Classes Start Monday!

Today was orientation day at MMI, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. I hadn't been there before so it was interesting to see the campus and some of the staff. They did a good,professional, presentation, putting the parents in attendance at ease from the initial fears of leaving their "young ones" in Phoenix. I spoke with several that felt so much better about making their trips back home, wherever in the US that might be, next week.

It's fascinating to look over the variety of in-coming students, both their ages and style of dress. It ran the gamut, though the majority looked fresh out of high school; clean cut "all-American" mid-western to liberal facial piercings with, what looked like, self-cut hair. There were a few of us "significant others" and several pairs of parents. The rules, strict dress code included, were stated very directly and with no gray areas. I think that was the big deal-closer for those parents; high expectations and no-nonsense policies. I can hardly wait to see the changes in these kids after their 12-18 months of training is over.

After the presentation, while Cameron was going through the line of stations to pay his materials fee, and get an ID and shirts, I chatted with a couple of the student services people about employment-for me. They have a couple of openings at the school that sound like a good fit, and I was directed to apply on line. Cool! There was, also, a career fair at the school in the afternoon for students and their spouses.

Well, the career fair was really geared toward the students. Part-time jobs that utilized the male ability to lift heavy objects were the dominant options. Full-time with benefits? Hmm..."we'll take a copy of your resume and see if anything comes up." OK, at least I went and didn't spend the rest of the day wondering if that perfect job was sitting there, waiting for me.

Speaking of career fairs, there's one this Saturday at the community college. I've applied on line for 2 postions there, but was sent an email telling me it would take at least 4 weeks to process my application! That's before anyone even gives me a call for an interview. So, hopefully, this Saturday I can get some face-time in with the human resources department.

It's funny. Most of the job postings I have applied for have been through internet companies that host want ads. Of these ads, many specifically say to NOT call the company. So how do I pester them into hiring me? Phoenix is home to MANY call centers and corporate offices. It's getting past their initial "nets" that is posing a challenge for me. "We'll call you if your application meets our desired qualifications." Yes, can you tell I hate job hunting?

Ah, bringing my stress levels back down to a reasonable level, we are settling in nicely. There are still a few boxes unpacked, mostly for a lack of homes for the items they contain. This apartment is larger, but lacks some of the storage the other one had. I'll get creative one of these days and come up with a solution, but for now, they sit here and there and provide nice hiding places for the cats to nap in.

I've been watching the positioning of the sunlight on the balcony. I'd like to plant some vegetables out there, but the pots would need to be moveable in order to catch the light we get. I specifically asked for an apartment that would be out of the afternoon sun, so this one is more limited than many here. I'll probably look into the flat, wheeled, stands for pots. That way I can move them about to ensure adequate exposure. Since we're only planning on living in Phoenix for the length of his school time, I don't want to start any perrenials. It's highly frowned upon to take live plants across state lines as they can transmit insects. So, veggies it is! And maybe some annuals, who knows? Perhaps if I get some flowers going, the hummingbirds will start coming up to the feeder. I have yet to get any customers.

It's getting late and tomorrow's another day. I'll let you know if anything comes of my continued endeavors for employment. Good Night!