The New Guy Part 8

I'm becoming not so new now. 

I'm still improving in many areas, thriving in others. I'm becoming more adept at shift flow, cost, required headcounts, all of that fun stuff. 

I'm learning my associates/supervisors better as well as their strengths and weaknesses. This helps me to develop and utilize them effectively. 

I have one more full week of the year which starts on a weekend where I am working 6 of 7 shifts and then 3 more for 2024. I'm going to do a recap for the year before I pin my favorite piece on www.imjustdrew.com: my 2024 Christmas Letter!

The New Guy Part 7

This compromises two weeks worth of things. 

Peak 2024 is underway and I'm starting to fill my groove. I'm getting better at the running the floor and Pick and Stage. There are still opportunities for me on the dock but I have some great leaders/mentors guiding me there. I've been going through stress tests at work to see what I know and the gaps for me to fill. 

I like accomplishing shift goals, working with the management team, learning and perfecting my admin and developing/motivating the team. 

I will check back next week but I feel I'm getting my groove, it's clicking and I can see continuous growth. 

The New Guy Part 6

I'm getting closer and closer to Thanksgiving, learning more about the role, developing my Interim Process Assistants and little stuff about the operation in this shift. 

I am blessed my higher ups don't encourage me to work and work, to go home when I'm done. I'm encouraging my PAs to do the same. I want to take care of my entire team and be there for them. 

The new hires are gradually improving and I'm trying to help them be in a favorable position and set up for success when Peak 2024 kicks off this week. 

The New Guy Part 5

I'm learning a different staff and my Process Assistants and just trying to get better all the way around. 

It's slightly different from the shift I normally work but same interworkings. 

I feel like I am being developed properly and I'm making some interesting discoveries. 

The New Guy Part 4

I'm now on our peak season shift: Cycle 0. I feel like being on both the dock and floor are transferring over in this more relaxed, less intense version of our operation. 

I have been learning more not only from two managers that are tenured in this space but also from my process assistants and veterans under me. I'm developing more of a cadence and am changing the culture to match my style. 

I have some challenges next week as I'll be getting better, improving bit by bit and having the tools to be more confident in what I'm doing. 

The New Guy Part 3

I'm learning more about flexibility and how coverage works as I enter almost a full month away from Academy and will be shifting to a Cycle 0 (2nd shift) schedule this upcoming work week. 

I have started training on the receiving dock, trying to get as many reps as possible. I have more training to be completed but getting started with this hands on has been beneficial for me. 

I already had 2 books recommended for me to become a better manager. I now have a 3rd that was given to us by my site lead. 

I'm definitely getting the reps in this week and pray I can do well and know where to escalate when things go South. 

The New Guy Part 2

I have one more week left before I move on to my seasonal shift, Cycle 0. For those unfamiliar, delivery stations often run another shift to better utilize getting deliveries to customers same day by making delivery cycles around the clock. 

I'm already feeling more familiar with duties and responsibilities. The biggest challenges now are staffing properly, having every tool I need, knowing how to properly do my admin work, and calculating flow. I feel it's coming together as I assess what I'm good at, what I already know, where my opportunities lie and work from there.

This upcoming week I'll be working more on the dock to familiarize myself with the overall operation and flow. I'm feeling good overall but trying to stay patient as I continue to learn and progress. 

The New Guy Part I

I'm finally getting my schedule and routine back together from training for my newest role plus other stuff that's happened in between (travel, Helene, etc). This series will go on for a while at least. 

I'm not new to Amazon, delivery stations or even operational leadership and some of the tools I utilize. I'm new to the overall position and the flow required to do well. 

I'm blessed to have a very supportive team, arguably the most supportive ever. From my site lead, my managers, counterparts and associates, I feel everyone is all in to keep me engaged, teach me and mentor me. 

I just completed my Academy training and I'm getting more hands on training and such as we go into our Peak season. 

I've had challenges such as the longer commute, schedule, learning my associates names and where they are best suited. I'm just giving it my best effort and leaning on my circle of support.  

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!

STARS: Building My Credit To A Stellar Level

I used to have horrible credit. I was in my early 20s with credit card debt and a repossessed car. I had to hit the reset button on most everything. 

I knew I had to grind and pound pavement the hard way. 

For 10 years, I saved as much money as I could from my checks, some weeks it was 20%, others up to 50%. 

I paid down and ahead as much debt as I could, including my next car. I paid that off in 5 years on an 8 year plan. 

I got a couple of credit cards to build more credit, a safety net, kept one paid off and never closed any I opened. 

I had other assets such as land and stocks to get me back into position. 

My credit score went from a 500 to a 740 over the course of a decade. I did it the simple way, worked hard, worked overtime, had side income and made it happen.

STARS: How I learned how to drive safely and effectively

I am a safe, brave driver that can navigate any road carefully. I've been at this for over 30 years now. 

I am all over the place.  I started in my main yard and road at a young age. I wanted to be ready for my driver's test. 

I drove on my back road 2-3 times per week and then eventually went to Hickory Grove and Sharon where the traffic was lighter. I practiced 3 point turns and parallel parking in my grandma's yard. I was only unprepared for checking mirrors which was a quick solve. I received my driver's license the second time I drove. 

It's hard to believe I've been a licensed driver for 28 years with minimal tickets, warnings and accidents.  I simply use safe driving methods and practice those every time I'm behind the wheel. 

STARS: How I readjusted my career path and the long term plans I have in place

I reflect from my week off from work and I see how what I've did and accomplished the past two decades in the workplace is astonishing and inspiring.  I still have more goals; however I'm a long way from where I came from. 21 years ago, I was working as a temp associate for Vocational Rehabilitation and was about to be hired by The Robert Allen Group in Gaffney, SC. 

My initial goal was to return to school for my MBA or even my M.Ed and buy myself a car since I was between cars. I also wanted to learn to save and live within my means. I didn't make much money for two years and my mom helped with many gaps. I kept my living expenses low without any frills. I had my bare bone basics and that was it and continue to build brick by brick. 

I always expected my time with The Robert Allen Group to be a segway to another opportunity where I could grow and advance my career. It was a job that allowed me to improve my credit score by 300 points and live a better life financially. However with 2 recessions and me earning my MBA 5 years in, I knew I deserved more. The motivation came further once my hours and pay were cut. Fortunately I was making more than I was when I started in 2003. 

2015 (12 years later), I got my chance as I was hired on by Amazon. I knew advancement and financial satisfaction was more of a reality. 9 years and 4 stations later, I've advanced into lower-middle management with stocks and assets, 3 paid off cars, 2 cars bought brand new, most of my debt paid for, in line for my 4th promotion in 5 years, and living in a manner that was a far cry two decades ago. 

I simply didn't give up, plugged into the proper folks that would help me grow and develop and I continued improving myself professionally, socially, spiritually and physically. The skills, experience and mentorship have been second to none from Robert Allen to Amazon. I feel I haven't been promoted and blessed until I was ready and that's what has manifested for me. 

I'm unsure of where the remainder of my work career will take me but I have developed the tools, maturity and experience to help with challenges and adversity. 

STARS: How I Have Controlled and Channeled My Anger

Some of you wouldn't believe it but I have anger issues. I've had them since childhood. I've been able to challenge them in different ways and few see that side of me. Prior in one year I was in trouble for high school for getting into 4 fights all on defending myself. I've committed violent acts, been temporarily banned from places and reprimanded. 

When I was in school, I had to have a come to Jesus moment with myself and find ways to channel my anger and temper. The Bible, church and the Lord helped out there. I surrounded myself with calm and stoic folks. I knew which spaces I couldn't act out in and had to learn to talk to people like I had sense. Playing football and poetry also were later outlets that helped. 

I went to anger management as a young adult and have been in therapy for over 20 years.  I have also read parts of "The Art of War". Additionally I go to the gym, meditate, and have creative outlets such as writing and painting. I also make sure I eat and sleep regularly and healthy to mitigate any angry feelings. 

In 30 years I haven't been into a physical altercation and in 20 years I haven't physically harmed anyone.  In just the past year I have reduced negative interactions and arguments by 40%. It's all about control and discipline just as most things are. Your mind is a powerful tool and must be used appropriately 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Vol. 34- HASH

Yes my mom liked the smoking hash. She liked the hash you eat equally. 

This week is one week since Mom passed so I decided to resume this series for this week. 

My mom ensured she got hash every 4th of July from CKC Fire Department or from Hickory Grove. My grandpa and uncle both knew how to make it also. 

Ten years ago, I started learning how to make it. Mom assisted also. It took me a year and a half to perfect but once I did Debbie didn't eat anyone else's hash unless it was a charitable cause. I made it 2-3 times/years and even for friends. 

I've made 2 batches since her passing and may make one for Memorial Day. Debbie loved having her pint of hash and eating it on one slice of Sunbeam King Thin folded over. 

I'm getting together on the anniversary date with friends celebrating another friend's birthday eating hash. I know if Mom were here she would want some and would send money. What a way to honor her and the birthday girl!

STARS: How I Have Improved My Concidence and Interaction With Women

I often talk of my earlier struggles socializing with women. Now I look at how many female connections I have: romantic, platonic, etc. 

I had to place myself into the proper place and space. Yes I'm biracial but that didn't matter in Blacksburg in the 80s and 90s. I was black and there was only so much talking I should do to those outside my race. I also became big on who's big on me. The darker females have always given me more attention. Over the years the lighter women showed me more attention as I exuded confidence and self love. 

This confidence came from being at the WU around women from all over the world. I was embraced and loved moreso than my small town. I spoke to and plugged into various folks who hyped me and guided me. 

I went from having barely 3-4 female connections to over 50 connections over the past 30 years: exes, friends, crushes, professional connections, friends that are family. I'm very blessed. 

I still struggle and I don't consider myself a ladies man. I do have adequate confidence and self love..

STARS: How I Have Taken Care of my Cars

I've had 6 six cars in my lifetime and 3 of them have lasted 7 years or better. 

I follow simple practices by keeping my cars serviced, filling up at the halfway mark with unleaded plus, changing tires and spark plugs when the mileage indicates I should. I also keep the anti freeze and other fluids topped off. I also do not drive recklessly nor without abandon. You have to treat a car properly. 

I still have life in the 2017 Elantra and my uncle and I are trying to get a decent price for that. I think it's got 2 years left but for me it's time to start anew and get another vehicle to last another 6-8 years.

STARS: How I Have Navigated The Car Buying Process

I am taking some time off from the Life And Times Of Debbie Lanier series to refocus on the STAR series as I am eyeing another promotion at work. My mom was always understanding and encouraging when I reached for the stars. 

I have purchased 5 automobiles in my life before this past week, 4 from dealerships. I have learned the process well and how to procure a reliable vehicle within budget. 

I research first from company and local dealership deals. I make a scorecard of what features, price, and even how much down I can apply, including an existing automobile. I come prepared to go to up to 4 dealerships and research in a fashion so my credit doesn't drop out of the 700s. I also ensure I don't have any outstanding debt I could pay off or consolidate. 

I then go to the dealership with the mindset of purchasing and taking home the car that day if not the following day. This time I set a goal of at least 3,000 down and monthly payments in the 300s/low 400s for a brand new or a good used vehicle with the other features I wanted. Having my current car paid for is a bonus even I cannot get much or anything within a trade. 

I am still working with the final numbers pending refinancing with my credit union (something I highly recommend) but I was able to get my vehicle for $455/month with insurance remaining the same, no oil change nor routine maintenance for 7,500 miles and getting all that I needed and most of what I wanted out of a brand new car. I expect this car to last at least the 84 months I financed it for unless I decide on a trade before the limited warranties expire. 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Volume 33: Gardening

My mom had quite the green thumb and knew how to keep plants alive. 

I know folks that can't keep a cactus alive. Debbie had experience and skills you can't Google nor buy. She had life experience and a daddy that had 2 gardens.

I always remembered my mom having some sort of plant inside and out and always being able to keep them blooming and alive. She said she didn't have patience but yet could raise and care for children, pets and plants. I told her often had she received more encouragement her options could have been wider. 

I keep all of the plants I received following her passing alive and I even have pots to replace them all. 

My mom is proud of the skills and wisdom I gained from her that I still use daily. 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Vol. 32- Babies

Debbie always loved babies and not just her own. She loved babies anywhere: holding then, caring for them, soaking up the youth and criticizing bad parenting. 

My mom coming from a big family was surrounded by babies her entire life. I look through her pictures from childhood well past her 60s and she's constantly and consistently holding a baby. I'm sure that's what she's doing above also, including her angel baby. 

Mom would do all the baby talk, could tell what babies cries mean and you didn't dare whoop a baby in front of her. Now once a baby reached toddler stage, she would still love them. She just wouldn't try to hold them as much. I've heard people say during the infant weeks and months the babies don't do much but puke, poop, etc. Debbie loved that stage as she could spoil a baby easier. 

There was quite the baby boom following her passing: at least 12 babies I know have been born since. Her and I went in on a baby shower gift just two weeks before she went to the hospital. I can see her looking out for those babies from afar and wanting to hold them tight. 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Volume 31: The Party House

Debbie definitely had her partying days in the 70s. However once she settled down and became a mom, she was all in. 

She didn't drink anymore, wasn't a lot of hanging out. Mine and Adam's life and activities were hers, especially as we grew older and became more involved.  

Adam was more of the socialite/partner. As his birthday is this week, I can't help but think how he celebrated many occasions right in the comforts of my mom's house. 

Mom was actually a fun mom but had a relax, controlled environment. She may have not agreed with everything Adam and his friends did but she understood that some things that they were going to do as young folks. Debbie thought differently as always. She wanted them to party, drink, and smoke in a safe space and where they were looked after and not judged. 

I know that didn't make sense especially for kids under 18 and Mom got a lot of pushback for this. What others don't realize are the numerous young folks my mom got through to. Teenagers, male and female, confided in and trusted Debbie. She would tell them like it is and would get onto them and mentor them even. My mom wanted them to finish school, work, be productive adults. It was 50/50 overall as half of that crowd back then are also deceased, in jail or are on hardened drugs still. 

Debbie wanted to be that stabilizer as she didn't do hard drugs and would only allow alcohol, weed and pills, no meth or anything of that nature. Ther was no raping, harassing nor fighting either. You got along or you got out. My uncle Kenny was right across the road for the extra riff raff but she fed, clothed and even temporarily housed some of Adam's friends. She just wanted to show them love. 

I can't say personally I agree with that technique but it was a way for my mom to keep her baby boy close to her. She couldn't save him at the end but she saved many others. 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Vol 30- The One

Mom didn't love sports nor the Super Bowl itself. She loved the commercials, halftime show, and the storylines surrounding the games. 

It would be about a month or two before the Super Bowl and she would notice how "one" player would be all in the news, media, viral, etc. Often that player's team would win the Super Bowl.  

This season we had the perfect definition of the "one" with Travis Kelce, especially once he and Taylor Swift began dating. Looking back, I could hear my mom say now "Andrew the one is back. Kansas City is winning the Super Bowl." 

Now if you follow football you know during the regular season the Chiefs didn't dominate as they normally did. They even lost a Christmas Day game where Kelce slammed his helmet on the sidelines. But the playoffs happened and the rest is history. The philosophy of "The One" is back. 

It appeared for years the sporting world didn't talk about one player as much. Now it'll continue and it could be a different "one" next year. 

Argue with your mama, no pun intended! 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Vol. 29- Brand Loyal

One thing about Debbie Lanier was despite her thrifty nature, she had her items she only bought by brand. She refused to cheap out on certain things. 

I knew this already growing up but as I became an adult I really understood. When I was young and broke I tried to cheap out on some things. Mom was quick to bring that to my attention. Example: I tried to cheap out on cooking oil and another item. The cooking oil was Great Value and the other item was some obscene name that my mom made fun of. 

Basically Debbie didn't cheap out on cooking oil, cleaning products such as dish detergent, paper towels, her Eggo pancakes, flour, laundry detergent, meats, toilet paper, mayonnaise and other items. She would save and skimp in hard times to ensure she could remain brand loyal. 

I look around my own home and I get it honest. I was just discussing with a friend how I go generic/Great Value on some items. Others not ever.

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Vol 28- WEED

Yep weed, marijuana, cannabis. Some of you thought I wasn't going to cover this part of my mom's life. Fact is, it was part of her entire adult life and she was not ashamed of it. Debbie was an advocate for legalizing marijuana, even if she didn't vote. 

Now my family, my mom included, are no strangers to drugs and the hard kind. Per my mom and other courses, weed is from the Earth and you can't overdose on it. Also per my mom, her and her friends tried several times in the 70s. My brother and his friends did also. Supposedly you can only smoke yourself sober also. 

Debbie could roll some of the slimmest joints around and still get you high. She couldn't stand blunts as they were all wet and she thought it was a waste of product. 

Now my mom wasn't a "weed head" but definitely a connoisseur. She knew there wasn't anything wrong with an occasional buzz. She had a lot of good points. That said, these were her thoughts and I don't smoke it personally. 

Debbie was respectful, however, and wouldn't just smoke around you for no good reason. However if you wanted to smoke and she trusted her, she was typically game. Along with weed head, you didn't dare call her a drug addict nor hippie either. 

I definitely miss the passion she had towards marijuana and am honestly glad it's being legal in more spaces. 

Debbie Lanier's Life And Times: Vol 27- Superman!

These next two volumes are of course significant numbers involving my mom so I will cover extra special topics to her. 

My mom didn't get into comics like I did but she loved Superman. She equivocated Superman to Jesus as he is The Man Of Steel and could only be destroyed by kryptonite. 

Debbie watched most of the old movies and nearly every Superman related series there was. She could not get and would criticize the show for creating Clark Kent and giving him glasses but Lois Lane nor anyone else could tell that was Superman. She also wondered how Clark could change into Superman inside of a tiny phone booth. 

My mom did think Superman was so superior to Batman on so many levels such as having actual superpowers, not transforming from a varmint and having way less villains.

Superman was a positive part of my mom's childhood and she loved that he continued to live on and be apart of the DC Universe we see now. 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Volume 26: The 60 Minutes Clock

Many show intros impacted us then and now. Debbie's classic was the 60 minutes clock on the show "60 Minutes". She may or may not have watched the episode but you best believe she didn't change the channel until the clock came on and they introduced the cast for that episode.

I think it was inherited from their parents because my uncle is the same way. He has to watch that 60 Minutes clock. 

My mom would get so mad when a sporting event would run over and she would have to wait until sometimes 8pm (her bedtime) to watch the clock.

I cannot watch 60 minutes without thinking of the clock and my mom!

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Volume 25- SUMMER and WARMTH!

It's always cold and the heat is running in January. Debbie hated the cold and complained more and more about it as she got older.

Debbie kept her house like a furnace and at worst a space heater nearby. She longed for summer (90 and above) since she wasn't a hot natured person.

Summertime brought all sorts of good memories for my mom but I think the biggest was comfort. She wore a lot of sweaters and pants but still preferred that to being cold. I kept saying she should move to Florida but we all knew she wasn't leaving Kings Creek until it was time for her to go home. 

Right now she would be bundled up in her bed with the heating pad and the space heater and boiling water to keep the air clear. She would whine from November-March. I'm glad she no longer has that worry.