As many of you know, I needed to take a little time away this past week. It sure has been a hectic week.<P>I really haven't had the time or energy to check in here, and I want to assure you that I will go back and read what has been happening to you all, but I wanted to take a minute and fill you in on my week.<P>As many of you are aware, I just started a new job with IBM on Monday. This new job, while not exactly what I am looking to do, gives me some tremendous opportunities. The pay is OK. It's not great, but is about 20% better than I was making on my last job. The training and growth opportunities are the real reason I decided to take this job though.<P>So far the job is going pretty well. The first two weeks are just training, so I really haven't had to do much except sit there and listen to someone tell me how to do the job. I have had some opportuninities to sit with others who are in fact working, and in each instance where I was with someone other than the trainer, I have been able to "teach" the person I was with something. I would say that so far I am impressing them quite a bit. Next week I continue my training and begin more "actual" work with others guiding me.<P>The week itself started off on a bad note though. . .I woke up Monday morning feeling sick, with the start of strep throat sinking in. We had some antibiotics at the house, so I decided to self medicate unless things got worse. Tuesday, around 10AM my right eye started to burn and itch. About 1PM I was sent to the nurses station, where they checked me out and informed me that I was suffering from conjuctivitis (pink eye). Luckily, about three weeks prior my D had pink eye, and we still had some of the medication left over from that. Once again, I decided to self medicate. I ended up missing work on Wednesday, because the person I ride with was sick, and my eye was still irritated enough that I could not see well enough to drive the hour commute by myself.<P>As if this wasn't enough, this morning I woke up with flu symptoms and very congested. As the day as gone on, I have developed an ear infection. I guess I am going to have to finally break down and go see the doctor tomorrow. Actually my W and I have already talked about it, and she is going to call the doctor in the morning.<P>One other little thing to add to the week. . . I was supposed to recieve my final pay check from my last job on Tuesday. I didn't get it. I contacted the State Labor Department and after explaining the situation to them, they agreed that my previous employer was in the wrong. I received the paperwork today to file a formal complaint. I contacted my previous employer and asked them what was going on. They informed me that they would not be giving me my final check (over 170 hours) until the 28th of this month. I told them that this was unacceptable and informed them that I would be filing the formal complaint.<P>So what do you think? Did I have an interesting week or what? Well, enough about me. I am going to go back and start reading what has been going during my absence.<P>God Bless

ES,<P>Sorry for the rough week...<P>There is only one way to go now... and that i up!<P>Jim<BR>---------------------------------<BR>Where two or more are gathered...

Es - so good to hear from you. Man that WAS a first week at work!!!<P>You gotta know that this week will only get better. (Can't be anything but better, right?) <P>Keep letting us know how you guys are doing.<P>Tell Hopeful hello for me too. Hope she's doing well.<P>Lori<P>

ES,<P>Was good to hear from you...sorry you have been feeling so badly. What a way to feel when you start a new job!!<P>Hope things pick you for you healthwise and sounds like even if the job isn't exact;y what you want...there is the promise of other things n the horizon after a bit of time. That is great!<P>wishing you well,<P>Roll Me Away<P>------------------<BR>"Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things in which smiles and kindnesses and small obligations, given habitually, are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort."<P>Sir Humphry Davy<BR>

NSR -- You're right there is only one way to go. It would be nice to have something go smoothly for a change though.<P>lostva -- Other than the physical problems, last week really was pretty good. I mean it's not very often that you can impress a new employer that much within the first week.<P>I'll pass your message on to hopeful.<P>Roll Me Away -- As I said to lostva, other than the physical part, it really was a good week.<P>I don't know what it is with me and new jobs though. . . When I started my last job I was hurt. We had gone to a company picnic for my W, and I ended up tearing a bunch of tendons and stuff playing football. Couldn't hardly use my right arm for about two weeks. Then the way things started out for this job. . . I may have to find a way to win the lotto or something so I don't have to change jobs again <P>God Bless

Well. I'm back from the doctors. I can't do anything half a$$ed. Not only is my left ear very infected, but my right ear is infected as well. New dose of antiobiotics started. Man I hate winter <P>God Bless

Hey ES,<P>Look at it this way - you get to cure TWO ears with ONE prescription!!!! <P>Now, when you win the lottery, you ARE gonna remember all your friends at MBF, aren't you?????? <P>Seriously, hope you feel better soon....<P>Roll Me Away<P>------------------<BR>"Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things in which smiles and kindnesses and small obligations, given habitually, are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort."<P>Sir Humphry Davy<BR>

And then my right nostral, and then my left, and then my other eye...<P>How many orifices can you get infected??!!<P>Take care, ES...<P>Hi Hopeful!!

Es must be sick of all the bacon and poptarts I've been feeding him.......<P>Just kidding.......or am I???????????

Roll Me Away -- <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Now, when you win the lottery, you ARE gonna remember all your friends at MBF, aren't you??????<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> You know, this is based on one assumption . . . <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>. . . when you win the lottery . . . <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Somehow, I just don't see this happening. It's sure a good dream though.<P>new_beginning -- <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>How many orifices can you get infected??!!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Let's not even go there, OK <P>As for my dear wife . . . <P><BR>I Love You hopeful.<P><BR>God Bless