I haven't had much opportunity to write, but I've had the desire. I've been concentrating energy on spending time with Anthony and building up the shores of our relationship before he deploys with the Army. Anthony hates it when I do this, but I like writing down my things to do.
1) The Girls State Alumni newsletter
2) 30,000 mile service on my car
3) Interview in Bend at KTVZ Newschannel 21
The exciting thing is that my to do list is only three lines deep (for now). It will probably grow as the week goes by. I received a phone call today from Lee Anderson of KTVZ-TV in Bend and he asked for me to come down for an interview. The position is a (off camera) news producer spot. Anderson said that I could sit in and watch the newscast while I am there. I'd be getting a taste of what the job would be like.
I think the hardest part of this job, for me, will be learning the mechanics of on demand, live news. The production, story telling, source development and lede development will be old hat. I like the city of Bend, but I find it hard to think about leaving my search and rescue team, friends and family when I've finally landed here in the Portland Metro area. Working and living in the same town will be refreshing, however.
I just found out that both Kate Paul and John Hendricks work at KTVZ in Bend. Woo!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
All great moments...
...come to an end eventually.
My great moment was four years at Oregon State University, studying and working at The Daily Barometer. Tomorrow, I get to relive that moment by visiting the campus as a speaker for Fall Press Day, which is hosted by Northwest Scholastic Press. Fall Press Day is the high school equivalent of a Society of Professional Journalists conference. However, SPJ will never invite me to speak.
Fall Press Day, on the other hand, has invited me to visit.
Sessions include:
Managing for the meek @ 9:40 p.m.
Getting ahead after graduating at 12:55 p.m.
My great moment was four years at Oregon State University, studying and working at The Daily Barometer. Tomorrow, I get to relive that moment by visiting the campus as a speaker for Fall Press Day, which is hosted by Northwest Scholastic Press. Fall Press Day is the high school equivalent of a Society of Professional Journalists conference. However, SPJ will never invite me to speak.
Fall Press Day, on the other hand, has invited me to visit.
Sessions include:
Managing for the meek @ 9:40 p.m.
Getting ahead after graduating at 12:55 p.m.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Today, I was paid $8.13 per hour
Today has been a rough day in many ways. First, I picked up may paycheck early this morning and took a peek at it. It turns out, I was paid only $8.13 per hour for my last week of work. The Oregonian had been overpaying me by $0.66 per hour for the last three weeks. So, instead of doing an number of honorable things. The company decided to subtract what they had overpaid me from my paycheck. Usually, that's not even a big deal. However, when I end up a) getting paid less that minimum wage for the state of Oregon and b) they don't even warn me, I am bound to get upset about it.
My work situation -- which consists of wait-and-see and "We'll let you know next week" -- has been frustrating at the very least. Today, I had a chat with a co-worker and she instilled in me a sense of get-the-hell-out-of-here.
I really appreciate the opportunities that I have been given here at The Oregonian.
However, I'm not the captain and I do not have an obligation to go down with the ship. The Oregonian is reorganizing as this iteration of the buy-out package is on the table for employees. Today, I sit with no guarantees, no health insurance and no security. I feel the lack of security acutely today because of how abruptly my paycheck was limited to a stingy (and technically sub-legal) $8.13 an hour.
How do you describe work that you love? I would guess that the words "tedious" and "monotonous" shouldn't be part of that description. As a designer, downstairs at the Broadway building, I was excited to see friends, work in the newsroom (though I didn't have my own desk) and play with InDesign all evening. That program had become an extension of my consciousness. After three years of designing on a nightly basis, I don't plan on separating myself from creative work with publications.
What is a recession? Well, other than the obvious answer, I can't really respond. But, I suppose that it is a time in society where the little guy, with no wealth, has no power to stand up against an employer and say, "You owe me." Because they will only end up owing you a walk to the door. So, what can I do now that The Oregonian has decided to pay me $0.66 less per hour? Nothing, really. But, it's like the opposite of a raise -- an anti-reward for a job well done.
My work situation -- which consists of wait-and-see and "We'll let you know next week" -- has been frustrating at the very least. Today, I had a chat with a co-worker and she instilled in me a sense of get-the-hell-out-of-here.
I really appreciate the opportunities that I have been given here at The Oregonian.
However, I'm not the captain and I do not have an obligation to go down with the ship. The Oregonian is reorganizing as this iteration of the buy-out package is on the table for employees. Today, I sit with no guarantees, no health insurance and no security. I feel the lack of security acutely today because of how abruptly my paycheck was limited to a stingy (and technically sub-legal) $8.13 an hour.
How do you describe work that you love? I would guess that the words "tedious" and "monotonous" shouldn't be part of that description. As a designer, downstairs at the Broadway building, I was excited to see friends, work in the newsroom (though I didn't have my own desk) and play with InDesign all evening. That program had become an extension of my consciousness. After three years of designing on a nightly basis, I don't plan on separating myself from creative work with publications.
What is a recession? Well, other than the obvious answer, I can't really respond. But, I suppose that it is a time in society where the little guy, with no wealth, has no power to stand up against an employer and say, "You owe me." Because they will only end up owing you a walk to the door. So, what can I do now that The Oregonian has decided to pay me $0.66 less per hour? Nothing, really. But, it's like the opposite of a raise -- an anti-reward for a job well done.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Schwinn or flat tire
Over the weekend, I found that my new (old) bike had a flat tire. After pumping that bad boy back up, I found that it was a slow leak. Anthony suggested that I take it into a bike shop and they could show me how to fix it. I suggested that it would be easier than putting a new tube in a tractor tire.
I was right.
After a quick trip to Fred Meyer, I purchased a patch kit, a set of new brakes and a new tube (might as well have a spare for $5.99). I plopped down in front of my ratchet set, with three plastic levers. I spun the bolts on the bearing of the back tire, removing them completely. I pushed the tire free of the chain and readied myself to pry the rubber tread from the wheel. After wrestling with my levers, I was able to remove the entire assembly from the rim.
Using a pump, I added air to the tube - now freed from the rubber tread. Almost instantly, I found the hole. It was a tiny little thing, seeping air with a snail's pace. That little hole let enough air from the tire to keep it flat. I followed the instructions, scratching the rubber with a little metal tool and then applying a disk of some type of plastic with a really ridiculous glue on the back. It sealed instantly and I ventured to the bath tube to check for more leaks.
After performing the Les Schwab standard tube leak test (submerging the tube in water to see if air bubbles emerge from the pressure), I reinstalled the tube into the tread, and fit the whole assembly onto the rim. After re-inflating, and waiting a few minutes to see if it took hold, I reinstalled the whole tire onto the bike.
Since the rubber of both sets of brakes was stiff and flaking, I decided to purchase one new set (to see if they were the right type). Indeed they were, so I installed the new brakes on the front tire. I haven't tested them out yet.
Today, the tire is holding steady and the brakes are ready for testing. Thursday will be my first opportunity to take my bike out for a ride and I'm getting excited about it (especially since my seat is now properly adjusted).
I was right.
After a quick trip to Fred Meyer, I purchased a patch kit, a set of new brakes and a new tube (might as well have a spare for $5.99). I plopped down in front of my ratchet set, with three plastic levers. I spun the bolts on the bearing of the back tire, removing them completely. I pushed the tire free of the chain and readied myself to pry the rubber tread from the wheel. After wrestling with my levers, I was able to remove the entire assembly from the rim.
Using a pump, I added air to the tube - now freed from the rubber tread. Almost instantly, I found the hole. It was a tiny little thing, seeping air with a snail's pace. That little hole let enough air from the tire to keep it flat. I followed the instructions, scratching the rubber with a little metal tool and then applying a disk of some type of plastic with a really ridiculous glue on the back. It sealed instantly and I ventured to the bath tube to check for more leaks.
After performing the Les Schwab standard tube leak test (submerging the tube in water to see if air bubbles emerge from the pressure), I reinstalled the tube into the tread, and fit the whole assembly onto the rim. After re-inflating, and waiting a few minutes to see if it took hold, I reinstalled the whole tire onto the bike.
Since the rubber of both sets of brakes was stiff and flaking, I decided to purchase one new set (to see if they were the right type). Indeed they were, so I installed the new brakes on the front tire. I haven't tested them out yet.
Today, the tire is holding steady and the brakes are ready for testing. Thursday will be my first opportunity to take my bike out for a ride and I'm getting excited about it (especially since my seat is now properly adjusted).
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Weekend lack of adventure
My weekend has pretty much been a bust. I am hoping I can salvage some semblance of adventure by going to see the movie "I hope they serve beer in hell," based on the book by New York Times best selling book by author Tucker Max. This image, from fandango.com, shows that Matt Czuchry is the lead - playing the roll of Tucker Max.
Lauren Jones wanted to see the movie on Friday, but the only show time I could make it to was at 9:50 p.m. and that was a little late for my tastes. Saturday, I had to be up and at 'em at 9 a.m. for testing. I took the POST test for the Gresham Police Department. The test served as round two of eliminations. The test was pretty darn easy, and I say that because it took me half the time than what was allotted to complete the section and check my answers. The only one that was remotely tough was the math section. It was basic arithmetic, adding and subtracting, with a little bit of problem solving and multiplication/division thrown in. We could not use calculators. There was one problem that was throwing me a bit. The officer had driven something like 465 miles in 5 days. He drove 112 miles in one day. How many miles did he average on the other days? With a calculator, it would be cake. But, alas, my long division skills are not what they used to be. So, I ended up making an educated guess as time was running out. All of the others, however, I rocked. Section two asked that we read a paragraph or a police report and answer questions based on the information. Section three had questions that required us to identify the misspelled word. For section four, we wrote a number of complete sentences. Like I said, it was easy for me. Passing is getting a 70 percent or above in all four sections. I think I'll be a shoe-in.
After testing, I ran over to Old Navy to do some preemptive winter shopping. I'm waiting for the cold snap, and it's already 30 degrees in the office where I work. I got two sweaters, off-white and black, and then grandma and I drove down to Woodburn Company Stores. We went to Banana Republic, where I found an amazing pair of black slacks, then I found khaki slacks at the Columbia outlet for $7.50. A pair of jeans for $19.99 and a plain, black belt for $14.99. Overall, it was a good day of shopping. I got a couple more pairs of pants and a few sweaters for the winter season. I still need to work out the situation with shoes. I don't have more than one pair of dressy shoes that also works in winter. Well, I guess I have a pair of calf-high leather boots, but I don't like having a heel.
I'll be slowly looking to add to the collection of clothes that can get me through winter. I'm set with jackets and gloves and scarves. But, appropriate pant and shoe options are lacking. Gross.
Today, I'll be adventuring with Mom to Washington (state) where we'll be attending the funeral of John Merryman. He's my grandpa's wife's sister's son. So, my uncle, once removed (if he were a blood relative)? I'm really not sure how that works. After that, Tucker Max to the extreme.
Lauren Jones wanted to see the movie on Friday, but the only show time I could make it to was at 9:50 p.m. and that was a little late for my tastes. Saturday, I had to be up and at 'em at 9 a.m. for testing. I took the POST test for the Gresham Police Department. The test served as round two of eliminations. The test was pretty darn easy, and I say that because it took me half the time than what was allotted to complete the section and check my answers. The only one that was remotely tough was the math section. It was basic arithmetic, adding and subtracting, with a little bit of problem solving and multiplication/division thrown in. We could not use calculators. There was one problem that was throwing me a bit. The officer had driven something like 465 miles in 5 days. He drove 112 miles in one day. How many miles did he average on the other days? With a calculator, it would be cake. But, alas, my long division skills are not what they used to be. So, I ended up making an educated guess as time was running out. All of the others, however, I rocked. Section two asked that we read a paragraph or a police report and answer questions based on the information. Section three had questions that required us to identify the misspelled word. For section four, we wrote a number of complete sentences. Like I said, it was easy for me. Passing is getting a 70 percent or above in all four sections. I think I'll be a shoe-in.
After testing, I ran over to Old Navy to do some preemptive winter shopping. I'm waiting for the cold snap, and it's already 30 degrees in the office where I work. I got two sweaters, off-white and black, and then grandma and I drove down to Woodburn Company Stores. We went to Banana Republic, where I found an amazing pair of black slacks, then I found khaki slacks at the Columbia outlet for $7.50. A pair of jeans for $19.99 and a plain, black belt for $14.99. Overall, it was a good day of shopping. I got a couple more pairs of pants and a few sweaters for the winter season. I still need to work out the situation with shoes. I don't have more than one pair of dressy shoes that also works in winter. Well, I guess I have a pair of calf-high leather boots, but I don't like having a heel.
I'll be slowly looking to add to the collection of clothes that can get me through winter. I'm set with jackets and gloves and scarves. But, appropriate pant and shoe options are lacking. Gross.
Today, I'll be adventuring with Mom to Washington (state) where we'll be attending the funeral of John Merryman. He's my grandpa's wife's sister's son. So, my uncle, once removed (if he were a blood relative)? I'm really not sure how that works. After that, Tucker Max to the extreme.
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