I Found Myself In Thought

I finally got around to making it comfortable to work outside. The shade and the breeze are soothing. TheWife was off Wednesday and 'reminded me' that it would be a good idea to put the umbrella up. We have a dining room table that's been around since we've been married....well after we got our first apartment.....anyway, I digress ; the only thing I had to do was to drill the hole and set the umbrella. We had chairs but the table is the only thing that  survived, but these will do for now. 


Now I'm outside and I realized my thoughts spanned several years of my life. A couple of days ago I was thinking of "the thought that kept driving me to do better than where I am" at any given moment in my life, that is what I want to do. Strive to do better, even when others see it as just someone else with a dream. The driving force in this particular thought stems from my tenure as an Autoglass Technician. When I first got into installing, it was a new adventure...learning, hands on, making decisions, getting things done under, at times almost impossible circumstances. Sure there were lots of times when a call was necessary but for the most part it was if I was my own company.


So over the years I made manager and this was a whole new ballgame. I felt as if I was fed to the wolves. I was a 'working manager' and many aspects of the job were never taught...yeah you know, on the managing end. Of course I was to 'pick up on this part' in between installs. It was almost a torturous number of years. So when that didn't work, I was offered a tech job....that's pretty much what they all do when you don't work out as a manager....unless you really screwed up bad. 


Besides my drive to want a better life for myself and my family, I scoped the ranks of the technician pool and I didn't want to be one of those who has toiled and labored for years on end and then retire as a tech. I saw the battered bodies and frustrated minds....but I kept listening to the promise of opportunity...even with another company....and there too, the years of labor taking its toll on the seniors of the tech pool....realizing, if I stayed the course, I would be one of them. 


I'm no better than any of them, but I finally chose to pull myself away from that table, and let the plate fall to its breaking....while I still have the drive and desire to fulfill accomplishments. 


Now I turn my attention to other tables to see what feasts or spoils await.     
    

Again?...Now Really

If you read my post not long ago about the two nails I had in my tires, my daughter was here a few days after that and they had a slow leak in their left front tire. I took a look see and lo and behold...

So I go to work. 

OK....

so now we fast forward to today....

I got this after I picked TheWife up from work

Like threading a needle

Add the glue

And voila! 

Here's the little booger

I must say that I am so happy that I got this kit from WalMart. The name of this brand is Slime....sure came in handy.

No I'm not getting anything for mentioning this product....just self satisfaction.

Hmmm....now how much money have I saved?....

This Was My Today

Today is not as busy as it was yesterday. I was able to get some things done online that I had on the table. I have been in my 'design studio' making some changes. I think I'm going to make a broad change on some designs and take some off the board altogether....although TheQuesMark will still remain the focal point.

I'm #workinon something that may be of interest to some. 

June is my date to bring everything into the public eye. I hope to have some fun with the 'thing' of interest. Getting to where I know I need to be on June 1st will take a lot of work.

  

It was really wet here today.

So what is now done on the van, is good it was done yesterday.

 Reg brought half of a chicken home from work today at The Cheesecake Factory. The Rice a Roni was already here so I was in the kitchen about to get dinner on the table.

About a half an hour or so and we were eating....no veggies....bummer.

I think I may stay up late tonight and get into my 'design studio'. I'm feelin' it tonight.

Reggie

Organizing

This is just the tip of the iceburg.

I Needed Wheels

To continue from my previous post, there is one thing that I do miss about my job and that is I didn't have to worry about transportation. We were allowed to drive the vans home after we were finished for the day; that was a big savings in fuel costs, maintenance costs and insurance costs I didn't have to worry about.


So now I was in need of some wheels. My first thought was what I would be doing and what type of vehicle would best suit the purpose. I already knew what I wanted and needed but I had to go through the routine because it wasn't just about me and what I needed it for. Price of course comes into play because the funds are very limited so I had to stay within that certain range. Something that would get decent gas mileage which would have to be a car, but would be too small in the long run. I started looking at mini vans and suvs while still looking at cars. As it turned out, the prices for cars were about the same or higher than the vans, so that's where I turned all of my focus although I did test drive a mini van or two. 


I've always liked older cars, not sure why. Maybe it's because I can work on some of the problems that may arise on my own. 


What I really wanted was an older Chevy van. Back in the early ninety's I had a 1977 Chevy van. We loved that van; it had four captains chairs and an area in the back with a table that transformed into a bed if you would. The seating area around the table was in a U shape and lifting the table top off of its post and laying it into the U opening would give you a bed. 


I like vans because they are versatile such as bad weather when you need to haul something. So I come across an ad for a 93 Chevy van, must see the add said. I pass it up. I was about $500.00 more than what I wanted to spend. I continue shopping and begin to get more and more frustrated. Days turn into a week and then more. The van is still on the market with a price drop....hmmmm. This looks promising. I decided to rent a car for two days because it's crunch time and my timeline is slowly dissipating; the longer I have the money, the more chances it will also shrink. 


I drive onto the lot looking for the van as I pull in, I spot it. After parking I get out and walk straight to it. It's clean and no dents, but it's a window van....ugh! I like vans but window vans are not on my list of favorites. I ask for the key and it fires right up. There is nothing inside but two front seats. It has air, I check it and it's cold....looking better....I look it over inside and spotless is how to describe it. For a van this old I was expecting some damages, but nothing major that I could see. 


Now it's time to negotiate. I knew coming in I was $200.00 short of the new price but I go for it. He said he would have to make a phone call and...bingo! I get it for $600.00 less than the original advertised price!

I know you're thinking I now have an extra $600.00 to work with....not so....remember when I said that I came with a couple hundred less than what they wanted for the van?....yes, the funds had already began to shrink due to odds and ends popping up. 

But I have my van!

It's About Time

I think it's about time to let you in on what has been going on in my life these past few months. It took a lot of prayer and searching within to make the major decision that took place in January. I talked to TheWife and Reg and we all agreed that it could be done. 


So in January I gave my two weeks notice with a company I had been with for 5 1/2 years, but an occupation I have been doing for the past 35 years. I believe I had mentioned in a previous post or two how over the years my income was depreciating. Like many big businesses, it was becoming customary that employees get paid by production. It's not like I remember back in the day when raises were awarded yearly. I do understand that times change and companies have to restructure in order to stay afloat, but it was becoming more difficult for me to adhere to the fact I had to work harder and harder as I grew older and the wear and tear began to take its toll on my body. Sure I could have stuck it out for many more years, but my speed was becoming an issue which played a part in my income. 


If you're not aware of the work I am talking about....it's auto glass replacement. I remember when I first got into this type of work. I was originally a warehouse driver for a auto glass distributor.....that was in 1977. At the location where I was employed, they also had a retail shop for installations. Customers would bring there cars in to have broken windshields, door glasses and back glasses replaced. On a daily basis I walked past these cars and the guys working on them. I was fascinated at how complicated it looked but also amazed at how they got it done. They would prod me often about getting into that line of work but I would always refuse.


I was in my early twenties at the time and started thinking about the future and what I would do to support the family TheWife and I talked about. I began to see how becoming an installer (what we were called back then) would be beneficial to me and my future. 


A guy by the name of Tom K. trained me. He was a top notch installer and everybody had a lot of respect for him and his quality of work. That rubbed off on me big time. I was gradually becoming a mirrored imaged in the quality of training given to me by Tom. Speed wasn't important to me but quickly became a factor in the changing times. So I stepped it up quite a bit and the years of that and the decrease in pay was too much for me to deal with anymore.


I have to admit this wasn't the only driving force to have a part in my decision to quit, but it was major.


So what's in store for the future?.....stay tuned.....

I Have Been Dog Tired

For the past three days after dinner, I have found myself zonked out cold for hours and waking up in time to go to bed. I don't know what has caused this activity to continue on a daily basis but I do hope that it finds an end....like....now.


Well for one thing, I'm not getting anything done....zip...nada....nothing...zilch.


Maybe I should work myself into a frenzy....naaaa....that would just make me even more tired and I probably would sleep until the next morning. 


It has been a couple of weeks at least since I've popped out a new design of any kind....not counting a button I did for MahoganyMama. 


You would think that after sleeping for hours I would be awake enough to get something done but that hasn't been the case until tonight...uh....this morning. But I don't plan to stay up much longer cuz I have to work tomorrow...uh...today, and if I stay up much longer I'm afraid I will continue this vicious cycle.

Copyright WhatrUWorkinOn.com
2010-2012

I'll give you one guess what I'm wishing for.

So I bid you farewell in hopes to regain some kind of normal daily after work procedures...love y'all and thanks again for stopping by....I wouldn't be doing this without you.

WhatrUWorkinOn-Friday Set 5

Welcome back! This is 1 of 2 designs for the meme with more to come.

Well, let's get right to it....

Me

Investing can be tricky business...even if you are simply investing in yourself. Whether it involves money or time. It can also be very rewarding. With all I have been going through lately, deciding to put time and money into me is something I feel good about and find it necessary. 

Working for someone else is done by millions everyday. The companies that employ us expect something in return for their "investment"....as well they should....but, they don't own us. 

Nowadays, many companies , with the economy in turmoil use scare tactics to get employees to "shape up". In some cases it works and in others, some don't fall for it. Bottom line is it can be stressful to say the least.

So I have decided to invest in myself and throw in a few scare tactics of my own. I keep telling myself that my current situation will be the status quo if I choose to do nothing but what I have done for a very long time. I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to and a lot to work for. Don't get me wrong....I have been investing in me for some time...like my whole life, but the sense of urgency has kicked in. 

I have never really been satisfied with "the way things are". I believe I have always striven to be better than what I am but not sure if I have invested in myself the way I see it today. Ever since my brother passed away, I have been searching deep within and see the need to be more than what I am. Even if I am not successful in my endeavors, I would have to say that my investment was well spent and time used wisely. 

I believe in me and in what I can do. I believe that my efforts pay off in some form, shape and fashion. 

So as I have said before, I am designing and hope that my products will be pleasing to many. I know it won't be easy and I know that failure is an option (although I hate to say it) but I'm not afraid to try. 

It won't be long before I have a few items ready but I'm still trying to get some of my previous stuff off of my defunct hard drive...but in the mean time, new stuff is rolling off the presses.

That's it for now...

#whatruworkinon 

More Good News

Many of you know that TheWife and I had been separated for three years...now back together. She and my son Reg, have been looking for work. Well, TheWife has found success and is now employed. 


She had an interview two weeks ago, went in for a pee test and background check the next day, then waited. I actually had that on my mind yesterday and wondered when she might get a call. TheWife did mention that she was told they would be hiring during the month of April. To our surprise and thankfulness, she got the call Thursday. 


Today is her first day. I asked her how she felt last night and I think she's mixed, but understandably so. She's in a different line of work she was accustomed to for the past five years..give or take. Different state and city to boot. She's been out of work for three months...you how that can become comfortable for some. But I believe once she gets this day done, it'll be old hat.


I'm sure she'll come home with lots to say. Shouldn't be long now...in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy more of my time off and also make an attempt to get other things done.   

My Life Has Meaning

I gripe and complain, moan and groan

But I continue to move forward

Because my life has meaning

I am not as young

But I hold my own

But I moan and I groan

That seems to be my cry

These days when I am not as young

But I still continue on

Because my life has meaning

That is why as my body aches

My hands need to keep moving

So they too will be there at the ready

Because I'm not as young as I used to be

But continue on I will

Because my life has meaning

I look into their eyes

They sparkle like stars

I hear their giggles and laughs

I hear the conversations

I see and feel the unity

We are a family PeePaw MaMaw Reg

 Charles n Darcel along with the 3

Kiah Ava and Samuel

So as I moan groan work through body aches

My mind is filled with pictures of love

Because my life has meaning

Yes my body aches

And continue on I will

I will strive to move forward

Because I'm tired of being tired

I will strive to move forward

To lay a foundation

Because my life has meaning

I do it for love I do it for love

Though I am not as young

I will strive to move forward

I will make achievements 

I will reach goals

As long as I'm here

I will move forward

For I have many reasons

Not to think of the aches

But to think of the love

Because my life has meaning 

Anything Is Possible

Who hasn't heard about the Ted Williams story. He used to work in radio years ago but fell on hard times. I saw the story first when I pulled up Yahoo when I got home from work. I clicked on the link and was blown away by what I was hearing.

His voice is amazing.

Not long after that he is in the news and after that, the news magazine shows, Inside Edition, Extra and any other shows I wasn't watching.

His life changed in 24 hours

Ever since I can remember, I have always thought that anything is possible. I envision and I dream of the improbable but I believe that they are possible.

Is it wrong to set your sights too high? I mean, that's a perfect situation for a let down...a spiral into the sea of despair. But if one doesn't reach for the stars, how will one know what they are capable of?

The stars are as far away as we wish them to be, or close enough to touch.

Strive for the unreachable, find out what can be achieved, let's be the person we never thought we could be and surprise someone...ourselves.

Life Is

Life is full of this and full of that

 We all know that's old hat

We laugh we cry we fuss we fight

In the end we do what is right

Another day has dawned upon us

Some are waking and starting to cuss

Some will work and some will play

This will happen throughout the day

Enjoy it all and have much fun

At the end of the day it will all be done

it has me too

Courtesy of Photobucket

if i wander too far

will i find my way back?

what awaits around  the bend

will i be afraid to venture?

or excited to see

the obstructions that tend to slow me down

how will i find the proper way to handle

will it come easy

or do i search endlessly

the rules of the game are

there are no rules

doesn't seem fair

life has the advantage

that means i have to work harder

work through the obstructions

it's ok to be afraid

just make sure i move forward

i will search and i will find 

life has the advantage 

and it has me too

Oops

My alarm goes off at 5:30 this morning. 

I snooze for 15 minutes.

I get up, go get my coffee, come back to my room and check mail, watch the news and a voice inside my head is telling me to check the schedule.

It's my day off.

Oops

Football and No Work

OK...it's Thursday night. First game of the 2010 Football season. The Saints lead the Vikings 7 - 3. No, I'm not going to give a play by play or keep you updated on the score. Anyway, by the time most of you read this, you will already know the outcome of the game.


My thing is this. Why am I feeling guilty? When I got home from work yesterday, I didn't do anything. Today, the same. Deep down I feel I should be doing something. At the same time I feel as if I deserve a rest....everyone does right?


I have deadlines to meet and I know if I keep this up, I will fall further behind. I do realize the stress is building and I must stay focused. I also realize that I am human and if I push too hard, that could make things worse. Is there a happy medium? 


Of course there is. One thing I need to do is to step back and look at the big picture, and in this picture I see a lot of red because the red is in my eyes. I did work late today and was really tired when I got home. What do I do? Stay the course. Tonight, I rest again and remove the guilt. I know I will get back to where I need to be and to focus on what is at hand. If I had sat myself down to work on my designs, I wouldn't have accomplished much because my mind is tired....I know this. 


I almost sound as if I'm having a self pity party. Not so. I have a job that is stressful, demanding, and tiring (is that a word?). It really does take a lot out of me at times....it's real...I can't get away from it...not yet.


Pity?...no. Whine?...maybe. Whatever it is, there ya have it. 


Tomorrow, it's back to business. Right now?...Saints lead the Vikings, 14 - 9. The Vikings missed the extra point.

Good and Bad....but no Ugly

I really had no intention on waiting this long before my next post.  I'm trying to get caught up on the designs I lost during my PC crashes. I'm doing well in that area except I keep straying because I see more ideas to mess around with. 


I think I might have to delay the opening of my website. I see I'm not going to be ready. Working a full time job takes a lot out of the day, and when I get home, I'm mentally strained as well as physically. So I have to unwind and get "work" out of the way so I can get down to business. I also ordered a latest version of the PrintMaster software. It is Broderbund's PrintMaster 2011 and I should have it soon. It's more compatible with Windows 7. I've had this version (PrintMaster Gold 11)  for a number of years and although happy with it, ready for the upgrade.


I was toying with The Heart and wondered if I could do something I had been thinking about. This is the result I came up with last night. I have yet to print a copy, and I am currently in the process of taking care of that. 

When I get the printed results, I will share them with you.

New ideas keep popping into my head, but now I need to focus on the matter at hand. I can always come back to this end of it at anytime.....that is when I'm not "working".  


The Good is that I'm still getting things caught up albeit slower than expected. The Bad...delay in website opening. Ugly? There's nothing Ugly about these pictures. 

Up and Running

Finally got the pc back up and running smooth. I had a couple of system files on two other hard drives. The 300G went south for good. I realized if I didn't do something to fix this, I would be having trouble again. Before, I was just doing a format of the hard drives. I decided to delete the partitions on drives that had systems files; that way I would start clean. I did that and now I'm installing software and getting things back in order. 


I do have copies of my designs, but I can't use them for print. They will be my templates for getting caught up.


I did a post on my daughter's blog, Guest Post Friday . I was hoping to come home from work to see how it went but it turns out I had to fix a few things. I got that done and now I'm getting ready to bury myself into some music and the pc.... a lot of work to do. 


One thing I do like about this past bad experience?.....I didn't let it get to me. I didn't have to spend any extra money or lose any sleep; I lost files, but I have copies, I lost a lot of time from designing--working and working on the pc--, but knowing what needs to be done and having something to work from, makes that task enjoyable. 


This was the debut of The Bottomless Heart....yes, catch the link above. I hadn't planned on bringing it out this soon, but after a short time thinking, felt it was the perfect time. 


More pictures will be added to my website http://whatruworkinon.com 
Feel free to browse until it's running full speed.