I'm in the midst of a most interesting Memorial Day Holiday weekend . It started with my resume on the internet. It's been floating around in cyberspace since my layout from Honeywell Aerospace in 2010.
I received a call from a recruiter a week or so ago asking if I'm still actively seeking employment. I explain to him that I'm currently working but that I am always seeking an opportunity to better my position in life. He seems genuinely impressed by my answer. He goes on to inform me of an e-beam welder (electron beam) position that's open in So-Ca, El Cajon, California to be exact. El Cajon is a small ageing city in the hills just east of San Diego. It's just shy of five hours from my current home in Maricopa, AZ, two hours from Yuma and ten minutes from the beaches of San Diego. Oh yeah, and has absolutely perfect weather.
The recruiter is seeking a candidate for GKN Aerospace, a manufacturer of turbine engine components for both commercial and military aircraft.
This recruiter starts going over items listed as competencies in my resume and asking for clarifications of each. He seems satisfied that I do indeed have the skills necessary to forward my resume on to GKN.
Fast forward to this Memorial Day weekend. GKN Aerospace wants to see me face to face and have me demonstrate my tig (tungsten inert gas) welding abilities.
What? I haven't welded on the bench in years. I'm pretty sure I still can, but to demonstrate in a certification test type environment with no practice, that's a scary thought.
Now I'm starting to think about those competencies I claim to have. Am I really competent in these skills or are they just a list of jobs I once did years ago?... Well it's time to find the answer to that question.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Self Assessment
Sunday, May 4, 2014
A Different Yuma Experience
Day/weekend trips to Yuma are a bit different these days, but in some ways still the same. The last two trips to Yuma were mainly to support Angela (Tina's eldest daughter) during her initial divorce hearings. We do manage to make each trip worthwhile, by doing something interesting, like a day trip to Algodones, Mexico or trying some of the unique Mexican eateries in the area.
When I say some things are still the same, I'm referring to the fact that Isaac, Angela's husband is not is not present. His lack of presence is not due the pending divorce, but, more the reason for it.
This blog entry is not about their divorce, I just wanted to mention it to explain the title.
As always I really enjoy traveling to Yuma. I don't know why cause there's not much to do here. I guess I just like to go anywhere anytime, and I love to drive the highway.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Day trip to Algodones Mexico
On 10/10/10 Tina and I accompanied by Tina's daughter Angela made a day trip to Algodones Mexico. Algodones is located west of Yuma Arizona and just a mile south of I-8 on Andrade Rd Rt 186. As you near the Andrade Rd exit you will notice that you have already crossed into California back when you crossed over the river and passed the 4th ave. exit, even though it appears you are still in Yuma. Fact is, Yuma is south of the highway and California is north including the highway itself. I am always excited for a chance to use my passport. I love going to Algodones, I don't know why, as there is really not much there. You can however find good food, cheap medicine and low cost medical, dental and eye care. These are the reason Algodones is so popular. Cheap prescription medication is why we made the trip. We were able to fill our prescription with name brand drugs for a fraction of the cost charged by local American pharmacies for generic versions. Tina's grandchildren love the Mexican candies, so we hit a couple of candy stores first. Next the pharmacy then lunch. We often visit the same spot for some very good tacos and Margaritas. Tacos and Drinks is the name of the restaurant we frequent located on the corner of CALLE 3 & AV A. It is one block to the right of the first intersection as you enter the small town. Pharmacies, doctors offices and optometrist line the streets of Algodones. Men often stand out front of these establishments and beckon for your attention. It is best to avoid eye contact, but do be polite and simply say no thank you, our not interested. Our visit today was brief. After we filled up on tacos we headed toward the Andrade California boarder crossing and customs. We stopped along the way at Liqui's Pharmacy & Liquor this is the largest such store in Algodones. I recommend that if buying liquor you get it here on you way out of town so you don't have to carry it around with you all day. The liquor prices offer little savings and many popular brands can not be found here in Mexico. The draw here is that you can buy liquor at age 18. We purchased nowhere near the allowed limits for prescription medication, and no liquor at all, so customs was a breeze. I got to flash my passport and felt like an international traveler till I noticed the agent trying to holds back a smirk when I answered with "candy" to his question... "What are you bringing across today?" Do be warned that they have upgraded to xray scanners here, and you must put your bags on the conveyor belt.
Just as we exit the Customs building into the US, we hear agents yelling "hey!, hey!...stop!" We turned to see a man walking up behind us that has apparently tried to skirt customs by walking along the line of cars waiting to exit Mexico. The agents were running from all directions towards the man with weapons drawn, he threw up his arms saying "No problem...no problem" and was apprehended.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Fat Smash
I had my dinner, 951 kcal total. My steak was 10 ounces I should have trimmed it down to 7 or 8, white corn and brown rice. I completed my shred workout, burning 360 calories... all before 9 pm. for the first time I ate more than the suggested calorie intake by 8 calories. My fat, protein and card intake was right where they should be. But 10oz of steak is too much.