July 9, 2012

Outside Temp: 61 F (it was in the 90's for most of the afternoon.  And, even though it was still in the high 80's in the house, it didn't feel as bad as yesterday.  Maybe I'm getting used to the heat. )

What I cooked today:
Grandma made dinner tonight, so I didn't have to start my oven.  Yea!!  We lived on sandwiches, yogurt, hot dogs (in the microwave) and cereal... all items that don't require an oven.  I think I'm going to break down and get a BBQ.

Update:
Patrick and I are both working like crazy to try to get this project finished.  The client hasn't given us a deadline, but it will probably be shown later this week, so we are working around the clock until it's 'ready' (although, in my mind, it's NEVER good enough, I think we might be close).  Patrick was still up at 8am, when I crawled my tail out of bed.  But working in the heat is never fun. 

We did accomplish more today than we did yesterday, so we might be getting used to the heat. 

Grandpa brought our lawn mower back down this morning, and he and Allen mowed and weed-whacked the backyard.  Boy, did it need it!  But, I felt bad with them out there, on the mower, in 90+ heat.  Allen was wrapped up in a soaking wet towel, which he said helped with the pollen and grass that was floating around him as he mowed.  I think it also helped with the heat and the sun, since he didn't end up getting burned!

The local post office had need of a 'Relief' person, to help out when the postmistress can't make it into work.  So, as you can expect, I applied for the position.  I know, for those who know me, and my comments on the government, you may be surprised at this move.  But, the post office is kind of important in our little town, and I really wanted to help out our community.

So, today, I got in my e-mail box, my request for background check and drug test.  Ahh, the joys of applying for a federal position.  The paperwork for the background check went fine, but for the drug test, the 'system' couldn't find a location close to me for me to drop off my 'sample'.  I called their 800 number, and the (very nice) woman in customer service asked me:

"How far away is Sioux Falls, ND?"

I laughed and said: "Pretty far.  It's in another state.  Probably about 8-10 hours drive."

"Oh, well, that won't work.  What about Fargo, SD?"

"Uh, no."

"Hmmm, what big city are you near?"

"Great Falls."

"And what state is that in?"

(Are you kidding me?) "Montana."

"Hmmm, not there.  Any other big cities near you?"

"There's Helena, but it's about 2 hours away."

"No, no clinics in Helena, that are in our network.  I guess we'll have to choose an Out-Of-Network Clinic."

So, after her checking with most of the state, and a 200 mile radius of Great Falls, she decided that I would have to pick an out-of-network clinic... which is in Great Falls.

I can just imagine, if she found an 'In-Network' clinic in Butte or Missoula (about 3 hours away), I would have to go there.  But, since she couldn't, I could go to Great Falls.  All, just for a 'relief' position.  I would use up my first 3 month's paycheck on gas alone, for the drug test. 

There are a few choice comments I could make here, but, I'll just be grateful that she was nice and it will all work out.