No news is...shitty blogging! I have no excuses for being such a crappy reporter except to say that I'm a crappy reporter. Many apologies for not communicating more often but the good news is that here I am again! It has been a busy summer so let's get to it, shall we?
No news is...bad news. At the end of June, pretty much right after I returned home from visiting Virginia and watching my niece graduate high school, I got in a tussle with the HR department over a policy change going into effect at the gated community I work at. Without getting into specifics, I voiced my negative opinions at the way the change was being implemented and the way it treated the employees who had the most years with the company. The HR department didn't appreciate my opinions and I admit that I let anger get the best of me. I admit that I handled the situation poorly, but as all of you know, I WILL tell you what is on my mind...(whether you want to hear it or not!) Push came to shove and they pushed me out the door. I lost my job! Quite a shock at first, but after several days of introspection...(when I finally calmed down), I realized that it was probably a good thing. I really was unhappy...(not with the work, but the people involved). There were so many problems there, but I guess removing the most vocal (that was me!) was the choice they felt would "fix" the problems. I wish them luck...
No news is...good news. After tidying up the resume, I went about the task of finding my next work adventure. I wanted to stay in the security business...(I was good at it) so I applied for something I hadn't tried before...hospitality security...(hotels). I applied to the Arizona Biltmore and the Hyatt in Scottsdale called the Andaz. The Hyatt responded first and when I visited for an interview I was impressed. It's not like any hotel I have ever been to. It covers 23 acres and consists of four room bungalows separate from each other all over the property. There is a very relaxed atmosphere specializing in privacy and immersed in local culture...(I sound like an ad!). I killed the interview and was offered the job which I accepted. Good news...as a Hyatt employee I will eventually (probation period and first year) be getting great rates for rooms all over the world. The benefit package is awesome. Bad news... I am back on the overnight shift...(return of the vampire). It will however, free me up to work a few gigs downtown if I choose to do so...(I still have a job at the Convention Center).
No news is...bad news. Because of the new job I will not be eligible for vacation (paid) until a year worked, so I am sorry to say that my planned trip to Aruba in December needs to be cancelled.
Many apologies to Bob and Toni Ann...(I really wanted to return this year). I will not give up though.
It just means a postponement until next year. I will have vacation time starting next August, and Aruba will be number one on the list...(God willing). And, hopefully Bob and Toni Ann will be okay with the postponement. Maybe the Daddy's can make a guest appearance?
No news is...good news. On a personal note...I am healthy (pretty much for a 59 year old man) with the usual aches and pains, but nothing serious. My golf game is phenomenal...August 21 (eclipse day) I shot a four under par 68 at the Raven Golf Course. It is the first time I have ever shot below 70 and it was just what I needed. After almost 50 years of playing this wonderful game, a bucket list item has been checked off...(hopefully it is the first of many). Sheba the cat is alive and well and a constant source of entertainment. My Jeep is still on the road and still chugging along. And the best news of all...I'M GETTING MARRIED! (Just kidding...wanted to make sure you were paying attention and reading to the end! HAHA!). The real best news is that I can still type and will attempt to blog on a more regular basis. Hope this finds my readers...(hope you're still out there?) well and in the mood for more ramblings from the Great Southwest. Oh yeah, it's still blazing hot here and will continue to be for another month or so. God I love it here!
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Hello from the other side...
Hello from the other side...not THAT other side. The other side of the country. Sorry, Adele, but that line conjures up the creep factor a bit...But HELLO! none the less...it has been way too long since I communicated via the written word and today seemed to be a good day to jump back on the horse (keyboard) and ride (type) and give some updates in the adventures of Arizona Jim...
As I wrote in my last blog back in February (Jesus, Jim, could you keep in touch a little more?) I am now the supervisor of the evening shift at the golf course community and have the pleasure of working with 3 new people because the last veteran on the shift has moved on to another job. I call our crew "Jim and FNG's" (great band name but effective crew? Not so much). It's not as bad as it sounds though and as I learn on the job, so do they. The rise in temperature and the thaw of the rest of the country have most of the members leaving for the summer and activities slow down for the most part. It's a good time to train the new folks so that they are prepared for the fall (October) when the new "season" begins. Plenty of snakes to wrangle, alarm calls to answer, and still enough members to keep us on our toes during the hot summer months. Plus, it's renovation time and "gut and remodel" time for the members who are gone for summer so there will be tons of vendors in and out of the community.
The girls are coming! The girls are coming! My niece Veronica and my adopted niece Casey are returning for Phoenix Comicon at the end of May...it is being held Memorial Day weekend this year so they can enjoy all four days of madness and still return home to finish senior year of high school...So proud of these young women who are graduating in June (yes, I will be there) and moving on to college in the fall. My other niece (and Goddaughter) Natalie is an excellent artist and auditioned and got in a visual arts program at the same high school Veronica attended. Way to go, Natalie! Could not be happier for her and can't wait to see her in June... It will be a great two month stretch for me with the girls here for Memorial Day weekend and then I travel to Virginia in June for graduation...Thanks to sister Sheryl for arranging the girls' flights to Phoenix and back. The full event passes are bought! I am on vacation for the duration of their stay. My flights are booked to Virginia in June and my vacation has been approved...Let's have some fun!
Things with me are pretty much the same...Work a lot...golf a lot...read a lot...still single a lot...I have a few other projects in the works but too early to give progress reports. I am becoming quite the cook...(when you live alone it's a skill that needs to be honed). Nothing new on the romantic front...All doors are closed (and locked!) for the time being. I celebrated 22 years clean and sober in April...(God is truly amazing and I am very blessed). Still driving the '96 Jeep (she has 266,000 miles and counting) and she passed emissions for another two years (Woo Hoo!). Still live in Tempe at the same apartment complex (love this place). Still have Sheba the cat...she will be 6 years old and has graciously allowed me to live with her these past years. She is a constant source of entertainment and the best bug hunter ever!
I would be remiss if I didn't take time to wish all the Moms a very Happy Mother's Day, especially sister Sheryl. I hope each and every one of you has a great day filled with joy (and presents!). Can't wait to see her and her family in June. I hope this finds the rest of you (hope you still read these) well and have a great day!
As I wrote in my last blog back in February (Jesus, Jim, could you keep in touch a little more?) I am now the supervisor of the evening shift at the golf course community and have the pleasure of working with 3 new people because the last veteran on the shift has moved on to another job. I call our crew "Jim and FNG's" (great band name but effective crew? Not so much). It's not as bad as it sounds though and as I learn on the job, so do they. The rise in temperature and the thaw of the rest of the country have most of the members leaving for the summer and activities slow down for the most part. It's a good time to train the new folks so that they are prepared for the fall (October) when the new "season" begins. Plenty of snakes to wrangle, alarm calls to answer, and still enough members to keep us on our toes during the hot summer months. Plus, it's renovation time and "gut and remodel" time for the members who are gone for summer so there will be tons of vendors in and out of the community.
The girls are coming! The girls are coming! My niece Veronica and my adopted niece Casey are returning for Phoenix Comicon at the end of May...it is being held Memorial Day weekend this year so they can enjoy all four days of madness and still return home to finish senior year of high school...So proud of these young women who are graduating in June (yes, I will be there) and moving on to college in the fall. My other niece (and Goddaughter) Natalie is an excellent artist and auditioned and got in a visual arts program at the same high school Veronica attended. Way to go, Natalie! Could not be happier for her and can't wait to see her in June... It will be a great two month stretch for me with the girls here for Memorial Day weekend and then I travel to Virginia in June for graduation...Thanks to sister Sheryl for arranging the girls' flights to Phoenix and back. The full event passes are bought! I am on vacation for the duration of their stay. My flights are booked to Virginia in June and my vacation has been approved...Let's have some fun!
Things with me are pretty much the same...Work a lot...golf a lot...read a lot...still single a lot...I have a few other projects in the works but too early to give progress reports. I am becoming quite the cook...(when you live alone it's a skill that needs to be honed). Nothing new on the romantic front...All doors are closed (and locked!) for the time being. I celebrated 22 years clean and sober in April...(God is truly amazing and I am very blessed). Still driving the '96 Jeep (she has 266,000 miles and counting) and she passed emissions for another two years (Woo Hoo!). Still live in Tempe at the same apartment complex (love this place). Still have Sheba the cat...she will be 6 years old and has graciously allowed me to live with her these past years. She is a constant source of entertainment and the best bug hunter ever!
I would be remiss if I didn't take time to wish all the Moms a very Happy Mother's Day, especially sister Sheryl. I hope each and every one of you has a great day filled with joy (and presents!). Can't wait to see her and her family in June. I hope this finds the rest of you (hope you still read these) well and have a great day!
Friday, February 17, 2017
Time is on your side...
What a crock of "bleep" that statement is...(no offense to the Rolling Stones), but time flies and the year 2017 is almost two months old already and this is only the second blog of the New Year! Needless to say...(is there a more redundant expression than this?) If it is needless to say, then why preface it by saying so? Why not just be quiet because whatever you are going to say is "needless to say"? And don't get me started about the expression "at the end of the day"! At the end of the day...it's dark! And a new day will begin...and you go to sleep. At the end of the day, I go to work...Why is it that "when all is said and done", people are still talking and doing things? These are the things I think about...(you have a lot of time to think when you work the graveyard shift).
Good news! My colleague at work made it through surgery and is rehabbing now...He is scheduled to return on March 14 and take my spot on the graveyard shift, effectively moving me back to the evening shift...(2pm to 10pm). More news...(will have to see how good or bad it will be). Two of our officers have put in their 2 weeks notice and will be leaving the evening shift by the end of February... My boss has offered me the supervisor position on that shift and I have accepted...(which means training new people and possibly more overtime. Also, did he offer it to me on merit or because I'm the only one left on that shift?). But it is a promotion and pay hike, so that can't be all bad...we are in negotiation for what days I will have off...(I want the weekends but will take whatever they need me to...I am such a team player. Days off during the week seem to work better for me anyway. Here comes some more useless expressions. "It is what is"...(what else could it be? Seriously, people!) and "we'll see what we shall see"...(unless you're Superman, that's pretty much it!) Here are some useful expressions that I am making part of my everyday life...
One day at a time--I have been using this for over 21 years in my continuing life of sobriety and it can apply to all situations in life, big or small.
Let go, Let God--Another expression from the program. Dwelling on issues only gives them power over you. Give your problems to God and He will allow you to move on when you're ready.
Cooler heads prevail--Don't make important decisions in the heat of the moment. Take time to reflect and weigh the options and make an informed choice. With that in mind I proceed below...
Other news that may or may not interest you...(either way I'm putting it in here). I have decided to no longer work three jobs. My position at Desert Highlands is now the only job I have. I have resigned from the Convention Center and will no longer be working the Phoenix Open...(I didn't work it this year and really didn't miss it all that much). While I will miss some of the events at the Convention Center, I will not miss the long hours on my feet and the sleep deprivation. I will now make more at the golf course community than I made at the Convention Center and my hours will be more regular. I am now in the process of dealing with another addiction...My name is Jim, and I'm a workaholic. I find with each passing day that I enjoy having days off (who is this?). I am planning to use my vacation days for... GASP! ... vacation! I used to take vacation to work other jobs and now I won;t be doing that. Talk about a lifestyle change! Who knows where this could lead? A relationship? Marriage? HELL NO! (just seeing if you were paying attention). With television a thing of the past in my house...(no cable since August of 2015), the options are endless. I will be in the market for new hobbies to keep me busy. I will keep you posted. I hope this missive finds all of you healthy and happy in your pursuit of the "dream". I'm living it...One Day at a Time...
Good news! My colleague at work made it through surgery and is rehabbing now...He is scheduled to return on March 14 and take my spot on the graveyard shift, effectively moving me back to the evening shift...(2pm to 10pm). More news...(will have to see how good or bad it will be). Two of our officers have put in their 2 weeks notice and will be leaving the evening shift by the end of February... My boss has offered me the supervisor position on that shift and I have accepted...(which means training new people and possibly more overtime. Also, did he offer it to me on merit or because I'm the only one left on that shift?). But it is a promotion and pay hike, so that can't be all bad...we are in negotiation for what days I will have off...(I want the weekends but will take whatever they need me to...I am such a team player. Days off during the week seem to work better for me anyway. Here comes some more useless expressions. "It is what is"...(what else could it be? Seriously, people!) and "we'll see what we shall see"...(unless you're Superman, that's pretty much it!) Here are some useful expressions that I am making part of my everyday life...
One day at a time--I have been using this for over 21 years in my continuing life of sobriety and it can apply to all situations in life, big or small.
Let go, Let God--Another expression from the program. Dwelling on issues only gives them power over you. Give your problems to God and He will allow you to move on when you're ready.
Cooler heads prevail--Don't make important decisions in the heat of the moment. Take time to reflect and weigh the options and make an informed choice. With that in mind I proceed below...
Other news that may or may not interest you...(either way I'm putting it in here). I have decided to no longer work three jobs. My position at Desert Highlands is now the only job I have. I have resigned from the Convention Center and will no longer be working the Phoenix Open...(I didn't work it this year and really didn't miss it all that much). While I will miss some of the events at the Convention Center, I will not miss the long hours on my feet and the sleep deprivation. I will now make more at the golf course community than I made at the Convention Center and my hours will be more regular. I am now in the process of dealing with another addiction...My name is Jim, and I'm a workaholic. I find with each passing day that I enjoy having days off (who is this?). I am planning to use my vacation days for... GASP! ... vacation! I used to take vacation to work other jobs and now I won;t be doing that. Talk about a lifestyle change! Who knows where this could lead? A relationship? Marriage? HELL NO! (just seeing if you were paying attention). With television a thing of the past in my house...(no cable since August of 2015), the options are endless. I will be in the market for new hobbies to keep me busy. I will keep you posted. I hope this missive finds all of you healthy and happy in your pursuit of the "dream". I'm living it...One Day at a Time...
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
New Year...Same me...
Happy New Year to one and all! I wish you health, success in your endeavors, and your continued interest in reading the ramblings of the mad blogger from the deserts of Arizona...Christmas has come and gone and with it goes all the good cheer and smiling and goodwill toward men. The a-holes are back driving like maniacs and people are rude and the gyms are jammed...(for about a month), but the good new is that I am alive and well and trying my best to keep my attitude positive and a smile on my face. Christmas time was very busy for me, work-wise, filling in for vacations and switching back to the graveyard shift. My work colleague goes in the hospital on Tuesday...(for heart bypass surgery) and if all goes well, he will be back sometime in March. Then, sometime in April, I will undergo surgery for an umbilical hernia that is long overdo. It isn't bothering me but I need to have it done and of course I want to get it out of the way before summertime when golf prices come down and I can play at my course for free. I also want to be available for Phoenix Comicon and a planned trip to Virginia to see my eldest niece graduate from high school!
Veronica is graduating from high school! I am so proud of the young woman she has become and will continue to become as she prepares for the next step in her journey... College! She was accepted to all her choices and now must narrow the field and audition for a chance to get into the program she wants to study. I'm not giving out any more info than that because I don't want to jinx her chances. As you know, she has a standing invitation to come to Phoenix Comicon every year and I hope that she can make it out here again, but I understand it may be a little crazy at the end of May in school with final exams and graduation plans. Either way, I plan to be in Virginia in June for her graduation ceremony. Good luck, Vee!
Natalie (my goddaughter) is also moving along on her journey. She is graduating from Middle School and applying to high school. She is applying to the same school that her sister attended but is going to study in a different field. I wish her the best of luck and look forward to seeing her out here in Phoenix in a few years...she has the same same standing invitation that her sister has to visit anytime (when its ok with Mom and Dad...I'm not stupid man!) and I already have a few adventures planned that I will not divulge at this time. I can't be more proud of my beautiful nieces
and I love them both! You rock, ladies!
There is also a tentative plan...(and the more I think about it the more I want it to happen) to travel back to Aruba in early December to visit the paradise I had the pleasure of visiting for 8 years when I owned a time share there. My friends from New York will be there and I miss my "Happy Island" and Bob and Toni Ann. I have been working my butt off for the last few years and the light at the end of the tunnel (bankruptcy repayments) is beginning to get closer and I have begun saving a little each paycheck to make this trip happen. The time share is gone but there are plenty of places to stay... It's hard to believe I want to be somewhere else when I live in paradise already, but there is nothing like the white sand beaches and gentle waves of Aruba. The food and the relaxed atmosphere and spending time with my good friends is an opportunity I don't want to miss...(sounds like I made up my mind already, Hmmm?) Ok, Bob and Toni Ann. Let's get the Daddys and JK and Denise (if they can) on board and let's have a reunion tour in Aruba! I can't wait to hear my first "Bon Bini" from the airport staff at Queen Beatrix Airport in Oranjestaad...
Along with these plans are the usual...Eat healthy, work out more, blah, blah, blah! Ha Ha! I just want to enjoy each and every day God is blessing me with. I took a few days off this weekend as a friend is visiting for a golf marathon weekend. Mike and I used to work together back in Jersey and it will be good to see him and kick his ass in golf! Take time to reflect at the amazing gifts this life has to offer. Find time to unwind and just relax. Schedule more time for yourself and stop thinking you have to do everything yourself (unless you're single... Get off your ass because you do have to do everything!). Enjoy 2017. It's going to be a great year! God Bless!
Veronica is graduating from high school! I am so proud of the young woman she has become and will continue to become as she prepares for the next step in her journey... College! She was accepted to all her choices and now must narrow the field and audition for a chance to get into the program she wants to study. I'm not giving out any more info than that because I don't want to jinx her chances. As you know, she has a standing invitation to come to Phoenix Comicon every year and I hope that she can make it out here again, but I understand it may be a little crazy at the end of May in school with final exams and graduation plans. Either way, I plan to be in Virginia in June for her graduation ceremony. Good luck, Vee!
Natalie (my goddaughter) is also moving along on her journey. She is graduating from Middle School and applying to high school. She is applying to the same school that her sister attended but is going to study in a different field. I wish her the best of luck and look forward to seeing her out here in Phoenix in a few years...she has the same same standing invitation that her sister has to visit anytime (when its ok with Mom and Dad...I'm not stupid man!) and I already have a few adventures planned that I will not divulge at this time. I can't be more proud of my beautiful nieces
and I love them both! You rock, ladies!
There is also a tentative plan...(and the more I think about it the more I want it to happen) to travel back to Aruba in early December to visit the paradise I had the pleasure of visiting for 8 years when I owned a time share there. My friends from New York will be there and I miss my "Happy Island" and Bob and Toni Ann. I have been working my butt off for the last few years and the light at the end of the tunnel (bankruptcy repayments) is beginning to get closer and I have begun saving a little each paycheck to make this trip happen. The time share is gone but there are plenty of places to stay... It's hard to believe I want to be somewhere else when I live in paradise already, but there is nothing like the white sand beaches and gentle waves of Aruba. The food and the relaxed atmosphere and spending time with my good friends is an opportunity I don't want to miss...(sounds like I made up my mind already, Hmmm?) Ok, Bob and Toni Ann. Let's get the Daddys and JK and Denise (if they can) on board and let's have a reunion tour in Aruba! I can't wait to hear my first "Bon Bini" from the airport staff at Queen Beatrix Airport in Oranjestaad...
Along with these plans are the usual...Eat healthy, work out more, blah, blah, blah! Ha Ha! I just want to enjoy each and every day God is blessing me with. I took a few days off this weekend as a friend is visiting for a golf marathon weekend. Mike and I used to work together back in Jersey and it will be good to see him and kick his ass in golf! Take time to reflect at the amazing gifts this life has to offer. Find time to unwind and just relax. Schedule more time for yourself and stop thinking you have to do everything yourself (unless you're single... Get off your ass because you do have to do everything!). Enjoy 2017. It's going to be a great year! God Bless!
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