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 Being Retired now, I thought that it was time for a new name to this Blog |
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Talk about perks, my career had one of the best I can think of! I traveled in the course of business, delivering classes for my employer. I am a Senior Training Specialist for Motorola Solutions, and teach classes on a wide variety of subjects centered around 2 way radio communications (for eight more weeks). I knew that when the time arrived that I would retire. That time is now. I've always said that if you can't stand the heat in the kitchen, get out! I can't handle the heat anymore. I was qualified to deliver approximately 32 different classes, but about half of those were 'Legacy' classes, and are not in demand anymore. My students were/are technicians, those who maintained, programmed, calibrated, and repaired large 2-way radio systems. Some of these systems are statewide, and use TCP-IP networking to allow sites to communicate with others. Some are small, traditional type radio sites. The size doesn't matter, in each case the systems must be kept operational at all times, since many of them are Public Safety Systems. So I traveled, sometimes frequently, 3-4 weeks in a row.... where have I been? This probably won't have daily entries, but I will make entries to update you about my life before and during my employment with Motorola Solutions. I also intend to update you all about what I'm doing in retirement. Well, here we go with this new adventure, let's see where it takes us.  Best Cultural And Regional Honorable Mention |
| Locale: Brooklyn, NY Week of: 7/17/2023 The week of 7/17 found me in Brooklyn, NY for a couple of days. The class I delivered is not one I've delivered that many times. However, I am one of the few people who know this small device well. The customer is one I delivered 4 classes to in 2017. Those classes didn't go all that well, mainly because instead of having other manufacturers deliver a class on their product, it was decided that I could do them all. Oh well.... This class went very well really, though at times it was hard to keep the students focused on the product (something called an MLC 8000). Instead they asked a lot of questions about their system, how the MLC fit into the overall setup, generic topics like that. This afternoon I finally had to tell everyone, and in particular one man (the one who asked the most questions about their system, who also asked questions that had nothing to do with the course material) that the topic was beyond the course requirements, and that the class was on the MLC, not everything else. It could have gone bad at that point, but with a little explanation and a roundabout apology for not including that in the course, it was smoothed over. I am not a fan of large city's. If I look around and all I can see are tall buildings and the sky, I know I'm where I really don't belong. I prefer smaller cities/towns. I'm not sure why, it's just me being me. Don't get me wrong, I love visiting NYC and it's sdeven boroughs. I just couldn't live here. It's just not for Jim, that's all. In Closing Next week I will be in a small town by the name of Los Angeles. Yes, that LA. The class will be a five day class. I was going to be in Frederick Maryland the following week, but the customer wanted to delay the class since their technicians would not support this equipment until much later. You know the saying, "Use it, or Lose It." Yeah, they would have lost the knowledge gained in the class. The scheduling team contacted another customer who was going to receive a class in November about moving to the now free week, and they accepted the new dates. So instead of being in Frederick Maryland, I will be in Yates County, NY. Until next time, be good to those you love, spoil them, and write! Jim Dorrell  |
| Locale: Cheyenne, Wy Week of: 6/19/2023 The week of 6/19 found me in Cheyenne, Wy for 3 days. I was in Cheyenne about 19 years ago with a different customer and really looked forward to returning. The class this week is one I've delivered many times, but I still needed to know how their system is constructed and how the sites interact. When you deliver a class to a customer with a statewide system like this, the students are from all over the state. Each site is a little different though, and often you are teaching students whose sites operated in different frequency bands. That wasn't an issue in this case, but it's something you have to consider no matter what. After arriving Monday afternoon, I met the PM for dinner at a local place that is very nice. We dined at Wyoming's Rib & Chop house. He had eaten there many times because as the PM, he is needed to be present at various times. Since I'm writing this entry so late, I don't recall exactly what I had. Here's their menu though for you to review if you like. https://ribandchophouse.com/menu/main-menu/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic&ut... I will say one thing though. I love Cajun food, but I could not find it in myself to order any kind of Cajun food in Wyoming! Based on what we each chose to have and it's quality, we might have been okay having some Boudin, or Jambalaya. I just couldn't see having that in Wyoming. In looking over their menu, I'm pretty sure I had their Western Burger. What I remember about it though, is that it was outstanding. One of the best burgers I've had in a while. I like Cheyenne, it's a very nice town. Then again, I love most places I've visited in the Western US. I prefer the western area of the United States over the East Coast. The main reason is the people! You see this a lot in the smaller cities and towns, on both coasts really. It's just more prevalent in the western area. The people. What about them? They seem to be more in touch with life in general. More earthy? More in tune with nature? Perhaps. Either way, I love the west more. I could live in Cheyenne, but the winters might be a bit too cold for my liking. Life should be so tough, huh. In Closing The weeks of 6 /26 through 7/10 will find me at home. Wow! Three weeks at home, my longest time at home this year. I will deliver an online class the week before and week after 7/4. Looking forward to a relaxing time,. Until next time, be good to those you love, spoil them, and write! Jim Dorrell |
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) recall my last day. Like you, I had no idea what was going to happen. It all turned out in spite of my plans. 
I'm sure whatever tomorrow will bring, you'll embrace it. Not to be a downer, but I'm pretty sure we all know the final destination. Enjoy the journey, my friend. I promise you it will be a lot of what you don't expect.
