Health crisis

Sometime between 9 am and 11:30 am today, while I was not at the house, Ursula was taken by ambulance to Carle Hospital in Urbana. I talked to Ingrid around 1 pm, and she said that the staff has indicated that Ursula has pneumonia. With everything else she has been through since the start of this year, that is not good. This comes just as I am getting started with my new job in the meat department at Wal-Mart on Prospect Ave. in Champaign. I am most concerned with the effect this will have on Ingrid. If you are a person who believes in God, please pray for this situation. Thank you, and God bless you.

Overdue Update

Ursula suffered an anxiety attack. She returned home the same evening. Because of her condition and lack of physical strength, she no longer is in full control of what goes on around her. This is very upsetting to her.

I began at Wal-Mart on March 11. After completing my last few training modules on computer today, I could possibly see some time in the meat department, where I have been assigned. They schedule three weeks ahead of time, and for payroll purposes, the week begins on Saturday, and ends on Friday. I am paid every two weeks on Thursday. My work days are Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 am to 8 pm. Off days are Sunday, Thursday, and Friday. At least for the first three weeks. We'll see after that. I am grateful to have been hired for this job.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Health crisis

My mother in law Ursula (if you've read this blog at all you are aware of the recent hospital stay), was just taken by ambulance to Carle Hospital in Urbana. Evidently she wasn't sounding right, unable to remember or to say simple sentences. The paramedics do not believe it is a stroke, but are transporting her to the hospital just to make sure. They left about five minutes ago. More later as I am briefed on the situation.

Isn't she lovely.........isn't she wonderful

This is one of my favorite pictures of Ingrid. Even though she is the photographer in the family, she doesn't really like having her picture taken. Just look at her. I think the Stevie Wonder song lyrics above say it all.

I love you honey.

It's official: I HAVE A JOB!

I'm going to work for Wal-Mart Supercenter, on Prospect Ave., in Champaign, pending the results of the drug test. I anticipate receiving a call from personnel on Monday to say the test is clean, and to report for orientation on Tuesday. After having several interviews in January and February, at last a business has decided that they would like me to join their team. I am grateful for this opportunity, and thankful to God for arranging the circumstances, and for caring for Ingrid and me through all this.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Quick Update

I went for a job offer at Walmart (WM)Supercenter in Champaign @9am. They offered me a position in the meat department for 9.75/hr, which is a lot better that I was expecting. I accepted, and was sent to Carle occupational medicine for the drug test. I was told that the results would be emailed to the personnel lady, and she would call me Monday. Orientation would begin Tuesday.

What about Guardian West (GW), you may ask? I have not heard from them since the interview on Tuesday. I called twice yesterday, and once this morning before going to WM. Got HR man's voice mail. They are not out of the running...........yet. If they call with an offer that resembles what we discussed on Tuesday, I will accept, and decline the WM opportunity.

More later.

Job Prospects are Looking UP!

Had TWO job interviews yesterday. One at Wal-mart in nearby Champaign, and later at Guardian West in Urbana.

The Walmart interview went well. Surprisingly well. I say that because almost from the beginning, the manner of speaking was that I was going to be hired. The opening is in the meat department of the Walmart (W-M) Supercenter on Prospect Ave. in Champaign. W-M has a 3 step process in interviewing: a first interview by a department head, a second one with an assistant manager, and the third with the store manager. The store manager is the only one who can officially offer you a position. I went through the first two steps yesterday morning and was told to expect a call for the third interview with the store manager. I got the call @ 4 pm. The third interview (and likely job offer) is scheduled for 9 am Thursday.

The second place I went yesterday for an interview was Guardian West (GW) located in Urbana. They are part of Flex-n-Gate, and manufacture steel parts for trucks, and other vehicles. About three weeks ago, my friend Tom Bricker, a GW employee (and former co-worker of mine at Rantoul Products) told me about a job opening on second shift he was aware of. I submitted my resume and cover letter. Last week the HR supervisor called me to say that, though the 2nd shift position was filled, he had another open position that he felt I was qualified for: receiving clerk on first shift. I went in yesterday afternoon, and interviewed with the HR supervisor, and also met the shipping supervisor who would be my direct boss. HR man said he had one more interview to conduct and he would let me know sometime today. I have already left him a voice mail letting him know that I have another offer, but would really like to join the GW team, and asking him to contact me ASAP.

After six months of unemployment and over ten interviews, suddenly there are two companies who seem to want me to join their team. Imagine that.

I'll post again when I know who I'll be working for. Until then, keep your stick on the ice.