Quite a few years ago, I saw a movie called Groundhog Day. The movie is about a guy who relives the same day over and over and over until he gets it right. The main character is played by Bill Murray and the leading actress is played by Andy McDowell. Good movie, in my opinion. I digress. Anyways, I bring up this movie because this is what my life has felt like during the past couple of weeks. Get home at 7am, go to bed, wake up at 2 or 3pm, spend a little time with the family, get showered and dressed for work, leave for work at 5:15pm, start the work day at 6pm, get relieved and head home at 6:30 am. Day after day until I finally reach Sunday when I have a day off.
I think the most frustrating part is there is so much I don’t know right now. The people I’m supposed to be supervising ask me a question and I don’t know the answer. Fortunately I’m working with some really good folks who understand I have a VERY limited knowledge when it comes to knowing their job. However, that doesn’t make it any less frustrating when I want to make a significant contribution to the shop but can’t because I simply don’t have the knowledge. My eyes and ears are open, so each day I learn a little more. However, I fear I’m not very patient when it comes to wanting the knowledge that can only come with time.
The good side of the plant shutdown and my 12hr shifts 6 days a week is the wonderful paychecks it will bring. Even though I’m salary, I will receive straight time overtime pay for the 32 hours per week overtime I’m working. I still can’t wait to be back on my regular schedule, however, and start getting back into the AWANA rotation, and being back at church both day and night. Just a couple more weeks left.
I do owe my wife a big thank you for her patience during not just this odd schedule I’m working but also during the wrestling season that I just finished coaching in. I know it’s not fun to deal with all this, but she has been extremely supportive and I love her so much for it.
