9-12-15 (Catching Up, Part 1 of ?)

It’s been a long time.  I have a lot to catch up on.  First off there’s been some career changes.   

8/14/15 – Jim’s last day at .

9/8/15 – Jim’s first day at .

9/11/15 – My last day at .

10/1/15 – My first day at .

I used logos rather than spelling it out to make it more difficult to find our names associated with the companies.  You know… privacy and all I guess.

When Jim gave his notice, they dismissed him because he was going to work for a competitor.  They paid out his 2 weeks notice.  He took an extra week off before starting his new job.  We decided to take a trip to Florida.  I took time off for work but wasn’t able to get all the days off I requested.  I did get a half day on a Friday, the following week off as well and then would have a short week upon returning after Labor Day which was Jim’s start date.  Plans were made.  He was going to drive to Beaufort, visit his Aunt Patty and then drive to Lauderdale and spend the night to include a visit to an old friend.  Since I couldn’t get all the time off, I would fly out from Concord airport on that half day and Jim was to pick me up in Lauderdale.  Plans were set.

I was placed into a Complex Income training class at work.  Basically, my employer wouldn’t bridge the losses in my incentive compensation while I was in training.  This stirred the realization that I was already underpaid and so I was ready for a change. 

Jim asked an ex co-worker about positions for me, she gave my résumé to a recruiter and the recruiter called me quickly.  

After completing the complex income training at work, I went to an interview.  The next day I was told by the recruiter that the managers/interviewers wanted me.  She wasn’t able to extend an actual offer until the appropriate paperwork was signed. In the meantime, I passed the assessments for my current employer’s training class and awaited the official offer.

Our Florida plans were now in full swing.  I arrived in Lauderdale (9/28) and as we drove across Alligator Alley, the recruiter called and made the official offer.  I accepted.

On Monday, I gave my notice to my boss and started the 2 week countdown.  Week #1, PTO.  Week #2 back to work after Labor day for a 4 day work week.  Saaaaa-weet.  Honestly, I was hoping to be dismissed for the remainder of my notice but that didn’t happen.  I worked the remainder of the week helping my teammates with their pipelines.  It wasn’t so bad.  I had something to look forward to. 

So, here I sit blogging, it’s 9/12/15 and I don’t start my next job until 10/1/15.  Sure, I didn’t have to give my notice so soon but heck, a 2.5 week vacay (Jim will be at work) is kinda nice.

Oh so the Florida visit was very nice.  We stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton.  It was a large room with a living room and kitchenette.  There was a free hot breakfast each morning and even some evening dinners.  It was right outside my Mom’s development and so close to our other family.

The weather wasn’t the best.  Hurricane Erica which was later downgraded to Tropical Storm Erica plagued the skies with clouds and raininess.  Raininess isn’t a word but I’m using it anyway.  So the Land of Sunshine, wasn’t.

Honestly?  It was OK.  Jim and I don’t care for the sun or beach or heat so the weather to us was fine. 

Overall, we had a great time visiting with friends and family.  It was nice to drive around the area and see what has changed.

On the way back to Charlotte, we stopped off in Saint Augustine for the night.  We stayed at the Howard Johnson in town.  The room was $95 a night.  The carpet was so gross.  It looked so dirty that I put a wet wash cloth on it, stepped all over it and the once white wash cloth was now black.  Disgusting.  We never walked barefoot in that room.  I was going to take photos but to be honest, I wasn’t even going to mention the stay here.  Jim and I were too embarrassed with ourselves over the situation.  There were some other issues with the room, but nothing as bad as the carpet.  Jim did complain to corporate.  He was rewarded with 15% off the bill.  A manger replied:

Thank You for following up with me.  I will be shutting down that room and making sure all the needs of the room are met.  I am sorry again and I did discount your rate an additional 15% and put the refund on the card on file.  Again I am truly sorry and I would love for you to come back again and allow us to show you the service you deserve.  Thanks again!

Blech.