So after our pretty tame weekend, I had to go to work on Monday morning. After having breakfast at Marino's restaurant (I personally think he'd be horrified if he knew how bad it was), I grabbed a cab and went to the Renaissance Hotel where our Dealer Meeting was being held. Getting there a little earlier than I intended, I immediately saw a couple of our dealers, so I chatted with them for a few minutes. Then Debra, an SS from the Chicago District found me and we grabbed coffee and chatted for a bit until Sue, Cindy and Kristi got to the hotel. After everyone got their luggage put away (we couldn't check in until after 1pm), we grabbed a bus and went to the Wynn hotel, which was actually a stone's throw away - but it was windy, and with that wind came some COLD air.
This was my first time in Wynn's (as was for everyone else). What a luxurious hotel! We walked in from a side enterance, into the casino - it is all very open with super high ceilings. We walked down the corridor and found a restaurant called Tableau. Wow, what a great lunch, with a fabulous view of the pool area. Oh, I should mention that they have no "real grass" there, but have some pretty authentic looking synthetic type of grass. We all chatted, where I decided to ask questions about the SA position. I know it brought up some questions with Sue, who is my counterpart in Salt Lake, as well as a mentor. I'm thinking she was a little iffy with the idea. Anyway, I came back with some positive feedback, so started to mull over the possibility of taking on that SA position.
When we got back to the hotel, it was time to start preparing things for the meetings. We had to put together name badges, double check rooming lists, etc. This is where all of the tough stuff happens - as long as no one on the outside knows what is going on, then we know all is good.
That night, Skip and I decided to take some guys to dinner. We took 9 people, all Premier Dealers, to a restaurant at Caeser's Palace called Joe's Stone Crab and Steakhouse. It was a great dinner, awesome company and a HUGE bill - over $1300 for 11 people. If Skip hadn't kept plying everyone with wine, I could have kept that down quite a bit. By the time we were finishing up, Gino was getting pretty schnozed. He had us laughing so hard before we left . . . once we got back to the hotel, it just kept on going. JD, another one of our dealers, who seems like a pretty reserved older gentleman, is actually pretty fun. He doesn't get excited about anything, but around 11pm, had brought several of us together for a game of "Quarters" on the lobby floor of the Renassaince. We picked a line (all was in marble) and would slide our quarters across the floor - the one closest to the line got all of the left over quarters. By this point, I had drank 2 glasses of wine and 2 white russians. Then my boss, Todd, got involved and the guys kept getting me more drinks - whether I wanted it or not. Oh, and then there is the VP of Residential operations, Rob. Not the typical executive who is stuffy or even shy. He talks to everyone and partied pretty hard himself. He was having thumb wars with Deb and hugging all of the other SS's that were there - telling us we are what makes the company go round. . .I know he meant it, but sometimes I'm not sure how much the company really values us. Anway, I escaped at 12:30, feeling VERY light-headed myself. Tuesday morning brought on a pretty good headache. Oh, and my gut hurt from laughing at Gino pretty much the entire time.
The next two days were pretty smooth, with a couple of "hiccups" along the way. I met the President of our company, Todd Bluedorn which is huge for any employee - we have well over 3000 people working worldwide, but I hear he does remember people he meets.
Our last day was a "hurray!" day. . . it was over! Waiting for cabs to get us to the airport, some of the guys (variety of our customers) were near the front of the line and invited me to join them on the ride to the airport - so we took a limo (cost $60 for a 10 min ride, go figure). While at the airport, I spoke with Skip about me taking the SA job. We "walked and talked" for quite a bit. He thinks I would do well in the position. I felt that his opinion would be key to me thinking more about the possibility of taking on the new job. As we walked through the airport, we found a place to sit for awhile and have lunch with customers (we were about 3 hours early for our flight). So, I bought beverages (beers and sodas) for them and Skip actually picked up the tab for the food - he got off really cheap on that one.
So my 5 days in Vegas came to an end. The girls and I talked about making this a yearly trip, and taking it around April/May when it is much warmer, but not too hot yet. We'll stay at a different hotel each time and try to see 1-2 shows while we are there. Heck - just the people watching is enough to keep you busy!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Vegas Part One
Probably going to do this in pieces - so much has happened in the last 4 weeks that turning it into one blog entry would put Sleeping Beauty right back to sleep - without drugs!
So, the big birthday was pretty uneventful. Had dinner with Karen, Kirsten, Kim and Shannon at TGIFridays at Northfield Stapleton, good to always get with the girls. Kim bought my dinner, that was nice of her. Last year, no one bought my dinner - but we ate at the Aquarium and it was a little expensive, so guess I don't blame them on that one. Anyway, Shannon and Kirsten met last summer when she went with us to the Rockies vs. Yankees game. None of the girls believe that Shannon has 4 kids, she still looks like she's in her 20's. Pretty good for being in the late 30's! After we ate, I did a quick trip to New York & Co. to see if they have anything I couldn't live without - they didn't, so no more money spent.
The following Saturday then started with me getting my weekly "homework" workout in, came home, took shower, finished packing, went to David James to get my hair cut (damn, did it look good - glad I did it RIGHT before we left!), then went to the airport. Kim called me just as I was coming up to the Sky walk to see where I was. Then, Tish was standing in security as I got there, so that worked out well! We found Kim, then went over to Quiznos where we saw Bill, one of my company's customers. We sat with him as I ate some lunch and the rest of them drank. Then we saw Dave from another company. When we sat at the gate, saw Jim and his wife, so everyone sat together. Then came my boss, so I introduced him to the folks he hadn't met yet (all but one he was familiar with). Kind of fun having so many people you know on the same flight.
Once we got to Vegas, it was *whew* and *let's get started* all at the same time. It was still daylight, and Tish was already in awe as we were driving to the hotel - which was literally on the backside of the airport. Our room even faced the airport! Once Kim, Tish and I settled into our rooms at the Hooters Casino (and hotel), we went downstairs to check out the casino and little shops - place was pretty small, but cute. Pool area was pretty cool as well, but didn't get to really hang out there. Then we walked over to the MGM across the street, where we got something to eat at this really classy "Mexican" restaurant - had these killer Pomegranite Margarita and an appetizer. We were meeting Tish's dad, son and neice at the Rio a couple hours later, but we were famished so needed to get a little something before we headed over there. Tish was once again in awe of the Casinos - we came in the side where the Lion habitat is, and ended up way on the other side where the restaurant was. Wanted her and Kim to see all they could.
We took a cab to the Rio, where we caught up with Jane, Phil, Ryan and Amber. I hadn't seen the kids in about 2 years, so it was great to see them again. Apparently they flew in Friday night (Phil and Judy had been there all week already for business) and got pretty hammered on Friday night - Ryan wasn't feeling all that well. They were in a nice sized 2 bedroom suite near the top of the hotel - it was VERY nice. Being on a conceirge floor is always fun, since they leave stuff in your room almost everyday. Kim wasn't hungry so she played down in the casino while we got something to eat. We went to what we thought was a restaurant, someone told Phil they had good steaks. Got there it was a piano bar - we didn't mind it, but it was noisy and you couldn't talk to each other, so we went to the huge "world" buffet. I had always heard about this place, but never went to it (usually has a 1-2 hour wait to get in). Since Phil was considered a "valued customer," he had one of those fast passes that gets you by the lines (kind of like in Disneyland, but with food). We got in within 10 minutes of arrival. This place had SO MUCH FOOD - different cuisines, I think it had like 10 different food bars there. I only made it to 4 of them. It was good food, wouldn't call it the greatest, though.
After that, Phil, Tish, Kim, Amber and I went downtown to Fremont Street so Tish could experience that. Again, in total awe. Phil had been teaching Amber how to play cards, so we went into a couple of places before the big show started. It was fun and flashy. Then we went to the Bellagio to watch the fountains, but it was too windy (and damn cold), so we went into the hotel to see the lobby part (that in itself took a 1/2 hour - see cool huge standing figure at left). Then we went back to our hotel - I went to bed around 12:30, Kim was up playing Texas Hold'em until sometime around 3am! You go girl. . .
Sunday, we just cruised around a little more around our corner of the strip - I was up early as usual, so went downstairs to play some slots (they usually pay better in the mornings). I was up $130, but of course, lost that during the course of the day. We went back to the MGM to play a little, went to the M&M and Coca-cola stores (guess Tish didn't believe me when I told her it was 3 or 4 stories tall). Then we walked to the Harley Davidson Cafe for lunch. On the way back, we stopped at a Hawaiian mall and looked around - got hooked into getting foot massages. I'll tell you what - that was the best $20 I spent all weekend! It made the rest of my day go so much better! Once we got back to the hotel about mid-afternoon, we were pretty tired, so we all went up and took naps. We then went down to the actual Hooters Restaurant to eat - I remembered why I don't eat hooters wings after awhile. Then we went across the room to see Bobby Slayton. That was an interesting show, he was funny, but spent a lot of time just busting women's chops, as well as Gays, Mexicans and the like. It was all about cutting down everyone. I have to say, it did get old after awhile. After that was over, since I had to go to work the next morning, I went ahead and went to bed.
The following couple of days will be put into a separate blog later today. I'm currently home with a respiratory infection - bored as hell!
So, the big birthday was pretty uneventful. Had dinner with Karen, Kirsten, Kim and Shannon at TGIFridays at Northfield Stapleton, good to always get with the girls. Kim bought my dinner, that was nice of her. Last year, no one bought my dinner - but we ate at the Aquarium and it was a little expensive, so guess I don't blame them on that one. Anyway, Shannon and Kirsten met last summer when she went with us to the Rockies vs. Yankees game. None of the girls believe that Shannon has 4 kids, she still looks like she's in her 20's. Pretty good for being in the late 30's! After we ate, I did a quick trip to New York & Co. to see if they have anything I couldn't live without - they didn't, so no more money spent.
The following Saturday then started with me getting my weekly "homework" workout in, came home, took shower, finished packing, went to David James to get my hair cut (damn, did it look good - glad I did it RIGHT before we left!), then went to the airport. Kim called me just as I was coming up to the Sky walk to see where I was. Then, Tish was standing in security as I got there, so that worked out well! We found Kim, then went over to Quiznos where we saw Bill, one of my company's customers. We sat with him as I ate some lunch and the rest of them drank. Then we saw Dave from another company. When we sat at the gate, saw Jim and his wife, so everyone sat together. Then came my boss, so I introduced him to the folks he hadn't met yet (all but one he was familiar with). Kind of fun having so many people you know on the same flight.
Once we got to Vegas, it was *whew* and *let's get started* all at the same time. It was still daylight, and Tish was already in awe as we were driving to the hotel - which was literally on the backside of the airport. Our room even faced the airport! Once Kim, Tish and I settled into our rooms at the Hooters Casino (and hotel), we went downstairs to check out the casino and little shops - place was pretty small, but cute. Pool area was pretty cool as well, but didn't get to really hang out there. Then we walked over to the MGM across the street, where we got something to eat at this really classy "Mexican" restaurant - had these killer Pomegranite Margarita and an appetizer. We were meeting Tish's dad, son and neice at the Rio a couple hours later, but we were famished so needed to get a little something before we headed over there. Tish was once again in awe of the Casinos - we came in the side where the Lion habitat is, and ended up way on the other side where the restaurant was. Wanted her and Kim to see all they could.
We took a cab to the Rio, where we caught up with Jane, Phil, Ryan and Amber. I hadn't seen the kids in about 2 years, so it was great to see them again. Apparently they flew in Friday night (Phil and Judy had been there all week already for business) and got pretty hammered on Friday night - Ryan wasn't feeling all that well. They were in a nice sized 2 bedroom suite near the top of the hotel - it was VERY nice. Being on a conceirge floor is always fun, since they leave stuff in your room almost everyday. Kim wasn't hungry so she played down in the casino while we got something to eat. We went to what we thought was a restaurant, someone told Phil they had good steaks. Got there it was a piano bar - we didn't mind it, but it was noisy and you couldn't talk to each other, so we went to the huge "world" buffet. I had always heard about this place, but never went to it (usually has a 1-2 hour wait to get in). Since Phil was considered a "valued customer," he had one of those fast passes that gets you by the lines (kind of like in Disneyland, but with food). We got in within 10 minutes of arrival. This place had SO MUCH FOOD - different cuisines, I think it had like 10 different food bars there. I only made it to 4 of them. It was good food, wouldn't call it the greatest, though.
After that, Phil, Tish, Kim, Amber and I went downtown to Fremont Street so Tish could experience that. Again, in total awe. Phil had been teaching Amber how to play cards, so we went into a couple of places before the big show started. It was fun and flashy. Then we went to the Bellagio to watch the fountains, but it was too windy (and damn cold), so we went into the hotel to see the lobby part (that in itself took a 1/2 hour - see cool huge standing figure at left). Then we went back to our hotel - I went to bed around 12:30, Kim was up playing Texas Hold'em until sometime around 3am! You go girl. . .
Sunday, we just cruised around a little more around our corner of the strip - I was up early as usual, so went downstairs to play some slots (they usually pay better in the mornings). I was up $130, but of course, lost that during the course of the day. We went back to the MGM to play a little, went to the M&M and Coca-cola stores (guess Tish didn't believe me when I told her it was 3 or 4 stories tall). Then we walked to the Harley Davidson Cafe for lunch. On the way back, we stopped at a Hawaiian mall and looked around - got hooked into getting foot massages. I'll tell you what - that was the best $20 I spent all weekend! It made the rest of my day go so much better! Once we got back to the hotel about mid-afternoon, we were pretty tired, so we all went up and took naps. We then went down to the actual Hooters Restaurant to eat - I remembered why I don't eat hooters wings after awhile. Then we went across the room to see Bobby Slayton. That was an interesting show, he was funny, but spent a lot of time just busting women's chops, as well as Gays, Mexicans and the like. It was all about cutting down everyone. I have to say, it did get old after awhile. After that was over, since I had to go to work the next morning, I went ahead and went to bed.
The following couple of days will be put into a separate blog later today. I'm currently home with a respiratory infection - bored as hell!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Another Year is Passing Me By
Tomorrow is the recording of the big 4-3. Not much has affected me as I get older, but I find today that I am starting to have trouble with it. Right now, it seems as if my life is passing me by. All I seem to do right now is work (10 or more hours a day) and doing homework (Feels like I'm always catching up), with workouts (also homework to an extent), yoga and a few fun things sprinkled about here and there. Although I am doing things to try to make my life better, I still feel at the same time that I'm just existing. This is just downright getting depressing.
Last weekend, we did a "Best Picture Showcase" at the AMC theatre, where we watched all 5 Oscar nominated films - this equated to about 10.5 hours of sitting down, with the other 1.5 hours trying to walk around and get some exercise in between. Kirsten and I started doing this last year when this event first came about; this year Karen went with us - we got the seats we wanted with some space to spare (and much needed). It was fun but tiring by the time we were done. The entire day was just flat out busy - period. I'm not sure that I completely wound down and relaxed as much as I hoped I would.
Anyway a recap of the movies:
Michael Clayton - the end started first, George Clooney is "HOT" as well as a great actor. The story line was a little difficult to follow at first, but once you got mid-way into the movie, you saw what was up. Great cast, great story.
There Will Be Blood - good reason that Daniel Day-Lewis won best actor for this movie. He really stretches past his boundaries when he acts, and this story pushed him to the edge of sanity in his character. Movie was pretty intense in many spots. Really would recommend seeing it.
Atonement - somewhat of a disappointment, not what I expected (not that I had much of an expectation). Good acting, bur really, when I think about it, it was more about a little girl that did something dreadful - although she didn't think so at the time. A film full of regrets and what ifs. Too depressing for me.
Juno - the best movie I have seen in a long time! But sadly enough, Michael Cera and Jason Bateman didn't have a single scene together - oh, what I would have given to have that chemistry come back (reminicent of Arrested Development). There was a really good reason why Ellen Page was selected for a Best-Actress nomination. A 21-year old that plays a 16-year old - been done by older girls, but man, does she pull it off most excellently! Great lines such as "that ain't no etch-a-sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did, homeskillet" or "I've got to pee like Seabiscuit" (which puts "pee like a rushing race horse" to shame). The lines and humor just flow out of Juno's mouth like a chocolate shake - A definite MUST SEE movie. . .
No Country for Old Men - Wow, that Javier Bardem is one HOT foreign dude, and man, does he play the psychotic bad guy to a "T"! A messy movie with a not-really-ending ending (bad guy doesn't die, does a lot of damage in the meantime). Might have to watch that one again, think I missed something. Powerful movie, though - and explains the real use of a portable air tank.
Time to go to bed and get some sleep for the "Big Day." Catch y'all on the flip side!
Last weekend, we did a "Best Picture Showcase" at the AMC theatre, where we watched all 5 Oscar nominated films - this equated to about 10.5 hours of sitting down, with the other 1.5 hours trying to walk around and get some exercise in between. Kirsten and I started doing this last year when this event first came about; this year Karen went with us - we got the seats we wanted with some space to spare (and much needed). It was fun but tiring by the time we were done. The entire day was just flat out busy - period. I'm not sure that I completely wound down and relaxed as much as I hoped I would.
Anyway a recap of the movies:
Michael Clayton - the end started first, George Clooney is "HOT" as well as a great actor. The story line was a little difficult to follow at first, but once you got mid-way into the movie, you saw what was up. Great cast, great story.
There Will Be Blood - good reason that Daniel Day-Lewis won best actor for this movie. He really stretches past his boundaries when he acts, and this story pushed him to the edge of sanity in his character. Movie was pretty intense in many spots. Really would recommend seeing it.
Atonement - somewhat of a disappointment, not what I expected (not that I had much of an expectation). Good acting, bur really, when I think about it, it was more about a little girl that did something dreadful - although she didn't think so at the time. A film full of regrets and what ifs. Too depressing for me.
Juno - the best movie I have seen in a long time! But sadly enough, Michael Cera and Jason Bateman didn't have a single scene together - oh, what I would have given to have that chemistry come back (reminicent of Arrested Development). There was a really good reason why Ellen Page was selected for a Best-Actress nomination. A 21-year old that plays a 16-year old - been done by older girls, but man, does she pull it off most excellently! Great lines such as "that ain't no etch-a-sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did, homeskillet" or "I've got to pee like Seabiscuit" (which puts "pee like a rushing race horse" to shame). The lines and humor just flow out of Juno's mouth like a chocolate shake - A definite MUST SEE movie. . .
No Country for Old Men - Wow, that Javier Bardem is one HOT foreign dude, and man, does he play the psychotic bad guy to a "T"! A messy movie with a not-really-ending ending (bad guy doesn't die, does a lot of damage in the meantime). Might have to watch that one again, think I missed something. Powerful movie, though - and explains the real use of a portable air tank.
Time to go to bed and get some sleep for the "Big Day." Catch y'all on the flip side!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Work Review
Today was my review at work. I've been there technically nearly 4 years now (as of March 31), but officially, my start date is June 17th. It's been an interesting 4 years - the longest I have been at one job. When I first started, I thought I'd just get in there for a couple of years, learn some new things and move on. Now that I'm in my 4th year, I'd be silly to leave now - I've got 14 days of vacation, but will get 19 days Jan 1, 2009. I want that extra time!
On with the review - my now previous boss Skip came to do the review for me. Todd was sitting in on most of the reviews; however, he didn't get to sit in mine until the end as he was on a pretty important conference call. As I've mentioned in the past, Skip and I are honest with each other so his reviews don't surprise me at all. We talk about all that I do well (which, not to brag, but I score very well), as well as what I need to improve - note that I don't say what I do wrong. We always work to keep everything on an upbeat note. The places where I still need improvement:
1) Susan's desire to accomplish is sometimes perceived as aggressive
2) Sensitivity to others and listening are attributes to develop
3) Work to maintain empathy for teammates and respect other's schedules (meaning, when my TMs are busy, I shouldn't hound them for things - but I have to, not sure how to get around this one!!)
Overall, I got an "Exceeds Most Expectations" which is still very good. I'm still working towards the big "Far Exceeds Expectations" which is difficult to get to, but I'm pretty close in a couple of areas. I know where my faults lie as well as my strengths. Now I have to wait another 2 weeks to see what the big raise will be :) Not sure if the big promotion and raise will happen, I'm kinda doubting it since Corporate has been so cheap the last couple of years.
After we get the new SA hired, I get to do a lot of new stuff, including cross training in sales and teaching local classes. I'm pretty excited about that! Need to get into that Toastmaster's Club, now. Did I mention that one of my lessor attributes is procrastination for the non-high-priority-but-still-need-to-do-it activities?
On with the review - my now previous boss Skip came to do the review for me. Todd was sitting in on most of the reviews; however, he didn't get to sit in mine until the end as he was on a pretty important conference call. As I've mentioned in the past, Skip and I are honest with each other so his reviews don't surprise me at all. We talk about all that I do well (which, not to brag, but I score very well), as well as what I need to improve - note that I don't say what I do wrong. We always work to keep everything on an upbeat note. The places where I still need improvement:
1) Susan's desire to accomplish is sometimes perceived as aggressive
2) Sensitivity to others and listening are attributes to develop
3) Work to maintain empathy for teammates and respect other's schedules (meaning, when my TMs are busy, I shouldn't hound them for things - but I have to, not sure how to get around this one!!)
Overall, I got an "Exceeds Most Expectations" which is still very good. I'm still working towards the big "Far Exceeds Expectations" which is difficult to get to, but I'm pretty close in a couple of areas. I know where my faults lie as well as my strengths. Now I have to wait another 2 weeks to see what the big raise will be :) Not sure if the big promotion and raise will happen, I'm kinda doubting it since Corporate has been so cheap the last couple of years.
After we get the new SA hired, I get to do a lot of new stuff, including cross training in sales and teaching local classes. I'm pretty excited about that! Need to get into that Toastmaster's Club, now. Did I mention that one of my lessor attributes is procrastination for the non-high-priority-but-still-need-to-do-it activities?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Lessons to Learn
What we would like to be in life isn't always going to be. As we get older, we find that things take a little longer to happen - weightloss, accumulation of wealth (unless you are REALLY lucky), work, etc. I have been laid off of work 3 times within a 10 year period - the first 2 times, I found work immediately. After the 3rd time, it took me almost 2 years to find another permanent job. In that 2 year time, I worked temp jobs, contract jobs, whatever it took to make some money. At times, I became pretty bummed out, sometimes slightly depressed - but I always knew things would work out for the better. Although I don't always like this saying it is true - when one door closes another one opens. It might take awhile to find that new door, but it does happen. Just stay as positive as you can and keep looking because, by george, opportunity isn't going to come and tap you on the shoulder unless you give it the chance to do so!
At work, we've been trying to get our new SA hired. I worked hard to get this person we were going to bring on - working as a temp to help me out and more importantly, our customers. Then I found Friday that after going through all of the processes for the final chapters to get her on full-time, she can't work for us because of something in her background check. I'm so bummed out I can't believe it. I've also come to be a little mad as well. Knowing that she was going to go through this background check, why in the world did she not mention something to my boss? Armed with a little bit of information in the beginning, he could have warded off questions and still gotten her hired - but guess she didn't think that whatever it was would come back to haunt her. Now we are back to square one, scrambling to find out how we are going to make this work. DAMN IT!
Yesterday, I went to this cheerleading event called "JamFest" to show support for my ex-roommates daughter, Alexa. She is on a squad for special needs kids - boy, did that group of girls have a HUGE cheering section! There were 2 teams of this type at the session I was at - the girls did well, and the kids that help them are just awesome. It takes a lot of patience to work with down syndrome kids, as well as any other type of physical/mental disability - I really applaud these teens for being so giving of themselves and their time to make those girls feel like being a part of such an activity.
School is going well so far - I'm getting a straight-up perfect score on all of my assignments. My weightlifting class is going well, too - hoping to start really seeing some results happen within the next couple of weeks (at least before I go to Las Vegas). If I can get A's in those classes, I'll be doing pretty well. Took on a 4 week accelerated class as well, that month should be pretty uneventful so I can concentrate on that classwork. After school is out (around May 5th), think that will be when I take my trip to Washington DC. Reminder to self: contact my cousin Kevin to start those plans. . .
At work, we've been trying to get our new SA hired. I worked hard to get this person we were going to bring on - working as a temp to help me out and more importantly, our customers. Then I found Friday that after going through all of the processes for the final chapters to get her on full-time, she can't work for us because of something in her background check. I'm so bummed out I can't believe it. I've also come to be a little mad as well. Knowing that she was going to go through this background check, why in the world did she not mention something to my boss? Armed with a little bit of information in the beginning, he could have warded off questions and still gotten her hired - but guess she didn't think that whatever it was would come back to haunt her. Now we are back to square one, scrambling to find out how we are going to make this work. DAMN IT!
Yesterday, I went to this cheerleading event called "JamFest" to show support for my ex-roommates daughter, Alexa. She is on a squad for special needs kids - boy, did that group of girls have a HUGE cheering section! There were 2 teams of this type at the session I was at - the girls did well, and the kids that help them are just awesome. It takes a lot of patience to work with down syndrome kids, as well as any other type of physical/mental disability - I really applaud these teens for being so giving of themselves and their time to make those girls feel like being a part of such an activity.
School is going well so far - I'm getting a straight-up perfect score on all of my assignments. My weightlifting class is going well, too - hoping to start really seeing some results happen within the next couple of weeks (at least before I go to Las Vegas). If I can get A's in those classes, I'll be doing pretty well. Took on a 4 week accelerated class as well, that month should be pretty uneventful so I can concentrate on that classwork. After school is out (around May 5th), think that will be when I take my trip to Washington DC. Reminder to self: contact my cousin Kevin to start those plans. . .
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
New Boss
Back in early December, the same day as our District Meeting at work and the "in-house" Christmas Party we had, my boss, Skip, announced he was moving into another position within our area (the "area" in Lennox for us consists of 3 districts - Salt Lake, Phoenix and Denver). Skip had been working in our Denver District for 14 years out of his 33 year career at Lennox - pretty unheard of. He was going to become our Area Business Development Manager. I think he recognized that he needed a change and that we needed some new leadership.
Anyway, Skip made the announcement while I was out of the office picking up food for our Christmas Party - the meeting was nearly out when I got back. He pulled me into his office and told me he waited as long as he could before I got back, but had to finally just say it. All of us were in shock at first, guess we thought Skip would stay until he retired in a couple more years. I became a little emotional - I've worked with him for nearly 4 years, we've had a good working relationship. Always honest with each other, we worked well together.
The following Tuesday, our new District Manager would be coming in. Skip couldn't tell us who it would be, but we would find out soon. There was little speculation, as we had a good idea as to who be filling the job. Todd, a guy who was hired by Lennox in March of last year as a Regional Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Manager walked through the door that day with our Area Manager Brent - very excited and a little nervous, I am quite sure. Skip met them both for lunch before they came to the office, but he didn't come back the rest of the day. Todd met with myself, our FTC, Ops Manager and the sales people that day, talking about his experience and goals for us. It's almost like he was just made for the job. Although Todd's "official" first day wasn't to be until January 1st, he was in our office nearly everyday the rest of the year learning from Skip, talking with everyone about what we'd like to see improve and what our goals are. When January 2nd rolled around, the office was his.
Being the helpful and efficient assistantI am, when Todd and the TMs went to their annual sales meeting the middle of January, I purchased a computer desk, some closet storage and a nice chair and went to work on setting his office up. The computer desk before consisted of 2 - two drawer file cabinets and a piece of cabinet sitting on top of them. I just don't understand how Skip worked like that all those years. He was (and still is) so frugal, that he used one of the cheap Sam's club rolling chairs - from the training room - as his office chair. They are just the most uncomfortable things. When Todd got back, he had an organized closet (had to organize his Lennox SWAG and such), a new chair and an actual computer desk. Oh, and 3 new plants and a bookcase from another small office. Finally, he has a work space he can use for awhile - until we get approval to start purchasing new office furniture - woohoo!
It's been almost 2 months that we've had Todd here now, and he's already making an impact. The attitude in our office is much less tense and there is a sense that positive changes will be made that will help us accomplish our district's goals. He has no tolerance for meanness, and where he is able, he'll help "push" along changes in our office. Don't know if we will be able to get rid of the other 2 cancers in the warehouse, but hopefully something will come about in the not too distant future.
All in all, I really like my new boss. He's even going to buy my compound bow and accessories that have been stored away for 10 years (hardly used, still in like-new condition). Wow - I'll make some money on this guy!!
Anyway, Skip made the announcement while I was out of the office picking up food for our Christmas Party - the meeting was nearly out when I got back. He pulled me into his office and told me he waited as long as he could before I got back, but had to finally just say it. All of us were in shock at first, guess we thought Skip would stay until he retired in a couple more years. I became a little emotional - I've worked with him for nearly 4 years, we've had a good working relationship. Always honest with each other, we worked well together.
The following Tuesday, our new District Manager would be coming in. Skip couldn't tell us who it would be, but we would find out soon. There was little speculation, as we had a good idea as to who be filling the job. Todd, a guy who was hired by Lennox in March of last year as a Regional Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Manager walked through the door that day with our Area Manager Brent - very excited and a little nervous, I am quite sure. Skip met them both for lunch before they came to the office, but he didn't come back the rest of the day. Todd met with myself, our FTC, Ops Manager and the sales people that day, talking about his experience and goals for us. It's almost like he was just made for the job. Although Todd's "official" first day wasn't to be until January 1st, he was in our office nearly everyday the rest of the year learning from Skip, talking with everyone about what we'd like to see improve and what our goals are. When January 2nd rolled around, the office was his.
Being the helpful and efficient assistantI am, when Todd and the TMs went to their annual sales meeting the middle of January, I purchased a computer desk, some closet storage and a nice chair and went to work on setting his office up. The computer desk before consisted of 2 - two drawer file cabinets and a piece of cabinet sitting on top of them. I just don't understand how Skip worked like that all those years. He was (and still is) so frugal, that he used one of the cheap Sam's club rolling chairs - from the training room - as his office chair. They are just the most uncomfortable things. When Todd got back, he had an organized closet (had to organize his Lennox SWAG and such), a new chair and an actual computer desk. Oh, and 3 new plants and a bookcase from another small office. Finally, he has a work space he can use for awhile - until we get approval to start purchasing new office furniture - woohoo!
It's been almost 2 months that we've had Todd here now, and he's already making an impact. The attitude in our office is much less tense and there is a sense that positive changes will be made that will help us accomplish our district's goals. He has no tolerance for meanness, and where he is able, he'll help "push" along changes in our office. Don't know if we will be able to get rid of the other 2 cancers in the warehouse, but hopefully something will come about in the not too distant future.
All in all, I really like my new boss. He's even going to buy my compound bow and accessories that have been stored away for 10 years (hardly used, still in like-new condition). Wow - I'll make some money on this guy!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Failure
As I get older, I find that failure is less of an option. Taking so long to figure out what I want to do with my life, I'm old enough that I just can't fathom the thought of not doing well in whatever I choose to do. It is with that philosophy that I find myself dropping my English Comp I class already. Although I thought I had gotten all of the information I could from my online class links and such, I still didn't find what I needed and will not be able to get my first assignments done. Since I don't want to fail this class right out of the gate, I decided to just drop it for now - I'll probably re-start it again in the fall. I'm looking to take a lot of accelerated classes, so pending schedules, if I plan everything right, I could take 3 of those a semester and still only have to concentrate on one class at a time. Changing my direction. Instead of just getting an AA at ACC for a particular area, I'm going to work on the general studies with business emphasis to get me through the AA degree, where all of the credits are transferrable to a 4-yr college. Then I can get most of my general studies out of the way and accomplish a little bigger goal. Just wish it wouldn't have taken me this long to figure out!
Stay tuned - I still have time to drop/add another class!
Stay tuned - I still have time to drop/add another class!
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