i'm lacking
I’m severely lacking time, motivation, and content for this blog. Not that I will stop doing this altogether; I just feel the need to explain for the lack of updates. The “365″ project/experiment is on hold until I take more pics (they all seem to be of Salem lately). Occasionally, if I can give good answers, I’ll throw out a meme here and there. I’m not finding any good Digg news or links to post either. So bear with me as I deal with climbing Everest again at work (the ever-changing LOT) for the next 2 weeks. Come Memorial Day weekend, I’ll be on vacation with my family, my sister and her family, and my folks in Orlando, so I’ll be sure to post updates and pics of what we’re doing.
If you really care about what I’m doing daily, check out my Twitter posts in the sidebar.
a lot of L.O.T.
I’m on day 3 of my biweekly 4 day weekend. However, I went to the office for several hours today to get caught up on some lab order table (L.O.T.) coding. I could easily go to work on Monday and work 8-hour days this week instead of my typical 10-hour shift. But it has been very difficult to focus on tasks with all the distractions that come with a Monday. I recognize Sunday as a day of rest, but I actually got more done in 3 hours today than I would on a Monday. I already know this week will be my busiest ever due to the extensive coding that awaits me in the LOT. Super-user training begins the following week, and I’d like to have the bulk of the job done by then. But I also know that I need the time off. I cherish my days off; it’s perfect for me to relax, unwind, and “recharge my batteries”. I believe returning to work on Monday and working a full 5-day week would make me feel more stress than I’d really want these days.
back in black
Well, it’s taken a week for me to transfer my domain and my files to GoDaddy. I pray I don’t have to do this again anytime soon, because it’s not an easy process. I nearly forgot to back up my database; I seriously believed I lost all my original posts and thought I would be starting all over. Then I played the waiting game before my previous registrar would approve my transfer request to GoDaddy. Then I had some issues with installing WordPress; I hadn’t done it since I first established this blog 2 years ago, and I don’t recall it being difficult the first time around. (more…)
12/365
Working hard …
… or hardly working?
5/365
Probably the brightest part of my day at work is the miniature rubber ducky sitting on my desk. I have a lot to do the next 2 days, so I pray the issues, disruptions, and emergencies are at a minimum.
where have I been
Mondays usually suck. Today was a very busy day, but surprisingly, it wasn’t that bad. I didn’t have any training (Hallelujah!), so I was able to focus on open tickets. Did I close any? No, but I made some great progress on several tough ones. I also was able to tend to my departments that haven’t gotten much of my attention since, 90% of the time, I’m dealing with the lab.
Up until today, I’ve hardly been at my desk. I don’t have to tell the office assistant where I’m going ’cause she knows (the lab). I don’t carry a pager (thank goodness) ’cause everyone knows where I’m at (the lab). And my fellow coworkers tease me, saying “who are you?”, “you don’t have access here”, “can I see your ID?”
Of course, the day almost ended on a sour note with connectivity issues in, you guessed it, the lab. Thankfully, the problem was easily solved (although not as quickly as one would hope). Tomorrow, I will participate in yet another 3-day training session in, where else, the lab.
training day
This day went on too long. This week is database training for the new lab system. Sometimes I wonder if I really need to be in training; I don’t really do anything. But I think the lab managers feel comfortable that a member from IT is present during these sessions. We worked on setting up their cumulative reports this morning. However, the topic ran well into the afternoon; we were fortunate to squeeze in lunch after 5 hours. The instructor’s schedule was knocked completely off axis today with all the questions and issues brought up in class. We went off on too many tangents, and each one exploded into another until it snowballed to the point where there was no return. We finally hit our 2nd topic of the day at 3:30 (and that went on for 2 more hours). I don’t want to have to do this for another 3 days this week (sigh).
my everest
I went to work today dreading the monstrous task that awaited me at my desk. Coding the LOT (Lab Order Table) is not an easy thing to do. I certainly understand it better than I did 3 months ago. But the LOT is so fickle; all it takes is one small detail to send the whole thing into a tailspin. Today was certainly no different. (more…)
work sucks right now
What a crappy day. This whole week has been crap. I’m responsible for a major update to the lab system, and my testing has continued to fail each day. The update was to take place tomorrow, but due to the problems I’ve encountered, it’s been pushed back a week. And I’ve got to get it done so we can move forward with implementing the new system. It sucks – once I fix the problem, a new one arises; it’s like I keep breaking something else. And what really hurts is that I can’t test until the next day after I make any changes (that’s really out of my control). My manager understands the situation; she’s been kind enough to take on some things since my plate’s full. And everyone has been patient with me. But I hate having that black cloud hang over me, making me feel like I’m the one holding up everything. Thank God I’ve got a long weekend coming to me.
back to work
I gotta tell ya – I love my 4-day weekends. Got my car in for an oil-change, did a little shopping, got to walk the dog twice, watched a movie marathon, took in the Oscars, and (reluctantly) gave Salem a much-needed bath.
However, first day back-to-work always sucks. I’ve spent most of my morning dealing with e-mail. Going through it, reading it, deleting it, writing it, responding to it. I’ve never gotten this much e-mail before, and I miss not getting them. It is a great form of communication, but I sometimes think people tend to rely on it too much. So needless to say I’ve spent most of my day recapping conversations that took place while I was gone.
My coworker just said the word “buttock”. Now there’s a stress-breaker for ya.
long time no blog
And it will be a little while longer til I start posting better entries. I’m lacking motivation right now. Just to give a quick update – I’m stuck in all-day training the next 2 weeks (meaning I won’t get much work done). It was 10 years ago today when I first met CL in person. D has been the typical teenager, prompting his mother and I to be a little more disciplinary to get our point across. Lent is approaching, and I’m still unsure of what I will sacrifice.
Oh, and we got maybe 4 inches of snow. Seems miniscule compared to this. CL wouldn’t mind if they gave us a foot.
pain revisited
This certainly isn’t how I wanted to start off the new year.
My headaches returned with a vengeance last week. Thursday and Friday were my most challenging days to date in IT (with Friday being worse). I went out with my buddy for some beer and pizza (CL joined us later). That’s right, I drank beer (it was ok, but I still prefer an ice-cold Coke). It was a good bitch session as we let everything out of our systems. Mentally, I felt better. Physically, I felt like crap. I haven’t slept well the last week due to the pain in my head. It still resides in the upper left half of my brain, and I still feel pressure in my left ear. But what’s worse is the pain has spread to my jaw and teeth.
(more…)
holiday update
I love the holidays. It’s a special time of year; I cherish the time spent with family and friends. I love the music, the lights, and the atmosphere. What I don’t like is how busy it gets. (more…)
A, B, and C
I work for Company A. CL works for Company B and has been for 16 years (the first 6 years was actually with Company A). For the last 9 years, CL has worked at one of Company B’s outside branches. (more…)
most wonderful time of the year?
Thanksgiving’s over. There’s 4 weeks until Christmas. Roughly 28 shopping days. Only 2 (gasp!) paydays.
Work is great. Can you believe I said that? It’s true. With the new helpdesk guys getting more comfortable each day, I’m able to focus on doing what I was hired to do back in September. I’m learning a bit more each day. Troubleshooting as an analyst is a little more challenging than it was at the helpdesk. But I like what I’m doing.
The holiday weekend was a busy one. CL and I enjoyed Thanksgiving at Ameristar Casino in St Charles. The buffet was very busy, but the food was very good. We also tried out some slots (came out ahead). CL worked Friday; I was off, so I spent it mulching leaves in the front yard. Saturday – we put up the Christmas tree and some decorations. Sunday – housecleaning (with some football in between breaks).
Monday night, CL’s employer is making a major announcement at a mandatory meeting for their employees. This announcement has unofficially made the rounds in the past week. Worst case scenario? She could be out of a job. Talk about bad timing with the holidays just around the corner. More to come after CL’s meeting.
ten hours a day
I’ve completed my first week working a 10-hr shift. Surprisingly, the day moves along pretty fast. I’ve got a lot on my plate, so staying busy makes the day move quickly. However, my time takes a big hit at the end of the day. A year at the helpdesk spoiled me; clocking out at 2:30 PM allowed nearly 3 hours of “me” time before dinner. Now I get home at dinnertime. I eat, shower, and unwind in front of the TV (a bad habit I’ve acquired thanks to my buddy Scott). In bed by 9 since I need to be up at 5 AM.
Of course, working this shift means a day off each week. So I took Friday off. Christine happened to have the day off as well, so we capitalized on it by doing some Christmas shopping. We got a handful of presents, so it was a day well spent. I’d hate to be out shopping on weekends, so having these days off during the week will be a wonderful plus.
And, yes, I’m back on tenyjr.com. It’s paid for, so I should use it. I’ll continue to post on both teny jr dot com as well as on tenyjr.wordpress.com (since I’ve pointed everyone here). In the spring, I will go with a different host (especially after the Vizaweb debacle). I’m thinking of using a new domain name. “Teny Jr” is known only amongst family, and it doesn’t make sense unless you know its history. So I’ll need a new domain name: “neil.com”, “tenyearsgone.com”, “whatdoiputhere.com”. I need ideas, so if you can come up with something catchy, simple, and it has to do with ME, then by all means, shoot them my way!
week in review
Another busy week ends …
- I learned quite a bit with coding and report writing during my training, but it never really sunk in until this week. It’s a good thing my predecessor is available as a resource whenever I run into a jam, and my counterpart is very willing to help anytime I need it.
- The helpdesk chains that bind me may break in time for Thanksgiving, and for that I am grateful. One half started Tuesday, and he’s gotten to be comfortable fairly quickly. He still has a bit to learn, but it’s very early in the game. His other half starts this week, and I will be assisting with training since he will be my replacement.
- I start my normal schedule Monday, working 10-hour days. That may seem long, but it’s necessary to get the job done. I am currently trying to accomplish a 10-hour day in 5 hours, and it’s not easy. The payoff of the new schedule will be the day off each week. The next 3 weekends will be nice (3 days, 4 days, 4 days). Can’t beat that!
- My headaches returned with a vengeance on Thursday. I’d like to attribute it to stress, but I’m not so sure. Thursday was a busy day, and I felt pressured to get things done. But the stress was not as bad as when my headaches initially started in late September. I’m sure stress doesn’t help, but I’m not so sure it’s the cause. The headache is accompanied by pain in my left ear, and something new: an occasional shooting pain down the left side of my upper back. I didn’t sleep well Thurs and Fri night due to the pain (I slept better last night because I lacked sleep). I plan to see the doctor this week because this is getting out of hand; I finished a bottle of ibuprofen all on my own in 5 weeks.
- I’m still not sure what to do with tenyjr.com.
- I changed my theme since D took mine.
- Rams lose another close one to Seattle. We need to work on 2 things: penalties and time management.
- When We Were Kings – **** – a fine film that transcends boxing. Ali proves to the world why he is the “Greatest” (and not just in the ring).
- X-Men – **** – Jackman steals the show as Wolverine, although I think the hair-do isn’t necessary to make the part work. Enjoyed this more the 2nd go-round (in preparation for “X3: The Last Stand”).
And another one begins.
“fried” day
TGIF. I’m beat, and my brain is fried. My work week is getting to be as unpredictable as the weather here in the Midwest.
rambling
So much is happening these days, I don’t even know where to begin.
My headaches come and go. Work is not as stressful as I try to continue to separate both jobs. I was assured that my replacement will be starting in a few weeks. With the remodel finished, IT is somewhat back to normal.
remodel
The past week at work has been interesting. The remodel is nearly complete; I went ahead and moved into my new desk today. It’s certainly a departure from the hand-me-down desks IT is used to having at our organization.
ups and downs
I was productive; then again, I was not. I had a headache that would come and go. The last week has been like a rollercoaster for me.
i feel fine
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It occurred to me that my posts the past 2 weeks might be depressing to some. In reality, all is well. Yes, work sucks, but it’s a part of life that I’m dealing with. Blogging allows me to let off some steam and vent in ways that I normally can’t do in the workplace. That was the whole point of me starting a blog in the first place a year and a half ago.
back into hell
This morning, I took in a potential prospect for the helpdesk and started training. Instead, I scared him away. So there went my chance for freedom from the helpdesk.
Damnit.
The guy is experienced with computers and would probably make a great tech. But he was hesitant to answer phone calls and said he didn’t want to be a “clerk” tied to a desk. I don’t blame him; that’s how I’ve felt for the past year.
My frustrations continue to mount each day. My helpdesk partner is back, but somehow, I can’t seem to shake the dark cloud hovering over me. My analyst work is piling up (with problems I don’t know how to solve yet), and when I focus on my new job, my old one comes back to haunt me. When I have to cover the helpdesk, the new job rears its ugly head. Murphy’s frickin’ Law; I hate it.
My gameplan tomorrow is to work in the other office when I’m not helpdesk. It’s the only way I can get work done, if any. Something’s gotta give.
I’m stressed. I’m exhausted. I have a headache that won’t go away, and my left ear hurts like hell (freakin’ allergies).
