Back in the Routine

I just read through my last post and realized that I have things to update. First, Nicole decided to make February 14^th her last day at work, so when I got the job offer call on Tuesday the 11^th, I was told my start date would be February 19^th, so I had about a week to get everything done. I had to do another background check and drug test, and the drug test was so stressful! I had an appointment at 11:20, and in spite of the fact that I drank a ton of water before I went, I just did not have to go. So I sat there for an hour waiting to feel like I had to go, and when I finally did, I was accused by the medical assistant at the clinic of cheating. She said my urine looked like water and was not warm enough to have come from my body. I was so upset. Of course I knew it was a legitimate test, but she said she had to send it to an outside lab. Obviously everything turned out fine, but I am contemplating telling someone in HR what happened, because she was very rude and unprofessional, and this happened at a clinic that was opened for CSU employees. I do not think CSU would be happy to know that people are being treated that way.

Anyway, I started on the 19^th and I only had to spend the morning in orientation. After lunch, I went up and spent the rest of the afternoon getting reacquainted with my computer, phone, and the processes. On Thursday I processed five papers, and on Friday I was back on the phone and back up to speed completely. Now it feels like I never left; they even put me back in the cubicle I was in when I first started. I am very happy to be back. I went through orientation with the new math specialist. That position had been vacant since before I left in August. I guess it is tough to find math people. His name is Larry and he is from South Africa. He is here on a student visa and needed a job because he had graduated and was at risk of being sent back home. He's very quiet. I hardly even know he's there.

The director of the Success Center, Wendy, has been out since before I started because she has had some health issues, and she came in early last week to tell us that one of her doctors had potentially found something else, but after consulting with another doctor, her fears were put at ease somewhat. Wendy has had some really tough times lately, so I pray that she can start mending now. She also told us that she is fighting hard to get us a 12^th writing specialist. Student requests continue to increase and we are very busy on the first two or three days of the week. She told me when I applied that she was trying to get a part-time position, which would actually suffice for right now, but I am not sure if the new person would be part- or full-time. I think that if she can justify hiring a full-timer, she definitely will. When my job was posted on the CSU website, I figured HR would take it down when I started, but it still up because Wendy is trying to get a pool of applicants to choose from. I know that Crystal, the Writing Center supervisor, is very concerned about finding someone who will mesh well with the rest of the team. When I very first started, there were a couple of very contentious people working there, and now they are both gone, so things have been much more pleasant. Of course there are still issues. I know of at least two people who really want to find new jobs, but there aren't a lot of opportunities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach unless one wants to get into hospitality. One of the gals wants to find a job in Washington state where her daughter is, but so far I do not think she has had much luck finding anything. The other is looking for a remote copy editor position, but she only has a bachelor's degree and online jobs are very competitive.

Case in point, Billie has been applying for remote jobs since before I left because she want to be home with her little girl and have another baby, but until recently she had been kind of particular about the jobs she was applying for. She found out about a month ago that both her in-laws need surgery, and they are the ones who watch her daughter during the day, so she told leadership that she has to find another job and leave. Last Thursday she found out that she got a remote position with WGU and Friday the 20^th will be her last day. It is only part-time, but it does offer some benefits. She is hoping to supplement that job with another remote teaching position. I am very happy for her, but I am sad for me because she is my best friend at work and I will miss her a lot. So we may have two new people coming into the department again.

I need to go get ready for work now. I hope you all have a fantastic week. BTW, I am not enjoying waking up when it's still dark. :(