On The Way Back: Part 10

I always kept a long term endgame related plan for my advancement. This most recent promotion didn't come as quickly as I would like but it came. 

I learned and mastered both the sort and RTS operations of AMXL as well as the dispatch portion. I learned how to properly lead, escalate and listen to a staff of associates.  I evaluated myself daily, weekly, continued building my stories for advancement and was open to feedback. 

I was able to help others develop and advance, and I became more open to change, had a better temporment and became a stronger leader and person. 

I'll be returning back to AMZL so I'm ready to see how part 11 goes. Either way, I'm enjoying both the ride and process!

On The Way Back: Part 9

This will be in two parts.  

My Amazon journey/career has taken me through the AMXL (heavy box route). I have worked in operational leadership, receiving packages from drivers as they return to station and running our sort operation overnight. 

It feels good to be in charge and motivate folks. It's tiring, hard work with a lot of detail but never boring. I'm glad I chose this route as part of my long term plan. 

Things have gotten deterred again per life. I was injured and out for two months and then my mother passed away so there was being out, grieving and then beginning probate court. I wanted to allow myself to develop and delay the next step of advancement a little further. 

I had no idea I would be delayed even further and how hard it would be to jump over this hurdle.  Stay tuned for more as it literally took 3 years. 

STARS: How I Have Consistently Been Punctual

Punctuality is both a skill and a learned behavior. 

That said, I've had challenges such as navigating major cities and long commutes that would otherwise deter the average person. 

I always look at traffic reports, local and statewide. I see where there are any big events or even railroads that may cause a delay.  I know and learn every side road, byway or shortcut back and forth. Also while enroute I keep my GPS running for real time updates and detours. I also leave up to an hour early to account for anything else I've missed. I also set up to five alarms to keep me awake. 

Doing this the past 29 years has only had me late or even on time in five instances. I'm on time at best, 30 minutes early at most. We're all free today and everyday, you can do it also. 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Volume 35- TIME

I could talk about how much my mom loved the 4th but I kind of covered that in the hash installment. This is about how she was so punctual to everything even with two boys and how that carries me to this day. 

My mom would often leave up to an hour early to account for any type of instances or delays. You would have thought we were going to the airport to catch a flight. I started working 29 years ago at Hardee's in Blacksburg.  I didn't have a car yet and Mom would get me there 30 minutes before my shift started. She did that for every job she drove me to. 

Punctuality is a learned behavior and a valuable skill. I'm glad Debbie stressed the importance of it and kept me from being late rarely if ever. 

Happy 4th, Independence Day, Treason Day, Divorce from Britain, 15 days after Juneteenth, etcq

STARS: How I Improved and Maintained My Home the past Decade and A Half

I had an uphill battle in the early 2010s. My stepdad had spent nearly 20 years cutting corners and rigging stuff around my home instead of actually fixing stuff or planning to fix anything major or long term. 

I got both a credit account with Home Depot and a homeowners warranty. I then made a list of things to complete prioritizing need and in some cases cost. I used any extra money I made from overtime and side hustles towards home improvements and maintenance. I also sought out the best professionals I could find. I only dealt with folks that were licensed, certified and knew what they were doing. 

Going into this year, I've spent around 7,000 spaced out to fix and maintain various things in my house such as plumbing, driveway, pressure washing, furnace, washer/dryer, hot water heater, floors and maintaining stuff before it falls apart. Home ownership isn't cheap but it's well worth it as I ascend into the next round of repairs and maintenance.

STARS: How I've Used The Summer Weather To Get In Better Shape

Summertime isn't just for vacation and relaxing, it's also for conditioning your body for the Fall and simply getting into shape. 

I take advantage of the smaller crowds at the gyms due to summer vacation by getting in more cardio as I'm more apt to sweat. I also get in more outdoor activities especially in the mornings and evenings. The evenings are longer which allows more flexibility. 

I used to capitalize on the longer evenings by running as late as 7pm. Nowadays I take walks around that timeframe. 

I also do more yard, garden type work and even swimming. All of these activities work different muscles in a way more recreational than normal gym activities. 

I've lost up to 50 pounds in the summer months and have lowered blood pressure by 40 points, cholesterol and sugar by the same amount. I've also increased stamina by 60%.

STARS: Improving My Skin Health and Texture

I am a heterosexual man that gets body waxes. Big shout out to my esthetican Carla Hearn for not only opening my eyes to this importance but also to regular skin care. 

Two years ago when I begin seeing Carla she noticed a lot of discomfort, red skin and ingrown hairs. This came from over 20 years of shaving and clipping my body hairs which I didn't know can damage skin look and quality.  I then followed her recommendations and advice. 

I invested in tools to help with exfoliation. I bought and use Dove exfoliating body wash (in the light blue top), exfoliating gloves and sponges. These are all inexpensive and the rewards are endless. I apply body wash to the sponges and gloves and scrub my areas before I shower 3-4 times per week. This removes any excess skin, prevents ingrown hairs from growing and fosters heavy skin and regrowth. 

I've been doing this for nearly a year and now I see how much better looking and feeling my skin is. Additionally my sessions with Carla are much smoother and pain free. Waxing can be a painful process but thanks to the tips Carla offered, it has been very healthy and smooth!