First Day

Today was the first day at the new job for both Angela and me. I started today with iPS Packaging Supply in Fountain Inn. Angela started today with Asset Point.

Today mainly consisted of the usual filling out of forms, meeting far more people than I have any hope of remembering, and being sent to the hospital for the obligatory drug screening. The only saving grace for the latter was I was prepared!

I will be dealing with a new phone system, new software system and new CRM software as well. All together a steep learning curve with not much room for error. The people there are easy to get along with, and that should make my job that much easier. I have worked with one person in the company before, so there was one familiar face in the crowd.

I'm pretty well worn out today, so I'll keep this post short. I plan on keeping this more up to date as we go forward, so stop back by often!

Hurray!

Well, Angela and I will re-join the ranks of the employed!

I have been offered, and accepted an inside sales position with iPS, an industrial packaging supply company. Angela has been offered and is accepting a position with Asset Point. They handle software for manufacturing. We are both very excited to be off of unemployment and back to being productive.

I had two very good offers on the table from which to choose. It was among the hardest decisions I have had to make. Both companies had similar salaries and benefits. It came down to which job environment I felt fit my talents better. iPS is a little more of a drive, as the other company I would have worked from home. I would have excelled with the other company, but this one offers unique opportunities and that made it a little more attractive.

Since my last post the job search has continued at a somewhat frenetic pace. I have had a second interview with one company, and have scheduled another interview on Monday the 18th.

My interview yesterday followed yet another personality test. This one consisted of 131 questions of the standard type. After completing the test, I was interviewed by the head of accounting who also handles the HR duties. Since I wasn't aware that there would be an interview and so was not prepared (foolish for an Eagle Scout, I know) to discuss salary and benefits. The salary range mentioned is somewhat lower than I was anticipating, so I will have to sharpen my pencil and get them to come a little closer to where I think I should be.

With there now being three viable possibilities for work, the burden caused by being laid off is starting to ease somewhat. There is still the stress of not having a job, but knowing that one is just around the corner certainly helps.

The Search Continues

Well the search for a new job continues. I have a follow up interview on the phone tomorrow afternoon with one company, and an in person interview on Wednesday with another company. I am still continuing to look and have sent out another resume and cover letter to a fresh company this morning.

I have also taken from off the very back burner and brought more to the front an offer from two weeks ago. I am fleshing out the details and trying to view it from more than one angle. If my other opportunities fall through, this might be a very viable opportunity.

Adventures with my GPS

Back in April, I purchased a Garmin Nuvi 200 GPS system. Radio Shack had it on sale, and I had a gift card, so it was time to bite the bullet and get one.

Now I do love my gadgets, make no mistake. But as I had a need for one, it was not just an impulse buy.

I have used it on several short trips and to find things around town. I used it to find places I already knew how to find, but was interested in its accuracy. It found all the places I wanted to go with no hiccups. My only problem with the system started when I tried to register it online, and thus begins the adventure.

My trip began on Garmin's web site. Find the "register your Garmin page" and follow the directions. However, half-way through the registration process, Garmin wants you to hook the system up to the computer so it can install the necessary soft ware updates, and your free map update. This wouldn't be a problem, but the system didn't come with any way to do so. No USB cables were included. This is a major oversight on Garmins part. Why wouldn't they include the necessary cable so you can update your system and register it with them? But not to worry, I should be able to find the necessary cable in town, right?

So, on my next trip, we stopped off at a local Circuit City. I went in search of the car GPS systems and found one of the sales people for that area. Since they carry the same model as I had, finding the cable should be a piece of cake. But wait, I'm told that the only cable that will work comes from Garmin itself, so sorry Circuit City doesn't carry it. Sigh. Well all is not a loss, I can always order one online and get it in a few days.

Well yesterday, I was out with Angela and decided to stop by the local Radio Shack and see if they might have the Garmin cable. I spoke with the salesman, showed him the unit and he took me right to the digital camera replacement cables. Hmmm, looking closely the ends do seem to mate up to the unit perfectly. Now six feet of cable might be a little long for the job, but as it was the shortest on the rack it will do. I take the system home, and hook it up to the laptop (Gateway Supercow, just recently upgraded to a full 2 gig of memory), and start to register the unit.

Now comes the time to download the software updates, and finish the registration and the second part of the adventure. The download starts, gets to a 1% completion rate and restarts the process all over again. And again. And again. Clearly what we have here is a failure to communicate. Sigh. What can the issue be? It's not the cable, for Supercow recognized that I had attached something to her. hmmmm. Wait, I am using Firefox and the latest version. Maybe Garmin doesn't play well with Firefox and wants to play with the Big Blue E. OK, switch from Mozilla to Internet Explorer, and voila! Communication difficulty resolved.

Yippee! Now I can finish this off and get it all behind me. The software update downloads like a champ. Garmin tells me to turn off the GPS, turn it back on and follow the on-screen prompts. I do so, but no on screen prompts appear, promptly (sorry, couldn't resist). Ok, I'll assume that the software is correct and no further action was needed on my part.

Now for the third part of my little adventure. Downloading the latest and greatest map updates!
I follow the instructions and when the download begins, it tells me that there is a 2+ GB download about to happen, good luck and see you in the morning cowboy. Wow! 2 GB worth of download. I am glad I started this in the late evening when it would be the least disruptive to the house. OK, start the download and check it before going to bed and hope for the best.

Upon waking this morning, I find the the download has completed successfully and I follow the onscreen prompts to download my new maps to the GPS. Hurray, I'll soon have the latest and greatest maps! But wait, what is that screen telling me? Grrrrr. The GPS is 37 MB short of memory to download the maps. Why in heaven's name would Garmin send out a fresh map update that is larger than their base model system? This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

I suppose to finalize my quest for updated software and upgraded maps, I will be forced to check various websites for a work around. I am quite certain that I'm not the only one to suffer through this problem.

More when I have finally realized my quest for the updated GPS.

Yesterday I sent out more resumes and will start to follow up on them tomorrow (Friday). I am still confident that I will find a job, and hopefully before the end of the month.

On Monday, I spent a good portion of the day with a contact in the insurance industry. He gave me some very good advice as to what the pit falls are and how to avoid them. I am not quite sure that that industry is for me, but the advice was welcome indeed.

Tonight Angela and I have dinner plans with David and Alicia Maddox. I have worked with Alicia since moving to South Carolina in 1995. Her and her husband are truly dear friends and it will be good to go to dinner with them.

Stressful Times, or Resumes, cover letters, and job fairs, oh my!

Well these are indeed stressful times. Angela and I have less than two months together as newly weds, and I find myself on the outside looking in at the job market.

I was laid off from my job one week ago. This came as a shock but looking back at it now (hind sight is indeed 20/20), it should not have been a surprise. My company merged with a competitor and I was caught in the middle. Now, all things considered this may be the best thing to happen to me. The timing wasn't the best (but is it ever?).

I have the skills and sales acumen to be a benefit in many different fields, it's just a matter of finding the right fit for me. I am trying to keep to a work routine, and work out regimen to keep the stress at bay. I had a small "pity party" last night, and have hopefully put that useless event behind me for good.

Now I am off to work to find work.

Weekend is ending

Well the weekend is fast drawing to a conclusion. But at least it's been relaxing and productive.

One of the outside spigots for the hoses developed a leak on Thursday. I had never changed out a washer in one and figured this would be a good time to learn. After a few minutes of advice from a neighbor (thanks Bob) and a little googling, I set to work. There were only two hurdles to overcome. The first was getting the stem out. It was somewhat tougher than I had anticipated, but with a little WD-40, and some elbow grease, out it came.

Next came the trip to Lowes. After searching around in the plumbing department to no avail, I looked for some help. The salesman in the department helped me look for either the correct washer or a replacement stem. Neither was available. So, now I'm back in the car and off to Home Depot. After a quick search with the help from one of their staff, the correct washers were found and I came home to finish the job.

The second project undertaken Saturday was to change out the old thermostat for a programmable one. Angie had bought one and I had agreed to change it out for her. Now that I had the time, I wanted to get it done.

I had had a friend of mine (a different Bob) show me how to switch one out in my house. Since it was relatively straight forward, I didn't anticipate any challenges. I turned off the power to the AC unit at the breaker box, and got going on the project. After a little bit of sweat, the new unit was on, and a temporary program set.

Last but not least, Angie and I had lunch downtown with Gretchen and Dawn and the best man from my wedding, Tom. He had flown in from California to visit customers and we all went to lunch and then to the zoo to cap off the afternoon.

It's been a long time since I've updated this, so where to begin?

First, I am now married to a wonderful woman, the former Angela Spears. We were married on the 31st of May, in an outdoor ceremony. The weather was perfect, she was stunning and we were surrounded by friends.

The company I am working for merged with a competitor in April and we now have a new boss and a new name. The combined companies are a great fit and I'm excited by the possibilities. Even in what looks to be a down market, there should be plenty of upside to this merger.

I know that I've neglected posting here, but I have a renewed interest in blogging and will endeavor to do a better job.

Now after not one but two pre-season losses I have some serious questions about the team for this year.

The positives I have seen so far are not that many. The first team proved they can score. But the defense proved they have some work to do to stop the opposing team from scoring. Philadelphia threw almost at will, and New England ran the ball right down the Panther's throat.

If the defense can't stop the run, they are not going to get off of the field. During the New England game, Delhomme made a bad pass that resulted in an interception. But a number of times he was scrambling for his life, and the offensive line didn't seem to be able to establish the run.

Preseason Win!

I had a chance to review the Panthers preseason win against the Giants Saturday night.

I have a few thoughts on the game and what I saw.

First I was pleasantly surprised to watch the first team move the ball down the field and score a touchdown. I may be mistaken, but I don't remember them doing that during the preseason games last year. The zone blocking scheme worked well, and Deshaun Foster (5 rushes for 62 yards) was able to get a number of nice carries off of it. I think this will bode well for the team this year. Foster, and Williams are not the big, bruising backs that play their best games between the tackles. They are built more to take advantage of their speed (and the athleticism of the offensive line) by finding holes and cut-backs and exploiting them.

The defense looked good, if not stellar. I wasn't disappointed in what I saw, and think they are improving nicely. Beason led the team in tackles and forced a fumble so what more can you ask of your first round draft pick?

The part of the game that still looks sketchy to me is special teams. I am not convinced that the Panthers special teams are where they need to be. John Kasey is still accurate in the kicking game and has plenty of leg. Jason Baker is more than serviceable as a punter. However, kickoff coverage and the return game still need to be better if this team is going to be considered a serious contender this year.

I'm hoping to attend the training camp on Wednesday, and will try to post my thoughts (along with some photos) when I get back.

Michael Vick is facing suspension by the league. Yahoo! Sports reports that the front office has seen enough to warrant suspension.

I am a big believer in our system of justice. It is by no means infallible, but it is the best we have. Innocent until proven guilty is the cornerstone on which it is built. Now that some of the other members in this drama are turning on him, his fate looks sealed, at least from the NFL's standpoint. If Vick had no direct involvement, he still should have known what was taking place on his property.

I will be following this with much interest, that's for sure.

Degree Work at the Lodge and my thoughts on Clinton Portis

We had a second degree last night at the lodge and didn't make it home until late.

We're beginning to see the slow down here at the office for the summer. With a long weekend ahead and gas prices up, I think that will have an impact on sales this year. However, last year we saw a good summer despite the gas prices, so hopefully that will continue this year.

I had a chance to read the comments on dog fighting by Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins. I have to say I was more than a little disgusted by the whole thing. How anyone can condone dog fighting is beyond me. He put his comments out there and apparently his agent or the organization had a little heart-to-heart talk with him, because the very next day he was retracting and trying to distance himself from his previous days comments. I'm afraid it is too little and too late for him on that front. Hopefully for him this story will die, and his comments will be forgotten, but the story is showing no signs of doing so.

Busy Weekend

Well I have had a very busy and active weekend.

I ran a 10k course yesterday but not the race I was looking forward to running. I completed the run in 1:00:36, so which is not bad. It's my first go, and the route I chose was hilly.

Today, I took off and went hiking with a friend. We did about 3 miles on trails that I will be running in the late fall. Now I'm going to relax, and enjoy dinner.

I am recovering now from a very busy morning. I ran a team 5-k challenge race this morning. It consisted of running, and numerous stations for push-ups, sit-ups, and other challenges. It was through the river and mud, and was enormous fun!

This is a photo of our team, muddy, tired but smiling. (I was mugging for the camera)
My other three teammates are all adventure racers, but none of us had done this race before. We had a very good time.

Well I promised to update this on a more timely basis, so here goes.

Today's run was the beginning of week 8. The total time was for 54 minutes, but the actual runs were for 10 minute intervals with a one minute walk in between and a 5 minute warm up followed by a 5 minute cool down. I found last week (Wednesday) that I was really running out of energy quickly (more so than I thought I should have). I couldn't put a finger on an exact cause. I had been sleeping well, and eating well. The only thing that came to mind was my hydration. Since I am running first thing in the morning, I don't have the luxury of have a long water intake prior to the run. All of last week it was starting out in the mid-70's with high humidity and ending up at or near 80 by the time I was finished. I'm trying a new routine and the results so far are encouraging.

I am also watching closely the Middle East once more spiral down a path last taken in the late 70's and 80's. I can see the Palestinians having a short memory, but surely the Israelis can see where this path will lead them? They are going to wind up invading Lebanon again, and this time, I don't think they'll stop at Beirut. I think the country as a whole has had enough. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them trying to solve this problem once and for all. I'm not sure that they really know how to solve it, but they're going to try.

Happy Fourth of July!

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another....

Thus begins one of the most moving and memorable documents in human history.

I bid you all a happy Fourth of July. Happy Birthday America!

Candlelight Run

I have just finished my morning run, and wanted to update you on my run Saturday night. I took part in the Candlelight 5K run in Greenville, SC. While I didn't run a record time (nor even a very good one) I did finish strong. It was a pretty hilly course, and running at night isn't my thing. But I feel good about finishing, and it's a step in the right direction. The results are up, and it's pretty ugly. 30:49 isn't exactly a stellar pace.

This mornings run was rather strenuous. My legs felt like they weighed a ton. And the weather was pretty bad today. We have thunderstorms all around us, so it was as humid as you could get. I could wring out my socks and clothes from the sweat.

Another day, and another good run.

Although today's run was interrupted half-way through by a lost truck driver looking for directions I still managed to get in a solid two miles. I wasn't looking to go longer today. I wanted a solid run, and that's what I got. My legs (especially my calves) felt heavy today, but I suspect that's just an after-effect from Monday's run.

I had a wonderful run this morning. I was a little apprehensive because on Friday's run, I tweaked a muscle in my back. (It sucks to get old!) I was taking pills for my back all day Saturday and Sunday. Today was one of those days where I could have run an extra 30 minutes or more with little to no problem.

I did manage to put together the bar for the back porch. That was a chore with a pulled muscle in my back. I was quite proud of it, that's for sure.