I got hired ! In Raleigh !!

[ecr959]

Hey fellas. I arrived here 11 days ago, on the 14th. Haven't met gzrider yet, though I guess eventually I will. He told me he was "a bit of a loner". I can respect that.

Anyway, I started sending out resumes and applying for everything, whether it was technical or not. I almost had a seasonal job with the UPS as a driver's helper. But they never processed my application, even after a pretty good face to face interview.

Anyway, last monday a friend sends me a link to a company called ACS, they do Call Center work, for a few companies, and specifically for Apple. When the new ipad or iphone gives you trouble, you call customer service. So I fill out the online application, and that same evening, I get a call, they like my application so far, and they set up a personal interview for the 25th, today. So I get my friend to drive me there, I get interviewed by the first guy. He is impressed with my past experience as a repair tech, so he says to me to stick around for a 2nd interview by a lady who works for the "CPU" call center.

So she asked me like mabye 40 or 50 questions, some were written, some were off the cuff, and I saw her writing down notes on every answer I gave her. So, they made me an offer right there, and of course I accepted.
They said :
* its a fulltime Pemanent job
* I get Medical + dental
* Life insurance
* 401 K plan
* Direct deposit
* Pay raise after 4 months

I'm going to answer calls for tech support for CPUs , Apple pcs. I start training Dec 12, fulltime training. Only 5 miles away from this house I'm staying at. The guy was impressed with my tech knowledge, after he interviewed me, another woman interviewed me. They were both impressed. So I am going to give tech support to other techs, not end users.

I looked the guy straight in the eye and asked him "will this be temporary ? or Permanent ?" He said "no, Eddie this is a permanent job offer" ..... I already signed the agreement. :2tup:

So, 13 months in NYC and no job, then just 11 days in Raleigh and I got this gift from god. I want to shout special thanks to Gzrider , and Water Warrior, and Rookie Rider. For encouraging me, also Jonathan and Alan and Mole, I think they all gave me that little push/encouragement to take a chance and move out of NYC and go to Raleigh.
I like everybody I've met in this forum. I got my geezer with me, I'm gonna have to learn the route to the job in the next 2 weeks. Next year, I might get a VStrom , like WW has, but I'm still gonna hang out right here. I'm so happy, I'm almost speechless. I am already getting in touch with the APA so I can play 8ball tuesday nights, and then , maybe I might meet a honey to play with me wednesday nights ... hehehe
:2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

:2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup:


WOW WOW and WOW. Fantastic news Eddie. This makes me very happy for you. I like the sounds of a PERMANENT position too. Regular paydays will soon be part of your life. Congrats many times over.

[Gz Rider]

...

[blaine]

That's great to hear!! Good luck and all the best. :) :2tup: :2tup:
http://s9.postimage.org/xyinb9jaj/th_Congratulations_CAVJQWS0.gif (http://postimage.org/)

[ecr959]

You forget to mention the weather though!
:)

What did you want me to mention GZ ? That it was in the 70s the last 6 days ? Yeah, my friends tell me its warmer than usual. But last night and the night before its getting down to the high 30s, so they tell me that soon we'll be in more normal temps, like in the 45 -55 range.
You're gonna have to share some tips for riding in cool weather. It'll be the first time for me. Long Johns and a leather jacket enough ? ... I got a bunch of scarves from NYC.

[Gz Rider]

...

[Water Warrior 2]

A balaclava will keep your face and neck protected fairly well. Treat yourself to some Merino wool(smart wool) socks for your hoofies. Recommended by discriminating sheep and riders alike. Guantlets will keep drafts out of your sleeves and are nice with a thinsulate lining. You can also wear light thin gloves under unlined gloves for insulation.
Keep in mind the gas tank will be cold when you hug it with your legs. Thermal undies help a bunch.

[Gz Rider]

...

[Water Warrior 2]

[quote="Water Warrior":e965yvh4]balaclava

Is THAT how it's spelled?

I've always worn boot and 30 doesn't seem to get through. Maybe I just got warm feet?[/quote:e965yvh4]
Sheesh, had a doubt for a moment so checked the spelling. Yup, I guess good eh ?

[alantf]

You can also wear light thin gloves under unlined gloves for insulation.

In the 1960s I used to wear aircrew silk inners in my gauntlets. Haven't seen them around for many years since. :cry:

[Gz Rider]

...

[Water Warrior 2]

GZ Rider. I know you weren't questioning my spelling. Just that your reply planted a seed of doubt in my senior mind so I had to check.

GZD Rider. I no U wernt ?ing my spellin. Jist that you're replie planted a sead of dout in my senior mined sew I hadda cheque. OMG, that almost hurt. :lol: :lol:

[Gz Rider]

...

[Water Warrior 2]

[quote="Water Warrior":dybxtcxo]GZD Rider. I no U wernt ?ing my spellin. Jist that you're replie planted a sead of dout in my senior mined sew I hadda cheque. OMG, that almost hurt. :lol: :lol:

an' I tauwt yous CA's gots beeter sceewling dan dat![/quote:dybxtcxo]
We did until the 70's when the educational system went into a downhill spiral. Seems to be a common problem all over the world. Reading, writing and arithmatic no longer matter with modern electronics.

[jonathan180iq]

Sorry I missed this!
Awesome news, man.

I guess we all know what you are thankful for this year. ;)

[Rookie Rider]

Congrats on the move and the new job ecr. I wish you all the best man. Ride safe buddy.

[mole2]

Congratulations!!!!

You're going to love it down here. In the cold (40's and up) I wear my t-shirt, long sleeve thermal shirt, blue jeans, sox, work boots, Scorpion leather jacket with liner and all vents closed. The full face helmet takes care of my facial area and I have leather gloves with long gauntlets to block air up the sleeves. You may want to use rubber bands on the bottom of the pants to prevent air up the pant legs. I don't ride below the lower 40's but I do get to ride every month of the year. Our coldest weather is only six weeks long and it's nothing compared to NY. We even get a sprinkling of 70 degree days during that time. Here in the beach area outside Myrtle Beach we did get one snow storm each year for the last two years. Five inches of snow overnight and gone by 5 pm. Now that's a great snow storm. lol

Maybe if you and GZRider have a way to trailer your bikes down here come May (it is a decent ride from Raleigh if you want to ride) we can meet up for the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally. I'll treat you guys to a beer.


:)

[jonathan180iq]

28 Degrees this morning in Dalton for my commute in to work!

In a word, "brisk".

[Gz Rider]

...

[Gz Rider]

...

[jonathan180iq]

28 Degrees this morning in Dalton for my commute in to work!

In a word, "brisk".


2 degrees below my limit.

It wasn't too bad, really...

http://www.gdargaud.net/Antarctica/DC2005/FrozenChristophe.jpg

[ecr959]

Congratulations!!!!
Maybe if you and GZRider have a way to trailer your bikes down here come May (it is a decent ride from Raleigh if you want to ride) we can meet up for the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally. I'll treat you guys to a beer.
:)

Thanks Mole. I mentioned your positive encouragement in my original post. I really like your invite, I can't speak for gzrider, but I would like to meet up with you, just to hang with a fellow gz owner, a fellow forum member. I'm not sure if I wanna participate in the Rally.

May is far away, but I expect to have an apt by then, and a steady schedule at work. They tell me that I might have to do early mornings or late nights .... on occasion. When May gets close, I'll be able to tell you if I can ride or drive down there to you. I enjoy a beer or 2 now and then.

[jonathan180iq]

It's really interesting when you finally meet other forum members.
Who knows, GZ Rider may not be at all what you expect:

http://i.tfster.com/cache/www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/small/0905/hi-can-i-come-in-hi-can-i-come-in-creepy-guy-hairless-demotivational-poster-1242253514.jpg

I had a great time meeting some of the guys way back in August 2007.
We should really plan something for the South East folks. Maybe once Spring breaks.

[Gz Rider]

...

[Rookie Rider]

Oh snap

[greatmaul]

13 months in NYC and no job, then just 11 days in Raleigh and I got this gift from god.

That is so awesome! Congratulations! Work is always good.

[mole2]

Congratulations!!!!
Maybe if you and GZRider have a way to trailer your bikes down here come May (it is a decent ride from Raleigh if you want to ride) we can meet up for the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally. I'll treat you guys to a beer.
:)

Thanks Mole. I mentioned your positive encouragement in my original post. I really like your invite, I can't speak for gzrider, but I would like to meet up with you, just to hang with a fellow gz owner, a fellow forum member. I'm not sure if I wanna participate in the Rally.

May is far away, but I expect to have an apt by then, and a steady schedule at work. They tell me that I might have to do early mornings or late nights .... on occasion. When May gets close, I'll be able to tell you if I can ride or drive down there to you. I enjoy a beer or 2 now and then.

Just message me if you think you can go. As for the rally, it's just a bunch of motorcycles (a few hundred thousand in all) riding the roads, lots of vendors and good food & fun. I no longer have the GZ but moved up to a V-Star 650 Classic. No matter - as long as we're on two wheels. :biggrin:


:)

[ecr959]

Hi Mole , I agree with you, as long as we're on 2 wheels. I will certainly get in touch with you when we're close to May. You know I just started this motorcycle kick, just since last august. At 56 , I'm having such a great time learning something new and liking it.

Hey, tell me about that 650. A pearl white , VStar 650. ITs sounds beautiful. Tell me how it rides on the interstate. You must have a ball cruising long distance on it. Does it still handle like a small bike, or did you have to make some changes , (compared to handling the gz ?)

[mavrix]

Congratulations ecr! The Raleigh area is nice. I have a friend that lives in that area.

[Water Warrior 2]

According to Yamaha their Star 650 is geared and tuned for a speed of 55 mph to achieve comfort and smoothness in top gear. Having never ridden one I can't confirm this but it would without a doubt be faster than that and ridden faster by most owners.

[mole2]

According to Yamaha their Star 650 is geared and tuned for a speed of 55 mph to achieve comfort and smoothness in top gear. Having never ridden one I can't confirm this but it would without a doubt be faster than that and ridden faster by most owners.

I've been up to 85 mph (per speedometer) on it with no vibration and it still had power left. I believe the top end is between 100 and 110 mph but don't quote me on that and I'm never going to see it. It handles nice at 583 pounds (Silverado model which includes the bags, brackets, sissy bar and windshield - I've a bit more on it) and holds the road well. At 55 mph I can ride it all day and, yes, it's comfortable to me. A lot of people complain about the seat so they replace them with Mustang, etc. What they don't realize is those seats push you a bit forward and they have back support built in. I cheaped out and installed a rider back support and it was like it was a different seat. The backrest pushes you forward a bit and really supports my back well and at 1/5 the price who's to complain. lol I can ride for hours with no pain (I've got a bad lower back) and am quite comfortable. I get around 50 mpg on it which isn't shabby. I'm really happy with my choice. It'd be nice to have a bit more hp but with the riding I do and my conservative riding style it isn't necessary. I do want to try a long day trip into the mountains here but I have to find a riding partner to do that. My good friend and riding partner moved back to NY for his wife to take a job offer - they needed the medical coverage on her until she turns 65.


:)

[ecr959]

The backrest pushes you forward a bit and really supports my back well and at 1/5 the price who's to complain. lol I can ride for hours with no pain (I've got a bad lower back) and am quite comfortable. I get around 50 mpg on it which isn't shabby. I'm really happy with my choice. It'd be nice to have a bit more hp but with the riding I do and my conservative riding style it isn't necessary.

It sounds great. Hey Mole, I would love to see a few pics of your bike, if you have any already posted. And I'd like to see the backseat , too.

[mole2]

Hi Mole , I agree with you, as long as we're on 2 wheels. I will certainly get in touch with you when we're close to May. You know I just started this motorcycle kick, just since last august. At 56 , I'm having such a great time learning something new and liking it.

Hey, tell me about that 650. A pearl white , VStar 650. ITs sounds beautiful. Tell me how it rides on the interstate. You must have a ball cruising long distance on it. Does it still handle like a small bike, or did you have to make some changes , (compared to handling the gz ?)

See my reply above to Water Warrior. I haven't had it on I95 yet but we have a road here, SC31, where the speed limit is 65 and it'll cruise that just fine with power to spare. She's light enough for around town cruising, running errands, and pleasure riding yet she's heavy enough to feel a lot more stable in the wind than the GZ ever did. There was some adjustment going from the GZ to the V-Star. In the very beginning it felt big. The ride home from Wilmington NC to Longs SC (about 65 miles) was a little intimidating at first. Especially since I had to go over one of those steel plate bridges. ugh! But after a few miles I started to settle in. I'd imagine I'd go through the same thing if and when I ever move up from this one.

I got it as a bare bike with only a sissy bar as an extra. I added the Silverado saddle bags with brackets, the Silverado windshield, a Barons Highway Bar, a billet clock on the handle bars, a leather bib with pocket on the gas tank, a Grasshopper Ltd rider seat back (highly recommended), a Yamaha leather windshield bag, a Kuryakyn Triple Whammy Run-Turn-Brake Controller, Custom Dynamics LED lights for the taillight and outboard lights (really bright), Hot Leather lever covers with fringe, Yamaha 55w halogen Passing Lamps, luggage rack and a vinyl trunk. She's outfitted just the way I wanted her. The pictures below are without the leather lever covers and the leather windshield bag. The white pearl really looks nice and gets that rose/blueish patena in the sunlight. If you do come here next summer I'll let you take it for a spin to see how you like it.

http://www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com/gallery/files/1/5/0/3/4/2009_v-star_650_classic_right_sidesmall.jpg


http://www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com/gallery/files/1/5/0/3/4/2009_v-star_650_classic_right_rearsmall.jpg


http://www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com/gallery/files/1/5/0/3/4/2009_v-star_640_classic_tank_brasmall_173959.jpg


http://www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com/gallery/files/1/5/0/3/4/2009_v-star_650_classic_front_headlightssmall.jpg


Fat old me on my Pearl.

http://www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com/gallery/files/1/5/0/3/4/me_on_650_from_front640x480.jpg


:)

[ecr959]

WOW, she is beautiful. Those pics are super great. I love the color. You decked her up like I would, everything you got I would also get (except the little teddy bear on the tank, hahaha). You're a satisfied , happy rider, I'm sure. :2tup:

[JWR]

Great looking bike. :2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

Where did you get the Teddy pocket? Looks neat.

[mole2]

Where did you get the Teddy pocket? Looks neat.

It's a Yamaha tank bib but I bought it off of eBay and saved a few bucks. Do a search on tank bib with your model bike. If you just put in tank bib you'll see them all. Also try tank bra.


:)

[mole2]

Great looking bike. :2tup:

Thank you. :biggrin:


:)

[Gz Rider]

...

[blaine]

Beautiful bike.The white 650's always caught my eye.I would love to have one.Unfortunately with the demise of the Vulcan 500,these bikes are getting harder & harder to come by.Anybody that has one,is not letting go.
:) :cool:

[mole2]

Beautiful bike.The white 650's always caught my eye.I would love to have one.Unfortunately with the demise of the Vulcan 500,these bikes are getting harder & harder to come by.Anybody that has one,is not letting go.
:) :cool:

I have to agree with getting harder to get. Yamaha has discontinued the V-Star 650 and 1100 line in the US. Now, if you want to stay Yamaha, you have to jump from the V-Star 250 to the V-Star 950. While the 950 is only a few pounds more than the 650 it has a whole lot more power so that's a big jump. I sat the 950 but it just didn't feel right - the 650 was so much better. I wish I could have taken a spin on the 950 though just to see how it performed. If I ever upgrade (and I really doubt I will as I'm quite satisified with what I have) it will probably be to the 950 as I want to stay under 1000cc since the insurance jumps at that point.


:)