Thursday, February 28, 2008

Permanent Job and Emie's Plans

Well, the assignment I have been working on with my temp position ends tomorrow. The good news is, I start training in Customer Service on Monday with Nova. My status will remain as a temp with Express Personel until I complete the training, in about two months, then I will be hired on as a regular permanent employee with Nova. That is a good thing.

Em and I went to Pellissippi to look into her enrolling into the Pre-Nursing program. We are going in Monday morning to talk to Financial Aid and will put her application in, to see if she is accepted next week. We are trying to get her transcripts sent here from her college in the Philippines, as they think a lot, if not all of her classes may help credit towards her new degree. After one year of Pre-Nursing, she will take either 2, for an Associates or 4, for a Bachelors years of nursing school at one of the 4 years colleges in the area. The majority of the difference between the two degrees is the Bachelors has administrative courses as well, for those who would like to do something like a Nurse Practisioner. The actual nurse/medical classes are the same.

After either one of the degrees is attained, then she can take the board exam to become a Registered Nurse. It will be a great thing for Em to have, whether we are here or in the Philippines. (And she said when she is making the big bucks, I can retire to a life of luxury and relaxation. Where are my golf clubs?) lol

That's about it for now! I'll catch you up on what is going on with the house and the kids laterzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

House and Kids

You have the story on Em and Bart. Now here's ....... the rrrest of the story. We spoke with Maryssa last night and it is a go adding two bedrooms and a bath to the back of the house. Richard and Clint will "rent" them out, while Em is attending college. There is no real time frame here, since Em will need some time to adjust to going back to school, I don't want her to work and R & C can help out financially for a while. It will also give them a chance to save some money, since their living expenses will be less than if they had a place to themselves. ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

After a while, I will be hired on permanently and will get a raise and once Em is comfortable enough with her studies, she can possibly take a part time position in a job related to her studies.

Admittedly, things are extremely tight now, since Richard's car was tore up and needed a new engine (He just got it back yesterday) and Em has not been working, but slowly we shall pull ourselves out and up!

I also will be interviewing next week for a part time job as an associate in a c-store (no not Wiegel's) to get things caught up quicker. I really love my job now and working with US Bank, so I hope to make that my career from now on. We just need to get a little extra until Em gets back in the work mode again.

Em is really excited about going into nursing. It has always been her dream and it will help secure her future where ever we live. She really hit it off with Dr. McMahon at Pellissippi (PSTCC) and is determined to see this through to the end! I am so proud of her!

So now you not only know what the news is.... you also know..... the rrrest of the story!!!!

Permanent Job

Well, the assignment I have been working on with my temp position ends tomorrow. The good news is, I start training in Customer Service on Monday with Nova. My status will remain as a temp with Express Personel until I complete the training, in about two months, then I will be hired on as a regular permanent employee with Nova. That is a good thing.

Em and I went to Pellissippi to look into her enrolling into the Pre-Nursing program. We are going in Monday morning to talk to Financial Aid and will put her application in, to see if she is accepted next week. We are trying to get her transcripts sent here from her college in the Philippines, as they think a lot, if not all of her classes may help credit towards her new degree. After one year of Pre-Nursing, she will take either 2, for an Associates or 4, for a Bachelors years of nursing school at one of the 4 years colleges in the area. The majority of the difference between the two degrees is the Bachelors has administrative courses as well, for those who would like to do something like a Nurse Practisioner. The actual nurse/medical classes are the same.

After either one of the degrees is attained, then she can take the board exam to become a Registered Nurse. It will be a great thing for Em to have, whether we are here or in the Philippines. (And she said when she is making the big bucks, I can retire to a life of luxury and relaxation. Where are my golf clubs?) lol

That's about it for now! I'll catch you up on what is going on with the house and the kids laterzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Monday, February 25, 2008

Another Recession?

Many of the economic experts say we are headed for another recession. In an attempt to stifle a prolonged economic turn down, the Fed has lowered interests rates. Many people agree that our economy is cyclical, so does this mean that recessions are inevitable? Does the mere fact that "the experts" say we may be heading to a recession make it happen? In a recession, who is actually hurt? It is said many jobs are lost during a recession, but I have not known of one person who was laid off or let go as the victim of an economic turn down. They say jobs are scarce during a recession. Hey Bud, a good job is hard to come by any time! So, from my standpoint, a recession does not affect me as much as the experts say. Or is this just another one of these situations where it all looks bad on paper? Like the stock market.

Much of the direction in the stock market has to do with the "emotions" reflected by the general public, as reported by the media. If the general public is reported as being confident, then the market is up. If there is skepticism, then the market is down. Intangibles control the tangible. And the media controls our feelings on the intangibles. A media that is run by big money and big business.

Unfortunately, our country is insatiable. We want more and more and when we get it, we want even more. Big business thrives on this. We lavish ourselves on every luxury, we pamper ourselves with all the amenities and we spoil ourselves rotten. We build ourselves up so high, that when we hear news of a possible recession, we panic. But how much are we really affected?

What if we put all our credit cards away and just bought things on a cash basis? Would the average Joe be better off? I have heard it say that this country runs on credit, but isn't that what they want us to believe? Who really benefits from credit? Big business! Sure you need credit for some things, like buying a house or a car, but that should be just about it. The average Joe is so far in debt to credit cards, it has become a maor part of their monthly budget.

With most of the population burdened with huge credit card bills, (just look at all the debt relief programs out there) is it no wonder people are losing their houses at record rates? A high rate of foreclosure, when focused on again and again by the media leads to what? The general public's negative view of the economy, which leads to what? A decline in the stock market, which leads to what? Recession!

The government is starting programs to help people to keep from losing their houses. But are they really treating the right symptom? It is said that sub-prime lending institutions are to blame for much of the problem. (I wonder about this premise too. Give someone a loan with a high interest rate, because they have had problems with money. Won't that compound their problems?) But why can't people keep up with their mortgages. Could it be because they are overextending themselves with other credit? If the government spent more time and money helping people understand about credit and how to manage it, would that be a more effective way to stop this downward spiral? Or would that step on too many "big business" toes?

If people were living within their means by eliminating credit, outside of buying a house or a car, wouldn't that help prevent a majority of foreclosures? If people eliminated their huge credit card bills, wouldn't they actually live a less stressful and more enjoyable life? If we are living a less stressful and enjoyable life, isn't our general perception of things going to be more positive? And if your general perception of things were more positive, would we be looking at a possible recession?

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Post From My Brother-in-Law

American Home Shield

I have an American Home Shield home warranty/appliance service contract. If you read below, our washer went out at the end of January. Per the contracted service agent, All About Comfort, they deemed it unrepairable. I have yet to hear from AHS on what they are going to do for a replacement. It has been well over 2 weeks. Numerous calls and emails to no avail. Not to mention I had to call twice to get the service guy even out there. Now our microwave light bulb has gone out. Kitchenaid doesn't allow for the normal homeowner to change this puppy, so I had to place another service call through AHS. After 3 business days, I called them back since I had not heard from, again, All About Comfort, to set up an appointment. Well they came bright and early on Wednesday and of course did not have the bulb so they need to come back. Have not heard back yet. I even gave them the model so that they could bring one with. Anyway, microwave bulb, still out, washer verdict on what they'll give me is still out. I would steer away from these guys at this point as I am not happy with either of these vendors.

My Reply

I would be on the phone calling them twice a day, letting them know you have run out of clean clothes and your co-workers and neighbors are taking a petition to storm their doors if they don't come through with a new washer immediately! Then again, you could also file a complaint with the BBB and they will also contact them and see what is holding them up. You got lucky with your big screen TV, since they were pretty cooperative, but I have heard that most extended warrantee programs are pretty hard to work with. But, then again, I don't really have much of anything anyway, so I guess I shouldn't talk.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Getting a Fiancee Visa to the US

So you found the Mr. of Mrs. right out there and you want to spend the rest of your life with them. The only problem is they are half way accross the world! Bring him or her to the States can be a daunting task, but if you take it step by step, it is not that difficult. The Visa needed to get your fiancee here is the K-1 Visa. To qualify for the Visa, you must have personally met with your fiancee within two years of filing the petition. K-1 Visa kits can be found at http://www.rapidimmigration.com/usa/1_eng_info_k1fiancee.html, the USCIS Visa site. Keep airlines ticket stubs, boarding passes, receipts and take lots of pics to prove you two have met and to show that you have an established relationship.

Once your fiancee arrives in the States, you have 90 days to complete the marriage ceremony. So you want to be absolutely positive that you want to spend the rest of your life with that person, because 90 days is really not long enough to establish a never ending love.

Once you are pronounced man and wife, you must file an application for change of status if it is your disire to become a permanent resident and eventually a U.S. citizen.

The process from initiation of petition to your beloveds arrival will probably take about one year, but it is worth it to be with that special someone for the rest of your life. I am married to the most wonderful woman from the Philippines and am so glad I did it. Don't be intimidated! If you are truly in love with someone, don't let anything get in your way!!

Life is Good!!!

Life is good!! I have the most wonderful wife, and my two sons are staying with us now, while in transition to getting their own place. I'm off this weekend and am going to do some work in the yard, as long as the weather permits. Em and I have been chillin' in the BR this morning and Richard and Clint have both gone to work. They had to borrow my car, because Richard's car is making a loud knocking noise and needs to be looked at before he drives it again, to keep the damage to a minimum. It was low on oil, but we added oil and it still knocks, hi hooo hi hooo the mechanic we will go.

Em and I both went out putting in applications. Me for a part time job and Em for whatever she can get for right now. Her being out of work for a while has put a crunch on us, but hopefully we will pull out of it soon. I am hoping to hear from my temp employer soon that I will be hired on full time at Nova. They did a feature on me in the last months company newsletter, so that must mean I'm doing alright.

For now just enjoying the time with my wife and kids. OH yea and trying to lose some weight. lol Which reminds me, the yard work is waiting, gotta get some excercise out there. laterzzzzzz

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Richard and Clint are Moved (Sorta)

Well, Richard and Clint are officially out of the apartment now and camped out in our living room. It should be about a month before the house is moved in behind ours. Hopefully the weather will be good! Of course, they already have their computers hooked up and are playing WarCraft till the wee small hours of the morning. (I try to keep my Literati playing to late night and get some sleep. I'm not as young as I used to be! ) It's cool having them here and will be cool having them as neighbors. (The later being cooler)

Marshall Andy called and wants me to be on his show. We will be filming next Wednesday. I will watch the show in the PBS station this Saturday to get an idea of the format. The Riders of the Silver Screen is the name of the show. He hosts B Western Movies. He also sings with a Country and Big Band Era type band and does shows at Buddies in town on Thursday nights, I believe.

Em is looking for a good office position somewhere. We filled out an application at Randstat and are hoping that works out. In the mean time she is cooking up a storm and that makes it hard for me to lose weight! But I love just about everything she cooks so much! She is the best!!!

Well, I guess that is about it for now. I will check out what Devon and Gabrielle are into and catch you up to date with them next time. Until then, laterzzzzz

Restocking Fees

What is it about companies these days who charge a restocking fee if you want to return an item you purchased? Come on!! They have employees that are paid by the hour, not by the number of items they stock! In the land of "we want more, more, more this is just another example of how the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Returns are just another part of doing business. A part that until recently, companies were willing to do without asking the comsumer to pay extra. I say we should boycott all the companies who use this lame excuse to make more money off of a society that is very quickly losing what is left of the "middle class".

Monday, February 4, 2008

Poetry by cloudpoet37

Running

I'm running from something I don't know why
I can't let it catch me
I'm running from something please save me I cry
It must never catch me

It hides in the shadows to pounce on my dreams
It lurks in the darkness it muffles the screams

I'm running from something though weary I grow
I think it will catch me
I'm running from something my strides they grow slow
And soon it will catch me

Though I am determined to stay in the race
It soon will be over without an embrace

I'm running from something though soon it will end
For soon it will catch me
I'm running from something there's no more pretend
I know it will catch me

I'm now overtaken reality stings
Eluded by love only emptiness brings

I'm no longer running

Giants Win!!!

Well, much to the surprise of most people, the Giants won the superbowl. I knew they could do it and was pulling for them all along. I love that Eli got MVP. Next year I hope both Mannings go to the superbowl! I don't know which one I would be pulling for? Eli did a great job tonight, he kept his composure and pulled the game out in the end. The Giants have a young team and it looks like Eli has finally hit his stride! We shall see.......

I am the KING of literati!!!

I am the freakin' literati KING!! I just won 3 in a row and my ranking is 1807! That is in the orange my friends..... that is right.... like the BIG ORANGE!!! GO VOLS AND GO ME!!!!!