Monday, April 28, 2008

Happy Monday!

The day started out with taking my daughter to her school and helping her hang up her posters for Student Council for next year. She's been in the group for the last 2 years in a row! I am sure she'll be there for her last year!

I took my car into Brian Maddy-he's a tennis buddy and owns his own auto shop. He's good! He's not cheap! But, I get to watch him do the work! I had him put 6 new plugs in, change the automatic transmission fluid and put a new filter in.  It turns out my timing belt was done at 90K, so around 180K we can do it again-plus water pump/seals etc.

I found out that I am covered for medical/dental/vision up till 2/2/2009 and I am supposed to start Comcast in late May, however, their benefits take 60 days to become effective.

Well, I got into the tourney this weekend and I am looking forward to it. I also have a USTA match on Sunday (Mother's Day) that is at the Seattle Tennis Club-fancy place! You have to wear all white, or.. not playing there!

We are still in first place so far!

Thanks,
Brian

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sunday-It's raining... How about that!

Wow.. It was a beautiful day yesterday. Went to church this morning and it was a great message! Don't be angry-don't lose your temper and react with anger... Do what Jesus would do.. be calm and level headed and let them vent to you-don't retaliate!

We won our USTA match versus the Bellevue Atheletic Club. My partner and I actually beat their #1 doubles team, 11-9 in the 3rd set tie breaker! It was a great win. They had a guy on their team that was ranked in top 5 in PNW in men's 45 singles and a guy who'd played for Gonzaga. It turns out my partner grew up with the Brian brothers and he used to play with them all the time and beat them. He's 5 years old than them when they were growing up. But.. he got invited to the Davis cup match in Portland by them and they even sent their new baby a racket.

My wife just ran my daughter to their "youth group" skate nigth and my son is up at the neighbor's playing after he had a sleep over last night.

I need to take my car in for a glance from my mechanic-I have a possible cam/crank leak. I trust him and want to get his opinion as opposed to the folks at the dealership where I just had my oil changed.

I went down to the office and dropped off my computer, cleaned out my belongings and said my last quiet good by to my old desk and left. Nobody was at the office-as I had planned it and now this Friday is my last day.

I entered the Western Washington Men's indoor at the Harbor Square location for this weekend and hope to do well there! Perhaps-even win it, I have a great chance to do it.

Thanks,

Brian

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Good Morning! Saturday early and ready for some doubles

It's Saturday morning and I got up at 5:30am today and had some coffee and tried to get a few things done.  I have a USTA match today at 4pm, originally at 9pm and they asked to have 2 matches earlier at 4pm. However, I have only got confirmation that our #1 singles is going to be played early. I sent the captain and tennis director a note stating that my partner and I are showing up at 4pm and they need to have a team there for the match-or it will be a default.

I need to figure out about my health care coverage for when I get laid off on 5/2, until I start my new job on or around late May. I read the benefits for Comcast and it turns out that you don't get benefits with them until after 60 days. So, I believe the COBRA program is what I will need to be using.

According to my new boss to be, the Comcast benefits are great! So, I am anxious to be able to get my family on that plan when I am available to participate in it.

My son is having a sleep over with his friend Palmer today and my daughter's singing at the church for something and then she and my wife are going to a play at the King's school this evening.

I am sure glad the car situation is over with-I really like this car, it's super clean and drives really nice! I took it in to get the oil changed and a sales man walked by and was looking it over and couldn't believe how nice it looked for a 1995 Camry XLE. What's funny is I said to myself, I don't like that Gold package on cars, but.. what do you know.. this has it and I don't mind at all!

My plans are to get my last check on 5/2, then apply for Unemployment for about a month or so and then take part of my severance package and get out of debt and put the rest into a savings account for my kids college funds.

It's all coming together. My faith in the LORD is increasing and my confidence is as well that I am over this fear of flying thing that it's all in my "head" and there's NOTHING that I can't overcome with JESUS CHRIST with me. The bible is 100% true and I believe it. Perfect Love casts out all fear! I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me!

Have a great day!

Brian

Friday, April 25, 2008

TGIF=Feeling a bit more rested

It turns out that our "washing machine" that the guy at Lowe's said was made in Germany and wouldn't have the same issues as our last Whirlpool might be full of crap. My wife pointed out that a bunch of our clothes are showing the dark spots on them-as if there was an oil leak. So, I found the warranty group and I know for sure that I mailed in our warranty information. I want to see what they can do to help us.

I just faxed 2 copies of my application for the Comcast position and I am supposed to have a call w/the recruiter today as well.

I need to go to my credit union and get my loan for my Camry taken car of today (this morning) and then I also need to have my wife drive me to p/u the car and to then drop off the rental car. I also need to get the insurance for it as well.

I need to string a racket for Saturday's USTA match at 4pm and I am playing doubles in the am at 0700 as well. I was going to play singles today w/Erik, but I just have too much going on today.

Thanks and have a great day!

Brian

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Still going.. but barely!

I found a car! A one owner, 1995 Toyota Camry XLE. The people were really nice and had ever record of the work done-all at Rodland Toyota. That's where I had been getting my oil changed on my Prizm.

I am getting it for $4,000 and will get the check to them tomorrow. I am glad I didn't get the 10K+ car-I want to make sure that  everything works out. This is in great shape. I'd rather have a car with 150,000 miles on it with an original owner than one with 90,000 on it with 4 different owners and no records.

I got the job application and the recruiter wants me to call her tomorrow. So, looking onward and upwards and I informed my boss that I would use her and her boss for references.

I am going to bed! I am so tired!

Brian

One hour of sleep last night-makes for an interesting day!

I could not sleep last night-seriously, I got 1 hour maybe of sleep. Then got up at 4:45 to go play tennis at 5:15am. I ended up driving an hour north to look at a car that was a complete POS! But, they guy said it was a cream puff!

I am still trying to find a car and get this crap over with. I emailed Stephen at Comcast again w/my references and asked him how the Boeing meeting went. I hope to hear from him(actually the recruiter) too with the application form for the drug test. I alerted my references as well.

Signed-Zombie!

Brian

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Catching up with a few things...

Ok.. I just returned from my 3rd interview with Comcast. I think I got the job! I really look forward to the adventure and succeeding there! It turns out that my friend from High School, Mike Krein's sister works for Comcast as well. Her name is Brenda and I might actually be working with her.

I almost bought at 2002 Camry last night. I ended up running out of the dealership why they were doing the final deal! Too much stress and it was too much $$$ for the miles on it.

I am going to look at the 1992 Honda Accord EX tomorrow with 97,000 miles on it. I am hoping that I can get a car and that my job takes off and down the road that I can get something better.

I sent the person at Comcast a thank you email as well as the 3 references he wanted too!

Thanks,

Brian

Monday, April 21, 2008

Sold my 1999 Honda CR-V-Got the rental car.. again

Ok.. Wow, selling my car got kind of tricky as I didn't actually have the title and I had a loan against it from my credit union. However, the guy who bought it was an attorney and we got it all figured out and I got $8800.00 for it and I paid $8200.00 plus $600.00 for tax/license, so I broke even.

I got the rental car-they (Hertz) came and picked me up at my house leaving me enough time to p/u my son and make it back for my parents to take Owen and I out for dinner and then onto the final showing of the Music Man play that my daughter's school was putting on.. Again, Olivia shined! She's got a tremendous potential! She really does! I love her and Owen so much! As well as my beautiful wife, Kathy!

Ok.. Now, the job situation, I am going to meet with the head guy on Wednesday. I will let you know how it goes.

Got to get to bed, I will be on the tennis court playing doubles at 0530am!

Nighty Night!

Brian

Busy Monday!

I just got an email that the Comcast guy wants to meet at the hotel on Wednesday the 23rd from 4-6pm about the job. I replied that I would meet him.

I am supposed to be selling my CR-V at 10:30am today. It sounds like an older gentlemen who already owns a CRV. So, I am hoping that I can get that sold. I was originally sold on the 1999 Accords, but it turns out they have a ton of transmission issues with those accords. I am going to look at a 1996 Camry with 81,000 miles on it. I checked the website and I could only find 3 complaints on that year, nothing to do with engine or tranny.  Search 1999 Accord transmission problems on Google and read for yourself.

I have my 0800 phone interview with Philips and 0900 with Nordstrom. I also got a call from the recruiter from Premera, I am going to call her today as well.

Somehow, I am going to need to get to the Hertz dealership today to get another car. I had offered my wife to keep the CR-V, but I don't think she really liked it either after driving the Expedition-she also said that my daughter didn't like it either.

Right now the most promising job for me is the Comcast National Account Sales Manager-I honestly believe in my heart of hearts that I would and could do very well in that position.

Thanks,
Brian

Sunday, April 20, 2008

My daughter was great in the Music Man play!

Tonight was the first of two shows that her school is doing. Olivia was great! I loved seeing her out there, she was so pretty and did such a great job.

I got a call from a guy who wants to buy the CRV tomorrow and he's coming by at 10:00am to see it. I am also supposed to go down and look at the 1999 Accord LX, but.. I am not sure if I can get the rental car and be back here by 5pm as he's down in Tacoma and I need to be back as my parents are going to be the school at 5:45pm and I need to p/u my son. My wife and daughter are just going to stay at school.

I hope my Philips interview goals well and I did get a call from the gal at Premera asking me to give her a call. She's a recruiter out of the Spokane area.

Thanks,

Brian

Found a 1999 Accord LX-One owner, trying to sell the CRV

I originally wanted the Accord to begin with and should have waited another week with the rental car instead of buying the CR-V. I just don't like the way I sit in that thing and I actually like the Ford Expedition better. So, I have listed the CR-V on Craig's list and am going down tomorrow to look at the Honda Accord. I think I might rent a car for the day and drop it off at Hertz if I like it. I need to call the credit union in the am and let them know that I am looking for a new car (actually cheaper) and going to sell the CR-V. I should be able to get rid of it soon!

I am also seriously considering the Comcast position and have emailed the guy a few times this weekend about meeting w/him next Thursday.

Tonight is my daughter's big play, the Music Man and she's all dressed up and ready to go! We went to church today and it was a great service! About Pride and not resentment towards others.

Gotta run!

Brian

Saturday, April 19, 2008

I think we got about 7 inches of snow last night!

Incredible.. Our area got a ton of snow last night! The roads are clear now and I even played tennis this moring. We (Jeff and I) smoked Ron and Eric, 2 straight, plus a 10 point Tie breaker.

I am hoping that next week things fall into place for my job and something results in a serious offer. I want to get my life back in order. It's like I've been trapped in my house the last 2 months just looking for a job-not a great feeling. I would rather be learning something new and working.

I was thinking about getting another vehicle and selling the Expedition or just putting it in the garage and having my wife drive the CR-V and I would drive some commuter special so we could save on the gas. It's going to cost $100.00 @ $4.00 a gallon to fill up the 25 gallon tank Expedition. At 15- mpg, that's just too expensive to drive.  So, that's $100.00 to go 375 miles.  Whereas, as 30 mpg, I could go the same distance for 750 miles. That's twice as much.

We are going to our friends church service tonight for their daughter. They are Catholic and my wife is there GOD mother of Lilly. It will be nice to see their family.

Thanks,
Brian

Friday, April 18, 2008

9:00pm on Friday evening.. It's still snowing!

Wow... We are in the midst of a mini snow storm here in South Everett, WA. I am about ready to hit the hay and am getting up for my Saturday am doubles at 7am. My buddy Jack called this evening to play at 8:30pm, but there were not courts available. We are both thinking of joining the Mill Creek Tennis club and getting out of the Columbia club as you can never get a court time. MC is more geared for serious tennis players and that's pretty much all I do at the club is play tennis, don't use the pool or weights or anything else.

I spoke with a lady in Portland, OR about a 1990 Camry she had for sale. I am going to see if she calls me on Tuesday about it. It's only got 115,000 miles on it and those cars go forever. We need to sell the Expedition or just keep it in the garage as it's just too expensive to drive.

My daugther's play (Music Man) is on Sunday and Monday evening. My parents are coming over for the Sunday evening show.

I emailed the guy back about the Comcast position as my wife thinks I should pursue it further. So, I am possibly going to meet them in person on next Thursday as they have a meeting with Boeing in South Seattle.

Good Night!

Brian

It's about 3:15pm and it quit snowing...

Amazing, we had a snow storm here in South Everett, WA area today. It's pretty much stopped now, but it's all white and beautiful out there!

I had my interview with the Comcast person. This is not for me, although it sounds great, the driving all over the PNW doesn't sound appealing to me.

I also pinged the SpeakEasy recruiter and the F5 gal as well. I just applied for another T-Mobile position and a position at Premera-one that I think that I am actually really qualified for! I also emailed the recruiter that about me just applying to see if I can get an interview at least.

I am also thinking that I need to sell our Expedition, since we have the CR-V now, I could have my wife drive that and just get me, perhaps another Geo Prizm for a commuter car. I think we might be able to get $4-5K for it if we're lucky!

Paid the bills today, need to put something on the Amex, don't know how it got up to 4K, but need to get it paid off and quit using it. One of my goals is to get a "fresh" start financially with the severance money and get out of debt and put the rest in the bank for the kids college funds-at least a start!

Thanks,
Brian

Had my Comcast phone interview

I interviewed for the position on the phone with the guy and he's actually a former MCI'er. The position is really a "hunter" sales 101 type of job covering the PNW territory. I am not really sure that I want to be driving all over the place to sell at T-1 of internet access.

The Nordstrom call had something come up and we're on for Monday as well as with the Philips recruiter. I am surprised that SpeakEasy hasn't called either? I had sent the recruiter several emails about the various positions that I applied for.

Some thing's got to come up soon! I am getting very stressed out about this getting laid off stuff!

Hoping for another miracle!

Brian

TGIF-Busy Morning today!

It's Friday and I did check my email this morning and saw that the family that Dr. Allen Stewart who reviewed their CT scans had send a thank you email to him. That's all the reason why I started m website, http://www.aorticdisseciton  and it's great to see that it's been so successful.

I also saw that the lady from Philips was out sick yesterday and responded about Monday at 0800am to do the interview. I replied and said "yes" and that would be fine. Today I am speaking with Nordstrom at 0900. Comcast at 11:00am.

Just sent the wife/kids off to school. This is the first day she drove the CR-V. I also just paid the Shell bill and it was $509.00! That doesn't include the Cheveron bill! I think we should get rid of the expedition as it's just too big and too terrible on gas! However, you probably can't give it away either!

Have a great day!

Brian

Thursday, April 17, 2008

No call from Philips today-Another T-Mobile and Premera-No go!

Not sure what happened to the recruiter not calling me. However, I sent her 4 emails asking for a reason and a rescheduling. Got yet another "no go" from Premera and another one from T-Mobile. The more "no's" will eventually lead to a YES. Your hired!

I am still hopeful that someting "positive" is going to happen!

Keep the faith!

Brian

Got word from Dr. Allen Stewart about my friend's surgery

Look like my friend will need a two part surgery:

I had an opportunity to review the CT Scan.  It is a complex type B dissection that has a concerning false aneurysm at the distal arch.  There are a few methods of treating this.  I would prefer a hybrid approach, that involves an operation on the arch followed by a stent graft, placed through the chest during the same operation.  I believe that this would lessen the risk of paralysis, compared to an open repair of the descending aorta.  Good luck.



I am sure hoping that his surgery goes well.

I need to figure out what happened to the Philips interview today. I can only assume that she was out ill today. I have another follow interview with Comcast tomorrow for the National Account Sales position. I also applied for a few jobs today at Speakeasy and I have a call with Nordstrom tomorrow as well at 0900. At 10:00am is my virtual reality therapy and at 11:00am with Comcast.

I need to got get my title changed to me for my CR-V I just purchased. My credit union also just called and wants to see a copy of the new registration and I need a batter (watch type) for the alarm. And.. I figured out how to open the back gate/door finally!

Bye for now.

BST

Comcast National Account Sales Interview-went well

I received a call from the Comcast recruiter today at 0830 and we had a nice chat. This sounds like a great position for me. I am going to speak tomorrow with the sales manager in charge of National accounts for the West Coast.

I am also going to speak with Nordstorm as well tomorrow. It's 9:16am and no word from Philips. I emailed the recruiter as well that we had a call scheduled for 0900am today. I wonder if she forgot?

I am feeling that something is going to happen really soon with me landing my new career!

Brian

Just had my T-Mobile phone interview

I just had my phone interview with T-Mobile. I think it went pretty good. This is a new position for their Tower Relations/Selling Spectrum in campus type locations. Although I didn't really have any direct marketing experience, I did have experience working with the various marketing teams within MCI and now VerizonBusiness. I wrote her a thank you email and hopefully, I will hear back from her soon.

Next one is at 0900am with Philips. I will post that interview result soon.

Brian

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Snohomish Lacrosse smoked us!

Wow... My son's team got their rear ends kicked tonight by a much smaller team. However, they were great! I think the score was 11-2 and it was amazing how organized they were!

I strung a racket today with my SPP and NRG2 hybrid string, I think that could be the winning combination.  I actually finished #8 in the PNW Mens's 45 division last year. I am going to play in the Harbor Square tourney in May and entries are due by April 25th. I hope to win it!

Tomorrow I have the two phone interviews, perhaps event 3 as the Comcast gal never called. I am playing tennis at 0530 doubles with the guys.

It's 9:17pm and I am ready for bed, will check my gmail account and hit the hay. I upgraded my Blog to the 3 column look, I like it better!

Thanks,
Brian

I have two phone interviews tomorrow!

I have a T-Mobile interview at 0800 and the Philips one at 0900 so far. I was supposed to hear from Comcast today as well. I have updated my blog more and am finally getting the hang of it.

It's time for lunch and I am thinking about the $4.75 lunch special (pho soup) up the street as I need to get some sweat pants across the street at the Sports Authority store.

I also have a good friend, Diane whom I worked with at MCI, now she's at T-Mobile and she'd sent really nice email about me to the recruiters yesterday. That was really nice of her!

Bye for now!

Brian

Happy Wednesday! Guess what? It's raining in Seattle!

Wow, I can't believe that it's raining!  Oh well, that's why they invented indoor tennis!  My son has a his lacrosse game this evening on the turf and it will have the scoreboard and his cousins are coming to the game as well. All the team is very excited for a bunch of 3rd/4th graders! It should be fun.

I am going to take back my computer and gather a few things from my desk at the office and leave everything else there.

I got an email from a recruiter with Comcast about a National Account Sales position that I had applied for about a week ago. They are going to call me today. And, on Thursday, I have my phone interview with Philips about the customer service 4 position/sales assisting position. I really think this sounds like the closest thing to what I have been doing and it's also getting me going in the direction of the "medical" field which is where I want my next career to go.

I have my second Virtual Reality Flying session with Brian today at 0900am. Then another on Friday, I am trying to get in as many as I can so my insurance will still cover it with Verizon.

I am also hoping today that my new strings come so I can get a few rackets strung. I have been playing with a "hybrid" string combination (Signum Pro Poly Plasma and Gosen Synthetic) for the last year or so.. However, I miss the "fee" gut like of the ball and I feel I have more control when I can feel it, so I am going to go back and try Tecnfibre NRG2 16 gauge again. I like the string, it's very powerful!

Ok.. gotta run and get ready for the day!

Brian

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

What an adventure.. Going from old Blog to new Blog

Wow, it takes a phd in web-design to get this stuff moved. I had originally had my blog at http://www.aorticdissection.wordpress.com and move it to a my hosted website, so it would be seen at http://www.aorticdissection.com/Blog and folks wouldn't have to leave my website. However, that's easier said that done as I also used a new theme (free) that I found.

Anyway, I did managed to get it done with the help of my hosting company and Google searches. It's actually not that difficult, just have to follow all the steps in order to ge it right.

I am super tired as I got up early today to play tennis and didn't sleep that well last night.  My daugther is next to me trying to start her own blog on Blogger.com via Google as she thinks she's going to earn big bucks with the Google Ad Sense!

 

Good night!

Brian

My friend is going in for surgery-I am at the Honda Dealership

I got word my friend's CT scan revealed a 7.5 cm aorta and they sent him for I believe emergency surgery. I am getting Dr. Allen Stewart of Columbia to help review the CT's.

I am at Lynnwood Honda-it's fancy! I am on a computer w/Internet access for free! Nice place! Getting my oil change, transfer case and transmission oil done. I am also going to have them check the CV boots. The service adviser mentioned the "timing belt" as well should be done soon.

I have my phone interview on Thursday at 0900 with Philips. Hopefully, T-Mobile will be asking for one soon too!

Dropped off rental car this am as well and then went to get some coffee with wife and go grocery shopping.

bye!

Brian

Monday, April 14, 2008

Dr. Duke Cameron and Dr. Hal Dietz of Johns Hopkins added to site

I had received an email from a gal in need of an aortic root/valve procedure and she'd contacted me about some questions.  So, this evening I added these two prestigeous doctors to my main website and my http://www.aorticdissection.com/Aortic%20Centers.htm section. I contacted them via email this evening to let them know. Dr. Liang at Stanford spoke highly of them, so Lisa's in good hands!

Thanks,

Brain

Got the 1999 Honda CR-V EX today!

Well, I drove the Honda CR-V all the way home from South Tacoma area where the day before I drove to check it out and put the down payment on it. I am not going to get the titled transferred tomorrow and get my insurance changed as well. I might even get the transmission fluid changed as well. And, make sure that they CV boots look OK. I don't think this car had the 60,000 mile tune up. But, it's had regular oil changes and it's super, super clean!

I like sitting up in this vehicle too! My Geo was so low to the ground! I need to take my Kia Rio rental car back tomorrow as well. It's actually not a bad rig, the interior sucks, but it drives nice!

My daughter thinks she wants a Blog now and it should be interesting to see if she gets one going!

Tomorrow is going to be FOCUS on a job and trying to really see where I can get an interview. I actually sent an email to the CEO/CIO and Exec Admin folks at Providence Everett Hospital to let them know that I am looking for a job and would be interested (very) in coming to work for them after the saved my life.

I got an interesting email today from a reader of my www.aorticdissection.com site and I posted it to my forum http://www.aorticdissection.com/Forums/ as well.

Here it is:
Hey Brian

I went to my doctor today and was shocked that my Doc was concerned with my aorta dissetion. I suffered my acute dissection in August 1990 giving a speech at a family reunion. I was mis-diagnosed for three days until the doctors suggested a CT scan. When they saw the dissection they opted for surgery right away. My wife had just left the hospital so I had to have her return to discuss the surgery. We called for a second opinion and the second doctor said the surgery risk was very high because the aorta had dissected in two places. He ask if I prayed and I said yes. He suggested that I continue. That was 18 years ago. I have never had surgery and quit frankly never had a problem with it since. Now there is a strong pulse near my navel on the left side. My doctor freaked out today and scheduled the scan for tomorrow a.m. I hope and pray that all will be well, but I wanted you and others to know how long I have been living with this condition. Please post my message o your blog.

Michael

I also emailed Dr. Allen Stewart at Columbia that when Michael gets his CT's done, that I am requesting that Dr. Stewart look them over for him. I will also contact Dr. David Liang at Stanford as well to help.

 

 

Found a car! Now.. I just need to find a job!

I found a 1999 Honda CR-V yesterday and am picking it up today. I went down to Tacoma, picked up my buddy who's the used car buyer for South Tacoma Honda and we went to see the car. He (Mike) checked it all out and gave it the 2 thumbs up for approval. The price was a really fair asking price and I got $300.00 less and really like the car.

Now, I just need to put the full court press on the job situation.  I am hoping that something happens at T-Mobile this week or perhaps Sonosite. Or, at Philips as I sent about 5 resumes there last week for different positions. I think being in the medical field is my calling.

I need to really get back into better shape, I had done so well going form 229 down to 206 and now back at 214. It's all this stress. But, I said no more cookies/ice-cream and hamburger/fries! And, no more Starbucks double short cappuccino's! But... I need to stick with that game plan and playing more singles.

I am hoping that today is a great day and that EVERYTHING works out and something really good happens for me today!

Thanks,
Brian

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Sunday morning.... The day after after our first USTA loss

Well, I had a bad feeling about this match. I knew this team well as I had played for them last year. Sure enough, the stacked their singles and doubles where we stacked our Singles only. We lost our #2 singles match, which was really the number one singles. Joe had never lost and Winston was a rock solid singles player ranked in the 35's. He smoked Joe 6-2, 6-2. Jack won at #1, who is usually our #2 and is undefeated. Our #1 doubles played their #3 and lost in a 3rd set TB, our #2 team which we played at #3, was against their #1 team. We got smoked 6-2, 6-1 and our #3 playing at #2 also got smoked. They killed us in all our doubles, we've got to find a better match up and at least be able to win a doubles.

I know that I didn't play that well either! Thinking of a racket change, but it's really all upstairs with me and getting focused for the entire match.

On to a different subject, I am hoping that I can get a car soon! I am still looking! I am going into the office on Monday, for what actually might and probably is my last day and will turn in my computer and badges. That's just the reality of the situation, I am hoping that something comes up on the job front soon. I want to get back to being more stable.

I did have my first Virtual Reality Flying Therapy session and it went well. Not nervous at all!

OK.. Got to get some breakfast and ready for church!

Brian

Friday, April 11, 2008

TGIF-It's going to be a great day! I am feeling it!

Well-I will start out on a positive note that it's going to be a great day! Something good and or great will happen today! I just feel it!

I weighed myself and have gained about 7 lbs. I know it's due to the stress of losing my job on 5/2 and the finding a new one, then the car situation. No excuses! I am committed to getting my weight back down to 199lbs by 6-15-08. I am at 213 lbs now. I had gotten all the way down to 206lbs.

I am also going to use my Franklin Planner on a daily basis to keep track as well as other task. I am a "task" type of guy and know that when I write something down and accomplish it, it feels good to check it off as a "completed" task.  I have a tendency-as we all do- to start something and not finish it. I am trying, should I say, "I AM" going to ge back with the laser focus on things and get back to the "Brian S Tinsley" that I know is ready to come out and take control of this "new" person with a new and fresh outlook about the future. Although, things look kind of bleak now, GOD's going to see me through this.

I am hoping to hear something on the job front today. Hopefully, the Sonosite folks will want to interview me! That would be great! They are so close, it would be an easy commute!

I also applied for several other jobs at T-Mobile and will hopefully hear from them soon as well.

I am playing tennis at 4pm today with Jack and looking forward to it!

I am also hoping my daughter can get more involved in her "voice recordings" as she really likes that type of stuff and wants to do commercials and acting. There's a guy at her school, http://speakingofdave.com/ who is really good and she did a small radio slot yesterday and I told her to contact him and get more involved... and she did! I just sent him an email as well. This type of stuff gives my daughter so much confidence!

Well, I have a conference call at 0800 with Greg on our account team ( a transition of the account from me to him) and can't wait to get that over with! It shouldn't be even happening.. But.. I am not going to look back, it's not my loss, it's Verizon's.

Take Care!

Brian

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Searching for a new job after 20 years sucks!

I am getting really tired of sending out my resume for a new job! I am hoping that I can land something very soon. I might have to actually go on unemployment for a while. I just emailed the recruiter from Sonosite that I wanted to get some "insight" as to how I can possibly secure a "face to face" interview at least.

Seems like some of the recruiters are pretty nice and others won't give you the time of day! I am glad for this venue to be able to express my feelings about what is going on in my life. It's very stressful these last few weeks and I am really hoping to get some "stability" back in my wife very soon!

My son's last Lacrosse game is Saturday up in Stanwood. The season wasn't that long, I am now kind of wishing he'd played baseball as they are still going. Maybe he could join that team?

I am hoping that I find a car soon! I am driving this Kia Rio, which I got from Hertz Rental Car today and it's actually pretty peppy for a tiny car. I was able to get my Honda sold last night and spoke with the new owner today as he went to change the title and ran into a hitch. So, I had to call the guy that I bought it from to have him get a "bill of sale" from the lady he bought it from and fax it to the new owner that I sold it to. All these transactions happened over a 5 day period.

I was also looking at the new Toyota Yaris, but that's 15-18K I bet! I kind of wish (in retrospect) I had kept that Honda, it was soooooooo clean and a one owner vehicle. So, it was Gold in color with a Brown interior, but... I could have lived with it as it only had 109,510 original miles on it!

Bye for now!
BST

Interesting last few days!

Wow.. where do I begin! Let's see, I had my interview with T-Mobile for the Infrastructure Analyst 3 position yesterday, that was OK.. I however, don't want to write technical documents and sit behind a desk. I am a people person.

My car situation: I was rear-ended my my wife driving our Expedition and it totalled my 1994 Geo Prizm. I had purchased a 1988 Honda Accord only to have my wife and kids hate it. So, I sold it yesterday to another family and got $2500.00 for it. I bought it for $2000.00 but put an additional $700 bucks for brakes,muffler and cv boots. Oh well.. I got another rental car from Hertz so I can take my time to find something better.

I applied for a Progam Manager position at Sonosite in Bothell, WA today and the recruiter is going to be in contact with me soon.

My dad called today as I told him I would sell the Honda to him, but he was a bit slow and it sold off Craigslist in about 20 minutes.

I have gained back about 10lbs from all the stress in my life lately with the RIF coming from Verizon on 5/2 and the car situation, but... I am realizing that I can beat this and come back even stronger.

Oh... one more thing, I am trying the "virtual reality" flying help thing. I have my first actual demo on Saturday.

Speaking of Saturday, we have our USTA 4.5 match against Harbor Square that evening at 6:30pm and hopefully we'll come out with a win and be 5-0! I am playing some singles tomorrow with Jack and played doubles this morning. But, it's the Singles that takes the weight off!

Brian

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Interesting-Blog looks different with FireFox Browser

I was having an issue with my "recent posts" not showing correctly in the MS IE browser, so I tried the Firefox and whalla! It's working.

It's the big day of the interview and I am thinking about going for a walk this morning. It's exciting and I want to get this job and get back to an exciting company, versus a boring and stale company like VerizonBusiness. Thanks also to my friends at T-Mobile for helping put in good words for me.

Today is also the first day of my Virtual Reality Flying training to help me get over this FOF thing. That's from 10-11 and my interview is at 1pm-2:30pm.

I am also going to get my Honda back and figure out what that's going to cost. I hope that they can fix it! I ran a carfax and the car is clean with no accidents. Like I said, it's brown in side, but... it's clean and looks like it's almost new for a 20 year old car! And.. it gets great mileage!

OK...off for a walk!
Brian

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Honda needs a new muffler and perhaps new front Rotors

We picked up the car this evening, I had left it at a restaurant in Ballard. I dropped it off at Dan Fast Muffler's to get a new muffler and need to get him to fix the Rotors as well as perhaps the bushing issue. Other than that, the car ran fine (tight) and I read all the service records that the previous owner did and I did a Carfax on it as well.

I also heard from my buddy Tom and he too spoke with the person interviewing me tomorrow and put in a good word for me as well. I am going to try my best tomorrow to try and get hired!

Getting late.. Time for bed!

Brian

It's official-Got the "RIF" notice via Fed Ex today-Got a Used car too!

Well, a few things happend today. First I just purchased an 1988 Honda Accord LX with 109,000 from a guy who got it from the original owner, he never even drove it and didn't even change the title. So, I bought it! It's got a few quirks, but for $2,000.00 and not having to take a car loan out, I am psyched!

When I arrived home, I saw that Fed Ex package at the door. It's the official "RIF" notice that I am being laid off offiically as of 5/2/2008. So, to my surprise, my severance package was more (30K) that I thought I was getting, so... I am happy about that! I can used some of the funds to get out of debt, get a fresh start at my new job (Hopefully landed that tomorrow) and get back to some stability in my life!

I need to get a muffler on the car and I called my buddy who had done my Geo muffler and he's going to put a new one on tomorrow for me. So, we are going to drop the car off tonight. Tomorrow I will also take the rental car (Mustang) back! Yey! Not a big fan of that car at all!

Thanks,
BST

We have so much to be thankful for!

It's amazing that when you really think about it, everything that you have is a gift from GOD and that we should be utterly thankful for it! I have gotten a bit side tracked with this loss of job and car situation lately, but... it's not the end of the world! In fact, I will bounce back and be even stronger as a result of these trials and tribulations.

I am so blessed to have two wonderful children who I adore to the moon and back as well as a beautiful and caring wife. My parents and brother's family and kids are all great! I have so much to be thankful for!

I am glad that I can play tennis, I can walk, that I am not in a wheel chair! That I personally got a second chance in life after my aortic disesction and that GOD allowed me to live through it. I am so lucky and appreciative of my many gifts from GOD.

Being an aoritc dissection survivor, it's easy to get side tracked and look at the world as gloom and dume, but that's not GOD's plan for us! We MUST keep moving forward by FAITH that the GOOD LORD's plan for us is working each and every day within in us and he's fine tuning us to be  the best that we can be!

I was taken my 12.5 year old daughter to church on Sunday and she looked so beautiful, but I didn't tell her that. I couldn't muster up enough guts to say that Olivia, "you are so beautiful" and I actually said something to her later that day. But, I SHOULD HAVE told her right then and there. I noticed she even had on a tiny bit of make up and was wearing her contacts and WOW!!!! How beautiful she truly is! I love her always and forever with the "agape" love that Christ has for us! The most powerful form of love! My son too! He's so handsome!

Bye!

Brian

Statefarm says rental car is due back today!

I spoke with Hertz, apparently, today is the last day that State Farm Insurance will pay their 80% of the $39.95 monthly rental fee. I have a line on a 1999 Accord, but am waiting to see if this person will sell it to me this evening.

Just got back from lunch and was reviewing stuff for my interview tomorrow w/T-Mobile. I also heard back from my friend Diane, who I used to work for that she reached out to the main contact and put in a good word for me.

I also applied at ATT Wireless and Speakeasy today as well. I am hoping that this car situation gets resolved this evening.

Bye for now.
Brian

Monday, April 7, 2008

Used Car Hell!-Again! Man.. I am sick and tired of looking...

I have not been able to find a decent used car that the dealer isn't going to screw me over on or a CL scammer is not involved. I am just looking for a reliable used car for $5K. I am hoping that something comes up soon!

I gathered all my resume questions for the T-Mobile interview on Wednesday. That's also the first day that I try the virtual reality training.

BTW-We won again last night in our USTA match. We are 4-0 leading the league and could go undefeated!

I am also working with an old friend about possibly getting on at ATT Wireless. I PRAY that the GOOD LORD will show me the Patience and Kindness to get through this. We had a sermon on those two attributes that make up Paul's descrption of "fruits of spirit" and I am trying my hardest to live by them.

OK.. by for now!
Brian

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Sold My daughter's furniture on Craig's List today!

Wow! I can't believe how easy it was to sell my daughter's furniture! I am glad that it's out of the garage and now we just have to get her room back together. We got her new mattress/box springs at Costco, she stepped up to a full size bed now. We painted her room, did the closet organizer, new sheet/curtains, curtain rods and the entire nine yards of stuff to make an almost 13 year old room a place for her to call her "special room" and I am so glad it turned out!

We have our USTA match this evening and we will be 4-0 if we win. We should win and I am feeling that I am going to play great tonight!

I emailed a gal about a 1998 Toyota Avalon and I am waiting to see pictures of it. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a car, but want something safe and fairly good on gas... as does the entire world!

I am hoping that my interview goes well on Wednesday! Man... I hate this looking for a job crap-I really and truly do! I don't want to have to go through this again! It sucks! I am also supposed to get my "official" severance package in the mail this week-it will have my final dollar amounts. I know one thing, I want to take some of the $$ and get out of debt! It would be sweet if I get the new job and don't have to dip into the serverance at all.

My wife went to go get me some new clothes, my wardrobe is out of date! And.. to top it all off, I have gained back about 7 pounds from my lowest point of 206. All the way down from 228. I think it's the stress of the new job and I can't let it get to me anymore and I am motivated now to get down under the 200lb club.

Chuch was great today. Very good message about the Patience and Kindness attributes that Paul talks about in Corinthians.

Well, have a great rest of the day!

Brian

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Back from "the Great Wolf Lodge" water park and glad to be home!

Well, we stayed at the new water park (indoors) in Centralia, WA and it was OK.. that's about it. We spent more time in the game room that in the park. In my opinion, don't go there during spring break-rip off central. They don' t even have free coffee in the morning, sure they have some in your room, but... if you get up earlier than the rest of the family, it's a pain.

We got my daughter's bedframe and new mattress and just put her old stuff on Craig's List. I need a shower and some coffee! However, it's good to be home and really looking forward to my interview this Wednesday with T-Mobile. I am hoping for the best. My two former employees that I worked with at MCI are over at T-Mobile and are going to put in good words for me! I am just going to be myself and try my best!

Now.. I have to find a car. I am thinking a Prius, but they are getting top dollars now I bet!

Thanks,

Brian

Friday, April 4, 2008

Had my severance package presented to me today

I got the "official " faxed copy of my severance package. I am supposed to get the finalized (exact numbers) Fed Ex'd to me next week. It turns out that I will get my 40 weeks(20 years) for my base pay plus some commission. So, I am hoping for the best! My main goal is to get my new job right after 5/2/2008 and put money away for my kids college funds.

Thanks,
Brian

Picked up another player for the 4.5 team-former USC player

My good buddy Jack, on my team, said that he contacted this doctor who played for the USC team and is in his mid thirties. We could definitely use him and he will be a strong addition to the team. I guess he only plays once a month, but... we need more players. We only have 9 and it's just not enough. I am hoping he can play this Sunday's match for us.

Had fun yesterday with family

We went to the EMP yesterday and it was a blast. We did the band thing with the family and got the DVD this time, last time we did the picture thing. It was free, first Thursday of the month. We had dinner at CPK on the way home and it was a great family day!

Today, Friday, we are on the last day of our Spring break and going to Centralia WA to go to the water park and are staying the night there.

I got my check for my car yesterday and actually made out very well considering that my wife totalled my 1994 Geo Prizm. So, I am trying to decide what I am going to get. Everyone wants me to get a newer car, like in the same decade!

Today (4/4/08) that I receive my severance package. I am curious what my 8 days shy of 20 years is going to be. It's reality now that after I sign it, it's moving on to bigger and better things. I am sure hoping that my T-Mobile interview goes well on the 9th!

I think I am going to go for a walk this morning before we leave for our waterpark adventure, it's a nice day for a walk, granted is 0600 am in the morning and pitch black outside, I am  ready to go.

Have a great day!
Brian

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Why my blog is more about me than about my AD

I really like to journal. I think it's healthy for you to put your ideas on a piece of paper or in this case a computer. It's an outlet for me to focus on other things than my Aortic Dissection. I have spent the last 4.5 years working on my website, and it's time that I begin to focus back on my personal life. At 45 years of age, it seems like things are all finally coming together for me. Granted, I am getting laid off from the first job that I have had since college, it's still a new beginning/chapter in my life for me where I am feeling more grounded than ever before. A sense of peace and more joy about living each day.

If you haven't, I would recommend you check out the Max Lucado website. He's got a couple great videos! I like the Facing your Giants one a ton!

 I also like John MacArthur as well. He's the most knowledgeable person out there!

Thanks and have a great day!

Brian

My Geo Prizm-worth more than I actually thought it was!

Wow, I called State Farm Insurance and they said my value of my prizm was $4458.93 and that's including my $500.00 deductible. I only paid $5,000.00 for the car 3 years ago!

I am going to p/u my check tomorrow! Now, I need to find another ride and don't want a car payment. So, I am searching CraigsList for some sleeper deal. I am hoping that I can find something.

I need to finish building my daughter's night stand today, finished the closet organizer and her vanity yesterday. Now, we just need to also get her new bed frame (queen) and mattres/boxspring. This is an "expensive" upgrade project! But.. she's sure worth it!

I will be checking my gmail soon and perhaps I have some more job leads! Feeling lucky today!

Thanks,

Brian

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Team Columbia/Silver Lake is 3-0! Off to a great start!

I am the captain of the 4.5 club team. We are off to an undefeated start. We are going to start getting into the better teams coming up. I haven't had a chance to play #2 singles as I have let Jack play. I lost at #2 doubles last week and lost at #3 doubles the prior week, Jack and I played #2 doubles on our first match and won.  I also want to play some 45's Men's Singles to work on my ranking for the PNW. This year the ranking system has changed to how well you do in tournaments. I finished #7 last year.

 I need to see who are are playing on the 6th and put the line up together. We only have 9 guys and Erik is out, so everyone else is going to have to play!

 Later!

Brian

Where am I going to end up working?

Well, so far, my most promising opportunity is with T-Mobile. I have a panel interview with them on 4/9 from 1-2:30pm. I am also supposed to hear from Cisco about a second interview with them as well. So far, that's been the only two promising things. I am still trying with F5 Networks and spoke to my long time friend who's sister is a VP of sales at Comcast here locally, that might turn into something. I am also going to post my resume in a few more places and just keep plugging away.

My present boss wants to send me my severance package information this Friday for me to review and sign. I am going to be curious how much it is? I know one thing, I am going to use part of the money to get out of debt! With me needing a new car now, thanks to my wife rear-ending me with the Expedition, my Geo Prizm was totalled! So, I am renting a Ford Mustang now and waiting to see what they will give me for my new car purchase. I was thinking about a Honda CRV, like a 1999/2000 model? Who knows? I know after being hit, a midsize car might be better.

 Thanks,
Brian

Closet Organizer and daughter's room painted!

Wow! I had my first session about my fear of flying today with Brian. He seems very good and the right person for me. My next session is the actual Virtual Reality Therapy session, you even sit in an actual air plane chair!

Still working on my job search!

 Good Night!

Brian Tinsley