This afternoon at work the Access and Delivery department at the library had a farewell gathering for a coworker and myself. There was a cake with both our names on it and ice cream.
I was not expecting it at all. I say, not bad for only being there one month, eh?
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
02 May 2008
22 April 2008
Decision Made
I have decided to take the position at East Carolina University. It truly is a no brainer when you consider what I am spending a month in fuel just to get to work. I will have less wear on my car and my nerves and more money in the bank.
The music library at ECU is small so I won’t be constantly bombarded with unimaginable personalities on a massive scale. I found myself very drained at the end of my day having to deal with the shear numbers at NCSU.
Also I noticed the ECU music library has more streamline procedures, which will make for smoother operations. As well there are only five of us working in the library and the work-study. As it stands here at NCSU there is something like 200! So I gave my two week notice today. My last day is the 3 May.
Funny thing is my supervisor also handed his resignation at the same time because he can’t bear to be without me. Ha! Actually he got a great internship at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. He is about finished with his Masters. … My turn next!
The music library at ECU is small so I won’t be constantly bombarded with unimaginable personalities on a massive scale. I found myself very drained at the end of my day having to deal with the shear numbers at NCSU.
Also I noticed the ECU music library has more streamline procedures, which will make for smoother operations. As well there are only five of us working in the library and the work-study. As it stands here at NCSU there is something like 200! So I gave my two week notice today. My last day is the 3 May.
Funny thing is my supervisor also handed his resignation at the same time because he can’t bear to be without me. Ha! Actually he got a great internship at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. He is about finished with his Masters. … My turn next!
17 April 2008
Work and a Decision
This is my second week at the new job. So far so good. There is quite a bit to learn and it does keep me very busy. I like the people I work with and the environment is nice too.
However, there is a nagging issue… and that is my drive to work. I have an hour and ten minute drive to Raleigh. This translates to 75.6 miles, one-way or 151.2 miles a day. Let us take this a few steps further. That is to say, I drive 756 miles a week and 3,024 miles a month or 36,288 miles a year.
So far, I need to fill up the tank every two days. Currently in this region, gas is $3.40. I have a 16.9-gallon tank. This translates to $57.46. Therefore, I spend $172.38 a week on fuel for getting to work. This does not include any other type of driving. The yearly fuel cost for just getting to work is, at the current gas price, $8,274.24.
You know, I think I am spending well over 12 hours a week in commuting hours. Before my moving to North Carolina my carbon imprint was very little. Now, it is the complete opposite!
When I was job searching I had interviewed for a position at East Carolina University after I interviewed for the current position at North Carolina State University. Well, ECU called me today and offered me a position. It figures I would get this offer after I start at NCSU and already been through orientation, been issued keys and am in heavy training!
I know one might think why not move to Raleigh. The answer is I really cannot afford to at this time. I probably could later, but I come to realise I have an awesome living situation here in Tarboro, which could help me pay down my debt. If I stay here, I am certain I will be debt free within two years, maybe less. Now that is brilliant.
Anyhow, here is the situation. ECU is located in Greenville. It is a 29.1-mile drive from Tarboro. Therefore, it would take me something like 40 minutes to get to work. It is quite a bit less driving a year (13,968). I am certain I would not have to fill the tank up as much either.
However, the position pays $300 less then my current position. I pay more for gas a month driving to Raleigh. There is also a part of me that feels a little guilty for leaving a job that I only started a week ago. So … what do you think? What would you do?
However, there is a nagging issue… and that is my drive to work. I have an hour and ten minute drive to Raleigh. This translates to 75.6 miles, one-way or 151.2 miles a day. Let us take this a few steps further. That is to say, I drive 756 miles a week and 3,024 miles a month or 36,288 miles a year.
So far, I need to fill up the tank every two days. Currently in this region, gas is $3.40. I have a 16.9-gallon tank. This translates to $57.46. Therefore, I spend $172.38 a week on fuel for getting to work. This does not include any other type of driving. The yearly fuel cost for just getting to work is, at the current gas price, $8,274.24.
You know, I think I am spending well over 12 hours a week in commuting hours. Before my moving to North Carolina my carbon imprint was very little. Now, it is the complete opposite!
When I was job searching I had interviewed for a position at East Carolina University after I interviewed for the current position at North Carolina State University. Well, ECU called me today and offered me a position. It figures I would get this offer after I start at NCSU and already been through orientation, been issued keys and am in heavy training!
I know one might think why not move to Raleigh. The answer is I really cannot afford to at this time. I probably could later, but I come to realise I have an awesome living situation here in Tarboro, which could help me pay down my debt. If I stay here, I am certain I will be debt free within two years, maybe less. Now that is brilliant.
Anyhow, here is the situation. ECU is located in Greenville. It is a 29.1-mile drive from Tarboro. Therefore, it would take me something like 40 minutes to get to work. It is quite a bit less driving a year (13,968). I am certain I would not have to fill the tank up as much either.
However, the position pays $300 less then my current position. I pay more for gas a month driving to Raleigh. There is also a part of me that feels a little guilty for leaving a job that I only started a week ago. So … what do you think? What would you do?
03 March 2008
Interview
The interview went well today and it did not take place in the coffee shop. We only met there. Everyone I met was nice and the meeting was very relaxed. I got a good vibe from the experience. The librarian I met with wanted to know if I was planning on going to library school. I mentioned have thought about it, but at this point the thought of adding more to my already outrageous student load debt makes me cringe.
She added employees receive three free classes an academic year and she would not be against me wanting to get a MLIS degree. She said she wants everyone to be happy working in the library and not feel as if they are stuck doing what they are doing. This made me feel positive about the environment.
After the interview, I met with a benefits coordinator. She went over some of the benefits briefly. I also had to give her a form I filled out for a background check.
It is odd. The state requires you to deduct 6% every month to go into a mandatory retirement fund. However, the money just sits in an account and earns no interest. What is up with that? I still think it is a good idea though. At least it is something.
Payday is monthly on the last working day of the month. That will take some getting used to and some very strong budgeting skills!
The drive into Raleigh was not too bad as was the return drive, but I can see where at some point the drive will probably get to me. It is an hour and ten minutes. However I have to look at the fact if I do get the position it's an evening shift so I will be driving reverse traffic.
We shall see.
She added employees receive three free classes an academic year and she would not be against me wanting to get a MLIS degree. She said she wants everyone to be happy working in the library and not feel as if they are stuck doing what they are doing. This made me feel positive about the environment.
After the interview, I met with a benefits coordinator. She went over some of the benefits briefly. I also had to give her a form I filled out for a background check.
It is odd. The state requires you to deduct 6% every month to go into a mandatory retirement fund. However, the money just sits in an account and earns no interest. What is up with that? I still think it is a good idea though. At least it is something.
Payday is monthly on the last working day of the month. That will take some getting used to and some very strong budgeting skills!
The drive into Raleigh was not too bad as was the return drive, but I can see where at some point the drive will probably get to me. It is an hour and ten minutes. However I have to look at the fact if I do get the position it's an evening shift so I will be driving reverse traffic.
We shall see.
27 February 2008
Job Interview
I have a job interview at NC State in Raleigh Monday afternoon at 4:00 PM. It has been awhile since I have been to one of those and I am not sure what I should wear. I guess people still wear suits to such things. On the other hand, has that formality gone the wayside too? We are meeting at a coffee shop located next to the library on campus. Very odd.
Anyway, I am financially wiped out so my own business, KAJC Designs has now become a part-time venture. During the end of last year, it just fizzled out. Like a great desert, my clients dried up. Now that I moved to a new state I need to build clients around here and this will take time and so it's back to being under the thumb of someone else. Sigh.
Oh well, it is actually the best way to get out and meet people. Oh my, is that a glimpse of a bright outlook? Wow and it is coming from me!
Anyway, I am financially wiped out so my own business, KAJC Designs has now become a part-time venture. During the end of last year, it just fizzled out. Like a great desert, my clients dried up. Now that I moved to a new state I need to build clients around here and this will take time and so it's back to being under the thumb of someone else. Sigh.
Oh well, it is actually the best way to get out and meet people. Oh my, is that a glimpse of a bright outlook? Wow and it is coming from me!
18 September 2007
Inner Geek
Well this morning I am channeling my inner geek. See how this image captures my geekiness? We moved out of the BOC (Box of Chaos) and into our new sales office, the UFH (Unit From Hell). Actually calling it that is not fair because the space is very nice and a definite improvement upon the BOC. There are some issues which need to be worked out such as the cabinets are still a mess and the second bedroom has no power and I have run an extension cord down the hall to run the computers and such.
However it is a wonderful place. I mean it's a house. We have space AND most of all we have working TOILETS! Right now I am trying to get the computer systems hooked up. After this I will then get to the decorating. Yay!
The weather is actually cool this morning. Currently it’s 68 degrees and we will have a high of 85. Finally cooler weather! Well I guess I better get back to work, but first I need to run to Starbucks and deal with the Starbitch.
07 September 2007
Morning Drive
Driving out to the site seems like it takes forever, but in reality it's only 15 minutes. I guess it's the drive on the Veterans Parkway that make it seem this way. It cuts through the marshes so there is nothing around. It's nice to see open spaces like this in city limits. Sometimes you can see an alligator or wild boar frolicking about. (Actually wild boar frolick and alligators just kind of sit there.)
It makes for a relatively peaceful journey, though I still think downtown is much better.
This image was taken on this crazy bridge that goes out over the marsh and practically corkscrews back around onto highway 80. Sometimes people tend to drive too fast on the extreme turn and flip over.
05 September 2007
Chaos
Things are a little chaotic right now. We are finally nearing completion of Unit #14 which will be our sales office. However there are some things, which still need to be completed before we may move in and I have some issues. Such as the kitchen!
Here the backsplash is being installed. It should have been done last week.
Oh look! The refrigerator is too short and where the hell is the stainless steel panels. Oh and while I'm at it why is my double oven laying on the floor in the breakfast area and not installed in the wall? AND don't get me started on the cabinets. They look like crap!
Wait is that furniture delivery? OH.MY.GOD.
Quick clean the floors! They were filthy. The plaster and dry wall dust got through the paper covering the floors and then ground in. On top of all this the painter’s tape that was used to keep the paper down has stained the floor. The floors may need to be replaced!
My wonderful dinning room selection. WHAT THE HELL! Why is there a toilet in my dining room? Oh I see it's for convenience and extra seating.
There is no electric, no A/C and no running water as of yet. I'm losing my mind and I need a drink!
Here the backsplash is being installed. It should have been done last week.
Oh look! The refrigerator is too short and where the hell is the stainless steel panels. Oh and while I'm at it why is my double oven laying on the floor in the breakfast area and not installed in the wall? AND don't get me started on the cabinets. They look like crap!
Wait is that furniture delivery? OH.MY.GOD. 
Quick clean the floors! They were filthy. The plaster and dry wall dust got through the paper covering the floors and then ground in. On top of all this the painter’s tape that was used to keep the paper down has stained the floor. The floors may need to be replaced!
My wonderful dinning room selection. WHAT THE HELL! Why is there a toilet in my dining room? Oh I see it's for convenience and extra seating.There is no electric, no A/C and no running water as of yet. I'm losing my mind and I need a drink!
22 August 2007
Unexpectedly Busy
Business is rolling along. My biggest client is taking up a fair amount of my time though. As stated once before this client is a builder. I have a contract with them to decorate their model home. The only problem is it's taking a very long time to complete construction on the model. There have been some "issues" which I really can't write about, but needless to say it's holding everything up. In the mean time I don't get paid for the contract.
Things aren't too bad though because in the interim they had hired me in as a part-time "designer" for their spec houses and some design related office work. I am learning a lot and there has been so much to do that it's becoming more then part-time. So all in all it's working out.
Currently I am designing a new website for my business because the current one is rather boring and uninformative. I originally threw the damn thing together rather quickly so I would have something out there, but it's time for something more professional.
On top of all this I am working on getting together a new portfolio. Some of you know this from conversation, but for you that don't I have decided to return to graduate school to finish my master’s degree. It's been a very long time since I originally began my masters and quit in disillusionment. Now I am returning to classes at age 40 and I think I finally have my head on straight, figuratively speaking that is.
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in Painting and a minor in Art History, Graphic Design and Photography. Yes, that many minors. I took 10 years to get my bachelors!
Do I paint anymore? No. Do I dabble in graphic design? Not really, but perhaps a little web design is related to that. Do I still photograph? Sure I do, but not in the manner I was trained.
What career do I have? I'm an Interior Decorator. Yes, I know ... how gay. I finally embraced what I enjoy doing and have enjoyed for most of my life. Many, many moons ago I almost went for a degree in Interior Design, but I decided against it for what I perceived as too linear and ridged a degree for such a free flowing individual, such as myself. ;) I am more concerned with the decorating aspects then the drafting. You see I really don't like drawing straight lines. I always looked at Interior Design as "Architecture Light", but I have decided to bite the bullet and return to graduate school for my masters in Interior Design.
I have to make certain this new portfolio is brilliant because I would like to avoid as many prerequisite classes as possible. Since my bachelors degree is in a completely unrelated field I need to show I understand the basics in Interior Design such as elevations, electrical drawings, terminology and the like.
I think I will be okay. My business is related and I have a certain process I go through in every project, which is similar to that of an Interior Designer. I have a tremendous amount of resources at my fingertips via the builder I work with. They are excited for me and said they would help me out. So why not? In the end I'll be able to expand my business.
So here I am unexpectedly busy!
Things aren't too bad though because in the interim they had hired me in as a part-time "designer" for their spec houses and some design related office work. I am learning a lot and there has been so much to do that it's becoming more then part-time. So all in all it's working out.
Currently I am designing a new website for my business because the current one is rather boring and uninformative. I originally threw the damn thing together rather quickly so I would have something out there, but it's time for something more professional.
On top of all this I am working on getting together a new portfolio. Some of you know this from conversation, but for you that don't I have decided to return to graduate school to finish my master’s degree. It's been a very long time since I originally began my masters and quit in disillusionment. Now I am returning to classes at age 40 and I think I finally have my head on straight, figuratively speaking that is.
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in Painting and a minor in Art History, Graphic Design and Photography. Yes, that many minors. I took 10 years to get my bachelors!
Do I paint anymore? No. Do I dabble in graphic design? Not really, but perhaps a little web design is related to that. Do I still photograph? Sure I do, but not in the manner I was trained.
What career do I have? I'm an Interior Decorator. Yes, I know ... how gay. I finally embraced what I enjoy doing and have enjoyed for most of my life. Many, many moons ago I almost went for a degree in Interior Design, but I decided against it for what I perceived as too linear and ridged a degree for such a free flowing individual, such as myself. ;) I am more concerned with the decorating aspects then the drafting. You see I really don't like drawing straight lines. I always looked at Interior Design as "Architecture Light", but I have decided to bite the bullet and return to graduate school for my masters in Interior Design.
I have to make certain this new portfolio is brilliant because I would like to avoid as many prerequisite classes as possible. Since my bachelors degree is in a completely unrelated field I need to show I understand the basics in Interior Design such as elevations, electrical drawings, terminology and the like.
I think I will be okay. My business is related and I have a certain process I go through in every project, which is similar to that of an Interior Designer. I have a tremendous amount of resources at my fingertips via the builder I work with. They are excited for me and said they would help me out. So why not? In the end I'll be able to expand my business.
So here I am unexpectedly busy!
17 July 2007
Busy, Busy, Busy
I have been really busy with work these days. It’s good though, but it’s not my own business per sae that is keeping me busy. I currently have only one active client. My client pool is kind of drying up like the Ariel Sea. I am however, working part-time for one of my clients, the people who are building the town home development so it is related and a continuing learning experience.
This part-time situation is turning out to be a little more like full-time at the moment, which is good since it’s my only main source of income at the moment. I am pulling together all the details on the spec houses. This is to say I am making decisions on the type of floorings, cabinets, countertops, plumbing and lighting. I also get to do some design work, which means I get paid my design fee.
This morning started out at a Bath and Kitchen showroom where I got to ogle and caress quite a few extraordinary vessel sinks. This showroom had a fully functioning sok® overflowing bath for two with effervescence and chromatherapy. It was amazing! I almost stripped down and stepped in.
Tomorrow I have a meeting with our cabinet company to discuss the final details for the model home. We have decided to change direction on the interior design and so I have to come up with a whole new design. After lunch I have to meet with two of our tile suppliers at their locations. This means I will be let loose upon two fabulous showrooms of state of the art tiles.
I’m so excited!
This part-time situation is turning out to be a little more like full-time at the moment, which is good since it’s my only main source of income at the moment. I am pulling together all the details on the spec houses. This is to say I am making decisions on the type of floorings, cabinets, countertops, plumbing and lighting. I also get to do some design work, which means I get paid my design fee.
This morning started out at a Bath and Kitchen showroom where I got to ogle and caress quite a few extraordinary vessel sinks. This showroom had a fully functioning sok® overflowing bath for two with effervescence and chromatherapy. It was amazing! I almost stripped down and stepped in.
Tomorrow I have a meeting with our cabinet company to discuss the final details for the model home. We have decided to change direction on the interior design and so I have to come up with a whole new design. After lunch I have to meet with two of our tile suppliers at their locations. This means I will be let loose upon two fabulous showrooms of state of the art tiles.
I’m so excited!
24 June 2007
Lazy Sunday
Last night some friends and I went out to eat and then hit Venus De Milo for a while and then onto Club One. I was out until 1:30 AM and so I am running a little low on energy. Thus it's a lazy Sunday, but I guess that is what the weekends are for. :) I had a good time.
Today I am at work for five hours. Hidden Pointe Townhomes is a client of mine, but I also work for them part-time as part of their design team. Another thing I do for them is hand out information and give tours to interested buyers. At the same time I give them my business card. It's good advertisement for me. The builders are currently selling the properties themselves so if a sale should go through I get a commission. So far I haven't sold anything. Who knows, perhaps I will.
Currently I am trying to design a medallion for a courtyard for one of the units. It's to be made of brick. We have some extra brick so I was asked to come up with something. Brick is such an odd material to create a medallion with so I am afraid it won't be too intricate of a design.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
