I figured we needed a way to let folks know that we may be out of touch so I started this new thread.....

Don't expect to see much of me this week..13-17May. I'll be in class learning to do the 9K2K Auditing thing. My last trip I crushed my laptop and it is still in repair, so I won't be keeping up.

Have a good week guys.:bigwave:

Don't forget to write! We expect (as a minimum) post cards!

I'm back:eek:

I guess I'm a 9K auditor now:eek: :eek:

I won't be back long....Mon & Tues I'm gone again

Please keep a candle in the window

Had the candle there... Now... Where the heck is the postcard???

Card's in the same mail as the check.....;)

Randy,

So what did you learn new about auditing? Anything earth shattering?

Rick

The QMS-LA course I took was a good refresher for me, and I filled a gap in my background. I get to do the 9K2K transition in a couple of weeks, so I'll be getting a little smarter in the QMS field (not as much as you Whizzes though)

I used QASNA in Huntington Beach, great facilities & nice folks.

I'll be offline (on vacation) 8/6 - 23/6... :cool:

Right now I'm looking forward to some R&R. Getting that 14001 badge was hard work and both my family and myself need a break, so now it's off to sun and beaches for a while.

/Claes

Have a great time Claes....

I'm on the road today to Anaheim....back late tonight or tomorrow

Ok, I had my time in the sun... And I see I have some reading to do....:cool:

/Claes

I'm out this week adding the third component : Safety Mgt. I'll tack the course cert up there with EMS and QMS and I'm really excited about it. Our HSE Mgr. has been on holiday for the last month and left me to look after things so this is the next natural step. You never know how these things work out. .... But even from a purely QM point of view, it can't hurt to know how to best integrate our systems. That was one of the topics in another thread - the fact that alot of companies don't integrate because they don't have enough people with knowledge of more than one system.

Anyway, ya'll have a nice week!

Shoot Lucinda you should have come to me...I got all 3 of those things and maybe a bit more if you throw in the environmental compliance, HR and security stuff.

Have a good week.:bigwave:

I'll be in Spokane, WA from 19 July - 3 August teaching an EMS Lead Auditor course and a couple of other EMS classes, so my responses to ISO 14001 and other stuff will be a little slow.

:bigwave:

Randy,
Who's the stiff in the suit?

You're jealous, right?

That size 52 is a tight squeeze:biglaugh:

I'll use this until I get a real cool one like my Grunt photo I ran earlier.:bigwave:

Off to England - Leeds & London - for two weeks..
-Atul.

On the road from Spokane to Barstow. I'll see you guys on Aug 3rd at the earliest.

Toodles for now:bigwave:

Off to Cedar Point, 6 Flags and Kings Island for the next few days. Trying to get my roller coaster fix out of the way before my audits start.

In Canada, this is our Civic Holiday weekend (meaning that we get Monday off).

In the next 7 weeks I have an internal ISO-14001 audit, Document and Readiness Review, QS9000 Surveillance Audit, and our ISO-14001 Implementation Audit, sooooooooooooo........I'm off to my back yard with a case of beer and the kid's Mr. Turtle pool. And I think I'm going to need every last one of those beers this weekend.

Have a good one.

Leaving this afternoon, back to work next Wed. Aug 14.

Going to do some diving off the FL Keys. It's the opening weekend for lobster season so I hope to catch a few. If not, I'm sure there'll be plenty of rum runners at the Tiki Bar to console myself with!

Changes in latitude, changes in attitude........

Later guys...I'll be in Morgan Hill, CA (San Jose) teaching EMS stuff until the 27th.

I will be leaving for the northern part of lower michigan from 8/21 until who knows when (family emergency). If you hear from me next week, then I will apparently be back.

I'm staying here. Totally gone. For sure! You can reach me anytime. Dial 1-800-GIV- ASHI*:ko: :smokin:

I'm on the road again....this time in Kentucky teaching EMS Internal Auditor stuff. I'll be a little slow on the responses this week (9-12 Sep).

Later

I'll be sloooooooooooow in responding this week. I'm flying out to VA where I'll be until the 26th. Got some more EMS stuff to teach. Been busy, busy, busy. Since my last post in this thread I've been to Chicago, San Jose, Seattle, Tacoma, and the Atlanta area.

I get home occassionally.;)

Later Dudes:bigwave:

Jim

The greatest American export was Soul, not Jazz.

:cool:

Travelling to Delhi and Agra - not making bucks...... just enjoying the festive Diwali Holidays...

See you on 7th.:bigwave:

Just wanted to let everyone know I'm still sucking air and taking up space.

I did a firefighter impersonation and spent some time in the hospital, but I survived.

Been a tough last few weeks, but I'm finally home and getting back into a regular routine. Gonna be home for another month or so before I get back to work. :(

Looking forward to see what everyone's been up to.

Ken K said:

Just wanted to let everyone know I'm still sucking air and taking up space.

I did a firefighter impersonation and spent some time in the hospital, but I survived.

Been a tough last few weeks, but I'm finally home and getting back into a regular routine. Gonna be home for another month or so before I get back to work. :(

Looking forward to see what everyone's been up to.

Ken,

Glad you're back and on the mend. You'll just have to spend more time here in the Cove. ;) :ko: :smokin:

Ken K said:

I did a firefighter impersonation and spent some time in the hospital, but I survived.

Been a tough last few weeks, but I'm finally home and getting back into a regular routine. Gonna be home for another month or so before I get back to work. :(

Good Heavens, Ken! What happened?

I'm on the road again....Dallas & Houston instructing some 9K and 14K stuff as usual. Sooner or later one or two of you guys will show up at one of my dog and pony shows.

See ya:bigwave:

Yeah, Randy justs wants you to think he's hard at work...actually he's wolfing down buffalo wings and playing trivia.:)

And I have proof!

You're bad!!! I'll get ya:biglaugh:

That's me folks, I admit it, but guess who the chicky babe is;)

The life of the road warrior is a hard one, but someone has to suffer and do it.:vfunny:

Jim

You leaving the Cove ?

If so I would personally like to thank you for all your contributions.

Best Regards

Martin

Jim Wade you can't leave!!!!!

I've been telling folks all over the US and now in Canada that you're a guru worth listening to. If nothing else just stay in the quality threads and leave the others alone.

Please!!!!

On another note...I'm home for a break. I spent 22 days in Feb 2003 on the road. 14 or 15 of them teaching ISO stuff from the East coast to the West and into Canada, and the rest getting to and from. I'm trashed!!:ko: :ko:

Jim Wade said:

I planned to spend a year in this place on March 10 last year. So I almost made it, but I am now called to a better place.

Good luck to everybody. No hard feelings (except to the prat who made that dumb threatening phone call - he knows who he is!)

Goodbye!

Jim

Jim,

There is no better place, unless you're deeply religious ;) The War thread is just no place to be. I second and third the motion that your Q posts will be missed. Our relationship has been hot and cold, but you have changed my mind on a lot of issues and I now have a different view on many subjects. Why haven't I said so? I believe I have hinted at it in a few posts. I'm just not the "fawning" type. There's enough of those types here already.:vfunny: I don't know the logic for imposing a deadline on your participation in the Cove, but whatever!! If this is truly the end of "badge bashing", I join in the unending hymn of praise for your contributions. ;) We still have e-mail if you are so inclined. Hoping that it is just a passing mood, best regards and kindest wishes.:agree: :ko: :smokin:

Jim,

Better place? Does this "better place" have no internet connection? I don't get it. I think we deserve a better explanation than that, but that's just me. You owe nothing in reality, but it would be mannerly. We often disagree, but I admit you have provided some insight to me on some issues and the Cove is probably a better place with your voice there, even if just to prod others into action. Good luck wherever you're off to...:bigwave:

Just a postscript to Jim's sudden departure. When I came to the Cove there was much more participation from a myriad of veteran members who appeared to have taken a hiatus from posting their thoughts in the last year. I won't go into the reasons that my simple mind has conjured up, but I think we will see more participation from those who don't have to feel that, somehow, they were setting themselves up for rebuke, sarcasm, trick questions or unnecessary debates. Life goes on, Folks. One person doesn't make the Cove what it is. A "better place", for some, will be where one who has a flock of sheep who know only one Shepard and cow to the intellectual staff. That will never happen in the Cove. Even our "Shepard" has given us latitude to stray from the flock, for a little while anyway, to test our courage in this den of malcontents.:p Tomorrow is another day. Peace, y'all.:agree: :smokin:

I also almost left the Cove. My intention was to retire next month, move to northern MI (no, not quite a Yooper), raise buffalo for jerky (no, I'm not kidding). However, some serious health issues with the Mrs. will keep me around for another year. But I have another year to perfect my jerky receipies.

db,

Retire? You're just a young buck, right?

Well, not trying to get rid of you, but I hope the health issues with the wife get taken care of very quickly. That kinda stuff is what's REALLY important. Good luck and God bless to you both! Let us know how it works out. :bigwave:

This Road Warrior thing gets hectic at times, but you get to go to the most exciting cities. So far this year I've been to Seattle, Dallas, Houston (met Lucinda too;) ), Minneapolis, San Jose (twice), San Diego and now.....I'm going to Boaz, Alabama...saaaalute!!

Gee Randy, all I get to visit is Livonia, Sterling Heights, Waterford and other places around Detroit. :(

Actually, I did the hotel run several years ago. I was on the road three weeks a month. Went from Mass to CA, from Green Bay to Orlando. It does get old quick!!!!!! Took a 10K cut in pay to sleep in my own bed at night. Now when I come home from work the wife recognizes me. I'll bet I haven't spend 5 nights in hotels in the last 3 years. And that is fine by me.

Enjoy the travel while you can. Then enjoy the lack of travel when it comes. :smokin:

Boaz Abalama????? That name just scares me!!! All I can picture is looking into a pair of mirrored glasses and hearing a voice say - "you're in a heap of trouble boy". Spent too much time in Kingsbay GA and it's caused emotional scars:biglaugh:

Don't mind my circle too much Manhatten KS, Lorain OH, Auburn Hills, Livonia, Madison Hts., Warren and Redford. Most I've been away from home has been 3 days at a time, but then I haven't met Lucinda;).

Outta all you guys, I've only met Marc in person. Wassup? Lucinda girl, they all wanna meet you!!!!

I manage to restrict my work related travel withing 100 miles. But I have been to Waterford, MI (an evil college roomate lived there) and grew up in the Buckeye state - even been to Lorain, OH before.

So any of you heading this way - you better let me know. I seriously think Marc should host a Cove gathering at the estate for us faithful. I have relatives nearby, so it would be worth the trip for me.

Outta all you guys, I've only met Marc in person. Wassup? Lucinda girl, they all wanna meet you!!!!

I manage to restrict my work related travel withing 100 miles. But I have been to Waterford, MI (an evil college roomate lived there) and grew up in the Buckeye state - even been to Lorain, OH before.

So any of you heading this way - you better let me know. I seriously think Marc should host a Cove gathering at the estate for us faithful. I have relatives nearby, so it would be worth the trip for me.

The thing I hated about gong to Lorain, was that they expected me to commute each day. A 7:30 meeting meant I was outta here NLT 4:30 AM!

I have been posting less than usual for a while, but I'm still around for the reading. I'm just a bit occupied at the moment, that's all...

/Claes:p

In the making bucks category, seems our old pal Jim Wade has been busy. Here's a link to a new article of his on "quality", or should I say, "business".

http://www.symphonytech.com/articles/isotop.htm

Mike S. said:
In the making bucks category, seems our old pal Jim Wade has been busy. Here's a link to a new article of his


Wrong AGAIN - as it says, it's from the December 2001 issue of Quality World.

With mere sleight of hand, folks and without the use of props of any kind, Mike will now demonstrate that, in point of fact, he DID read that bit, but that he was right to say it's new because if you read between the lines and miss out this bit and that bit, and if you imagine what might have been said to suit todays prejudice, it clearly implies that in fact it IS a new article!

Give it up for .....drum roll ..... MAGIC ("I am always right") MIKE!

:bonk:

Tom, Tom,
Did someone do something to your Killians???? Seems to me like you are walking around with a huge chip on your shoulder today. Many folks here are starting to celebrate St. Patricks day today, so calm down. It's really nothing to get so fiesty about.:biglaugh:

Randy Stewart said:
Seems to me like you are walking around with a huge chip on your shoulder today. Many folks here are starting to celebrate St. Patricks day today, so calm down. It's really nothing to get so fiesty about.:biglaugh:

Randy - thanks for caring. But the ref. to St Paddy only makes it worse.

I'm a Druid, see, and yer man Patrick was the bustard that drove the snakes (slang for the Druids who had snakes tattooed on their forearms as a badge of honor) out of Ireland.

This was an early example of ethnic cleansing - very bloody and un-Christian it was.

So - put my mood down to St effing Paddy! Have a great weekend.

Tom Harris said:

Wrong AGAIN - as it says, it's from the December 2001 issue of Quality World.

With mere sleight of hand, folks and without the use of props of any kind, Mike will now demonstrate that, in point of fact, he DID read that bit, but that he was right to say it's new because if you read between the lines and miss out this bit and that bit, and if you imagine what might have been said to suit todays prejudice, it clearly implies that in fact it IS a new article!

Give it up for .....drum roll ..... MAGIC ("I am always right") MIKE!

:bonk:
Gee, Tom, get ahold of yourself.:rolleyes: There was no malice intended for Heaven's sake. I got this e-mail just today, which led me to believe it was new, so I posted it for others to read if they wish.

Welcome to the March 2003 Issue of Symphony Quality & Productivity
Jounal brought to you by
Symphony Technologies <http://www.symphonytech.com> .

Featured Article
ISO : From The Top by Jim Wade, Director, Advanced Training, UK.

A new emphasis on senior management involvement is one of the most
talked about revisions to ISO 9000.

Jim Wade, a director of Advanced Training, discusses

* What exactly is Management Commitment,
* What the new standard requires top managers to do and
* What the benefits are.

Click here to read the complete article...
<http://www.symphonytech.com/articles/isotop.htm>

It was their brand-new March 2003 issue, so I assumed it was a new article from Jim. You're right, I missed this -- the very last line of the article:

This article originally appeared in the December 2001 issue of Quality World, the magazine of the Institute of Quality Assurance. We have reproduced it here with due permission from Jim Wade and IQA.

Okay -- I was wrong this time -- but where is the "AGAIN" coming from? I'm sure you will post whatever proof you have, right?

Happy now? (I doubt it!):vfunny: People like you who get such joy in finding the mistakes of others, no matter how small, are rarely ever happy, are they? But hey, I am, it's Friday!

Hey Mike,

I rarely come here because it's for the employed folks who like to brag about where they are going like anybody really gives a sh1t!:vfunny: However, after reading Tom's post I don't really think on Monday he will really object to St. Patricks day celebrations. People with tatoos of snakes on their body usually don't remember what they said the day before. It has more to do with the contents of their Bong! Tom posted a joke in the St Patricks Day thread showing me he is a good sport. That would have been the place to make that "Druid" statement, if it were really something real. But, it may have been a different day and a different mood. That could be due to a different crop of mushrooms, too:vfunny: Oh, this is so much fun. :smokin:

Laura M said:

I seriously think Marc should host a Cove gathering at the estate for us faithful.

Laura,

We talked about this before. Remember how we tried to drum up support for a trip to Marc's villa in the Caymans? People wanted airfare and travel expenses in advance before they would commit. At the time I was employed and ready to spend the bucks to go just so I get cocked on Marc's hospitality and embarass myself by wearing a lampshade on my head as I pulled some of those intellectual's pigtails, made runs in their pantyhose and made them cry. :vfunny: But, it was cancelled due to lack of interest. How about your house? I promise to wear my pajamas with the sewn in rabbits feet!:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

But that was when youy guys thought Marc was a rich dude with a house in the Caymans. Now that we all know he's a working stiff like the rest of us, we can invade the estate. Anyone else met Marc-y in person or am I the priveledged one?

Even better - we all meet in the Caymans - sounds like a write off to me!

Laura

PS - Energy - I would show up just to see you in rabbit PJ's!

Double PS - My house is open to anyone in the neighborhood. As long as you can stand 2 dogs, 3 kids, a hot tub, pool table, and various states of chaos at any given time. I'm watching Malcolm in the Middle right now and there are way tooooooo many relates.

Take away the hot tub and pool table and I'd feel like I was still at work!!!!! That's one of the nice things about having a 2 year old, they may be testing their independance and learning how to say "NO", their not asking for keys (except to play with) and they'll let you feel like you're still in charge!!!:vfunny:

OK guys my posting and input (such as it is) might be pretty slim until sometime in June. I have 2 weeks of training (Integrated Systems, OHSAS and an EMS-LA) to provide starting May 5th and then I'm moving back to Arkansas about May 18th (I haven't even seen the house, I let the wife pick it out and buy it). After our move I have to be in Virgina on the 1st of June. I have to leave the poor wife to get the house ready to pack while I got off to make some moola. I'm pretty sure my contact info like email will change to, so I'll post the new stuff when I know it.

See ya:bigwave:

Good Luck Randy - see you soon. I remember you posting about the rain a few weeks ago. I hope it all worked out.

Laura

Heading out to Kansas City tomorrow morning for the AQC. I keep hoping it gets easier to find a couple of presentations that keep my interest (too many consultants "selling their wares" in past ones, IMO). It's just too hard to pass up the 3 RUs (plus "getting away" for 5 days).

Anyone else going??? The only thing I'm "committed to" is making the Royals' game on Sunday afternoon (hope the weather of last week doesn't return!!).

Bill

OKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

Here is the latest.

We got to R-kan-saw (Arkansas) just fine. We can't move in until the underwriters are happy....maybe next week, so our stuff is in storage.

I'm on the road on June 1 for 3 weeks of training and auditing so Judi will probably have to move our stuff out of storage to the house without me:( This stinks!

I don't even have a real address right now.

Oh, well:ko:

See you guys around

OKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
Here is the latest.


Energy's family(9) will be in Ocean City, MD from 7/19 to 7/27. I'll miss the action and will try very hard not to think about what I may be missing. It will tough, though! :bonk: :rolleyes:

Well, here's the latest.

We've been in the new house for about 4 weeks now (of which I have been on the road for 2 of them). Thanks to Lucinda we found a nice little shack (2600 sq ft, brick Colonial) on a tree covered hilltop just South of Fort Smith, Arkansas in the town of Greenwood (I call it Mayberry). The area is everything Barstow wasn't. I've already identified 3 separate rabbit families, a couple of chipmunk clans, squirrels out the kazoo, 1 coyote (not long for this world BTW) and tons of song birds in my back yard.

Greenwood is a beautiful town of 7000 or so with a town square that has a gazeebo (great music at the 4th of July festivities). Everyone goes to the highschool football games on Friday nights and the Bulldog Diner on Center Street. Oh yes, Greenwood also has 3 golf courses and 12 banks. Not bad for a sleepy town of 7000.

Judi and I will be on the road for the next week or 2 to Mill Run, PA to see some of the grandkids and to bring the oldest back with us for the rest of the summer.

I'll be in out out of here sporadically

Well, here's the latest.

We've been in the new house for about 4 weeks now (of which I have been on the road for 2 of them). Thanks to Lucinda we found a nice little shack (2600 sq ft, brick Colonial) on a tree covered hilltop just South of Fort Smith, Arkansas in the town of Greenwood (I call it Mayberry). The area is everything Barstow wasn't. I've already identified 3 separate rabbit families, a couple of chipmunk clans, squirrels out the kazoo, 1 coyote (not long for this world BTW) and tons of song birds in my back yard.

Greenwood is a beautiful town of 7000 or so with a town square that has a gazeebo (great music at the 4th of July festivities). Everyone goes to the highschool football games on Friday nights and the Bulldog Diner on Center Street. Oh yes, Greenwood also has 3 golf courses and 12 banks. Not bad for a sleepy town of 7000.

Judi and I will be on the road for the next week or 2 to Mill Run, PA to see some of the grandkids and to bring the oldest back with us for the rest of the summer.

I'll be in out out of here sporadically


Ft.Smith Arkansas, I have been there a couple times (for work), very nice little town. Sounds like a nice place you git yourself. Good luck!

I guess I never paid attention to what this thread was all about before. Right now I am out doing a 5-day lead auditor course in the state of Washington. Obviously I'm still able to (somewhat) keep up with what's going on at The Cove, thanks to the internet connection here in the hotel. I'm sitting here taking a lunch break and feeding my Cove addiction...

I'm going to be in Blacksburg VA for a few days with a client. I will be stopping in beautiful Bluefield West (by God) Virginia for a family reunion over the weekend (I love it when a plan comes together). See you next month. :bigwave:

Back online,

I spent a nice week down in the south in Sweden. Back on line now. Cove withdrawal symphtoms were bad as usual, but apart from that I had a smashing time.

/Claes

Welcome back! As you can see most of us are still here.

Welcome back! As you can see most of us are still here.

First thing I did was log on and was surprised to see a distinguished ranking bestowed on ole energy and was extremely flattered. Then, I started reading new posts since my last visit and my euphoria was greatly diminished. Oh well, life's not all roses. Vacation's over. :( :p

Y'all have fun at work next week. I'll be relaxing in Montana for a while. Couldn't even check in if I wanted to. The place I'm staying doesn't even have a phone line (nice and relaxing) :D

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Montana!!!!

Where men are men and sheep are......ahem sheep. ;)

Western Montana along 90 from Missoula is beautiful through to Idaho.

I may be heading up to Toronto in the morning for a launch. I just love the last minute trips where they don't give you overnight lodging. Wait lets see, 5 hours there, 5 hours back,,,,,, that leaves 14 hours at the plant. Plenty of time and will still be back for work!

Got out of that one, I hate Launch Readiness Reviews. :smokin:

Off tomorrow..last day of fun w/kids before school starts. See y'all Monday!

Off tomorrow..last day of fun w/kids before school starts. See y'all Monday!

My daughter started her freshman year of college this week. Classes don't start until next week, but she is in marching band, and they had to report early. I stopped in to check on her yesterday afternoon (took 1/2 day off). It was clear she was already homesick. Drove 2 hours one-way so I could take her out to dinner and spend an hour! But I do think it helped. I'll now have to find some reason to pick up a client in Bowling Green Ohio.

My daughter started her freshman year of college this week. Classes don't start until next week, but she is in marching band, and they had to report early. I stopped in to check on her yesterday afternoon (took 1/2 day off). It was clear she was already homesick. Drove 2 hours one-way so I could take her out to dinner and spend an hour! But I do think it helped. I'll now have to find some reason to pick up a client in Bowling Green Ohio.
Ah yes, the dreaded band h3!! week. I remember it well - practice sessions from dawn to dusk. I'm surprised she had time to go out to dinner. I never really got homesick when I went to college. Of course, when I started college, I was close enough to still live at home. :p

Yep, she has to be ready to start at 8:00. They have one hour for lunch and one hour for supper. They end at 9:00 at night. I don't think she has worked so hard in her entire life!

But her friends (including her "not my boyfriend") arrive next week, and the schedule slows a bit. She will be okay.

Wow. Remind me next time I want to go away to make sure I have internet access so I don't have to spend hours reading all the new posts :D

Wow. Remind me next time I want to go away to make sure I have internet access so I don't have to spend hours reading all the new posts :D

Welcome back. Did you at least have a good time?

One of these year's I may take a real vacation again...:rolleyes:

Welcome back Richard.
How was the north 40?

Now that's dedication! Coming back on a Friday to catch up...

Had a pretty nice time. Nice and relaxing. Even spent one night without any power after a good thunderstorm and played some pool by flashlight :D

I'm heading to New Orleans all next week to teach a Lead Auditor class. Hopefully I'll be able to connect from the hotel so I can visit here frequently. :D

Festive time again! I'll be away (17th - 23rd Oct) on annual Diwali Vacation. :cool:
Will be back on the 24th.
-Atul.
:bigwave:

Out to L.A. area next week. Open for happy hour in L.A. and/or dinner around Bakersfield Monday night. Any takers?

Bakersfield...The social and cultural center of California :vfunny:

Have fun 'cinda.....I'll be in Houston kicking back on the 26th (Sunday) for sure. Hilton Garden Inn by the airport

Take care

For those who may be concerned, yuk yuk, I’ll be away from the Cove for a couple of weeks. My home computer crashed and I’m shopping around. We are moving the business across town to a larger place and for some reason our DSL is turned off in advance. So, we are on dial up for now and only have the one phone line. I cannot afford to miss any business calls when I’m on line. Life’s all about choices. I must say it’s rather pleasant not getting churned up over trivial matters. I haven’t read anything since Tuesday or Wednesday and don’t intend to until I’m back up and running. It’s so peaceful at this time and I just know I wouldn’t be able to control those fingers if I do. As Arnold said, “I’ll be bock.” :bigwave:

Well, maybe no one else is concerned, but I sure am, Energy. :rolleyes:

Bakersfield...The social and cultural center of California :vfunny:

Have fun 'cinda.....I'll be in Houston kicking back on the 26th (Sunday) for sure. Hilton Garden Inn by the airport

Take care

I'm back in town after my flight being cancelled on Sunday due to the fires. Pick you up Thurs at 7? I've got an all day meeting up that way.

Well folks, I have some deep thinking to do this weekend. I was told that my position has probably 6 months left. I will need to either, work myself into another position in the company or take a package and go home. And I need to make a decision by Monday! So if you don't hear from me for awhile, you know why. :topic:

Well folks, I have some deep thinking to do this weekend. I was told that my position has probably 6 months left. I will need to either, work myself into another position in the company or take a package and go home. And I need to make a decision by Monday! So if you don't hear from me for awhile, you know why. :topic:

Oh No! We'll be thinking about you Stew. Do let us know how things turn out. :(

Well folks, I have some deep thinking to do this weekend. I was told that my position has probably 6 months left. I will need to either, work myself into another position in the company or take a package and go home. And I need to make a decision by Monday! So if you don't hear from me for awhile, you know why. :topic:
Doh! Good luck with your decision. This is similar to the position I was in when I decided to make the jump to consulting. Have you ever read the book "Who moved my cheese?" It's a quick read that might help to keep things in perspective...

What you're saying is management has decided not to manage quality anymore?

I haven't read the book, but I'm thinking along the same lines as what you mentioned. I have been playing with the idea, but with a 2 year old it's a little scary to go without insurance. Maybe this is the kick in the pants that was needed.

I haven't read the book, but I'm thinking along the same lines as what you mentioned. I have been playing with the idea, but with a 2 year old it's a little scary to go without insurance. Maybe this is the kick in the pants that was needed.

Randy:

I am sorry to hear about this. At least, though, you have a little time to pick your landing spot. And, I think we may be finally pulling out of this financial funk we have been in.

I am glad that you seem to be looking at this as an opportunity. Let us know what direction you are going to head, and

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Craig

Randy,

Good luck in your thoughts over the weekend. Tough decisions. Do let us know what you decide. I will also keep my ears open for any openings for Quality and EMS.

Just a FYI, I heard that Ford is always looking for people in that field. I don't know your qualifications but from time to time, I run across some helpful information.

Good Luck!

Cindy

I tell you what there my Navy friend, the waters are deep and dangerous. I'd like to give you some encouragement, but that doesn't keep the lights on does it?

What you need to do right now, without hesitation is to step back and look at youself as a product that needs marketing. Draw up your strengths, weaknesses and list what you can offer.

Approach this as you would product realization (remember clause 7?). It's the same thing.

Stew,

Sad news indeed. And so much time they give you to decide! :rolleyes:

If you "take the package" do you still have 6 months of staying on the job? Would you have to stay the entire 6 months to get the package, or could you jump in 2 months if a nice job pops up?

As for insurance, remember you can carry insurance thru COBRA for up to 18 months if you can afford the premium yourself (or maybe as part of the "package").

I don't know the unemployment rate in your area, but I know darn well from seeing your expertise and experience here in the Cove you are a very knowledgable, decent, and practical guy. I am sure you can find something else in 6 months. I realize this whole thing stinks right now, and there are no guarantees, but my money would be on you to end-up with lemonade from these lemons.

Good luck, and I'll appeal to the Man upstairs on your behalf as well.

Stew,

Wow, what a bomb for a Friday afternoon. You're right, it is such a hard thing to know what to do when you have to filter in supporting your children. Best of luck, I'm sure that many of us will have your situation in our thoughts/prayers.

OK, let us try this again....

Randy, so sorry to hear this news, it is always difficult to look at these types of things objectively when you have to worry about your children. Best of luck.

Well folks, I have some deep thinking to do this weekend.
Oh no....

Stew, whatever your decision will be: Good luck, my friend.
I hope all turns out well. It should, you know. You're pretty good. :agree:

/Claes

Good Luck with your decision making process. I know that it will be a difficult one. My thought are with you.

mshell

Thanks folks,
I have received a great deal of support from all of you when I was asking for input in professional decisions. Now I am receiving support in times of personal decisions. It means a great deal to me.
I believe it is time to move on, cut the apron cord and give Marc & Randy a run for their money.
They have offered me a 10 week pay, lump sum, buy out (which entitles me to unemployment) and to cover insurance (BSBS) through February. Plus I have my 401K money which I'm fully invested.
I guess I can look at it as if you set up a system so well that it can operate without you, you have really accomplished the ultimate. At least that's what I want to believe, and in actuality they don't really need me anymore (muda, VSM, etc.)
I have been playing with going out on my own for months now, this is the kick in the pants to do what I really want to do. Make money for myself and not someone else.
I've always landed on my feet and don't believe this will be any different. A cross road of life and it's not like I don't have any usable/marketable skills.
I just paid my cable bill so I have the cable modem for another month.
I'll be in touch.

Wishing you the best Stew. I know you'll come out back on top :thedeal:

Keep the faith,
Bill

Well, there probably won't be a better time to make the jump. You've got income and insurance to cover you for a bit while you get things moving. And of course we'll always be here for you...

Good luck!

Stew,

Good luck in whatever you do I sure you'll land on your feet.
Whatever you do mate. Take care and all of the best. I too have older Kids (21 and 19) and two little ones (7 and 5) - ALL GIRLS. I have to keep working.

I was thinking that with ALL of the knowledge and the geographical coverage of the 'Covers' in Nth America. All of you guys should start a Cove Franchise and become the Quality Professionals of Choice for Auditors, Consultants etc. This is the biggest network of its kind and the exposure would be massive.

;)
Greg B

Thanks folks,
I have received a great deal of support from all of you when I was asking for input in professional decisions. Now I am receiving support in times of personal decisions. It means a great deal to me.
I believe it is time to move on, cut the apron cord and give Marc & Randy a run for their money.
They have offered me a 10 week pay, lump sum, buy out (which entitles me to unemployment) and to cover insurance (BSBS) through February. Plus I have my 401K money which I'm fully invested.
I guess I can look at it as if you set up a system so well that it can operate without you, you have really accomplished the ultimate. At least that's what I want to believe, and in actuality they don't really need me anymore (muda, VSM, etc.)
I have been playing with going out on my own for months now, this is the kick in the pants to do what I really want to do. Make money for myself and not someone else.
I've always landed on my feet and don't believe this will be any different. A cross road of life and it's not like I don't have any usable/marketable skills.
I just paid my cable bill so I have the cable modem for another month.
I'll be in touch.I sympathize with your situation.
A word of caution about relying on unemployment compensation - requires
being available to work each day
keeping a chart of job hunting contacts/applications
Sometimes, a person with ulterior motives complains to the "system" [jealous competitor?] if you hold yourself out as "consultant" (independent) versus "contractor" (someone else's employee.) Talk to someone in your state who knows the ropes for definitive advice - you don't want to give any money back.

Talk to some successful consultants about a good business model to follow. A large part of the time you'll spend is prospecting and proposing engagements until you get established to the point of mostly "referral" business.

If you consider independent contractor status, take a look at
http://www.pacepros.com/ (http://www.pacepros.com/)
for some tips (especially the "Contract Employee's Handbook") on how to protect yourself in the clinches.
DISCLAIMER: The owner of PACE (Jim Ziegler) makes money by selling a "back office" for independent contractors - I am not endorsing it or disparaging it - read and make your own decision - but Jim's tips are valid ones (I speak as an employer who has hired "contractors" both direct and through agencies.)

I hope you have good luck!
Wes

Best of luck, Stew. While it might be a bit of a stress producer now, you really do have a good opportunity with some pay in the pocket and insurance paid thru February since you were thinking of doing it anyway. Once upon a time I was "let go" from a job with no net at all. I felt I was canned unfairly and wished it did not happen (especially since I was married with child) but looking back now it was just the kick in the pants I needed. Now I am very thankful it happened as I made much more of myself than I was destined to where I was. IMO you are much more prepared to make a good go of it than I was, so I have no doubt that you will be successful. Plus you have a great source of support from folks here who have made a living off consulting.

I have only consulted a few times for short terms so I am in no way an expert like some here, and do not pretend to be, but FWIW I will suggest a few things you probably already know, but I will say it anyway. Make sure you have a professional "front" from day 1 - answer the "home" phone with your business name if you only have one line. Your friends will understand. Have a professional sounding answering machine or service for when you cannot pick-up. (A female voice will make it sound like maybe you have an assistant -- a trick some folks use to try to "look" bigger.) A decent fax machine so you can send nice looking faxes. Well designed professional-looking letterhead with a logo should be used for all correspondence. Business cards with the same logo are important. It might be a good idea to have a web site with your qualifications listed, services, references or testimonials from happy customers, etc. -- often a local high-school or college kid can help set it up (if you do not know how to do it) for little cost for folks on a budget. Contact the local economic development folks and maybe set in on some public meetings to get to know some movers and shakers in the local biz world. Most cities have a SCORE branch nearby (service corps of retired executives) where you can get great free advice on starting a business and they often help bunches in networking as well.

So, when is your last day, anyhow?

Good luck! And don't be a stranger! :bigwave:

Stew,

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck on whatever road you take.

You are a good man, a great father, and you seem to know a little of this Quality business :biglaugh: .

Keep the faith....you will be rewarded.

CarolX

(P.S. - you'll get a little extra time now with that little cutie of yours)

For those who may be concerned, yuk yuk, I’ll be away from the Cove for a couple of weeks. My home computer crashed and I’m shopping around. We are moving the business across town to a larger place and for some reason our DSL is turned off in advance. So, we are on dial up for now and only have the one phone line. I cannot afford to miss any business calls when I’m on line. Life’s all about choices. I must say it’s rather pleasant not getting churned up over trivial matters. I haven’t read anything since Tuesday or Wednesday and don’t intend to until I’m back up and running. It’s so peaceful at this time and I just know I wouldn’t be able to control those fingers if I do. As Arnold said, “I’ll be bock.” :bigwave:

Has anyone heard from energy lately? :confused: It seems awful quiet (peaceful?) around here these past couple of weeks.

The sheriff has left the building.....

Has anyone heard from energy lately? :confused: It seems awful quiet (peaceful?) around here these past couple of weeks.
He's back...

The way I heard it somebody shot him in the userport, so I suppose he went on R&R to recouperate. ;) He threatens to be "bock" when he's recovered, and my guess is that whomever shot him will be tracked down mercilessly. Sheriff's have been known to do that.
(It wasn't me, Energy, honest):truce:

/Claes

I'll be traveling to Chennai in South India 21-25 Dec. Agenda is to go & meet all our existing customers and a few new prospects. Chennai (erstwhile Madras) is a place where many of India's Auto giants and big auto component exporters are located and is fast emerging as 'Detroit of India'.

I'll be traveling to Chennai in South India 21-25 Dec.
Have a good trip Atul. :bigwave:

/Claes

I found this thread waaaaaay down the list...

Here's where I'll be for the next month or so. If anybody is in the neighborhood and would like to hook up, please let me know. :bigwave:

Portland, OR 1/25/04 ~ 1/30/04 (AS9100 Lead Auditor class)
Nashville, TN 2/4/04 ~ 2/13/04 (ISO 9001 internal auditor & TS 16949 Lead Auditor classes)
Mukilteo, WA 2/22/04 ~ 2/27/04 (AS9100 Lead Auditor class)

You're about as busy as me Steve:

2-6 Feb Las Vegas EMS-LA
9-13 Feb Totonto OHSAS 18001 LA
18-20 Feb Troy, MI Imp & Audit OHSMS
23-25 Feb Midlothian, Texas 9K-14K Int Auditor
1-3 Mar Santa Clara, CA 9K-14K Int Auditor

I don't have the time to even look for personal clients!

OK guys it looks like I'm going on a road trip...

It appears I'm probably going to be instructing an OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor course Nov 15-19, 2004 in San Diego (Embassy Suites in La Jolla actually...managers reception 5-7PM every day :beerdive: and great full breakfast). This is an IRCA accredited course.

If anyone is wanting to take a course on this subject and/or meet me it'll be your chance to kill 2 birds with one stone :lol:

To maintain proper Cove behavior I won't advertise the provider (you can check some of my previous posts to see who I have given courses for in the past). If you like information just send a PM or email.

p.s There's a PF Chang 100 feet from the hotel...