FIRST DAY OF TRAINING

To explain how I am feeling right about now, I guess I'd have to start from yesterday. I had to take my car to Car Max early yesterday morning, after dropping off the kids, to fix a leak under the hood (they found it; it was a loose gasket). They replaced the gasket and changed the oil free of charge, even though my 30-day warranty expired with them on the 8th. Since they extended the terms for me as a courtesy, they couldn't provide me with a "loaner" vehicle, so I had to wait until they were done with my car. That meant that I actually had to WALK to the mall, and to a restaurant for lunch while I waited! Those years at Wal-Mart definitely paid off in this case. I am still physically fit enough to walk long distances!

After getting the car back, I had to rush to the school to pick Nicolette up, took a short nap, then picked up the little ones from the after-school program. Then, I had to go to south Houston to run some errands for my mom. I didn't return home until about 12 AM!

At work today, I had to set up a new e-mail account for all of my new contacts, go over basic dispatch protocol, and had taken a TWO HOUR tour (on FOOT) of some airport terminals to get a visual on what our airport personnel and contractors handle and don't handle (thank God I wore comfy shoes today! LOL). I also learned why some aircraft are assigned to certain gates based on size, because that can be an issue if two large planes are parked too close to each other; they can clip each other's wings! I had taken a lot of notes, and my trainer also printed up some information sheets for me. After typing this, I am going to go and study a little bit. It always helps if I read things, so that the information gets into my head, you know? This job is all about how well we keep records, how well we pay attention, and how knowledgeable we are about our job, and the airport. If a person doesn't know anything, or is too lazy to find stuff out, it is possible to make oneself a target for abuse and disrespect, at all levels. Knowledge is POWER, and I plan to learn as much as I can.

I will be "shadowing" my trainer starting Saturday. Instead of my being off every Tuesday and Wednesday and she Friday and Saturday, I will be off the same days she is. Not only will that ensure that my training is consistent, but who doesn't want a few months or so to spend with hubby and the kiddies on the weekends? Plus, my sups won't have to use me to train the newbies. They'll just have to use the operators that are left. I will return to my Tuesday-Wednesday after training, though, which is what I want. I will be off this Saturday, and work from Sunday until Friday.

As far as my salary goes, I am making about the same amount I would have if I worked an extra day of overtime each pay period as an operator. However, all city employees just received a 3% raise, plus an increase in shift differential pay. My next check will be slightly higher because of this. I am grateful for anything I can get, you know? There are many people who can't say that they can pay their bills, so I know that I am blessed.

I know that I am rambling now, but I am completely EXHAUSTED. One more day to go, and I'll be off!

Adrian