Day by Day cartoon

Sunday, September 25, 2011

What a week it has been!

So the new job is turning out alright. I still need to be faster but the stress and physical levels are much reduced and that's a good thing. So I'm pretty happy overall. I do have another job interview next week that I am very hopeful about that, if I get it, will pay at least 50% more than my current work. It's also in Ogden so it's much closer to home than the current job.

The BSU is back in Oregon as word got sent down that her sister is in critical condition. The sis has been ill for oaver a year but now she has had a turn for the worse and the family was called in. I don't know how long the BSU might be away so I'm playing bachelor (and housekeeper) until her return.

After putting a pot roast into the crock pot this afternoon and reconfiguring our bedroom so that the BSU can sleep on the other side of the bed- how's that going to work anyway?, I took the best motorcycle ride of the year. I left home, headed out Ogden Canyon, past Pineview Reservoir and Huntsville, out South Fork Canyon, over Monte Cristo and all the way out to Woodruff, supposedly the coldest place in Utah. Theere's no place to buy gas or coffee in Woodruff and it turned out my intended route into Logan was an additional 80 miles plus the 50 miles from Logan to home. So I turned around and retraced my trip for a total of 120 miles of beautiful, fall motorcycle riding. The weather was perfect, the leaves are turning yellow, orange and scarlet and the road was smooth and clean for the entire ride.

When I got home, the pot roast was perfect!

So the bedroom's clean, I had a great motorcycle ride, a tasty dinner and have a job interview on Tuesday! And we should have the house refinanced this week to put almost $500 more into our pockets and to pay bills with. Ya gotta love it!

One final note- we passed the 12th anniversary of living in the Wasted Electrons World Headquarters earlier this month! I've never lived 12 years in any house in my entire life, so this being settled in feeling is mighty nice.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I got thrown under the bus at work-

and ended up landing in daisies! Yesterday I was told that when I got to work, I'd be transfered to a new department and job. Seems my boss where I had been building gas bottles didn't think I was up working up to speed and expectations so I was out. I was kinda butt hurt about the situation because I thought I was getting competant and, if not being the the fastest bottle builder, that I was at least pulling my own weight.

So I went to work expecting to be dumped into some crappy job that would be worse than the last job. Turns out, I was transferred over to the Pyro section and now my job is to circulate between 2 1/2 iinflator manufacture cells and keep the raw materials stocked up going into the machines. I pull small parts out of boxes and put them into hoppers or small conveyor belts at 1 station then move to the next cell, do the same thing again and around and around, keeping the machines full of parts.

Much easier. Much less stressful. Cleaner, less noisy and generally far more pleasant than bottle fabrication. There are operators running each machine and they seem far more friendly and relaxed than the people I used to work with. They're helpful and pleasant and seem to be glad to be at their job instead of sullen amd morose like the last folks I worked with.

So for once in my life, I think I got the better deal! I'm still looking for work outside of production but for right now, I'm happier than I was last week.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Working for a living...

Larry stinks!

In the cell ( how's that for a description of a workplace?) where I spend 8 hours every work day, there are fans blowing the air in every direction. There's a big floor fan at the back of the cell that moves most of the air towards the front but 2 more smaller fans mixing things up.

And there is a pool of "Floaters" who are assigned to a different cell each night to make up for missing people. My cell has been down 1 guy for a couple weeks due to an injury and in his place, on 2 occasions, we've gotten Larry.

Larry needs an intervention that includes a couple of king sized bars of Lifebouy soap wrapped in a gym sock and applied vigorously about his head and shoulders. The man reeks of BO! I've worked with him 2 nights and if he is upwind or within 3 feet of me, the air is offensive and noxious.

It's a little hard to believe that with all the air currents blasting around in multiple directions that a little BO could be offensive. But Larry's BO isn't little, it's aweful!

My boss says he's going to contact Larry's boss to see if he can't be told to hit the shower and the laundromat a little more often.

Monday, August 29, 2011

The new furnace-

that I mentioned as being required for domestic tranquility in the upcoming winter months- is being installed on Wednesday. I couldn't pony up for the really good 95% efficient model that I wanted but I expect that a modern 80% model will be much more effective than the broken down, 20 year old unit currently in place.

It's taking a mortgage modification through the credit union to get everything accomplished but due to my reduced income in spite of my job, it's neccesary. So my monthly note will be coming down significantly as well as my interest rate. I'm just going to have many more months to pay on the palatial Wasted Electrons World Headquarters building.

I have been busy, hence the dirth of posting here lately. I have pressure washed what feels like miles of cedar fence but it is really only many feet of fence that hasn't been clened or stained in the nearly 12 years we have lived here. But the washing is finished and over the weekend I'll be breaking out the spray gun and the stain and making it all pretty again. If you didn't know, pressure washing fence is hard work!

The job building side impact airbag inflator bottle continues. After 6 weeks I'm getting to the confident stage and holding up my corner of the nightly tasks. I'm worn out when I get home but no longer feeling like I've been beated for an 8 hour shift, so that's a good thing. I'm still not as fast as the guys that have been doing the job for years but I'm meeting the goals and not feeling completely inadequate like I was the first few weeks.

So things are good. Summertime is truly upoon us and I love it. The cats love being outside after dark and seem to enjoy the long summer evenings. I haven't been fishing enough but I did get out last night for a little while with the spousal unit. I didn't catch any fish but we saw a bunch and had a pleasant boat ride together before it got too dark.

Two weekends ago I went on a motorscooter rally ride with a bunch of new friends, got to meet in the flesh somebody I have corresponded with online for several years and this weekend there is vintage motorcycle racing to attend.

Life is pretty good here folks!

Friday, August 12, 2011

I found what I want for Christmas!

An armed, home defence, garden gnome! I'd probably have to hide this guy out by my shop but I still want one!

Hat tip to Say Uncle for the link.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

This working for a living is hard!

But you already knew that. I did too, I'd simply forgotten during my unemployed period. And doing production line work is hard work- that I suppose I knew academically but now, from 2 weeks experience, I know it from the soles of my feet to my aching arms.

But it's not bad work, just different from what I've done before. In spite of the work being repetitive and very fast paced, there is also a ton of technical stuff to learn and know. Each of the machines has to be calibrated when models change over a couple times each shift and knowing the names of the calibration equipment and how it is used is a challenge. Seeing the Kaiban parts ordering system in operation, (and beginning to understand it) is interesting and challenging too. So I'm starting to feel at least competant on the job and that feels good. I'm not fast enough and I don't have the machines all figured out but I'm working on it.

I also got in close to 6 hours of overtime on Saturday so even more bills can get paid this week!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Got my first paycheck in the mail today-

It's significantly smaller than the unemployment checks I was receiving and I had to bust my butt for 40 hours to earn it. But- it's a paycheck. And I'll have another one just like it next week and the week after that if I don't screw up.

The job- assembling automotive side curtain airbag inflator bottles, isn't actually too bad except for the production line aspect of it. Ther is actually a great deal of technical stuff to know and understand to prepare the machines to make the bottles correctly. Everything has to be tested and calibrated and adjusted to ensure the bottles come out right. I'm learning something new every night.

I just wish the check was twice as big as it really is!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Did I mention that Wasted Electrons World Headquarters needs a new furnace?

Well it does. The furnace in the house is condemmed due to a cracked heat exhanger. A new furnace installation is right out due to cost due to our present circumstances.

I thought I had solved the problem, sort of, a few weeks ago when I purchased a once installed but never used, 95% efficient furnace for just $200 at a yard sale. All I needed was someone to install it.

Except that the furnace I bought is a downdraft model and I need an updraft model... Hooverdam!

So now I need to find someone to either buy this furnace or find someone that can swap this one for the right type. I've been too busy to actively chase down the HVAC dealers to see if a swap might be arranged but I'll be working on that effort in the coming weeks.

Well ain't this a kick?

I've got a job! I start tomorrow afternoon, assembling widgets that will become part of nearly every automotive airbag screwed into every new car no matter the brand of car.

It's only been 18 months since I was laid off and went out of work. My unemployment payments ended 2 weeks ago and the BSU and I have been getting pretty desperate about how the blls were going to get paid but I start tomorrow and get paid weekly so by next week I'll be getting paid. The job is through a staffing agency and if I do a good job and stick at it for a few months, I should get picked up permanently by the company. When that happens, I may be able to work a transfer from the Brigham City plant 20 miles away to the Ogden plant just 4 miles from Wasted Electrons World Headquarters. In the mean time, I'll just make the drive everyday.

It is swing shift and that will be a huge adjustment for the household. I'm not used to being out of the house evenings nor is the spousal unit used to having me out late but I guess we will have to adjust. I'll have to learn to pack and carry a lunch bag but once again, we will adjust.

Most importantly, this means I am employable! I have read any number of reports that employers much prefer to hire new employees that are already working somewhere else instead of people out of work, especially long term out of work people like yours truly. There's lots of reasons but it boils down to people that are already working are presumed to be in the habit of getting to work on time and to have current skills. So while I'm not going to complain about this current work, I am going to keep looking for work more similar to my latest employment. And when I update my resume to show my current employment and send it out in the future, possible employers will know that I'm working and employable.

So a new chapter in this saga begins tomorrow. I'm nervous and anxious and excited.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Conceited? Maybe the most conceited act ever

My local tv news just showed multiple YouTube videos of people who thought it would be cool to videotape themselves watching the reading of the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial yesterday. Somehow they thought it would be smart to set up the camera recording their reactions to the verdict.

Then they put these videos on the internet...

I can't think of a single more conceited act. Horrifying.

Red foreman had a name for people like this, you know what it is- dumbasses!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Think you know how to ride a bicycle?

Not like this guy!

Make sure to click the HD button and watch this full screen. It's worth it!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

I own a Kawasaki?

Well yes, as matter of fact, I do! It is a 1978 Kawasaki KZ650 C2, referred to back when it was new as a Custom. I actually bought this bike just before Christmas last year but because I failed to mention my purchase to the BSU until April, I hadn't mentioned it online. Yes, I got in BIG trouble with the spouse. I have made amends though and she is no longer upset with me.

Why a Kawasaki? Why this Kawasaki? Well, Kawasakis have generally been my favorite Japanese motorcycle brand since I first became aware of motorcycles and, believe it or not, I actually sold Kawasakis at 2 different dealerships in 1977 & 78 before joining the Air Force. And the KZ650 was one of those bikes that I sold that I really liked. This particular bike is beautiful, nicely cared for and very close to original condition. The color is original even though it is very attractive, the handlebars are slightly shorter than stock and the seat has a step in it the factory seat didn't have. I actually found it on night browsing through Ebay but the seller was just 10 miles down the road from me. It was too good to pass up! This bike is 33 years old and as you might imagine, the few that remain in the wild have seen plenty of "improvements" by 3 decades of owners. So finding a clean and (almost) original bike is pretty rare.

With a little help from the credit union I bought it and tucked it away in the shop for the winter. I had some small repairs and improvements to make that kept me busy for a few weeks but when riding season arrived, I had to face the music and spill the beans.

I've been riding it a couple weeks now and it is wonderful! It rides and acts like I remember motorcycles acting. It isn't a race bike or a cruiser or a long distance touring bike; it's just a motorcycle. It starts, stops and turns just as it should and I'm mighty happy with it. Being 33 years old, it does have a few minor things that still need my attention- the lights don't work in the instruments and the turn signal indicators are intermittent but that's small stuff. I've already installed a much brighter headlight assembly and added some electrical relays to the electrical system to make things run more reliably. A new LOUD horn may be the next modification I make to the bike as the stock one is really puny.

Want to see it? Take a look!
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Ain't she pretty? As always, click the thumbnails to see the full size pictures!
Have no fear, Sleek Black Beauty still has a proud parking spot under the carport with the Kawasaki and I still enjoy riding her as much as I always did. Now I just have a choice when it is time to ride!

I bought a new furnace for my house today-

for $200! How'z about that?

A few weeks back the BSU had a furnace repairman in to take a look at our (turns out) 18 year old furnace. And- there was carbon monoxide coming from the registers. The furnace has a burned out heat exchanger and was subsequently shut down, turned off and condemmed. The estimates the very nice repair guy leaves for a replacement furnace run from ~$3000 to $4000, none of which, I of course have. Adding a central air conditioning unit- high on the BSU's priorities, doubles those prices!

What to do, what to do? I pondered and I talked to some people. I even thought I had found a used furnace and a/c unit for sale from a guy on a fishing forum I frequent. Turns out to be much too large for the modest Wasted Electrons World Headquarters building. More pondering. Luckily, summer has finally arrived and I have a few months before reliable home heating becomes critical.

This morning I rode the Kawasaki to church because the BSU was staying home. (What, I haven't told you about the Kawasaki yet? Another post will be forthcoming on that topic shortly.) Anyway, at the bottom of the hill from my house, there's a guy that runs a semi-regular yard sale. And in his yard sale, sitting on a hand truck, there's a furnace...

On the way home I stop to look at this furnace. Turns out it is a new, once installed but never used York Affinity C.9 in the same btu rating as the repairman said I needed for the house. According to Consumers Digest,
"The 9 series is the best furnace on the market. Engineers tweaked the design, so this is now the most effiecient furnace you can buy."
They also say the suggested retail price is $3895 and up!

The seller told me his asking price was $300 but would consider any offer. I came home with the details that I snapped with my phone, did a little online research and took the BSU's direction to go quit dithering and go buy the furnace. I got $100 from the ATM on the way and offered the seller $200 to buy his furnace which he quickly accepted. I'll be paying it off tomorrow and hauling it home.

$200! Can you believe that? I will be talking to an independent HVAC guy this week to arrange installation sometime this summer. I'm still not getting A/C right now but I scored a deal on a furnace that has me really tickled!

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

I'm not dead and I haven't quit blogging-

I'm just pretty busy right now, with lots of stuff going on and finding it hard to get my activities and thoughts converted into bits & bytes.

Maybe soon though!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Too funny not to share!

With a hat tip to LawDawg for pointing this out, I have to break my blogging silence to share this cartoon. Check it out but don't be drinking anything when you click this link. This one comes with a liquids/monitor interference warning!
And for those of you that have missed my blogging insights- the one of you that has mentioned it, summer is a busy time for me and I'm preparing for a fishing trip so blogging is bound to be light. Limited free ice cream for a little while.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Unluckiest- or luckiest guy ever!

I can't decide if getting hit by lightening twice in less than a minute- and surviving means you are the luckiest or unluckiest bastard ever. Either way, this had to leave him with the mother of all headaches!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Sunday evening and I'm tired-

We had a beautiful Easter church service this morning that was as nice as any Easter service I've ever attended. For the first time in several years our church bell was rung at the end of the service! Ringing that bell and letting the community know that St Peters is alive and welcoming has been a priority for me for several months now. After a bit of high altitude maintenance this week, it works and I rang it for all the world to hear!

I finally got the grass mowed here at Wasted Electrons World headquarters this afternoon! The weather and my other obligations have really conspired against my efforts to keep the grass under control and I finally got some hours and dry weather today. The front yard was so bad I had to mow it twice! But it's done and in spite of the Muse of Murray's reluctance to awake from winter slumber. Now I just have to get busy with some additional sprinkler work... I purchased a big bag of bulbs for the spousal unit to be installed shortly in an unwatered flower bed, so before we can plant, I have to pipe in some irrigation. I suppose that will keep me busy in a day or two!

And, in spite of my very best efforts, I'm still unemployed...

I nominate this for the weirdest picture on the internet-

wtf photos videos - Did You Ever Rock An Accordion So Hard That...
see more WTF Pictures and WTF videos by Picture Is Unrelated
Weird.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

President Obama can kiss my carbon footprint!

So yesterday was Earth Day and Barry found it neccesary to issue a 2 page statement to highlight our country's efforts and needs to save the planet- all while burning 53,000 gallons of jet fuel plus gasoline for a 30 car motorcade during a 3 day fund raising trip.

Barry needs to shut the hell up about us common folk trading in our full sized vehicles for better mileage compacts! If he wants to prove he is serious about preserving the planet and America's demand for fuel, he needs to install one of those high tech big screens in his office that he was whining about not having last week and implement his fund raising through online conferencing!

Show us that you're serious Mr. President and stay home! Do your fund raising over the internet with video conference technology and I'll begin to believe you are serious about saving the planet! Until then, just be quiet!

In honor of Easter weekend-