Morning Cup Of Coffee And Weather
- Thread starter Tour 931
- Start date
Sweeney
Administrator
You keep busy! Best thing you can do, that much I am certain of.
I'm not sure I could have retired at 54, (or even wanted to, but maybe so under your circumstance), but even though I still enjoyed my work at 65, the last year, I intentionally told the facility that I was working at, that I didn't want to be put on the schedule at all. If they needed someone on short notice, like for someone calling in sick, or a surgeon wanting to open an additional room on short notice, they could give me a call, and if I was available I'd go in and if not, I wouldn't.
They were fine with that, and ended up calling me about a dozen times, with as much as a couple months in-between. This was kind of a test retirement, and what I learned was that when they called me in, I still enjoyed the work, and camaraderie that came with it, but if I went for awhile without a call, I really didn't miss it, because I had enough other interests, and friends with similar ones to keep me occupied. Since all of my recertifications, continuing education credits, licenses, and liability insurance were all coming due over the next few months, and would cost several thousand to procure, I decided it was a good time to hang it up...still liking it, but not missing it too much.
I felt like a lucky man to have found a career I really liked, and to be able to leave it still enjoying it. I can't say I never miss it, since there are certainly aspects of it that I do. Surprisingly the semi urgent situations that called me out of bed, like to place a combined spinal/epidural catheter in a young woman writhing in pain with her long difficult labor, and seeing her look of relief, and relaxation as the medication would shortly start working is something I still occasionally miss, .....but not enough to be on call anymore.
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Sweeney
Administrator
I know what you mean! Actulaly, that would be a very nice way to back out gently. Most people get the gold watch, go home, and only then realize what retirement is about. I know my parents both said they were unprepared for it, and felt 'bored' most of the time. Now, this would have been mitigated if they had other interests, but they didn't. I hate to simplify it, but it kind of felt like a 'waiting to die' after retirement -- which was horrific to watch.
This is where having a volunteer heart, and involvement in civic or religious organizations (or all of the above) is a must. Dad did a lot of art (he was color blind, but proved to have amazing eye for color and geometry.
I'm going to turn this into a therapy session of a son dealing with the nuances of dementia if I'm not careful...horrible disease.
This is where having a volunteer heart, and involvement in civic or religious organizations (or all of the above) is a must. Dad did a lot of art (he was color blind, but proved to have amazing eye for color and geometry.
I'm going to turn this into a therapy session of a son dealing with the nuances of dementia if I'm not careful...horrible disease.
Tour 931
Ranger
My best job was after I retired. I volunteered at Lake Chelan State Park in Washington. I would volunteer April and May. Then from Memorial Day to Labor Day I would visit other state parks for ten days each. As a Disabled Veteran I could stay free for ten days and then move to the next park. Then in September through November I would volunteer back at Chelan. I did that for ten years in my Little Guy teardrop.
Sweeney
Administrator
That is what I would like to do. I'm a bit of a paradox (no, I don't mean the entire medical staff of Goshen General hospital) -- No, internal contradiction. I am shy, and don't really like crowds --- but I love the idea of being the 'camp host' who helps people take care of problems, and acts as the face to visitors.
Retirement came a couple years earlier than planned but after an ok from the financial guy I retired. I used the three strikes rule 1st was outsourced to India 2nd position was eliminated and almost a year now 3rd strike outsourced again. 39 years as an IT computer operator started towards the end of punch cards, we used them to run JCL for some job runs. Large round reel tape platter discs to cartridge tape to automatic robotic tape silos. The position sure changed over 39 years
Does anyone know COBOL? I believe?? Our SS system still runs with it.
After the honey do list there’s the round to it list things that have been put off because you’re too busy working. Winters are for planning summers while still maintaining the all the regular stuff you did while working.
So yeah sometimes I wish I was working so I could take a break!! lol
Retirement is great. I really like those negative degree days knowing I can hibernate like a bear.
Does anyone know COBOL? I believe?? Our SS system still runs with it.
After the honey do list there’s the round to it list things that have been put off because you’re too busy working. Winters are for planning summers while still maintaining the all the regular stuff you did while working.
So yeah sometimes I wish I was working so I could take a break!! lol
Retirement is great. I really like those negative degree days knowing I can hibernate like a bear.
Tour 931
Ranger
All hosts are volunteers but not all volunteers are hosts. I was never a host and spent my days building and maintaining trails and the grounds.
Sweeney
Administrator
I know that -- I think that would be the job I'm most suited for. Though I'd probably try to avoid cutting grass and doing other general maintenance though "heavy" work. You see, I'm lazy
I
I would not want to do gift shop work -- or museum. MAYBE a dosant on a busy day....
I know there are lots of options. I'm just picking what I have strong feelings about either way.
The Postman
Ranger
Coyoteblog is back on line
and the company he sold out to is hiring:
Always admired his approach to doing business and taking care of his employees.
and the company he sold out to is hiring:
Always admired his approach to doing business and taking care of his employees.
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Sweeney
Administrator
Last week of training for my certification! I'm currently in Athens Texas at the NRVTA learning more than I thought I would about RVs. I've got precisely zero plans in parting ways with my CI --- I did that once. But I really want to help people who have been hozed by the RV industry. Seriously, its a implied consent business. The horror stories I have been seeing! Its remarkable that Elkhart still is able to operate. Based on what I've been seeing, its amazing anyone would ever buy on of their boxes on wheels.
So far,
Week 1 was fundamental training -- just the basics, enough to be dangerous. Designed as a DIYer or entry level into an RV repair shop.
Week 2 was Absorption Refrigerators --- Norcold and Dometic specifically.
Week 3 was Air conditioning and heat pumps
Week 4 was Water heaters and furnaces.
Week 5 is "exteriors," which is everything else --- Electric & Hydraulic systems --- Slides and landing gear, awnings, steps (modern RV steps are complex), and everything "outside" -- probably 2 weeks stuffed into 5 days. The 5 days are RAPID fire....I suspect I will give feedback saying that 2 weeks is required for this topic. We'll see.
All of the training is down to the board level -- we don't fix boards, but we know what the problem is before we start swapping parts. No guessing -- truly diagnosing the real problem, then replacing the minimum amount of parts needed...
Anyway, Saturday is my certification exam -- 150 questions and 6 "practical" tests, in which I will be required to diagnose (properly) 6 systems. The exam will take an expected 4-5 hours to complete the entire process plus some review time and 'ceremony'
While this is not a PhD program, this is the most I have had to study and apply myself in a long time.
God Willing --- Saturday night I will have crossed the finish line, and then I move on for 2 weeks of "inspector" training. Hopefully I can bring my knowledge and experience to people looking at "big rvs" and keep them from making so many of the mistakes I made before buying my second Camp Inn
Then...back to my regular programming
So far,
Week 1 was fundamental training -- just the basics, enough to be dangerous. Designed as a DIYer or entry level into an RV repair shop.
Week 2 was Absorption Refrigerators --- Norcold and Dometic specifically.
Week 3 was Air conditioning and heat pumps
Week 4 was Water heaters and furnaces.
Week 5 is "exteriors," which is everything else --- Electric & Hydraulic systems --- Slides and landing gear, awnings, steps (modern RV steps are complex), and everything "outside" -- probably 2 weeks stuffed into 5 days. The 5 days are RAPID fire....I suspect I will give feedback saying that 2 weeks is required for this topic. We'll see.
All of the training is down to the board level -- we don't fix boards, but we know what the problem is before we start swapping parts. No guessing -- truly diagnosing the real problem, then replacing the minimum amount of parts needed...
Anyway, Saturday is my certification exam -- 150 questions and 6 "practical" tests, in which I will be required to diagnose (properly) 6 systems. The exam will take an expected 4-5 hours to complete the entire process plus some review time and 'ceremony'
While this is not a PhD program, this is the most I have had to study and apply myself in a long time.
God Willing --- Saturday night I will have crossed the finish line, and then I move on for 2 weeks of "inspector" training. Hopefully I can bring my knowledge and experience to people looking at "big rvs" and keep them from making so many of the mistakes I made before buying my second Camp Inn
Then...back to my regular programming
Tour 931
Ranger
Good luck.Last week of training for my certification! I'm currently in Athens Texas at the NRVTA learning more than I thought I would about RVs. I've got precisely zero plans in parting ways with my CI --- I did that once. But I really want to help people who have been hozed by the RV industry. Seriously, its a implied consent business. The horror stories I have been seeing! Its remarkable that Elkhart still is able to operate. Based on what I've been seeing, its amazing anyone would ever buy on of their boxes on wheels.
So far,
Week 1 was fundamental training -- just the basics, enough to be dangerous. Designed as a DIYer or entry level into an RV repair shop.
Week 2 was Absorption Refrigerators --- Norcold and Dometic specifically.
Week 3 was Air conditioning and heat pumps
Week 4 was Water heaters and furnaces.
Week 5 is "exteriors," which is everything else --- Electric & Hydraulic systems --- Slides and landing gear, awnings, steps (modern RV steps are complex), and everything "outside" -- probably 2 weeks stuffed into 5 days. The 5 days are RAPID fire....I suspect I will give feedback saying that 2 weeks is required for this topic. We'll see.
All of the training is down to the board level -- we don't fix boards, but we know what the problem is before we start swapping parts. No guessing -- truly diagnosing the real problem, then replacing the minimum amount of parts needed...
Anyway, Saturday is my certification exam -- 150 questions and 6 "practical" tests, in which I will be required to diagnose (properly) 6 systems. The exam will take an expected 4-5 hours to complete the entire process plus some review time and 'ceremony'
While this is not a PhD program, this is the most I have had to study and apply myself in a long time.
God Willing --- Saturday night I will have crossed the finish line, and then I move on for 2 weeks of "inspector" training. Hopefully I can bring my knowledge and experience to people looking at "big rvs" and keep them from making so many of the mistakes I made before buying my second Camp Inn
Then...back to my regular programming
Van_and_Terri
Ranger
I’ve been intrigued with that course. I have no doubt the exam will be a breeze for you. Look forward to your assessment of the course upon completion. We love our Campinn as well. It has become my man cave as I usually take it out by myself. Terri likes the convenience of a bathroom; so that’s why we own an Escape 21C too. The Norcold refrigerator in it would make a great boat anchor. Thinking about installing an Isotherm Cruise 195 in its place.Last week of training for my certification! I'm currently in Athens Texas at the NRVTA learning more than I thought I would about RVs. I've got precisely zero plans in parting ways with my CI --- I did that once. But I really want to help people who have been hozed by the RV industry. Seriously, its a implied consent business. The horror stories I have been seeing! Its remarkable that Elkhart still is able to operate. Based on what I've been seeing, its amazing anyone would ever buy on of their boxes on wheels.
So far,
Week 1 was fundamental training -- just the basics, enough to be dangerous. Designed as a DIYer or entry level into an RV repair shop.
Week 2 was Absorption Refrigerators --- Norcold and Dometic specifically.
Week 3 was Air conditioning and heat pumps
Week 4 was Water heaters and furnaces.
Week 5 is "exteriors," which is everything else --- Electric & Hydraulic systems --- Slides and landing gear, awnings, steps (modern RV steps are complex), and everything "outside" -- probably 2 weeks stuffed into 5 days. The 5 days are RAPID fire....I suspect I will give feedback saying that 2 weeks is required for this topic. We'll see.
All of the training is down to the board level -- we don't fix boards, but we know what the problem is before we start swapping parts. No guessing -- truly diagnosing the real problem, then replacing the minimum amount of parts needed...
Anyway, Saturday is my certification exam -- 150 questions and 6 "practical" tests, in which I will be required to diagnose (properly) 6 systems. The exam will take an expected 4-5 hours to complete the entire process plus some review time and 'ceremony'
While this is not a PhD program, this is the most I have had to study and apply myself in a long time.
God Willing --- Saturday night I will have crossed the finish line, and then I move on for 2 weeks of "inspector" training. Hopefully I can bring my knowledge and experience to people looking at "big rvs" and keep them from making so many of the mistakes I made before buying my second Camp Inn
Then...back to my regular programming
Sounds very thorough. Best of luck!Last week of training for my certification! I'm currently in Athens Texas at the NRVTA learning more than I thought I would about RVs. I've got precisely zero plans in parting ways with my CI --- I did that once. But I really want to help people who have been hozed by the RV industry. Seriously, its a implied consent business. The horror stories I have been seeing! Its remarkable that Elkhart still is able to operate. Based on what I've been seeing, its amazing anyone would ever buy on of their boxes on wheels.
So far,
Week 1 was fundamental training -- just the basics, enough to be dangerous. Designed as a DIYer or entry level into an RV repair shop.
Week 2 was Absorption Refrigerators --- Norcold and Dometic specifically.
Week 3 was Air conditioning and heat pumps
Week 4 was Water heaters and furnaces.
Week 5 is "exteriors," which is everything else --- Electric & Hydraulic systems --- Slides and landing gear, awnings, steps (modern RV steps are complex), and everything "outside" -- probably 2 weeks stuffed into 5 days. The 5 days are RAPID fire....I suspect I will give feedback saying that 2 weeks is required for this topic. We'll see.
All of the training is down to the board level -- we don't fix boards, but we know what the problem is before we start swapping parts. No guessing -- truly diagnosing the real problem, then replacing the minimum amount of parts needed...
Anyway, Saturday is my certification exam -- 150 questions and 6 "practical" tests, in which I will be required to diagnose (properly) 6 systems. The exam will take an expected 4-5 hours to complete the entire process plus some review time and 'ceremony'
While this is not a PhD program, this is the most I have had to study and apply myself in a long time.
God Willing --- Saturday night I will have crossed the finish line, and then I move on for 2 weeks of "inspector" training. Hopefully I can bring my knowledge and experience to people looking at "big rvs" and keep them from making so many of the mistakes I made before buying my second Camp Inn
Then...back to my regular programming
Sweeney
Administrator
I'm having a ball -- I've learned a lot, mostly how much I was told by people who should have known better that is not correct...
The Postman
Ranger
Good luck!Last week of training for my certification! I'm currently in Athens Texas at the NRVTA learning more than I thought I would about RVs. I've got precisely zero plans in parting ways with my CI --- I did that once. But I really want to help people who have been hozed by the RV industry. Seriously, its a implied consent business. The horror stories I have been seeing! Its remarkable that Elkhart still is able to operate. Based on what I've been seeing, its amazing anyone would ever buy on of their boxes on wheels.
So far,
Week 1 was fundamental training -- just the basics, enough to be dangerous. Designed as a DIYer or entry level into an RV repair shop.
Week 2 was Absorption Refrigerators --- Norcold and Dometic specifically.
Week 3 was Air conditioning and heat pumps
Week 4 was Water heaters and furnaces.
Week 5 is "exteriors," which is everything else --- Electric & Hydraulic systems --- Slides and landing gear, awnings, steps (modern RV steps are complex), and everything "outside" -- probably 2 weeks stuffed into 5 days. The 5 days are RAPID fire....I suspect I will give feedback saying that 2 weeks is required for this topic. We'll see.
All of the training is down to the board level -- we don't fix boards, but we know what the problem is before we start swapping parts. No guessing -- truly diagnosing the real problem, then replacing the minimum amount of parts needed...
Anyway, Saturday is my certification exam -- 150 questions and 6 "practical" tests, in which I will be required to diagnose (properly) 6 systems. The exam will take an expected 4-5 hours to complete the entire process plus some review time and 'ceremony'
While this is not a PhD program, this is the most I have had to study and apply myself in a long time.
God Willing --- Saturday night I will have crossed the finish line, and then I move on for 2 weeks of "inspector" training. Hopefully I can bring my knowledge and experience to people looking at "big rvs" and keep them from making so many of the mistakes I made before buying my second Camp Inn
Then...back to my regular programming
Sweeney
Administrator
Luck is only a factor for those who are not prepared.
Sorry, I have been hanging around a few military types for the past few weeks
So, I now have a new certificate to hang on the wall. That and $2.50 will get you anywhere in the city of Chicago... (I remember when that joke was 50 cents) So, 5 weeks done. The "worry day" is complete. I passed the written and practical tests with no problems. I've been enjoying camaraderie with my classmates, some of which are done and going home. A few of us going on the "inspector" training. I'm not sure this will make me as much money, but we shall see. Frankly, inspection (for me) is more about making sure people don't buy other peoples problems. People don't realize how many shady dealers there are, and how easy it is to be taken for a ride.
The most valuable experience was on Wednesday when I, and a few other guys, lifted a slide out of a 5'th wheel that was longer than our campaign's, then reinstalled it. Honestly, it is not that difficult --- just super "dangerous" as a small mistake would mean catastrophic damage, and then there is the danger of injury. Anytime you're moving something that big. Honestly once it was pulled -- looking at the gaping hole was kind of awe inspiring. The "We did that!?" factor.
From there, we we on to hydraulic mechanisms. Mostly slideouts and "landing gear"
Ironically, I got a 'job' that came my way a few days before that segment. I now think I have the tools necessary to take that job. But, its 6 hours west ---- which would add 12 hours to an already 15 hour drive home. Not rally viable
All super fun stuff. I've really enjoyed the last 5 weeks
Tour 931
Ranger
Successful people make their own luck.Luck is only a factor for those who are not prepared.
Sorry, I have been hanging around a few military types for the past few weeks
So, 5 weeks done. The "worry day" is complete. I passed the written and practical tests with no problems. I've been enjoying camaraderie with my classmates, some of which are done and going home. A few of us going on the "inspector" training. I'm not sure this will make me as much money, but we shall see. Frankly, inspection (for me) is more about making sure people don't buy other peoples problems. People don't realize how many shady dealers there are, and how easy it is to be taken for a ride.
The most valuable experience was on Wednesday when I, and a few other guys, lifted a slide out of a 5'th wheel that was longer than our campaign's, then reinstalled it. Honestly, it is not that difficult --- just super "dangerous" as a small mistake would mean catastrophic damage, and then there is the danger of injury. Anytime you're moving something that big. Honestly once it was pulled -- looking at the gaping hole was kind of awe inspiring. The "We did that!?" factor.
From there, we we on to hydraulic mechanisms. Mostly slideouts and "landing gear"
Ironically, I got a 'job' that came my way a few days before that segment. I now think I have the tools necessary to take that job. But, its 6 hours west ---- which would add 12 hours to an already 15 hour drive home. Not rally viable
All super fun stuff. I've really enjoyed the last 5 weeks
Warren Mary Ellen
Ranger
Wildfires in here South Carolina. Two of them in the mountains along the NC border. One is near Table Rock State Park is around 2200+ acres and the other is a little west of there and is around 900 acres. A lot of down trees on the ground from Hurricane Helene is not helping. Evacuations in 2 SC counties and one neighboring one NC. 40 miles from us so no danger from us, but air quality is not great.
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