Happy 4th Of July! 250 Years Of The United States!

 It was a busy week this week.   And ending with last night's huge Fireworks Display in Kenosha.  I was wondering if I would get to see any fireworks from where I live.   Turns out,  I was right in the middle of the party!   Not only could I see the "official" fireworks that go off  near Simmon's Island.  But I was surrounded by other small groups of people who put on an impressive show.  There were at least five groups around Roosevelt Park.   And one right in the middle of the pavilion. All of them were launching pretty impressive fireworks.   It was actually pretty cool.  

I have now been in Kenosha for 4 years.   And honestly,  this was the first year I have actually seen the fireworks.   The first year I was here,  we left the party before the fireworks began and I never saw them.   In following years,   I was usually in bed well before the fireworks started,  being a morning person and falling asleep before 9PM.  So..  This was kind of a revelation for me.  

I remember back in the Iowa days when I would stay up late and watch the fireworks from our small apartment.   We could easily see them  right from out back yard.   Actually,  I believe I was the only one watching them those last few years I was there.   Cheryl would go to bed or do something else rather than deal with the heat or the bugs  But I never got bored of them.  

I remember also that when we were in Lansing Michigan,  we would go to the "official" fireworks near the county fairgrounds.   And then we would catch another show on the 5th of July from the parking lot of the Mall.   Or from the middle of the small lake that our apartment was on.  (We had a small peddle boat that we would fish on... and we could see the fireworks from the water.)   Funny how fireworks were not boring then.   Perhaps I never really grew up. 

I had Friday off this week,  and it was a welcome three days of freedom.   I was able to go for a "long" run on Friday and do a little mushroom hunting.  

No much is currently out, but I happened to luck out and find a Chicken of the Woods.   

I have been enjoying it all week for my lunches.   Basically a mushroom sandwich with cheese and mayo.  

Normally I would add  a tomato slice and lettuce leaf...  But I like to keep things simple for my lunches.  

It had been raining off and on all last week.   And I barely got out of the woods before a stormfront moved in.   There was a threat that it was going to rain yesterday.   And it actually did,  but thankfully not until after the parade and it finished before the fireworks began.   

It also ushered in the cooler weather.   I forgot to mention that last week was HOT!  Over 100 degrees for a couple of those days.   And everything was just miserable.  Who would have thought that 80 degrees would feel so "cool" in comparison.  

As mentioned before,  I went to the Parade in Sommers.   I got to meet the new Pastor and visit with a couple of other people from church.  I also got to see my neighbor!  

Who, apparently has relatives right there on the parade route.   He invited me to stop in next year if I don't want to walk so far to my usual viewing place. 

The people know me as the "guy who does the chalk drawings".  This year I got there a little later than I had hoped, and there were a few kids jumped in to help. 

 I tried to keep the drawings a little more simple this year and prepared with some print outs.   It is always a fun time. 

So now... I have been doing a few things around the house since I have been out most of the weekend. 

 I'm sure the cat misses me a bit and I feel I owe it to her to pay her a little mind.  Besides, I have to get ready for Monday... When it all starts back up again.  Funny how I remember a time when we had plenty of free time to do what we wanted.   Sometimes I miss those days.  

But now,  I have to focus on making as much hay while the sun is shining.  And that means putting those hobbies and pet projects aside for now.   I did "fix" the laundry drainage issue.  

 Though it is a temporary fix.  I'll have to look up a video that will show me how to replace the water fixtures in the basement so I can have a real solution to the problem.  But that requires time. ( and money!)  

 And both of those things are always in short supply.   So now, I simply have to save up some cash and try to make every second count. 

Take Me Out To The Ball Game.

 Yesterday, I traveled to Milwaukee to catch a Major League Baseball game  compliments of Haribo!   

I have been looking forward to this for several weeks now, and was planning on making it a full day's event.   I got up earlier than normal and headed out with the idea of getting there early.... so as not to miss anything.  ( Or get lost and have to double back to find the party area...)  

I also wanted to fit in a visit to IKEA again to pick up a few things I had missed last weekend.  Mainly, the small shelving unit that fits behind the toilet for the bathroom.  

 I added a couple other things while I was there and still managed to get out without spending much over $100!  (Might have been less!)  

I arrived at the "General Parking Lot" about an hour before it was to open.   It was a good thing too,  because the line began to wrap around the stadium moments after I arrived!  And I thought I was going to be late because I missed  the last turn and was heading back to the highway....

But it all worked out and I got a sweet parking spot right next to the Haribo Tent.  I brought my own beer, so I was able to start "early" instead of waiting or the caterers to arrive.  

Before long,  people started showing up and I linked up with a few of the second shift crew.  A few shird shifters were there, but mostly it was the first shift that dominated the crowd.  

The tailgating part was fun.  And the food was good.  but eventually it had to end and people began shuffling towards the stadium to watch the game.  Before we all dispersed,  they wanted a group photo with the Haribo Mascot.    

I didn't get a chance to get a picture with him,  but I was close enough to get a few, and that was good enough.   

We were asked to make some predictions for the game and "hopefully" win a few prizes.  I did get a Temporary tattoo of the Haribo Bear.  I personally am not a fan of tattoos,  but I will sport a temporary one for an event now and then.  

As we made our way to the Stadium,  the lines and people began to grow exponentially.   I lost sight of many of the Haribo folks and found myself nearly alone as we approached the gates.   And that is where the story turns...

With huge lines,  lots of people and organized chaos surrounding me,   I stepped up to enter and handed the guard my keys and phone.   That is when I was informed I was bringing in a "Deadly Weapon".  

The small swiss army knife with a nail file and scissors was deemed "deadly",  and they refused to let me in with it.   I would remove the knife  ( forever!)  or take it back to my car.    I had just stood in line for 20 minutes and endured all the pushing and shoving that comes with large crowded events. 

  If I was going back to the car, I was not going to come back.   I had already missed the national anthem and probably the first pitch.  ( Dan, one of the Haribo first Shift people, had won the lottery and was selected to toss out the first pitch of the game!)    

And since the Keychain was a gift...  And a handy, dandy tool I use often, I was not about to surrender it to a bunch of strangers.  ( They cost over $20 bucks to replace!) So... I left.   No game for me. 

Which was fine.  I have never been to a Major League Baseball Game before, but I had been to several minor league ones.   And I really had no horse in the race to cheer for.  I had already achieved what I wanted by going to the Tailgate and chatting with several folks outside of work, so there was no reason to stay.   Besides, I had things to do at home and was most likely going to leave early anyway.  Not a huge loss.  

Still, it did kind of bug me that they would not let me in because of a dinky pocket "knife".  This is one of those instances where I would not make a good security guard.   Unless you are in a prison, I believe "zero Tolerance" policies are moronic! A small dose of common sense usually destroys any policy that checks its brain at the door.  Like suspending a 6 year old because he pointed his finger at another child. ( A finger is not a gun, people!)  

I don't blame the security guy for doing his job.   Someone has to enforce the policy.  But the policy people have to know where to draw the line on  Deadly Weapon and "probably not a weapon at all." Good thing I left my baseball bat at home....

Otherwise,  Today was a "catch up" day.  Complete with its own set of adventures.   I will probably blog about that later as this post is getting long and the cat has decided to camp out on my chest as I'm writing this.  So I will end this here and save that one for tomorrow.   All while trying to make every second count.  

IKEA Weekend.

  I spent a couple hours at IKEA yesterday,   Picking up things I needed and have been putting off until I could officially move into my own place.   The Biggest thing:  

A Bed!  

Oh, sure... the one I bought a year ago is still fine and functional.   But I believe I owe it to the cat to buy something a little larger so I don't accidentally roll her off in the middle of the night.  Honestly,  I wouldn't mind a little extra leg room as well.   So...  Off I went to purchase a larger one. 

I did not want a Queen-Sized one.  Just a full is enough.  Plenty of room for me and the cat.  And within my budget!  I looked over the larger beds, but by the time you add in the mattress and bedding,  you are getting out of control.   Besides,  The Wool Blankets I currently have fit over a full sized bed nicely...  Why would I mess with that?

While I was there,  I added a number of small things to my list.   Funny how you suddenly realize there are things you need in the kitchen.  More plates!  More bowls!  Some spoons...  etc. I tossed in the things I have purchased in the past because I know just how handy they actually are.  ( Flexible cutting mat!)

I actually forgot the bathroom Vanity shelving that I had picked out.  I located it,  Wrote it down...  Took the picture!   Then checked it off my list.   But....  Typically me....   Forgot to pick it up for check out.   All the while I thought I was forgetting something "Important".   Ah well...  I can always go next weekend.  

In fact,  it would be a good excuse to gather up a few more things I passed on because I thought it would be over budget.  I have to pat myself on the back for getting what I did and keeping it under $1000.00!  

While  I was there,  I figured I might as well get some meatballs.   I do love them so... And I rarely eat them outside of IKEA.   One of the "rewards and perks" of going to IKEA instead of some other store.  

I will admit, it was not as much fun going solo.  Previous IKEA visits were always an "adventure" and I could bounce ideas off of another person to see if it was a worthy purchase.  Being alone, I do not have that luxury.   However...

Being alone does have its perks!   I am the final say in any decision.   And I can change my mind as much as I want... for whatever reason I want.    And I alone have to live with the consequences.  That is actually kind of a nice deal, knowing I will not "disappoint" anyone else.   And if I disappoint myself,  I will just take it back or buy another one.  

As with all IKEA things,  Half the fun is putting it together.   And I was able to put it together in just over an hour.   Honestly,  that sounds like a long time, but the time flew by!   I thought I was cruising with the assembly,  but time was passing by so much faster.   Ah well,   I enjoyed the process!  I guess that is how time passes when you are "in the Zone."

It might have been faster had the cat actually helped. 

The mattress was another thing.   I heard of these vacuum sealed rolls that explode like a Pillsbury Roll of Biscuit Dough when you open them. 

One way to find out!   But.. It is best to have the mattress facing the right way. 

Today, I got the fitted sheets and pillowcases.   I also worked on the Microwave installation.  

That took a little longer than expected.  At it does not look as neat or  professional as I had originally pictured it.  But, it is installed under the cupboard.   It WORKS!   And I have now freed up some counter space for my griddle.  

Honestly,  It does not look too bad... for a Amateur job.  And I was getting frustrated with the space it took up and the "sliding around" whenever I would try to open it.  All of those things are now fixed. 

And lastly,  I did a little chalk drawing in the park this week.  There is a section of concrete that looks like it was formerly a water fountain for the kids.   The concrete is smooth and perfect for chalk.  So I went out before work and did a little drawing.  

I do not have the colors I used to have back when I was "serious" about chalk drawing.   But I think it turned out ok.  I never replaced the blue and red railroad chalk I lost in the fire.   And I only have a small sampling given to me by John last Summer.  I finally got a chance to use them.  

Maybe I will work on making some of my own in the coming weeks.   The 4th of July is quickly approaching.. and I usually get to do some before the parade passes by.  

Next weekend,  I am going to a Brewer's game with Haribo.  I have never been to a MLB game,  so I don't know what to expect.   I do know that they are taking on the Cubs... so the Rivalry will be fierce.  Mostly I'm going for  the T-shirt and the Pre-game Tailgate party...  I think I have to bring my own beer..   But it should be a good bonding experience.   Unless you are a Cubs fan.....

That is about all for the weekend.   Time has certainly flown by,  but I'm looking forward to another Monday at Haribo.   The last two days,  we did over 90 tons of gummies!  ( Busy time!)    And time flies when the machines work and the lines run.   I'm hoping this week will continue the trend!   ( At least of things working and not failing.)  It seems like everything I have been doing lately makes time fly by so fast.   That is why I need to make every second count.  

The Wonder Of Haribo!

 I hesitate to write this post on a Wednesday....  Call me Superstitious. But yesterday was a pretty good day at Haribo.  And really,   it was nothing spectacular.   I would dare to say "Normal".   It was busy and challenging and "fun."   No major catastrophes.  No looming disasters.   Just a fun day picking up and moving Gummies from the Packaging floor to the Warehouse. 

It took a while to get the hang of things when I first started.   Mostly because everyone was "in their own little bubble" and did not want to show anyone anything.   I'm not sure what the motivation was about that...  But I could speculate a couple of reasons.   

One:   Job security.   No one wanted to show you what they did for fear you would take their job.   Or actually be better at it.  There were a number of people who liked what they did and did not want to "share" the specific area of expertise.  I find this strange, because it is not some magical or mystic "art"...  It's driving a fork truck around and moving stuff!   But those people liked their small world and did not want to share it with anyone. 

Two:  Lack of team work.   Who wants to team up with someone who sucks?   And if they are slow or dangerous or are just a jerk ( difficult to deal with)   you would rather just leave them alone and keep to yourself.   This means there was not a lot of cross-training going on.  If the guys in the back were getting slammed...  The guys in front would not help.  There was a feeling of  "It's their problem,  let them deal with it!"    The same went the other way.  If the front was getting hammered with Gummmies,  the Back would just drive around in the back or park near the Passerella. 

Three:   Old Dudes!   Yes, several of the guys were "Old Guys"   stuck in their way.   "Everyone needs to pull their own weight!"   Hurry up and learn the job so you can actually be helpful.  Otherwise you are just dead weight!    There is also the part  of being old in that they did not want to learn another area.   They had "mastered" their area of the warehouse/factory... And did not feel the need to learn anything else.   Why would I start at the bottom when it took me this long to get to where I am now.   No thanks!  I'll stay here and be productive.  "You can't teach an old dog new tricks!"  (A Motto  I dislike.) 

Four:   Turn over.   Why teach  a new guy anything when they are bound to leave within a couple of months anyway?  I understand this mentality.  I trained a couple of young guys and they were GREAT!  But both eventually got fired for stupid stuff and that feeling of starting over with someone new is disheartening. Still,   while they were there,   we had a force multiplier every time they would punch in and be asked to jump on a fork truck to help out.  

When I first started, Phil was my contact. ( remember Phil?)  I thought he would be my "trainer"  but he was permanently in the "front" pushing gummies around.   To hear him,  you would think that that was the "most challenging and important" job at Haribo.   You had to know which lines needed what gummies.   When to bring them.  And how many of each to keep the lines running....  Sounded "impossible" for all but the elite.  

But it turns out,  it is not that difficult.  In fact, I would say it is fairly easy.   There are rarely any disasters. ( Broken Pallets, Stuck AGV's, Broken Passerella, Crowded floors...)  Mostly it is "steady" work.   You pick up the special pallets of gummies that come from the Production floor,  Weigh them, and either bring them to a line or store them in a lane.  As the night goes on and the Moguls slow or stop,  you bring the gummies from the storage lanes to the lines that need them.  Actually kind of straight forward!

It can be a challenge when the Moguls are kicking  out the gummies and the Lines are down.  Then there is a race to get the gummies in trays and find enough areas to store them.   And those days there is the risk of running out of trays if there are a LOT of gummies.   But the factory is getting better and dropping just enough gummies at just the right pace so the lines can keep up.   It is a growth thing. 

Now,   We have a pretty good team on Second shift.   Three of us Material Handlers  came in the same "class".   And we replaced,  Phil and Josia.  (Both went to first shift)   Gary and Alahandro are gone,  Jose and Roland are gone.   Slowly creating the spaces for the current team to set up together.   

And I would say we work well together.   Each one of us has our strengths and preferences, but will help whenever we see anyone from the team struggling.   We joke and kid each other and.. Dare I say:  Have fun!   We clear the floor and set third shift up for success as best we can.  ( Even though First Shift rarely does that for us...)  

I know there is usually a reason for First Shift leaving us a disaster whenever we get on the floor.   The first two to three hours are usually spent running around trying to clean up their mess.   But... First Shift is usually the busiest.   And if they are short handed,  then things can get out of control fairly quickly.   But that is why they have all the "seasoned veterans" on that shift...  to be able to handle those issues as they arise.  

But first shift also has the "Premedonas" on their shift.   The Karens,  The Old Dudes.  They people who are stuck in their ways and refuse to help anyone outside their areas.   Basically,  they are what second shift used to be like.  And the results are pretty obvious... at least to us as Material Handlers.  

I'm not sure when we, as a society,  stopped trying to help each other and focused solely on "making sure my stuff is right"  If the entire boat is sinking,  you all better start bailing...  Even if the leak is on the other side of the boat.   I wonder why no one sees that...

Haribo is a Great Company!   And I think, as with all jobs,   who you work with can make or break it.   A good crew of people can make the job fun and exciting.  I look forward to going to work every day!  

---- Intermission!----

I just got back from Work!   (I could not finish writing all of this in the morning....)  And, as predicted,   We Got Slammed!  

It was a "tougher than usual" day today.   Busy!  And a couple of minor disasters.   Cory, Patrick  and I all dropped double stacked pallets!   Those Goldbears from German are in very weak boxes  and stacked poorly.  ( Sure!  Blame the Boxes!)  

The Passerella was down...  twice!   And first shift left us a mess!  We only have 4 material handlers now that Alex is gone....  So there are not many options for coverage when things get out of control.  

But!   We pulled together and made it happen.   Mario Cleared the floor and the returns while taking care of the AGV's and I covered the back when I could to help him.   Tino ran the front solo most of the night and Elsa worked on Boxes and materials for the lines.  It was a good night.. Despite the Minor Hiccups!

And so on the way out today,  I was chatting with another guy and we both got on the topic of the day and the little problems that had to be dealt with.   And we both agreed that we still enjoy the job and the people we work with.   It was actually reassuring, after feeling a little down about messing up a couple of times tonight.  Turns out, everyone else had problems too!  But in the end,  they would still choose to come back to work with the rest of us.  

And that is a wonderful "culture" to work for.  I know it is just a job.  But if you have to spend 8 hours a day at some place that it not home,   you might as well make it fun and enjoyable while you are there. And it helps if the people you work with are equally fun to work with.  Haribo's Motto is :  Childlike Happiness.   I will continue to pray that that never changes and Haribo stays with us a for a very long time.  All while we try to make every second count.