It's time

Time for what? Time for a post, I just got done reading an entry on my son's blog riwineguy, I find his posts very entertaining and I also left him a comment that may get some rebuttal, something like "well at least I post dad where are yours lately?" so I figure why not jot a few things down, plus I know my daughter keeps checking to see if there happens to be an update.
I did delete some posts that pertained to a few job interviews and the results of not getting the positions, as I looked back it was something I really didn't want to dwell on and it was like a lost summer. So where am I now? I took a position in our utility dept as a maintenance technician trainee starting in early January, part of my training is to train as an operator for 6 months and become qualified as a 3rd class operator so for 6 months I am working shifts, 12 hr shifts, 4:30 am to 4:30 pm and then the night shift 4:30 pm to 4:30 am. One of the benefits is that there is a stretch of 7 days off, I haven't gotten to that stretch yet but it's coming fast and I'm looking forward to it, what it boils down to is working 14 days a month, two weekends off and no lines at the stores during the week.
The training is going well and while I didn't get a warm reception when I first arrived (because the people I work with felt someone else should have gotten the job) they are warming up to me, I think partly because of my wiliness to learn and the fact that I'm keeping busy on completing my requirements and not just going along for the ride.
I still am in the running for the planner scheduler position in lab services and the posting finally came down, I think they are just waiting for the new CEO's re-structuring announcement on Jan 22nd, which could bring another round of cutbacks and layoffs, it certainly isn't the same company that I signed on with 26 years ago, but then again there aren't many companies that have stayed the same.
So, what happens if I am offered the position in research? It will be another decision that will have to weighed, I really kind of like what I'm doing now and learning all aspects of the operations of the powerhouse, the problem is I don't know how what the future is for the dept and what the companies vision for the dept is.
It has been quite an adjustment for the family and their support is very much appreciated, I didn't know a dog (taffy) could sleep so much, she sleeps with Deb all night and then sleeps with me when I get home from nights...Truly a dogs life is not so bad.

I look forward to 2007, watching both my children follow their dreams, I now see them going on their own vacations and making adult decisions, it makes me proud to see their accomplishments and know that they are having a positive effect on the future tomorrows children. (for those who don't know Diane and Jack are both elementary school teachers)

And I also have a wonderful wife, words cannot express how lucky I am.