Trip Report The Dry Heat Expedition (Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Disneyland)--UPDATE 6/12 (KSC and DTD)

[afwdwfan]

He can't call us chicken. We both rode it. A chicken would never have ridden it.

Ok, credit where credit is due. You're at least willing to suck it up and ride anyway.

Short life update: Thank you all for your prayers and well-wishes regarding my interview last week. I got the word yesterday that I was not selected for either position. I guess it wasn't totally unexpected, given my history with these opportunities, but it still stings every time I get rejected. From all accounts, I interview very well, I have been productive and shown leadership skills (and have the performance evaluations to prove it) and yet every interview ends up being something like this:

Dang... I'm sorry, Mark. I really hoped this time might be different. Seriously, I understand your frustration. It has got to be demoralizing.

At some point, you feel stupid for even trying. Worse, one of the people chosen actually left engineering for 7 years to sell insurance. I'm stunned at that one. What kind of message does that send to the people who have poured their souls into this place?

Well, the message is clear.

So when do you start work at the insurance company?

Anyway, I'm contemplating all of my options. I typically give myself a 24-hour pity party after losing out on one of these, so I apologize for making you listen to me vent while I'm in the middle of it. I'll get back on the horse soon and we'll see where it goes from there. It doesn't take much to look around and find someone in a much worse situation, so I will try and remember to keep things in perspective. Thanks again for cheering me on.

24 hours? Heck, 3 day weekend, right? Take the whole weekend.

And have Julie make one of those Key Lime Pies of Awesomeness.

But I'm a jerk. Ask anyone!

Andy, back me up here.

So what you're saying here... and correct me if I'm wrong...
A chicken is more intelligent than either one of us.

Yeah, I'll buy that.

 

[franandaj]

So sorry to hear this news Mark. Hopefully there will be another opportunity soon and it will work out for you. Glenn has a good point. Remember what is REALLY important. On your deathbed, you won't be thinking "you're glad you got that promotion".

 

[glennbo123]

On your deathbed, you won't be thinking "you're glad you got that promotion".

You're right Alison! He'll be thinking, "which one of these kids is standing on my oxygen tube?!" (Hey, just trying to lighten it up a little. )

 

[pkondz]

And have Julie make one of those Key Lime Pies of Awesomeness.

Wha? Key Lime Pie of Awesomeness????

Does she ship to Canada?

You're right Alison! He'll be thinking, "which one of these kids is standing on my oxygen tube?!" (Hey, just trying to lighten it up a little. )

 

[MAGICFOR2]

So sorry to hear about your disappointment Mark. DH knows this feeling well the past couple of years. I know it sounds like a canned statement, but we know God has a good plan for your life. I also know from experience that one day you'll be able to look back with thanksgiving as you see why things played out the way they did. ((Hugs))

 

[Dugette]

Just saw your life update and I am so sorry they made such a poor decision. I was really rooting for you. I hope this means that something better is just around the corner.

 

[eandesmom]

Oh, wait, you're going to Aulani for spring break, right? Never mind.

I have a PE! Been licensed since 2002. I don't think it's doing me any favors anymore.

Have you ever considered forensic engineering? It really does take a certain kind of engineer to do well at it and it is crazy hard to find good people that can be technically excellent, have a personality, be able and willing to talk to clients and do well on the stand if it comes to that. Oddly enough and I know you won't like hearing it, an engineer that had insurance experience in my world would actually have an inside edge. Heck, I have one client where 100% of their adjusters are all engineers, it is a requirement. The money is better and the work is fascinating. I can't speak for companies more in your neck of the woods (though do know the players) but we do bring folks in that don't have the forensic experience. Not maybe our preference but the right candidate goes a LONG ways.....Ok, I am biased but...

Either way, I am sorry, that just bites.

And yeah...Aulani. I may be broke before we get there and eating top ramen. My kids have outgrown every stitch of summer gear they have and my wallet hurts. So do my eyes from googling coupon codes.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

But I hardly think so. I really enjoyed your writing style.
Probably because it's similar (but superior, I'm sad to admit) to my own.

Thank you, sir. I certainly wouldn't say superior to yours or anyone else's, but it's very gratifying to hear you enjoyed it.

Well, okay.
But I have an old favourite joke of mine that would fit right in there.

Maybe not. You kind of have to see it, not just hear it.

Ooh...now I'm intrigued.

Well, you did mention the Pope just now... so I guess that fits.

I'm thinking of sending up white smoke next time I start a TR.

Thanks! Glad you liked 'em!

Yes. This is true. Sorry, there's just no softening that blow.

Well, it takes one to know one. So there.

Well I would absolutely love that.

I am slow and don't get on much during weekends, but a promise is a promise!

Then you're in luck.
The current one has really only just started.
I've only written about day one so far.
Plus, if you post in the next day or so, you should be able to get in on the contest.

A contest! Do you give No-Prizes like I do?

Nah. Not really.
But I'm a jerk. Ask anyone!

Andy, back me up here.

See? I knew it! And I'm sure Any will be more than willing to have your back.

True!
Actually, one of my more interesting TR related events happened after I'd sent a TR to the cesspool of finished reports.
I got a PM (remember those?) from someone I'd never heard of, saying how he enjoyed the TR.
"Uh, okay.... where were you before?"
He replied that there's so many unfinished TRs out there that he only reads them after they've been relegated to the scrap heap.

I guess I can see his point, but doesn't it take away from the fun of participating???

Yes. Yes, it does.

Still, it was nice of him to send the note.

Certainly no dreck!
(Drivel, perhaps. But not dreck. )

You are way too kind.

I'm planning on showing your pictures to DW.
We're heading down to Vegas in September for her work.
I'm going to see if I can't convince her to stay a few extra days so we can see some of those sights.

I can't think of a better way to spend the time. I'm really looking forward to hitting Arches and Canyonlands this summer.

You're welcome, and that would be terrific!

Yes, I can totally see that we have that in common!
But take heart! I discovered a way to lessen the torture!
I'll not only tell you, but show you how later on in my TR if you follow along.
(Now there's an incentive!)

As if I didn't already have enough. If there's a way to survive that infernal torture device, I would love to hear it. My daughter is old enough now that I don't know if I'll be able to avoid it on the next trip.

Oh, yes. Yes I should.

Get right on that.

So what you're saying here... and correct me if I'm wrong...
A chicken is more intelligent than either one of us.

Yeah, I'll buy that.

Well, when you put it that way...yeah, I can't argue.

I tell people that if they don't believe in God and the Devil, to just look at Brussels sprouts.
Obviously the Devil made them.

TRUTH!

 

[pkondz]

Ooh...now I'm intrigued.

It was funny.... about forty years ago. Don't know about now.
But I still like it.
I'll PM it to you if you really want to hear it.
But like I said, it's a visual joke too.

I'm thinking of sending up white smoke next time I start a TR.

Well, it takes one to know one. So there.

Ooooh... 'dem's fightin' words!

I like that.

I am slow and don't get on much during weekends, but a promise is a promise!

I believe it was Andy that mentioned that you were slow?
No?
Perhaps I'm mistaken.



But if you do decide to pop by and get in on the contest,
better make it quick.
I'll be updating tomorrow.

A contest! Do you give No-Prizes like I do?

Nope. I will be shipping out available in Canada only Wunderbars.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Wow... Just.... Wow.
Seriously?

I really wish I was making this up. The disappointment is cumulative. I've been trying for years and just can't break through.

Have some cake at your pity party.
Cake helps everything.

Still.... sucks.

Confession: I'm a pie kinda guy. But it's the thought that counts.

Mmmm...pie...

There is Claim Jumper very close to my house in Long Beach, but even more important there is a Slater's in Huntington Beach. That's very close to both Anaheim and Long Beach. It could be a perfect spot for an off campus DISmeet! (in addition to an on campus one)

DIS meet at Slaters! Now I really wish I lived closer!

What he said!

Rule #1: Captain Oblivious is always right.

Amen to that!

See?

And a weekend at the VGC with girls from the DIS and a bunch of other crazy people!

Which will be awesome!

Great idea! Slaters was of course already on my list if possible restaurants after reading Marks update, I just forgot to mention it! I just realised that you live where the Queen Mary is! I am seriously considering touring her for one of our non Disney days.

I love it when a plan comes together.

Mark, I am very sorry that you were not promoted. I am afraid you need to consider selling insurance for 6 years!?!?!

I wish I could give any valuable advice, but I am afraid that the sad truth is that a lot of those decisions are just down to luck. I hope your luck will change soon!

Thank you, Magdalene. I went back and looked at all of the applications I've filled out, and this is the 17th rejection in a row. At this point, I would apply to be the janitor if I thought it would change my luck.

I don't know what the answer is, but I can't wallow in self-pity forever. I'll look at every option.

Mark, so sorry to hear about not being selected for the new position. Believe me, I know how that feels. Remember what your real motivations are in life, and hang in there.

Thanks, Glenn. I know the proper perspective will teach me that there are much more important things and many more people who have it worse than I do.

I expressed my regrets on FB, but will here too. That sucks big time!

Thanks, Kathy. And yes. Yes, it does.

Yep, doesn't sound any better the second time I hear it.

It's worse the 17th time.

Is it possible that there is a faction which sees you as too valuable in your current post to allow you to move regardless of direction? I have both seen this done to folks and had it done. Not a good spot to be in.

I wish that was the case! If I had to read the tea leaves, I'd say I fall more into the unnoticed/underappreciated camp. But then again, in my story, I'm the hero. There are many factors in play. Our HR Department has made no bones about wanting to improve our "representation", and I do not represent the target demographics there. It also helps when you have personal friends on the hiring panel. Hard to fight that, too.

Just saw your life update and I am so sorry they made such a poor decision. I was really rooting for you. I hope this means that something better is just around the corner.

Thank you, Dugette. I'll dust myself off and see what's out there.

Have you ever considered forensic engineering? It really does take a certain kind of engineer to do well at it and it is crazy hard to find good people that can be technically excellent, have a personality, be able and willing to talk to clients and do well on the stand if it comes to that. Oddly enough and I know you won't like hearing it, an engineer that had insurance experience in my world would actually have an inside edge. Heck, I have one client where 100% of their adjusters are all engineers, it is a requirement. The money is better and the work is fascinating. I can't speak for companies more in your neck of the woods (though do know the players) but we do bring folks in that don't have the forensic experience. Not maybe our preference but the right candidate goes a LONG ways.....Ok, I am biased but...

Well, I can't say I know a ton about it, but at this point everything is on the table! I can see where a knowledge of insurance would definitely be a plus in that profession. In highway engineering? I still can't see that one. I talked with one of the people on the panel and asked about it, and didn't get a very satisfactory answer. It doesn't add up when I'm told I need more time and experience in DelDOT sections before I can move up, and then they turn around and hire someone who didn't do engineering for 7 years. Nothing I can do about it, though.

Either way, I am sorry, that just bites.

Thanks, Cynthia. And yes. Yes, it does.

And yeah...Aulani. I may be broke before we get there and eating top ramen. My kids have outgrown every stitch of summer gear they have and my wallet hurts. So do my eyes from googling coupon codes.

I know how you feel! It's why I feel so much pressure to get a raise!

I'm sure your time at Aulani will make that stress melt away...as long as you stay away from the gift shop!

 

[eandesmom]

Well, I can't say I know a ton about it, but at this point everything is on the table! I can see where a knowledge of insurance would definitely be a plus in that profession. In highway engineering? I still can't see that one. I talked with one of the people on the panel and asked about it, and didn't get a very satisfactory answer. It doesn't add up when I'm told I need more time and experience in DelDOT sections before I can move up, and then they turn around and hire someone who didn't do engineering for 7 years. Nothing I can do about it, though.

Sent you a PM with some info, feel free to ask any questions

I'm sure your time at Aulani will make that stress melt away...as long as you stay away from the gift shop!

Or in Evan's case, the high end clothing shops lol!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Ok, credit where credit is due. You're at least willing to suck it up and ride anyway.

That's better. Now, when you talk about riding it again...

Dang... I'm sorry, Mark. I really hoped this time might be different. Seriously, I understand your frustration. It has got to be demoralizing.

Demoralizing is an understatement. I can only get kicked in the jewels so many times.

Well, the message is clear.

So when do you start work at the insurance company?

I have to admit my frustration got the better of me at one point talking to a panel member afterwards, and I may or may not have made a comment about leaving to flip burgers for a couple of years.

24 hours? Heck, 3 day weekend, right? Take the whole weekend.

And have Julie make one of those Key Lime Pies of Awesomeness.

A Key Lime Pie of Awesomeness cures many, many ills. Good idea.

So sorry to hear this news Mark. Hopefully there will be another opportunity soon and it will work out for you. Glenn has a good point. Remember what is REALLY important. On your deathbed, you won't be thinking "you're glad you got that promotion".

Thanks, Alison. And I agree. I'll get over it. It's just hard to see where to go from here.

You're right Alison! He'll be thinking, "which one of these kids is standing on my oxygen tube?!" (Hey, just trying to lighten it up a little. )

Or I'll just be thinking, "hospital food sucks."

Wha? Key Lime Pie of Awesomeness????

Does she ship to Canada?

Absolutely, but it might not taste as good by the time it arrives!

So sorry to hear about your disappointment Mark. DH knows this feeling well the past couple of years. I know it sounds like a canned statement, but we know God has a good plan for your life. I also know from experience that one day you'll be able to look back with thanksgiving as you see why things played out the way they did. ((Hugs))

Thank you, Tammie. After so many tries, there's not much that doesn't sound like a canned statement anymore. And you are right--I have seen in hindsight that some of the jobs I was passed over for would not have been good. Still..."wait" is always the toughest answer to a prayer.

 

[dgbg100106]

Sorry to read about the job, from experience, I have often looked back on the job that I did not get and think to myself "I am so glad I did not get that job" plus I believe everything happens for a reason. Stay strong, when the right one comes around it will be a perfect fit!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Yes it is. One can't help but say, "why not me?" or "when will it be my turn?" We have had quite the journey - (as stated in my TR). I hope things take shape for you or you find something more fulfilling soon.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

It was funny.... about forty years ago. Don't know about now.
But I still like it.
I'll PM it to you if you really want to hear it.
But like I said, it's a visual joke too.

Why not? I could use a good joke. Or even a bad one.

Ooooh... 'dem's fightin' words!

I like that.

I know you are, but what am I?

Wait--sorry, I was in grade-school comeback mode.

I believe it was Andy that mentioned that you were slow?
No?
Perhaps I'm mistaken.



But if you do decide to pop by and get in on the contest,
better make it quick.
I'll be updating tomorrow.

Probably, he usually likes to say things like--HEY!

I'd better get reading! I keep getting sidetracked by replies here.

Nope. I will be shipping out available in Canada only Wunderbars.

Or in Evan's case, the high end clothing shops lol!

Sorry to read about the job, from experience, I have often looked back on the job that I did not get and think to myself "I am so glad I did not get that job" plus I believe everything happens for a reason. Stay strong, when the right one comes around it will be a perfect fit!

I sure hope you're right! I'm still waiting to take over Samantha Brown's old job.

Yes it is. One can't help but say, "why not me?" or "when will it be my turn?" We have had quite the journey - (as stated in my TR). I hope things take shape for you or you find something more fulfilling soon.

I'll hvae to come check it out. And thank you!

 

[pkondz]

I really wish I was making this up. The disappointment is cumulative. I've been trying for years and just can't break through.

Man, that really sucks.
Hope things turn around for you.

Confession: I'm a pie kinda guy. But it's the thought that counts.

Mmmm...pie...

I keep hearing about this key lime pie....

I have to admit my frustration got the better of me at one point talking to a panel member afterwards, and I may or may not have made a comment about leaving to flip burgers for a couple of years.

Yeah, but how good must that have felt?

Absolutely, but it might not taste as good by the time it arrives!

Hmmm... Yeah, you're right. The meringue (is there meringue? oh God, let there be meringue!) would be a puddle by the time it got here.

Hmmm... Ya know, I've never been to Delaware...

Why not? I could use a good joke. Or even a bad one.

Stand by...

I know you are, but what am I?

Wait--sorry, I was in grade-school comeback mode.

Very apropos.

 

[Steppesister]

3 pages of comments, all of which I'm sure are worthy of reading, beyond your lovely recap. How do I get so far behind!? OH! I know I lose a laptop for my entire break, during which I'd hoped to set up camp right here on the DIS. Ah well...

I have to agree with the comments on travel. However, if that were true, mine should have achieved sainthood. I think there's a cap on virtue to be learned and earned. But in general, you are def. spot on. Keep up the trekking. And finding good healthy meal choices. And when you do, make sure there's a pop tart in your pocket for consuming under the covers after the lights are out. Just to make sure you don't get too carried away.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Man, that really sucks.
Hope things turn around for you.

Right now, things look pretty grim. I don't know where I go from here. We'll just keep plowing ahead and looking into all the options.

I keep hearing about this key lime pie....

As well you should!

Yeah, but how good must that have felt?

Not as good as getting a promotion would have. But I had to say something.

Hmmm... Yeah, you're right. The meringue (is there meringue? oh God, let there be meringue!) would be a puddle by the time it got here.

Hmmm... Ya know, I've never been to Delaware...

Not many people have, for some reason. And yeah, we can do meringue.

Stand by...

I appreciated it, even without the visuals.

Very apropos.

I know you are, but--oh, never mind.

3 pages of comments, all of which I'm sure are worthy of reading, beyond your lovely recap. How do I get so far behind!? OH! I know I lose a laptop for my entire break, during which I'd hoped to set up camp right here on the DIS. Ah well...

Well, half of those were final chapter comments, and half were my pity party after informing everyone that I lost out to an insurance saleswoman for an engineering job. But I'm not bitter or anything.

I have to agree with the comments on travel. However, if that were true, mine should have achieved sainthood. I think there's a cap on virtue to be learned and earned. But in general, you are def. spot on. Keep up the trekking. And finding good healthy meal choices. And when you do, make sure there's a pop tart in your pocket for consuming under the covers after the lights are out. Just to make sure you don't get too carried away.

Why, thank you. And I do believe the difference between visiting and taking up residence is, of course, very vast. Which you have proven many times over by this point. I will remember not to stay too long in Crapistan, if I ever get the opportunity.

By the way, red meat is a vegetable, right?

 

[pkondz]

Right now, things look pretty grim. I don't know where I go from here. We'll just keep plowing ahead and looking into all the options.

Man... Good luck dude.

Not as good as getting a promotion would have. But I had to say something.

True.

And yeah, we can do meringue.

I think I'm in love.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Man... Good luck dude.

I'm sure there will be better days. I just hope they come sooner rather than later.

I think I'm in love.

Hey! She's taken!