2020 - E-Learning - Day 21

9:35 a.m. -  Today is an e-learning institute day, which really doesn't mean much different for me except my "official hours" are 8 a.m.-1 p.m., and I have a virtual staff meeting at 10:30 a.m.  I hope to get a few things done and maybe start to tackle the last period of research papers.  The weather is suppose to be nicer, so I might do a couple of outdoor projects...I need to spray roundup around the house and pool, and I need to spread some weed and feed on the front yard, but I may wait for better conditions to do those things.

Last night, I had Day 2 of my orientation at FedEx.  I must admit, I have mixed emotions.  I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, but any new experiences has those feelings.  We finally completed a walk-through of the facility, and the automation to collecting, sorting, and distributing the packages is impressive.  I'm hoping we aren't expected to load trucks anytime soon because that appears a little intimidating.  While watching the training video, I was reminded of my hay stacking days.  I was surprised that there weren't more instructions on measures to prevent Covid 19 outbreaks.  I would think there would be more of a sincere effort to decrease the chances of workers contracting the virus, but there really wasn't.  It pretty much amounted to pointing us to a table that would have masks, gloves, and sanitizer.  I can't imagine that they are cleaning that building every 24 hours like the probably need to do.  My guess is the same problem occurs at the meat packing plants.  It's not a matter of if the virus shows up, it's a matter of when and to whom and how to deal with someone who contracts the virus.  Basically, it's trying to keep the infection as limited as possible in order to keep the plant running, but I think folks need to be paid through their recovery.  It's almost like being injured on the job, right?  If I was injured on the job, the company would take care of me and continue to pay me my salary with the intention that I would return to work as soon as I was physically able.  Tonight we actually start being trained on the dock floor, so that will be interesting.  Oh, and I'm getting direct deposit, but even that was automated.  We didn't give our information to someone who took care of it; instead, we got onto a computer and did everything ourselves.  I'm finding it interesting to see how the industry is attempting to make everything more effective and efficient.  Even the trucks themselves are manufactured to get as many possible packages loaded as possible, and equipment is used to move the boxes as much as possible with automation.  Unfortunately, though, automation and innovation haven't yet figured out a way to load and unload trailers more efficiently than humans.

Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (5/1)
People with assault rifles are protesting on the grounds of the state capitol...seriously?  This may be the subject of my next blog entry.

• Illinois Stats
• February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. 
• March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.

• PREVIOUS
• 256,667 tested (+14,478); 50,355 positive (+2,253); 2,215 deaths (+90)
• 19.6% of all tests recorded have tested positive
• 4.3% of all positive cases recorded have died
• YESTERDAY
• 269,867 tested (+13,200); 52,918 positive (+2,563); 2,355 deaths (+140)
• 19.6% of all tests recorded have tested positive
• 4.4% of all positive cases recorded have died
• TODAY
• 284,688 tested (+14,791); 56,055 positive (+3,137); 2,457 deaths (+102)
• 19.6% of all tests recorded have tested positive
• 4.3% of all positive cases recorded have died
• More tests are being completed each day., and the percentage of positive cases among all tests has gone again under 20%...good news.
• Rock Island County - YESTERDAY 377 positive; 9 deaths
• TODAY - 389; 9

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Paint the shed.
• Replace seals and gaskets in the pool motor.
• Fix the drain spout.
• Fix the ditch.
• Figure out the truck spare tire.

Things At/For School

• Continue scoring research papers  - 3 sections down; 2 to go
• Finish course syllabus

Things For E-Learning

• Still can update EnvisonMe sites

Prayer for My Heart

Holy Spirit...

Help me have... 

    a pure heart, that I may see thee;
    a humble heart, that I may hear you;
    a heart of love, that I may serve you;
    a heart of faith, that I may abide in you.

• Amen