Today was the first official day of my promotion. It was a strange feeling. Besides that, my supervisor is on vacation and I was the acting supervisor. I knew what I had to do. I worked hard but there was so much to do that I couldn't finish. Well, tomorrow is another day.
It was a strange sort of day. Very busy. Very noisy. Lots of people. Lots of people with lots of very strange problems. Most of the problems were in their own heads. Like people who couldn't understand that we're only open late on Tuesday and Thursday. The man who tried to steal three baseball books because he pays his taxes and that means he owns them. The lady who wouldn't use the computer until it was totally disinfected to her specifications and then asking me to report the guard because she didn't like his answer when she asked him for paper towels and alcohol. It was as if they were saying, "Welcome to being the head Library Assistant, Kathy!"
If this is any indication of what I am going to go through for the next four years, it is going to be a strange and surreal experience.
Showing posts with label Promotion at work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Promotion at work. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
BUSY DAY
Today did not start well for me. I overslept, rushed through getting ready for work, hit every red light, and then got stuck behind a trash truck. My 10-15 minute commute turned into 30 minutes. I was way late for work.
Then I was on the front desk first thing. People coming at me from all directions. I was not a happy camper and ended up in a really bad mood. I hate being in a bad mood. When I got off of the desk I called Joe and told him what had happened. Just talking with him made me feel better. And when he got me to laugh, the whole black cloud up and disappeared. I am so grateful to God for putting Joe in my life.
Today was not only the end of the month, but the end of the fiscal year for the city. I stuck to Donna all day and wrote down lots of information on how to do end of the month reports, deposits, etc. The second half happens tomorrow with the first day of the month and fiscal year. I have done all of this before, but it was a long time ago. As she is doing things I am saying to myself, "Oh, that's right. I remember that now." But there are also things I have never done such as ordering deposit slips. So it's all good.
I have to run. I am making fried rice for dinner and the rice is done. Don't want it to burn. I'll check in tomorrow.
Then I was on the front desk first thing. People coming at me from all directions. I was not a happy camper and ended up in a really bad mood. I hate being in a bad mood. When I got off of the desk I called Joe and told him what had happened. Just talking with him made me feel better. And when he got me to laugh, the whole black cloud up and disappeared. I am so grateful to God for putting Joe in my life.
Today was not only the end of the month, but the end of the fiscal year for the city. I stuck to Donna all day and wrote down lots of information on how to do end of the month reports, deposits, etc. The second half happens tomorrow with the first day of the month and fiscal year. I have done all of this before, but it was a long time ago. As she is doing things I am saying to myself, "Oh, that's right. I remember that now." But there are also things I have never done such as ordering deposit slips. So it's all good.
I have to run. I am making fried rice for dinner and the rice is done. Don't want it to burn. I'll check in tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
OH HAPPY DAY
I haven't talked about it much, but I have been very concerned about my new work assignment at the Haddington Branch. It is not a great neighborhood and it is far from home. I was not looking forward to having a 30-45 minute drive every day. I kept thinking about being so far from Joe if he got sick or had a seizure.
Another thing I was concerned with was I still have not gotten my letter telling me I was promoted and where and when to report. In other words, I've been in limbo not knowing if I were officially an LA 1 or an LA 2.
The third thing bothering me was that the Richmond Branch would be shorthanded without me there. The first week of July Donna is on vacation. That leaves only Diane there. The second week of July Diane is on vacation. That leaves only Donna. And to top it off Donna has jury duty on Wednesday. If she is picked, she could be out the rest of the week and that would leave no one to work the library. The branch would have to close in the middle of the summer reading program.
I spoke to the branch head, Jerry, this morning about these things. He said he had written an email to the Area Administrator, Anne, last week but hadn't heard anything. I said, "I think I'll call her because I need to know where I will be going on Tuesday."
Anne was very helpful and it turns out that when she read Jerry's email, she went to her boss. Together they decided that I should stay at the Richmond Library and not go to Haddington at all. That's why I haven't gotten a letter to move. They are giving me a month to get trained while Donna is still there and then when she retires on August 5th I will become the LA 2 for the branch.
I am so thankful to God for His provision for me. I couldn't see how this would all work out, but He did. And I am so happy today that I don't have to move again.
Another thing I was concerned with was I still have not gotten my letter telling me I was promoted and where and when to report. In other words, I've been in limbo not knowing if I were officially an LA 1 or an LA 2.
The third thing bothering me was that the Richmond Branch would be shorthanded without me there. The first week of July Donna is on vacation. That leaves only Diane there. The second week of July Diane is on vacation. That leaves only Donna. And to top it off Donna has jury duty on Wednesday. If she is picked, she could be out the rest of the week and that would leave no one to work the library. The branch would have to close in the middle of the summer reading program.
I spoke to the branch head, Jerry, this morning about these things. He said he had written an email to the Area Administrator, Anne, last week but hadn't heard anything. I said, "I think I'll call her because I need to know where I will be going on Tuesday."
Anne was very helpful and it turns out that when she read Jerry's email, she went to her boss. Together they decided that I should stay at the Richmond Library and not go to Haddington at all. That's why I haven't gotten a letter to move. They are giving me a month to get trained while Donna is still there and then when she retires on August 5th I will become the LA 2 for the branch.
I am so thankful to God for His provision for me. I couldn't see how this would all work out, but He did. And I am so happy today that I don't have to move again.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
BUT I SIGNED THESE PAPERS BEFORE!
Well, it's official. I got a call this morning from Human Resources that I was to go to the Central library this afternoon and sign all the paperwork necessary for me to be promoted.
It was a crazy day at work. Lots of people. (Where did they all come from?) I didn't get to leave the Richmond Branch until 3 p.m.
It didn't take me long to get there. I was worried about parking, so found a space three blocks away near where I parked before. I paid the kiosk, walked to the corner, and there were two blocks of empty parking spots closer to the building. But I had already paid and I would have had to pay again so I stayed where I was. My knees were killing me and I was not happy that I had parked so far away.
Human Resources gave me a bunch of papers to sign for my pension, life insurance, deductibles, etc. It turns out whenever you get a promotion they are actually letting you go and then rehiring you. So everything has to be filled out again. The same thing happened when I had my breast cancer surgery and when I had my stomach surgery. So I have now filled out these same papers 4 times. Give me a break!
I will be beginning my new job on July 5th. I still don't know where this new place is. Joe and I are going to make a dry run this weekend or next to see how to get there and how long it takes. This will be an interesting next 4 to 5 weeks.
It was a crazy day at work. Lots of people. (Where did they all come from?) I didn't get to leave the Richmond Branch until 3 p.m.
It didn't take me long to get there. I was worried about parking, so found a space three blocks away near where I parked before. I paid the kiosk, walked to the corner, and there were two blocks of empty parking spots closer to the building. But I had already paid and I would have had to pay again so I stayed where I was. My knees were killing me and I was not happy that I had parked so far away.
Human Resources gave me a bunch of papers to sign for my pension, life insurance, deductibles, etc. It turns out whenever you get a promotion they are actually letting you go and then rehiring you. So everything has to be filled out again. The same thing happened when I had my breast cancer surgery and when I had my stomach surgery. So I have now filled out these same papers 4 times. Give me a break!
I will be beginning my new job on July 5th. I still don't know where this new place is. Joe and I are going to make a dry run this weekend or next to see how to get there and how long it takes. This will be an interesting next 4 to 5 weeks.
GOOD NEWS!
This was a day like no other! It began with me going to see the surgeon for my 6 month check-up. My appointment was for 9:15. We were making really good time getting there and suddenly all the traffic stopped. They were doing construction on 10th Street. Three lanes went into one. It was only a block long, but what a tie-up it made.
When we got there, we had trouble finding parking, and then got lost in the hospital. This place is huge! So when we finally got there we were 15 minutes late. It didn't matter though because my doctor had emergency surgery this morning and I didn't even get to see her until 10:45. I never get in and out of there fast.
She said that everything looks good. Sometime in September I am to get an upper GI test to make sure that everything is in place and is working the way it should. GOOD NEWS!
We then went to the cashier and I finished paying for my hospital bill. I no longer have that hanging over my head. MORE GOOD NEWS!
Joe took me to the hospital's gift shop. Being sick in the hospital I had never seen it. It was nice. I mean really nice. They had some 3-D bookmarks and Joe bought me one with planets on it that I fell in love with. He's a sweetie!
Joe and I went home, ate lunch, and then I went to work two hours late. When I got in I was told to call the Area Administrator. I knew this was something either very good or very bad because you just don't get calls from her for nothing. I called and found that I was being offered the Library Assistant 2 job! Very few people take the test and are offered a promotion the first time around, so I was surprised and very happy. EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS!
So now for the not so good news. Because there is no opening anywhere near me, I am being sent to the Haddington Branch which is a 30-45 minute drive away. BUT, it's a little more complicated. You see, I have been picked to be the new LA2 at the Richmond Branch where I am now as soon as my current supervisor retires on August 5th. So until then, I have to spend my time across the city. Basically it's for about a month, then I get to come back. But you never know with the Free Library. They often tell you one thing, and do another.
I told the Administrator that I had to talk to Joe and would give her a definite answer tomorrow. Joe and I prayed and talked about it and have decided I should take the job. The people downtown have really done their best to give me what I want and to promote me quickly. If I work with them, they will remember it and work with me. Also it's only for a month and one week of that month I will be on vacation, so it's really only three weeks. Not many people get handpicked for a place. All this seems to be working in my favor. And when I prayed I had a peace about going to this branch.
So here's the next stage in my journey. Let's see where this part of my trip through life takes me.
When we got there, we had trouble finding parking, and then got lost in the hospital. This place is huge! So when we finally got there we were 15 minutes late. It didn't matter though because my doctor had emergency surgery this morning and I didn't even get to see her until 10:45. I never get in and out of there fast.
She said that everything looks good. Sometime in September I am to get an upper GI test to make sure that everything is in place and is working the way it should. GOOD NEWS!
We then went to the cashier and I finished paying for my hospital bill. I no longer have that hanging over my head. MORE GOOD NEWS!
Joe took me to the hospital's gift shop. Being sick in the hospital I had never seen it. It was nice. I mean really nice. They had some 3-D bookmarks and Joe bought me one with planets on it that I fell in love with. He's a sweetie!
Joe and I went home, ate lunch, and then I went to work two hours late. When I got in I was told to call the Area Administrator. I knew this was something either very good or very bad because you just don't get calls from her for nothing. I called and found that I was being offered the Library Assistant 2 job! Very few people take the test and are offered a promotion the first time around, so I was surprised and very happy. EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS!
So now for the not so good news. Because there is no opening anywhere near me, I am being sent to the Haddington Branch which is a 30-45 minute drive away. BUT, it's a little more complicated. You see, I have been picked to be the new LA2 at the Richmond Branch where I am now as soon as my current supervisor retires on August 5th. So until then, I have to spend my time across the city. Basically it's for about a month, then I get to come back. But you never know with the Free Library. They often tell you one thing, and do another.
I told the Administrator that I had to talk to Joe and would give her a definite answer tomorrow. Joe and I prayed and talked about it and have decided I should take the job. The people downtown have really done their best to give me what I want and to promote me quickly. If I work with them, they will remember it and work with me. Also it's only for a month and one week of that month I will be on vacation, so it's really only three weeks. Not many people get handpicked for a place. All this seems to be working in my favor. And when I prayed I had a peace about going to this branch.
So here's the next stage in my journey. Let's see where this part of my trip through life takes me.
Friday, June 17, 2011
INTERVIEW
What a day! I left for the interview in plenty of time. I got there at 9:20 (my appointment was 9:30) and there was no parking. Not here, not there, not anywhere! I drove around for 15 minutes and finally saw a guy pull out of a spot three blocks away. I immediately pulled in, paid the parking kiosk (I couldn't figure out how to do it at first) and ran three blocks to the library. The pleasures of driving in center city!
When I got to the building, they weren't open yet, so I had to walk another block to the back of the building and go in the employee entrance. Of course that took more time. By the time I got to Human Resources I was 20 minutes late. What a way to start an interview!
When I got to the building, they weren't open yet, so I had to walk another block to the back of the building and go in the employee entrance. Of course that took more time. By the time I got to Human Resources I was 20 minutes late. What a way to start an interview!
Wish I could have parked here, but they are doing construction and all these parking spaces are gone!
I apologized for being late and everyone said it was OK. They understood about parking.
The interview lasted a whole 10 minutes. They asked me what my strengths were, how I would handle different problems, why I would make a good LA2. At the end they asked if there was anything else I could tell them about myself. I mentioned that I have an Associate's Degree in Library Science and that made an impression on them, especially when one of the interviewers knew my college professor. I also told them I had helped to teach the new Sirsi computer system when it first came in. The two interviewers wrote that down too. And even though I was on the payroll for 15 years, I had volunteered for 4 years before that so I really have 19 years worth of experience. "Oh, a volunteer!" one of them said and wrote that down too.
So all in all it went very well. Hope this is a good sign that they liked me. But where I want to be is not available and where they want to put me is in a bad neighborhood far, far from home. Guess I will see what happens. I can always turn it down.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
TOMORROW IS THE DAY
Tomorrow morning is my interview at Human Resources for the Library Assistant 2 job. I am excited and a little nervous about it. I hope they offer me a job close to home.
Because of Joe's disability it is not possible for me to work far from home. Only twice have I had to go home because he had a seizure and had fallen out of bed. But I don't want to be 30-45 minutes away if it would ever happen again.
I will be sure to let you know what happens next on my trip through life.
Because of Joe's disability it is not possible for me to work far from home. Only twice have I had to go home because he had a seizure and had fallen out of bed. But I don't want to be 30-45 minutes away if it would ever happen again.
I will be sure to let you know what happens next on my trip through life.
Friday, June 10, 2011
IT'S EXCITING
I got a call at work today from Human Resources. My first thought was "What did I do wrong on my time sheet now?" But it wasn't about that. I am being interviewed next Thursday for a promotion! I am so excited about it. Even though I'm going to be working only a few more years, it would be so great to have the extra money (and extra pension) coming my way along with more responsibility. I will let everyone know what happens.
Monday, February 21, 2011
THIS AND THAT
I hope you all enjoyed my library stories. I just felt that so much of this blog has been about my sickness that I wanted to add some humor to it.
I haven't had a chance to write in a couple of days so thought I'd catch up with some things.
On Friday my co-worker from Richmond Branch, Diane, called me at Fishtown and said she had gotten the results of her Library Assistant 2 test in the mail. Last September we had both taken the promotional test along with 22 other people. I knew a lot of the people taking the test because I had worked with them at various libraries. I thought the test was OK, but a lot of the questions were confusing and I didn't think I did very well. In fact, once I had finished the test I went back and started second guessing myself and changing answers. Then I realized what I was doing so I stopped, handed in my answer sheet and left. I would have ended up changing every answer on that page! So anyway, Diane had gotten the #18 spot in rank. I figured I was around #11 or #12.
The other Dianne I work with (from the Fishtown Branch) came back from lunch. I asked her if she had gotten her mail. She did, but didn't look at it. So when she got home that night she emailed me. She got #11 in rank.
Later that night my friend Carol called me and told me that another LA I know (Connie) got #2 and wanted to know what my rank was.
I know you all want to know what I got. I had Joe open the envelope and call me at work. I'm #5. Number 5! I had no idea I did that well. I did not expect this at all. Of course it may be another year before the city has enough money to promote anyone, but I got #5! So we'll see what happens from here.
We had a very good and very powerful message in church yesterday. Pastor Justin spoke on Christ's temptation in the wilderness. He emphasized that as believers temptation will come our way, but we are never alone for the Holy Spirit lives within us. So good. I wish everyone I know could have heard it. It will be up on our website (www.MyWBFC.org) on Wednesday or Thursday if you want to hear it.
Yesterday for lunch I had my first hoagie since September. It was so good! We usually get hoagies after church for our Sunday lunch, but haven't been able to do it for months. I am so happy I can eat again!
I have off from work today for President's Day. It is so nice to have a weekday off and a three day weekend. I invited our friends Carole and Walt over for dinner tonight so I have to get off of here and clean up some so there is a place for us to eat. It's always nice to have friends visit.
I haven't had a chance to write in a couple of days so thought I'd catch up with some things.
On Friday my co-worker from Richmond Branch, Diane, called me at Fishtown and said she had gotten the results of her Library Assistant 2 test in the mail. Last September we had both taken the promotional test along with 22 other people. I knew a lot of the people taking the test because I had worked with them at various libraries. I thought the test was OK, but a lot of the questions were confusing and I didn't think I did very well. In fact, once I had finished the test I went back and started second guessing myself and changing answers. Then I realized what I was doing so I stopped, handed in my answer sheet and left. I would have ended up changing every answer on that page! So anyway, Diane had gotten the #18 spot in rank. I figured I was around #11 or #12.
The other Dianne I work with (from the Fishtown Branch) came back from lunch. I asked her if she had gotten her mail. She did, but didn't look at it. So when she got home that night she emailed me. She got #11 in rank.
Later that night my friend Carol called me and told me that another LA I know (Connie) got #2 and wanted to know what my rank was.
I know you all want to know what I got. I had Joe open the envelope and call me at work. I'm #5. Number 5! I had no idea I did that well. I did not expect this at all. Of course it may be another year before the city has enough money to promote anyone, but I got #5! So we'll see what happens from here.
It was farm week this past Saturday. The theme this week was "Slavic Sensations!". I thought last week was slim pickings, but this week was even more so. We got a head of Butterhead Lettuce (this is my favorite hydroponic lettuce), 2 lbs. of Mutsu Apples, 2 lbs. of Chioggia and Red Beets, a jar of White Sauerkraut with garlic, 1/2 lb. of Amish Swiss Cheese, 1/2 gallon of skim milk, and 1/2 lb. of Amish butter. We were supposed to get some pierogies, but by the time we got there, there was none left. So we were given 1 lb. of organic ground beef instead. (We went shopping at the supermarket afterwards and got the pierogies there.)
We had a very good and very powerful message in church yesterday. Pastor Justin spoke on Christ's temptation in the wilderness. He emphasized that as believers temptation will come our way, but we are never alone for the Holy Spirit lives within us. So good. I wish everyone I know could have heard it. It will be up on our website (www.MyWBFC.org) on Wednesday or Thursday if you want to hear it.
Yesterday for lunch I had my first hoagie since September. It was so good! We usually get hoagies after church for our Sunday lunch, but haven't been able to do it for months. I am so happy I can eat again!
I have off from work today for President's Day. It is so nice to have a weekday off and a three day weekend. I invited our friends Carole and Walt over for dinner tonight so I have to get off of here and clean up some so there is a place for us to eat. It's always nice to have friends visit.
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