The cats are entirely too used to my work schedule. Six AM they meow at my door, like clockwork. I tried to explain the concept of "Memorial Day Weekend" to them, but they just kind of looked at me funny.
I had to give them time out in the guest room so I could sleep in.
Yesterday I went to give Jaime the coffee maker, but there wasn't anyone at the vet's office, and there wasn't anyone at her parents' place. Her car was there though.
Odd.
Music of the Moment: "Tunnel of Love," by Dire Straits
Temp agencies are a mixed bag, even within a single organization. For example, I've worked for both Manpower and their professional division. Complete different leagues of jobs, really.
Still, there's one thing that's the same across the board. Assignments never come right when you need them. The job market's lousy enough that you're always going to need a bit of a cushion after losing a job. Your agent is good, but he's not that good.
Still, he's on your side in most cases. He makes money when you make money, and if you've made money for him before, he'll pull for you.
Looks like I might have a new assignment in Hagerstown. He called me this morning, and is going to get me an interview. I'm more than qualified, and the pay scale seems decent.
I'll let you guys know how it goes.
Music of the Moment: "Waste Away," by Spock's Beard
Finally talked with Chris who is my agent at Manpower. He agrees that the circumstances my assignment ended were bullshit, and he's behind me every step of the way. My working relationship with the agency is still great, and he's looking for new assignments for me.
Also, nicely enough, the two weeks following my abrupt departure from my place of business are being treated as if I was still working, as my two weeks of paid vacation kicked in.
I've also had two good job prospects this week. One in Harrisburg has the possibility of paying almost five bucks an hour more than what I was getting before, with roughly the same duties and hours. I've also applied to another helpdesk position with a Frederick software company.
I just sacrificed my weekend on the altar of family gatherings. It wasn't too bad, but it's always weird when either my brother or I can't go and the other of us has to deal with it alone. It was my grandmother's eightieth birthday, and generally a fun event. One of those things where she says she doesn't want a big party but is loving every minute of it.
I met my Chinese "cousins" during the party. They're the kids of a Chinese exchange student who my grandparents hosted, my "uncle." The eldest, Jessica, is rather good-looking. Of course everyone had to point out that we're close in age so we were both thoroughly embarrassed.
All in all a good weekend, though.
Music of the Moment: "Ballrooms of Mars," by T-Rex
Okay, so we're having a test of the fire alarm in the building, and disturbingly enough I don't think this thing would wake me up. It definitely wouldn't wake Jaime up, as it's quieter than her alarm clock and even that doesn't wake her up sometimes.
Should I be afraid? I mean, they're testing it because the building across the street burned down.
Music of the Moment: "War on Drugs," by the Barenaked Ladies
Homecoming was a blast. I missed the boat quite literally, but we took a hike up to the Peace Chapel to make up for it. It was also an endless list of people to see. We even caught Becca over at the street carnival.
The ball-headed ruffian gave us a call during the night, and he sounds to be doing okay.
All-in-all, this is the sort of go-juice that really puts me back on my game, and the coming months are going to be full of it. Halloween is just next weekend, and Thanksgiving not long after that. We'll also be hosting White Trash Christmas at our apartment this year, so life is good.
Music of the Moment: "Aluminum," by the Barenaked Ladies
Misanthropy
