Entry for May 30, 2010

Let's not talk about work. I'm sure your job is something you want to leave at the office. I'll do the same. Work is work. I'm off right now so it is not a subject to be discussed. Did I say too much?

Tomorrow is Memorial Day and I am thankful for all who have served in the military to defend our freedom. I grew up in a military town. I spent 12 years in the Navy Yard as a civil service worker. My father, two of my brothers, a sister-in-law, a cousin and a nephew served in the armed forces. I hope I didn't miss anyone. I have met Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War and Iraq War. Every person I have ever met, who served in our armed forces, never once asked for sympathy or recognition for their efforts. I am sure deep down in their hearts they are proud of what they did and would do it again. THANK YOU!!!

Blogging weekly and posting on Facebook has changed for me. I feel apprehension in my wanting to express my opinions and current thoughts. I know recently it is because I am concerned about who might be reading and what they might think. There have been times in the past where I've written or posted my thoughts and expressed my true feelings. This suppressed feeling I'm currently having has been affecting my desire to write...anything. Most of you who have followed my Blog or social network posts have probably noticed a lull in my deep thoughts. I could name so many reasons why, but I feel I need to work through this and find a way to get over my cautious actions. 

Most of those I have connected with on Facebook have opened my eyes to the diversity and differences every person possesses. It is interesting to read some of the things that make people tick. The things they enjoy, hate, love, want, need, believe, disbelieve, have...well you get the picture. I'm sure there are people within and outside the social network scene that think its all crazy and useless. I believe it helps me understand where I am and how my life is fine just the way it is. I also have things I enjoy, hate, love, want, need, believe, disbelieve, have...which makes me just as unique. Life is a funny thing and it always keeps me wanting the next minute, day and year. I do want to know what is next and how it came to pass. Life is exciting in the unpredictable nature of events. I wouldn't want it any other way.

P@

Entry for May 23, 2010

I kept to myself last week on Facebook. Maybe my perspective has changed a bit. Maybe I was too wrapped up in other events and happenings. Whatever the ultimate reason is really doesn't matter. I just felt it was time to step back a bit. I did post comments on some friends' posts. Facebook is still an experiment to me. I've found many friends that I haven't seen since high school. I've made new friends (electronically) through associations with March of Dimes, other friends or simple introductions through my high school reunion project last year. During most my recent unemployment stint, I was pretty outgoing and open about my thoughts. Things change, people change. Some for the better. Some for reasons only God may know. I've changed a bit since working again. I still have questions about my career and the direction I am currently taking. None of my questions are bad, nor are they good. My questions just keep me on the defensive frame of mind. They keep my eyes and ears tuned to subtle hints of better things.

Tuesday and Wednesday I traveled with my Manager to Chattanooga and the Volkswagen manufacturing plant. Quick trips like this don't provide a lot of insight about a town or a job site. I met some local people who will help with certain parts of our project. I also met a man who plays disc golf and belongs to a club that has designed and built several local courses. Thursday was a day of catching up on missed emails and researching alternative bid ideas for a small project. Friday we were in an OSHA training class all day.

Saturday was filled with recreation and family get together. I played a round of disc golf at my home course, Va-Du-Mar Park in Boiling Springs. I had an excellent morning round of 63 despite two Mulligans. Nothing went in the creek or retention pond. After completing the course, I was home and cleaned up for lunch with Gin, Caris and Thomas. After-which the ladies took off for the "Sprinkle" at Debbie's house for Baby Dean. Patrick showed up here shortly after Gin and Caris left. We let Nolan play a little while, then packed up and dropped in on the Wofford Terrier's baseball game with Appalachian State. The game ended up being a blowout for App. St. It didn't deter us from running around the grassy area with Nolan. Later on we all met for dinner at House of Pizza. All being Debbie, Jessica+Dean, Patrick, Nolan, Caris, Thomas (Tommy according to Nolan), Gin and yours truly.

Today was Veterinary day for Fluffy Nutter (not pictured). She was scheduled for her teeth to be cleaned. Fluff gave us the slip a few times when trying to get her into the cat carrier. In the end, she lost, and traveled with a light meow all the way to the vet. The picture is Mac, formerly known as P.C. Mac used to be inside until he was evicted after he was caught peeing on the front of the fridge (it was closed) right in front of me. We had other places where "A Cat" was peeing, but never knew which one was doing it. Then mister big balls pees right in front of me while Hoagie was nearby. I use the term big balls figuratively and not literally. He's been clipped. Mac apparently enjoys being outside more than inside. Probably because he doesn't have Hoagie beating him up all the time.

I would like to start a deep subject, but I'm just too frustrated and tired to continue writing tonight. There are a lot of subjects I've touched on in previous blog posts and Facebook posts as well. I have a plan to expand on several points of discussion and to compile a full series of my thoughts, ideas and opinions. If for nothing else, to help me free myself of my mental burdens.

Thanks for reading and commenting. If you read this through Facebook, you can find my entire Blogger page at this link:  http://pathairston.blogspot.com/

P@

I have officially been employed for four weeks now. It seems like only yesterday I was placing resumes on every online job board I could find. It all worked out through my professional network. It is how I have found most of my jobs. The only full time I job I found on my own was the one that delivered us to South Carolina. Even though I did not know a single person from that company, I made a connection with the hiring manager through his former home three blocks from where we lived in Ocean View (Norfolk).

I'll be traveling to Chattanooga this week for job site orientation. I look forward to getting this project underway and really getting into the swing of work. for the last two weeks I have been contacting several of my network friends in the search for more projects my new company can pursue. This is new territory for me. I am used to having the jobs assigned to me by others who have depended on the marketing department. Now I am part of the marketing department and I can better understand the importance of the job. The bottom line is, if I want to avoid the unemployment line again within the next six months, I have to help find more projects (contracts).

Enough about work, lets talk about entertainment and recreation. Thursday I happened to check my email in the morning and read a message from Jonathan Byrd's http://www.jonathanbyrd.com/ newsletter. He was to playing the Purple Onion that night and I let it slip my mind. The Purple Onion is a little gourmet restaurant in Saluda, NC. It is twenty minutes from our house. I called for reservations and we booked a table for dinner and the show. Thursday night chows are free which works good for us. We enjoyed personal pizzas, some crab and cheese spread and a table guest. Jonathan joined us for dinner and we enjoyed catching up with our friend. The show was excellent as always. We picked up his latest CD and had him sign it.

Saturday morning I was up early, as always, and loaded up the trash for a dump run. Gin was heading to Simpsonville for a health fair as a representative for March of Dimes. I packed my disc golf bag and headed for Greer after the dump run. I arrived at Century Park around 7: 30 and was greeted by the only occupants on the grounds, the squirrels. It was several months since the last time I played this course and wasn't sure how I would do. My game was solid for the first time through the entire round. I threw a 55 on this par 60 course. Many baskets that had given me troubles before, all of sudden didn't appear so difficult. I had zero bogies, five birdies and no lost discs.

After disc golf I dropped off a check at the bank and picked up some pizzas (frozen) for dinner. Finally back at home I grabbed the gas can for the weed eater and filled it up at the corner store. I had the lawn cut and weeded by 1:00 and was cleaned up and ready for Nolan and Gin to arrive a little after 2:00. I picked up a Bowen Burger from Ragan's corner store and was impressed enough to put it on my list of places to get a good cheep meal.

Gin and Nolan were home around 2:30 and we enjoyed the afternoon playing with cars, puzzles, books and whatever else kept his attention. Patrick and Jessica picked him up around 8:00. We visited for a little while, until Nolan was jabbering unrecognizable words (he was exhausted).

There are a lot of underlying events in our lives that many people never know. Many people close to us see the mask we wear and have no idea what is really happening. Most of the time we do these things to keep them from worrying. Those closest to us know things aren't right just by our actions, reactions and other behaviors. Being in control of the events in our lives is ultimately our responsibility. We want things to appear to be normal and we never want to burden anyone with our problems. It is only human nature to keep part of our lives to ourselves. Dignity and pride are things that are truly ours to protect.

When we see people we love or total strangers, we never know how difficult their lives are. We never know hard is to be who they are. I have many shortcomings and at times a lack of respect for others. This lack of respect is unintentional (most times) and stems from dwelling on my own situations. I do try to remember that every person is doing the best they can at whatever it is they are trying to do. They may appear to be acting irrationally, but they might think the same about us.

I am thankful that everyone does not think and act the way I do. That every person is unique in their own way. This is what makes our world so interesting, lively and colorful. Hating a person or group of people because they do not see things the way we do is not going to solve anything. I am trying understand my prejudices and premonitions so that I may better accept people for who they are and not what they believe, how they look or what they do.

P@

Entry for May 9, 2010

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Over the last week in our families there have been four wedding anniversaries and one birthday. Add in Mother's Day, Nolan's birthday this Tuesday and Adrienne's birthday on May 1st and you I start to understand how the greeting card industry can rake it in. Greeting cards were popping up like fresh flowers. The sad part is picking the right ones to say the right things. You can't just get any card for anybody. You want each card to speak for you to the recipient. You want them to feel connected to you within the object of the poems, quotes or quips. Sometimes the funny ones are just what is needed, but I like the cards that magically say just the right words without being full of...you know what!

I'm officially three weeks into my new job and becoming more and more accustomed to my roll as a Project Manager. There are still many things to understand as far as company missions are concerned. I am a fast learner and have a good sense for what is expected from my position. The great thing about many of the jobs I have held in my life has been the pleasure in witnessing cutting edge manufacturing technology being implemented. The kind of stuff you may see on Discovery Channel, I get to see long before TV cameras ever focus on the process and technology. I know my Granddaddy Mike and Gin's Father, Morris, would have loved to see the factories and machinery I have seen. I think my Grandfather would have enjoyed the computer aided drafting technology and the level of detail a drawing can reveal to engineers.

I received my first paycheck this weekend via direct deposit. Finally after 8 months of not seeing a payday, I have actually earned a wage again. As much as people complain about their jobs or having to work, work is the one thing in our lives that probably keeps us sane. I know my mind needs the stimulation. I enjoy having a company that needs my services and respects my opinions, ideas and decisions.

Last week my sleep was erratic and restless. Many weeks are like that, but last week was different for many reasons. I usually fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow, or soon thereafter. This week was no different as far as that goes. My problem is waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to clear all the thoughts from my mind. I was also going through the mild stomach virus that Gin had the week before. Each time I woke up in the middle of the night, I moved to the couch. Two of the mornings I just laid there wide awake. Trying to clear my mind was futile and exhausting. I would then sit at the computer, check email or play a game. Then came the decision to lay back down for thirty minutes to an hour or just staying up and head to work tired. Both times I set my cell phone alarm to 30 minuted before time to leave for work. One of those mornings I had one of my weird dreams.

It was so real (my dream). I was laying on the couch in my dream as in real time. Gin was awake and moving around the house as she does in the morning. She then asked if I was going to work. It was a little after seven, which is the time I have to BE at work. I was mad at her for letting sleep past the time I needed to be at work. I got off the couch and walked to the kitchen window. Looking outside I saw a giant raccoon and some smaller raccoons, a possum and some coyotes. I tried to yell at the coyotes but all that came out of my mouth was moans as if my voice was lost. Then I woke up from the dream by Gin asking if I was going to work. It was 5:50 am. I was only on the couch for 20 minutes and it seamed like it was two hours or more.

Saturday after Mass, Patrick, Jessica and Nolan dropped by for a taco dinner. I was the featured chef of the evening. Gin and Jessica prepared the fresh strawberries for desert. After dinner we adjourned to the front porch as Patrick presented Gin with some new flowers for her porch flower pots. As they discussed plants and flowers, Nolan and I slipped away to the school (across the street). We played on slides, swings and see-saws. Since I have been working, I haven'y had much time with Nolan, so I felt like we both needed to reconnect. When we returned to the house, Gin prepared strawberries and cream with angel food cake. Then Nolan and I went out back and chased the bunnies from into the woods.

Today was slow and quiet as it is with an empty nest. Caris and Patrick have their own families to be with, which makes days like today just like any other day. I helped with the laundry and washed the dishes. I still need to sweep the floors which I'll get right on as soon as you finish reading this blog entry.

Have a great week and leave me a note sometime. I like to know what you are thinking or what you think of the things I've written. Thank you for reading my nonsense. It is good therapy for my mind to write this blog.

P@

My first W2 job was with Zero's Mr. Submarine at their Birchwood Mall store in Virginia Beach. I worked part of my Jr. and Sr. high school years making sandwiches for the masses. We had a lot of fun and didn't learn much. Probably the best times I had ever had earning a paycheck. From there I evolved into many life forms that paved a trail of diversity like non other. Auto mechanic, shipyard worker, construction worker, machinery installer, estimator, buyer, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Zero's was the only job where the product I made was edible.

I've been on my new job as a Project Manager for two weeks now. I'm still becoming acquainted with my position and responsibilities. I did manage to get my new employer's foot in the door of the local Caterpillar Engine plant. We submitted a 6 figure bid for a project that may have been sole source contracted to the original supplier, who happens to be a former employer of mine. Caterpillar contacted me as a private consultant and it turned into an opportunity for my company.

The days pass by much faster now. I'll have to travel for a lot of the work or at least for this project. I have to wait and see what transpires after this first job is complete. Part of my responsibility is to develop new work. The Caterpillar work will be over the summer and run along part of the time frame as the VW project in Chattanooga. In other words, it doesn't buy me extra time beyond this fall when the VW project is complete.

We celebrated Nolan's Birthday Saturday with our families. Patrick and Jessica reserved the picnic shelter at their church. Nolan had a blast with all four of his grandparents, aunts, uncles and parents. We enjoyed his energy, laughter and mayhem. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful and loving Grandson.

Sunday afternoon, Gin and I met Lisa Green at the Eastside Highschool Student Council review committee meeting for Spirit Week 2010. Spirit Week is a friendly competition between rival high schools. Each school selects a charity from a list of applicants. The schools set a date during football season and challenge each other to raise the most money for their selected charity. Eastside raised over $215,000 in 2008. Understand this completely, these students raised this money in 1 week. ONE WEEK!!!

Lisa asked me to share our story with the Eastside students on behalf of the March of Dimes NICU Support Program and the Bereavement Support program. These programs are not funded by March for Babies, but are a necessary part of the programs parents need when they are overwhelmed with the heartaches and fear prematurity brings to them. We will know later this week if March of Dimes was selected by Eastside. I hope I helped them gain this sponsorship.

P@