Updates and News!

Well it's definitely been a while since I've updated my blog, as far as chases goes the Herrick day was my last chase worth mentioning.

This post is going to get into the more personal side of things as in what's been going on in my life lately. First I have been searching for a new job because I am very un-happy with where I'm at right now. The management at this place is horrible. I have 6 direct contacts to answer to on every issue that I come across, and if you know anything about the IT profession issues are very common! What bothers me the most is if I have an issue and I'm working on resolving the issue many times one of the 6 comes up to me and tries to pull me away from what I'm doing and have me do something completely different. Yes I know I should always listen to my bosses but when each of them has their own agenda and some of those agendas I don't feel have the best interest of the company in mind especially when I'm working on an issue that affects production and they want me to go to their computer and see why their speakers aren't working. (many time's it's been because the speakers were muted, yes it's that ridiculous) It just isn't right, I've been at it almost 4 years and it's making me a bad person working here because it's getting really hard to leave work at work and not take it home. That's not fair to Jill, she deserves a happy husband and some days it's nearly impossible for me to drop the emotions when I come home. So enough rambling... I am searching very hard for a new job, I've had one offer but I turned it down because it was in Sioux Falls and didn't cost justify, I've also had a phone interview that I feel went really well and I hope to hear back soon because I'm about ready to snap if something doesn't come around soon.

I know a lot of people don't like their job and I understand and feel for you completely, my situation is a little different because I love what I do, it's a great job, I just hate how mis-managed this place is, it almost breaks my heart because I know if this place was properly managed it could flourish and become huge but it never will because we have our backs up against a brick wall until something major changes here. Their solution to increase production is to add this VERY expensive laser instead of automate their existing setup, their current production rates are around 50-60% per each machine where as automation would increase that to around 80%. They didn't want to hear me out on this subject because I'm just a stupid IT person, what would I know about running a business. Well a lot actually, my parents started a Bar & Grill that was very successful and I have a moonlighting consulting business that my business partner and I started and it's completely self sustaining, we haven't had any need to seek outside money to keep it afloat. So yes I do know some about running/managing a business.

Anyways enough rambling about my job and how unhappy I am ;) I really am not that un-happy, I have a great life, wife, family, friends, pets, home, community, etc. What more could anyone really need? I just remind myself everyday that God has a plan and that he's going to get me through this. He's been my rock through this and I just need to be reminded that patience is key in seeking new employment.

Through the past couple months there has been some developments as far as the Chase Team goes, basically what happened is 2 of our admins created Extreme Weather Media (EXM), this company brokers footage of chasers to major media outlets for the benefit of the chaser so they don't have to be calling ton's of places during the chase. Extreme Weather Chase Team (EXWX) is a part of EXM, and I am the new team lead of EXWX. We will be working directly with EXM so both sides benefit. We are seeking new chasers so if you or anyone you know is interested please visit our website for the application.

Another thing I've been doing is working out a lot, I can't believe how well this makes you feel, it's a stress reliever and I never thought being so sore was a good thing!

Last but not least is hunting, I got my first deer while bow hunting this year, it was a great experience and I loved every minute of it. I also did some bird hunting, I don't think I actually knocked one bird down, I know I winged a couple but I can't claim one as my own. Gauge (my weimaraner) did ok when he felt like it, the other times he was just plain old lazy... he still needs some work, ugh!

I'm sure there is a ton more that I can talk about but I'm short on time, so check back later. I'll post some winter weather stats sometime.