I had my job interview last Monday afternoon (11 July) in Granite City. I was at the firm for about 30 minutes, interviewed by two people: the manager responsible for this position, and a human resources person. I was among an unknown (to me) number of candidates for this temporary technical writing post. They didn't go too much into the nuts and bolts of the job (such as asking for my knowledge of SAP operations), but wanted to know how I can communicate a process to someone who's unfamiliar with it. I think this interview went well and they said they would let the temp agency know by Friday afternoon who they would select. I would know from the temp agency.
I did research on the firm and about SAP software in the days prior to the interview, and I sought advice from a few friends. One, who works at another industrial firm in Granite City, was particularly helpful in this regard.
Last Saturday, I worked seven games at a 3v3 soccer tournament in Maryland Heights. This was a local stop on a nationwide tour of 3v3 tournaments. These are played on small fields, with short game times (12-minute halves), enabling games to be played within 30-minute slots. These went well, for me. That night, I went to dinner at Pujols 5 Westport Grill in Westport Plaza. It was the St. Louis Singles Meetup Group getting together. Many of them went on to watch a comedy show at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, but I declined that and went home. I was trying to save some money.
Watched the FIFA Women's World Cup the past few days. Saw the USA defeat France and Japan beat Sweden in today's semifinals. The USA and Japan play in the final Sunday afternoon. I'll be on the pitch at DeSoto Park that day, officiating men's league games. I'll be sure to record the FIFA Women's World Cup Final for later viewing.
That's it for now. Later.
13 July 2011
06 July 2011
Some Good, Some Bad News Lately
Some good news came over the phone last Friday (1 July), when one of the temp agencies offered to have me interview for a temporary technical writing position with an industrial enterprise in Granite City, Illinois. It would be my first real experience in technical writing, but I said yes. The interview is this coming Monday afternoon (11 July). It would entail learning an SAP operation in the firm's offices, document the process, then work alongside an operator on the shelf floor doing the same process. Should be interesting. I'm setting aside much of the next few days getting familiar with the firm and with the system. Wish me luck!
This past weekend was rather quiet, apart from watching the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Copa America on TV. I didn't need a TV to watch the St. Louis Lions Saturday night: They weren't televised, but I did see them in person play the Kansas City Brass at Lindenwood University. The match ended drawn at 1, St. Louis equalizing just before halftime. It was nice to see.
Monday morning (4 July), I was in Webster Groves for that city's parade. I marched with Rep. Russ Carnahan and some of his supporters, several of who were riding on an old fire engine on the parade route. I walked the two-mile (1.2 km) route, helping hand out free candy to the kids along the route early on. It was real nice. Near the end of the parade, by Memorial Park, my friend Bill Michael said hi from the curb. We--Bill, his wife, young son, and I-- chatted briefly, before I returned to the parade. A fine time had by all, I think. I was at home with Mom and Dad that night.
Last night, I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. A light turnout--only five members-- meant we had virtually no business conducted, but we did talk about some hobby news for a while.
This morning, I took my car into the service place to have them check the radiator. I had a radiator warning light go off on the dashboard the night before and I was concerned. They checked the car and the radiator was leaking and needed replacement. They got all done by end of business today, except for installing a new thermostat. The replacement part they got did not fit, so they had to get one for earlier in my car's model year. (It turned out the 2000 Saturn SL was in a split 1999-2000 model year, for some strange reason. The repair technician called in my car's VIN [Vehicle Identification Number] to the parts place, and that's why they had to get the older model thermostat.) That part won't arrive to be installed until tomorrow morning. This will set me back just over $600. Ouch! I've had quite a bit in repair costs in my car already. I would be better off with a new or slightly used car, but my uncertain job situation puts paid to that.
Not much else for now. Hope to have happy news to report Monday night. Later.
This past weekend was rather quiet, apart from watching the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Copa America on TV. I didn't need a TV to watch the St. Louis Lions Saturday night: They weren't televised, but I did see them in person play the Kansas City Brass at Lindenwood University. The match ended drawn at 1, St. Louis equalizing just before halftime. It was nice to see.
Monday morning (4 July), I was in Webster Groves for that city's parade. I marched with Rep. Russ Carnahan and some of his supporters, several of who were riding on an old fire engine on the parade route. I walked the two-mile (1.2 km) route, helping hand out free candy to the kids along the route early on. It was real nice. Near the end of the parade, by Memorial Park, my friend Bill Michael said hi from the curb. We--Bill, his wife, young son, and I-- chatted briefly, before I returned to the parade. A fine time had by all, I think. I was at home with Mom and Dad that night.
Last night, I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. A light turnout--only five members-- meant we had virtually no business conducted, but we did talk about some hobby news for a while.
This morning, I took my car into the service place to have them check the radiator. I had a radiator warning light go off on the dashboard the night before and I was concerned. They checked the car and the radiator was leaking and needed replacement. They got all done by end of business today, except for installing a new thermostat. The replacement part they got did not fit, so they had to get one for earlier in my car's model year. (It turned out the 2000 Saturn SL was in a split 1999-2000 model year, for some strange reason. The repair technician called in my car's VIN [Vehicle Identification Number] to the parts place, and that's why they had to get the older model thermostat.) That part won't arrive to be installed until tomorrow morning. This will set me back just over $600. Ouch! I've had quite a bit in repair costs in my car already. I would be better off with a new or slightly used car, but my uncertain job situation puts paid to that.
Not much else for now. Hope to have happy news to report Monday night. Later.
29 June 2011
On Towards the 4th of July
Last Thursday morning (23 June), I had a late morning meeting with a financial planner, who had contacted me on LinkedIn. He basically wanted to get to know me more and what my career direction is to be, the better for him to help me. It was a nice meeting. That night, I went to a networking happy hour in Des Peres, but that wasn't such a good event. I never could get into the flow of things and hardly talked to anyone, so I left after a short stay.
The next day, I was in downtown St. Louis to view exhibits of Marine Week St. Louis. I first went to Ballpark Village, just north of Busch Stadium, where I saw several items on display. They included a MV-22B Osprey tilt rotor aircraft, a CH-53E Super Stallion heavy transport helicopter, and an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank. I then walked to the Gateway Arch grounds, where other equipment and displays were set up. It was really interesting and I took quite a few photos there.
Saturday afternoon, I was at Chill Frozen Yogurt in Clayton for a singles ice cream social. It was my first time at this place and the first event with the St. Louis Singles Meetup Group I had been to since last March. It was a nice time and I enjoyed some good frozen yogurt and nice conversation with other participants. That night, I was at Amsterdam Tavern in south St. Louis to join other soccer fans in watching on TV the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final being played in Pasadena. (Not so nice: Mexico overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the USA 4-2.) It was a good fun environment.
At the monthly soccer referee clinic Monday night (27 June) at Grand Glaize Library, I was volunteered to help lead a panel discussion of game situations and the correct way of dealing with them. It was a good discussion that benefitted all of us there.
Last night, I hosted the IPMS/Gateway business meeting in our kitchen and family room. We planned next month's general meeting and discussed other club business for about and hour.
Not much today, except for mowing the front lawn. This weekend, I hope to attend one of the St. Louis Lions matches (either Saturday or Sunday), and on the 4th of July, I'm planning to march in the Webster Groves parade that morning. Should be interesting.
Later.
22 June 2011
A Little Bit Happening
I did finish my P-51D Mustang model early yesterday and entered it in the Same Kit Contest at the IPMS/Gateway meeting last night. It was one of seven entries in the contest's Out of the Box category; there was only one entry in the Anything Goes (highly modified) category. I didn't win, but at least I got it entered and we did have a nice bit of interest in this. This was the first time our club's done the Same Kit Contest, and the IPMS/Gateway board will study this to improve upon for next year.
I refereed Sunday morning (19 June) in the swamp (sorry, on the pitch) at De Soto Park. There was some standing water in spots on the field, and muddy patches as well. I was truly wet and my boots were muddy by the time that game ended. Plus, I dismissed a coach for his irresponsible behavior. (He kept dissenting at my decisions against his team.) The second game, in which I was an assistant referee, went much better in comparison.
I have a pair of networking events tomorrow -- a one-on-one meeting in the late morning, a happy hour that night. We'll see how that goes.
Later.
16 June 2011
An Edit Job Done Well
Late last week, I completed the copy edit, proofreading, and fact checking contract job on a book manuscript. It was a history book written by a woman who had, with her husband, played with me in a trivia night a few weeks ago. I returned the edited manuscript to her, on both a hard copy and a file saved on a thumb drive, last Tuesday morning in Chesterfield. She was very appreciative of my efforts (this was her first book, although she had written several magazine articles before), and said that should make it easier when she turns this over to her publisher. I'll withhold further details on this until it's published.
Took in a conference call with the Naturally Autistic ANCA magazine and radio show staff last Friday night. We have things going you'll hear about in due course. I ushered in church last Sunday morning, the first time in about two months, and it went well.
Got some painting and decaling done on my P-51 Mustang model, which should be completed in time for this Tuesday's IPMS/Gateway meeting. It will be my entry in the Same Kit Contest. (Info at http://ipms-gateway.com) Hope to see you there.
Speaking of IPMS/Gateway, I wrote my column last Monday for the newsletter, and yesterday I ran off some flyers for our Invitational on 10 September and delivered them to Checkered Flag Hobby Country and Schaeffer's Hobby Shop.
This morning, I met a bank executive for coffee at a St. Louis Bread Company location in Town & Country. He and I connected through LinkedIn, and he wanted to know more about me and my career aspirations. He had some ideas to help.
Tonight, I'm off to the St. Louis United FC dinner meeting in U. City, and Sunday morning I'm back refereeing soccer in downtown St. Louis. Yes, my heel's much better now.
Before I go, I took some photos of myself this morning to use on my social networking sites. Some of those photos I have been using for my profiles date back to last November, and I feel I need something more up to date.
Later
10 June 2011
Work at Home and Feeling the Money Blues
A week ago today, 3 June, I started major editing and fact checking work on a history book by a local author. I won't tell you the details on this until it's published, but I got it virtually all done today. I have one last question out to the author today, but once it's answered and included in the edited manuscript, it's ready to return to the author. It was quite a fine book to work on. Not too challenging for me, for the most part.
I went to Over Under bar in downtown St. Louis for Stress Free Fridays that night, as the group celebrated its 7th anniversary. I've been with them for two years. Had a nice time there.
The next day had me in south St. Louis, at Amsterdam Tavern, to join the watch party for the USA-Spain friendly in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The defending World Cup winners cruised to a 4-0 win over the Americans, but it looks like the Stars and Stripes put that behind them this week as the CONCACAF Gold Cup got going here in the USA. The Americans beat Canada 2-0 on Tuesday, and play Panama tomorrow night. Should be good.
Last Sunday afternoon (5 June), I co-hosted Writers Block, a new monthly Naturally Autistic Radio program carried over Blog Talk Radio. I was on the phone for the hour talking about how having Asperger's syndrome has affected my approach to editing, and the other panelists' writing work. It came out very well, I thought. Will let you know when the next show comes on. In the meantime, you can find out about this and other Naturally Autistic Radio programs at http://www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show/.
It's been real hot this week here in St. Louis, with temperatures hitting 95 degrees F (35 degrees C). It's cooled down a bit today, but some thunderstorms are hitting this area this weekend.
Last Monday night (7 June) started three consecutive nites out. The Human Sexuality and Relationships Meetup group got together in Sunset Hills for dinner on Monday. It was nice seeing these people for the first time in a few weeks and talking about our personal relationships. I gave a lift home to a new member of this group, who lacked a car and had to catch the bus to come down from Olivette.
I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting Tuesday night at Thornhill Branch Library. I renewed my membership for another year, and I was unanimously retained as president for 2011-12. Also talked with a colleague about doing a simple club newsletter, and got some ideas for it.
Wednesday night, I was in downtown Clayton for the Missouri Aviation Historical Society meeting, which was nice. Saw some people including a new member who said he's an aviation writer who's also starting his own publishing firm. I chatted with him and let him know I'm an experienced editor, and he said he'd keep me in mind for any editing help.
Right now, I can use some financial help. Not having paid work lately means I'm really dipping into my savings just to get bills paid minimally. I should be getting payment soon on some recent proofreading work, which should help a bit. It's been so frustrating of late. I did apply yesterday online for a pair of editing and writing openings I saw. I just hope something good happens to me real soon.
Before I go, I can report good news in our family. I'm an uncle again, as my brother Brian's wife Gretchen gave birth to a boy. Name of the boy is to be announced, but he'll join big sister Rowan in their household. Congratulations!
Later.
I went to Over Under bar in downtown St. Louis for Stress Free Fridays that night, as the group celebrated its 7th anniversary. I've been with them for two years. Had a nice time there.
The next day had me in south St. Louis, at Amsterdam Tavern, to join the watch party for the USA-Spain friendly in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The defending World Cup winners cruised to a 4-0 win over the Americans, but it looks like the Stars and Stripes put that behind them this week as the CONCACAF Gold Cup got going here in the USA. The Americans beat Canada 2-0 on Tuesday, and play Panama tomorrow night. Should be good.
Last Sunday afternoon (5 June), I co-hosted Writers Block, a new monthly Naturally Autistic Radio program carried over Blog Talk Radio. I was on the phone for the hour talking about how having Asperger's syndrome has affected my approach to editing, and the other panelists' writing work. It came out very well, I thought. Will let you know when the next show comes on. In the meantime, you can find out about this and other Naturally Autistic Radio programs at http://www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show/.
It's been real hot this week here in St. Louis, with temperatures hitting 95 degrees F (35 degrees C). It's cooled down a bit today, but some thunderstorms are hitting this area this weekend.
Last Monday night (7 June) started three consecutive nites out. The Human Sexuality and Relationships Meetup group got together in Sunset Hills for dinner on Monday. It was nice seeing these people for the first time in a few weeks and talking about our personal relationships. I gave a lift home to a new member of this group, who lacked a car and had to catch the bus to come down from Olivette.
I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting Tuesday night at Thornhill Branch Library. I renewed my membership for another year, and I was unanimously retained as president for 2011-12. Also talked with a colleague about doing a simple club newsletter, and got some ideas for it.
Wednesday night, I was in downtown Clayton for the Missouri Aviation Historical Society meeting, which was nice. Saw some people including a new member who said he's an aviation writer who's also starting his own publishing firm. I chatted with him and let him know I'm an experienced editor, and he said he'd keep me in mind for any editing help.
Right now, I can use some financial help. Not having paid work lately means I'm really dipping into my savings just to get bills paid minimally. I should be getting payment soon on some recent proofreading work, which should help a bit. It's been so frustrating of late. I did apply yesterday online for a pair of editing and writing openings I saw. I just hope something good happens to me real soon.
Before I go, I can report good news in our family. I'm an uncle again, as my brother Brian's wife Gretchen gave birth to a boy. Name of the boy is to be announced, but he'll join big sister Rowan in their household. Congratulations!
Later.
02 June 2011
Taking It Easy on a Sore Heel
Last Thursday night (26 May), I went to a business networking happy hour at The Stable, a brew pub in south St. Louis. It was rather interesting, although I did see a few people I know, most folks there were younger than I. It was crowded and loud, so it was a challenge for me to get around and to talk, but it was OK.
Saturday afternoon found me at the Amsterdam Tavern in south St. Louis with quite a few other soccer fans to watch on TV the UEFA Champions League Final in London, in which FC Barcelona defeated Manchester United 3-1. I was happy with that result, pulling for Barca, and so were quite a few other patrons. A nice time had by all, whether their team won or not.
The next morning found me on the pitch, refereeing men's soccer at DeSoto Park in downtown St. Louis. I had the middle for the first two games I worked that day, and cut that match short by 5 minutes. That was due to two players I sent off from the same team in quick succession. I had just informed one player he was being sent off for using offensive language (he used the f-word in criticizing me for having just cautioned him for dissent), when his teammate shoved me on the chest. Not very hard, mind you (I stayed on my feet), but it was enough violent conduct to warrant his being sent off and (on the advice of my near assistant referee) my terminating the match. I got the ID cards of the players I sent off with both teams' rosters, and wrote up and filed the report to the league the next day. I wasn't scared by this at all; actually, I was more concerned about a blister on my one heel that flared up. I'm taking this week and weekend off from games to let it rest properly.
The rest of the Memorial Day weekend was rather quiet: I listened to the last few laps of the Indianapolis 500 on the radio driving home from Sunday's games; worked on that P-51 Mustang model I'm doing for this month's IPMS/Gateway "Same Kit Contest"; and got the IPMS/Gateway Invitational (on 10 September) posted on a few local community calendar web sites.
Tuesday, I received from an author a thumb drive containing a book manuscript to edit and fact check. I started reading it yesterday (having printed a hard copy), and made notes on what should be changed (usually in punctuation) and what facts to especially check. It should be interesting. I'll be able to tell you more on this project in due course.
Later.
Saturday afternoon found me at the Amsterdam Tavern in south St. Louis with quite a few other soccer fans to watch on TV the UEFA Champions League Final in London, in which FC Barcelona defeated Manchester United 3-1. I was happy with that result, pulling for Barca, and so were quite a few other patrons. A nice time had by all, whether their team won or not.
The next morning found me on the pitch, refereeing men's soccer at DeSoto Park in downtown St. Louis. I had the middle for the first two games I worked that day, and cut that match short by 5 minutes. That was due to two players I sent off from the same team in quick succession. I had just informed one player he was being sent off for using offensive language (he used the f-word in criticizing me for having just cautioned him for dissent), when his teammate shoved me on the chest. Not very hard, mind you (I stayed on my feet), but it was enough violent conduct to warrant his being sent off and (on the advice of my near assistant referee) my terminating the match. I got the ID cards of the players I sent off with both teams' rosters, and wrote up and filed the report to the league the next day. I wasn't scared by this at all; actually, I was more concerned about a blister on my one heel that flared up. I'm taking this week and weekend off from games to let it rest properly.
The rest of the Memorial Day weekend was rather quiet: I listened to the last few laps of the Indianapolis 500 on the radio driving home from Sunday's games; worked on that P-51 Mustang model I'm doing for this month's IPMS/Gateway "Same Kit Contest"; and got the IPMS/Gateway Invitational (on 10 September) posted on a few local community calendar web sites.
Tuesday, I received from an author a thumb drive containing a book manuscript to edit and fact check. I started reading it yesterday (having printed a hard copy), and made notes on what should be changed (usually in punctuation) and what facts to especially check. It should be interesting. I'll be able to tell you more on this project in due course.
Later.
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