The Past Few Weeks
Hello friends and Hivians. Wow, it's been 23 days since I last posted. I think that might be the longest I have ever gone on the chain without a post. Most days have been a bit of a challenge to say the least. I have been working a lot but I have made sure to take it easy every once in awhile.
How has work been for me? For my full-time job it has been steady. Probably loaded a dozen or so aircraft the last few weeks. My job can be stressful due to workload coming in with short to little notice. I tell you the job itself hasn't been stressful lately but some other factors that affect it are.
Being a government employee right now my employment is being scruntized. There has already been buyouts, early retirements or a combination of both being offered to certain eligible employees. With my time served and age I have been offered the combo option. Was it a hard decision to think about? Hell no because it's just too much of a reduction in retirement compared to when I want to retire (8 years btw).
I'm uncertain if the percentage have met the downsizing of forces with these offers. Chances are it has not because we are still submitting what we have have done the previous week. Is it a hard task to do this? No, it's not, we just have to email 5 bullets of our accomplishments at the beginning of each week for the last. Have you worked somewhere where you had to tell your employer what you do constantly? It's just a little frustrating having to do this and not really knowing how the information is being utilized.
Fornately, no one in my direct work center has taken any of these offers. We are currently down a few spots to begin with so any more we would be more stretched out. As a whole unit I know a few people who have taken either or both of the options above. Some are fairly new employess or individuals who were already eligible for retirement.
What's next or what I think will happen? I think force retirement will be next on the agenda. How they figure out who to target is ones guess. I think the weekly bullets or perhaps past job appraisals could come into play. Well that sums up what is happening at my full-time job.
Now my delivery driving job has been slow and has felt the shake of the economy. Sometimes I've been out where I barely turn a profit or make it worth while doing. The prices of some goods have went up and a lot are feeling the effects. So I have been noticing a lot less orders and some that still order are not tipping as well. This was very noticeable a few days before Easter at Walmart where the delivery pickup area was very bare. Rather than suck up gas and my time I have often not been on the road both days of the weekend.
Well every Saturday for the past 3 weeks I have went fishing. I can't tell you how many fish I have caught but can on the number I kept. I kept 8, 32, and 26. Guess what I'm going to do it again this Saturday. The last time I went there were a good number of people doing the same thing. It was a nice perfect Spring day for it. If I would have taken a few more pictures maybe this would be a fishing post. Maybe but no guarantee the next fishing outing I may just do that.
Well the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of enjoying some home cooked Asian cuisine too. I don't know why but a lot like to cook for me. I do tend to drop off some of the fish I catch to them so that probably has something to do with it.
Pictures don't lie, not everything above is from the fish though. I have a weak spot for dumplings. Matter of fact that picture above is from a friend showing what she was getting ready to make me. I tried one and totally forgot to take a picture of the cooked version. I dipped them in a hot chili sauce she made, so good 😋
What else have I been doing? Well this week marks the start of week 3 doing some exercise. I work right next to a gym so during my lunch hour I have been walking some laps. I've been good as I haven't missed a day yet. I balance my eating with a good breakfast and having a snack before and after my walk. I have been doing just over 3 miles. Next week I'm going to start running and doing some weight lifting. I decided to do this to battle some of my stresses and worries. It has helped a lot! Also it has helped getting more undisturbed sleep at night.
If your wondering what I have been up to, the writing above pretty much sums it up in a nut shell. I hope to get back here writing more frequently as I miss it as well. Of course I miss the conversations with many of you.
Well that's all I have for you this time. Take care, stay safe and enjoy yourself. Until next time!
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Here you are! Good to read you, obviously you have been working a lot, sometimes we have some more heavy periods but well at least on your post there are some fishes too jajaja, Asian food and some extra motivation to do some exercise as your gym is so close. Sure next week you will run a bit and feel great after despite job and deliveries, etc. Have a great day, weekend is coming soon amigo!
!LUV
!HUG
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Thanks Amiga. Working a lot during the week but I have decided to reserve some weekend time. It's not to busy at the full-time job just the hassle of politics affecting it which can cause worry and extra stress. Why I really decided to get some exercise in.
Yup easing back into running. Need that good sweat to feel accomplished and good. Yes fishing a bit more need a break sometimes plus it's been paying dividends to some meals, jaja
Take care you have a great day and a happy weekend ahead.
!LUV
!HUG
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You're doing great sure!
Same to you!
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Just like being in the Air Force without having to run the two mile fitness test! lol Good for you staying in shape. It's important in the line of work you're in. Just keep up the hard work and you won't get targeted for forced retirement. You still need those 8 years, hang in there!
Haha fitness test glad those days are behind me. Yes 8 more to go its hard to believe 31 years in total. Eight should go fast 😆 Though forced retirement is a much better deal than early retirement it would probably force me to work a few more years I don't really want to do.
You guys have really been screwed over by your potus, I can imagine things will only get worse for everyone if it wasn't bad enough already 😞
That aside, it's good that you're taking good care of your health and have someone taking good care of your diet, Asian food is good 👍
I don't want to get into politics but I do echo what you have said. At the beginning of May when a certain individual focus more on X and Telsa things again it may get better at the job. A waiting game that unfortunately absolutely sucks.
Oh yes I had to shift focus as these things were heavily on my mind. Exercise seemed to be a remedy for it and it has served well. Oh the food 😋 that barbecue fish is so good, well actually everything was, haha . She's a very good cook!
I can't imagine the stress of your job right now in the current political climate. Being a government contractor or employee is a pretty edgy thing for sure. I used to be one and have friends still working for Uncle Sam and they are stressed the heck out.
Man, I am jealous of the fishing trip. NIce looking things for sure. I am hoping to get on some soon and start slaying them for the grill. Best of luck with your new fitness routine and getting better sleep.
Thanks the exercise has done a lot. Once upon a time a government job was a sure way of sustainable employment. Been through a lot asides from the current. The furlough days were no fun as well. Politics and the wrench they put into things.
Fishing has been pretty good around here. I'm just happy I've been able to do it as much as I have. Take care.
Glad to see you back!
Hey, man! I was wondering where you are! Nice to hear that you are well and hustling and bustling... It would be nice to be retired and enjoy fishing every day, but it is what it is... That day will hopefully come!
With your absence, I didn't have anyone to brag about my first fishing this year... lol... Or better said, my first fail-fishing... 😂 I got sunburn and had zero fish... No lunch for me...
The place is nice (the lake is new to me), but I will have to find a good spot to feed and lure those carps... 😃
All the best!
Its good you got out thats a step to sticking that the elusive carp! The sunburn thats a bummer to get going empty handed. Its happened to me a few more times than I'd like to admit. Well it's better to go fishing than not at all. Maybe the next time you take a picture of the poles they will bent in half! Speaking of which I've never got such a shot, don't want them to get away, haha.
Take care lines tight!
Hehehehe.. I have maybe 1 photo like that, as my wife was with me to take photos... But, when I'm alone, it's the same as you said... No time for a mobile phone and photos... hahahahah 🤣
I can relate to the whole ‘feeling stretched thin’ part. It’s like the constant pressure makes everything feel a little bit heavier. But I’m so happy to hear that your walks and exercise routine are helping!
Yes I really had to mix exercise in to say sane. The mind can relax of thoughts when your actively moving physically. I guess walking away stresses and worries can work. Its not full proof but it's a good break though. Take care
Absolutely! Sometimes a good walk or exercise is all it takes to clear the mind and reset. It’s like giving yourself a little breather from everything. I totally agree, it's not a perfect solution, but it definitely helps.
The Trump effect. Oh my, I'm drooling over your food photos. Ah, I miss eating fish. I need to go to an Asian restaurant someday and hone my chopstick skills. XD
I won't go on a rant but a Hell Yes is what I will say what is happening with any particular effect. Oh goodness have I been treated well when it comes to food. Go grab the sticks and start honing girl, haha.
Hello Bob!!! A few days ago I noticed that there's no update from you and look today I got an update from you.
Government jobs are good too but I think you get pretty good in your delivery job too because of tipping and yes sometimes they tip less due to their financial issues.... You should hope for the best.
Your fish makes me crave for it too but lol we've almost summer here and we can't eat it in summer but it's taste is already in my mouth 😺.....
Nice to know that you are okay and busy in your life
!LUV
!HUG
Yup I made a return and I kept seeing my last post getting older and older. Feels good to post and see some of the hive fam!
Well I hope work life gets better so worries and stresses fade away. Plus need the earning to be a little easy. I just got down delivery driving not too long ago. I did quite well but it was expected because it was storming. Pouring rain and even sirens going off for tornadoes. I weathered the storm and didnt face anything dangerous.
Yes very much spring here and fish are indeed taster in colder water. Summer fish can still be good but a bit different I tend to always through them ice after catching them.
Take care nice hearing from you 😃
I saw that you cooked yourself some fish but I cannot take fish as summers are almost upon us coming this June and right now it is spring season.
Oh no I can't take credit those were cooked for me. Yes I here in your place summer not good to eat fish.
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Hey Bob, I was wondering where you went and so that is that. I hope your job stays secure in this economy. Oh by the way the fish makes me want to get it too 😄 Take care and hope easter was treating you well. I heard you guys don't have holidays as we do, over here our easter got a pretty long weekend, it was pretty nice 😊
I've come to terms to just keep working and what happens well happens. I feel what I do is a little more safe than other career fields.
Fishing has been good so far in Spring here. It's always good to put things on the table that don't come from the market. It's cheaper and much more fresh.
Well it depends on how religious one is or how one partakes in it. For some it is Easter Weekend because it kicks off on Good Friday.
Its nice to hear from you and hopefully I'll be a bit more active in days foward. Take care and have a great weekend foward!
Just hang in there and wait it out! Some people grab the chance to get out early. It's okay if one has plans for a lucrative venture; otherwise, it's not a good idea if you've stuck it out so long!
Nothing like a fresh catch for the pan. You for sure found the right spot!
Take care and see you around @coolmidwestguy 🤗
Thank you. Yes invested for too long (31 years) to take a huge reduction in pay. The deal would have been to keep benefits and pay until 30 September (no work) and get retirement check which is slightly less than half. Getting another job and working longer than projected is not worth it. Some made out because they were eligible to retire or had planned to retire. So there sitting at home getting paid right now and officially retire 30 September with a full retirement package.
Haha fishing has been great here in our spring. Hopefully into summer it will be just as good. No complaints it's nice to put stuff on the table not from the market! Take care and thanks for dropping by 😃
You've been MIA for weeks and it's really that long already. But you're always on my notification whenever I published my article so I guess i'm one of those you set to automatically upvote ✨. And you are so busy man, still, glad you still have time to do fun things like fishing and eating good foods and even exercise, that's actually really amazing. A lot of stuffs going on your company regarding retirement. I just hope no force retirement will happen.
Yes been MIA here. I've been around here some but not as much as I want to be. It's been good to do some of the things I like. I just couldn't continue working all the time needed a mental and physical break. Things pass and I hope the current economy and job issues fade away. Now a one day break (Saturday) hope to keep doing that. Only thing stopping that will be if I have to work on it for my full-time job. Take care and thanks for the thoughtful note.
Well you seem so drained and stress out because of your work and it was good you go and do fishing to recharge yourself. Enjoy your yummy meal and maybe you would love to consider to take a vacation.
Yes I had to change my routine it was very draining and the stress was getting the best of me. Oh a vacation sounds wonderful but I'm not in the position right now to take one. I will try to keep steady with my new routine and hope I don't go off course. Thanks for reading and stopping bye 😃
You are most welcome dear and be safe .
Hehehe. It's like you have a lot to think these days😌. At least it didn't reach a month before you posted again. 😛.
Yes wondering thoughts Asia. Got to keep them at bay or things can go crumbling. Better to think worry about it if it happens 😃
Just think about today and be happy. Let tomorrow worry for itself😂😌.
Having worked in the private sector all my life, doing progress reports was a matter of routine.
Being a project manager involved sending progress reports of all people under you.
When you are held accountable it is a great thing to see what people are upto.
We joke here about the civil service and public sector jobs that you just have to turn up and you get paid handsomely with cushy benefits.
It can be frustrating having to justify ourselves. I remember the first few times writing reports on my accomplishments as pretty bloody annoying, like why should I be doing this!
Great that you are getting out fishing though, and the gym work is cool too. We have a leisure centre here right on the sea front that Mrs T and I joined, and manage to go three times a week for gym and swimming sessions. A great thing to do mentally and for our bodies too as we age!
Great seeing you post here in SB again, here is to a great week ahead.
Thanks I've worked most of my time in the military/government sector. Only worked in the public sector part time or when I was a young kid. Writing accomolishments isn't hard just some thing I never had to do in 30+ years so it was something very new. An old dog can still learn new tricks but it may take a little longer, haha.
Yes personal life I felt I had to change things up. Need to keep mind and body sharp or else its easier to let things get to you. It's all about being resilient and moving along.