Saturday, May 2

6:09 a.m. - Whew!  I had anticipated that package handling would kick my butt, and it did.  Last night was my first shift on the dock stacking packages in a typical truck.  We were assigned a "trainer", which was very helpful, and having Josh as my co-worker in the truck was also helpful.  We started at 4:30, and we didn't leave until around 10:00.  The whole three-day process hasn't been as effective as I think could be, but I think this facility is understaffed and lacks experience.  For example the "shift manager" informed me that he's been with the company seven years, and as I looked around last night there were many orange bands indicating new hires.  The work can be overwhelming, and it is physical, and it is fast-paced.  It's doable, but I think the learning cure is also challenging.  I can definitely see what there is a lot of turnover in employees because of the nature of the work and the pay.  $13.00 per hour may sound like a good salary, but it's a salary that is earned.  I've only been on the dock last night, but I was asked to work again on Sunday.  The incentive is an additional $2 per hour, but working four hours is an extra $8?  So the business model for shipping businesses must include a realization that employee turnover is just going to be a reality.  One thing about the new job...it's definitely going to help me jump start my weight loss efforts again!  Oh, and we were required to wear masks, and our temperatures will soon start to be taken when we enter the plant.

Today, the weather is suppose to be great, so I'll be working on the yard and working on the pool.  Amber turned the heater on yesterday, and I'm hearing that we will be having kids over.  I may not be in the pool very much today, but hopefully I can take advantage of the weather.

6:10 p.m. - Today was an accomplishment day.  I mowed the yard, sprayed weeds, vacuumed the pool, purchased chlorine, shocked the pool, cleaned up some drainage gravel, and fixed the downspout behind the kitchen.  The Harrison girls were here, so I played with them awhile too.  I started weed wacking the back 40 of the backyard, but there is still a lot of surface water, so I didn't get much accomplished.


Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (5/2)

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

• PREVIOUS
• 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
• YESTERDAY
• 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
• TODAY
• 299,896 tested (+15,208); 58,505 positive (+2,450); 2,559 deaths (+102)
• 19.5% 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 389 positive; 9 deaths
• TODAY - 412 positive; 9 deaths

Things I Could Do or Need to Do In the Future

• Paint the shed.
• Replace seals and gaskets in the pool motor.
• 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