Pal, CJ, and I all want to run a half in the Big City. It's the day after my birthday...the big 3-0. Five years ago, I told myself I wanted to run a marathon by the time I'm 30. That's not gonna happen...but a half is doable. We've printed out a training schedule that's pretty intensive, but not impossible. So far this week I've done pretty well.

Of course, I'll keep you all updated on my progress.

Smooches.
"W"

Politically Correct

As a pseudo politics buff and a curious voter, I spent some time Tuesday evening watching the New Hampshire Primary coverage. I found it very interesting in the pre-results phase that most of the 'experts' were writing Hillary off, simply because of early exit poll numbers. Granted it wasn't a huge margin of victory, but these people were acting like she has one foot in the proverbial presidential race grave.

My point is...even the experts don't always know what's going on and sometimes jump the gun.

While I honestly haven't made up my mind on who's getting my vote, I'm keeping a close eye on what happens between now and Super Tuesday...when I get to cast a ballot. Obviously I don't want to see a Republican in office, and I'm not sure there's any red candidate that has it together enough to beat a Dem. My concern is that I don't think this country is ready to elect a black or a woman president regardless of their credentials or ability. That's why I'm thinking a John Edwards for president, and an Obama/Hillary VP ticket would be pretty strong. Although JE isn't doing so well early on. That's the point too...it's still pretty early in a tight, close race.

Food for thought...(which will be the subject of my next post)

Later,
"W"

Resolve This!

It's January 9th. My last blog entry was December 27th. Instead of blogging about promising to blog more...I'm going to put up or shut up.

Blogging more frequently isn't a resolution, but I do PROMISE to do it.

Along with a better nutrition and fitness plan, you'll be hearing more from "W".

After being told I was 40 years old in physical age, I decided it's time for a change. Wow, that really sounds like a politician. With the election season heating up, I'll be posting about that as well.

Plus, some progress on the job search too!

Later,
"W"