|
Post by privateatty on Aug 29, 2014 9:51:49 GMT -5
People come here to get what they need. Most move on after they have the robe. They care very little about those left in the dust. You will hear from a few, but very few. I beleive Funky will be back after a while. They are very busy right now. They have hearings to observe and VOD's on everything under the sun. they are trying to get adjusted to a new location/staff/job. To some it is going to be a big shock. To go into this without any SSA experience and no medical background is overwhelming. Some will be fighting for their lives for the next three years. In the mean time, best of luck to everyone left on the CERT. Bartleby,
It is tough the first week as you are worn out each day. As a NODAR (I like that term), it wears you out after being in private practice for 14 years. VOD's are not that bad, I play them over and over as I do other things. I love this office, Tupelo, everybody seems real nice and helpful. The Judges are GREAT, every one of them (I haven't met one Judge yet, but she sounds nice), friendly and extremely helpful! The HOCALJ is a great guy, not brown nosing as it's not in my nature, he's just a level headed great dude.
I will always be on this board (unless I get banned by ALJD!) to give my opinion about certain issues and to stand up for ALL VETS AND OUTSIDERS!! And Funky will be here too, as will so many others, but yes, right now I feel busier than a one legged man in an arse kicking contest!!!
I know Funky is real busy as we spoke tonight on the phone. I think once we all get to Falls Church, we will have a lot more time to contribute to the board again.
In my new office, I am worn out by 6:00 PM as I sign out, but I'm loving the experience and I look forward to the next 30 years. (MPG, I'm 53, so I have 20 to 30 years as an ALJ in me, but I liked the comment on the other thread).
Looking forward to Falls Church and Funky says he has the first round!!!!
Tigerlaw
P.S. As far as "Some will be fighting for their lives for the next three years", the next three years will be the easiest for me, it's all a long uphill learning curve of which I will climb. ODAR might be some things, but a war zone it is not! (Having served in a war zone, I feel confident that I know the difference!). IMHO
Tiger! Thanks so much from all of us who are at least curious (and some Members of The Board are more than that I'm sure) about how you are doing. Great post. I particularly appreciate how you have fashioned yourself as a champion of the outsiders. I feel we are outnumbered and outgunned sometimes but of late I've not had that concern. Its also heartening to know that you are such a young man and still have all that (think vinegar and___) in you and want to serve for another 20 years. As a taxpayer into the system its good to know I'm getting my money's worth. You keep an eye out for those MS State Troopers when you're on the road home.
|
|
|
Post by gary on Aug 29, 2014 10:06:43 GMT -5
"Its also heartening to know that you are such a young man and still have all that (think vinegar and___) in you and want to serve for another 20 years."
Oil? Is there a Tigerlaw salad dressing available?
|
|
|
Post by BagLady on Aug 29, 2014 19:26:01 GMT -5
People come here to get what they need. Most move on after they have the robe. They care very little about those left in the dust. You will hear from a few, but very few. I beleive Funky will be back after a while. They are very busy right now. They have hearings to observe and VOD's on everything under the sun. they are trying to get adjusted to a new location/staff/job. To some it is going to be a big shock. To go into this without any SSA experience and no medical background is overwhelming. Some will be fighting for their lives for the next three years. In the mean time, best of luck to everyone left on the CERT. Bartleby,
It is tough the first week as you are worn out each day. As a NODAR (I like that term), it wears you out after being in private practice for 14 years. VOD's are not that bad, I play them over and over as I do other things. I love this office, Tupelo, everybody seems real nice and helpful. The Judges are GREAT, every one of them (I haven't met one Judge yet, but she sounds nice), friendly and extremely helpful! The HOCALJ is a great guy, not brown nosing as it's not in my nature, he's just a level headed great dude.
I will always be on this board (unless I get banned by ALJD!) to give my opinion about certain issues and to stand up for ALL VETS AND OUTSIDERS!! And Funky will be here too, as will so many others, but yes, right now I feel busier than a one legged man in an arse kicking contest!!!
I know Funky is real busy as we spoke tonight on the phone. I think once we all get to Falls Church, we will have a lot more time to contribute to the board again.
In my new office, I am worn out by 6:00 PM as I sign out, but I'm loving the experience and I look forward to the next 30 years. (MPG, I'm 53, so I have 20 to 30 years as an ALJ in me, but I liked the comment on the other thread).
Looking forward to Falls Church and Funky says he has the first round!!!!
Tigerlaw
P.S. As far as "Some will be fighting for their lives for the next three years", the next three years will be the easiest for me, it's all a long uphill learning curve of which I will climb. ODAR might be some things, but a war zone it is not! (Having served in a war zone, I feel confident that I know the difference!). IMHO
I'm here, trying to check in regularly but just have not had a lot of time to post, as I don't have internet during the workday. My practice is almost shut down (should be finished this weekend), and I'll likely find my groove just in time to ship out. I second Tiger's post; my first impression is that my office is filled with great people. Coming from private practice, I am out of touch with bureaucracy; boy-oh-boy, have I learned a few things this week!! I simply cannot wait to get to FC and compare experiences. If Funky has the first round and Tiger has the second, sign me up for the third.
|
|
|
Post by gary on Aug 29, 2014 19:48:00 GMT -5
BL, if you've got the third round, who's behind the bar mixing?
|
|
|
Post by hilltopper on Aug 30, 2014 1:17:04 GMT -5
BL, if you've got the third round, who's behind the bar mixing? Okay all, I'll tend bar ... and serve as the designated driver/doorman. Don't want any new judges getting nicked after Funky, Tiger and BagLady, and others get through plying everyone with drinks. Glad to see Tiger post. I tried to post a response to his "soft-serve comment" earlier in the week but my hotspot died as I was getting ready to rename him "Kitty"Law for being so nice and biting his tongue. Glad to see the Tiger is back. I know I am a NODAR like Tiger, but it strikes me that the folks on the board who have no prior medical experience are quite a bit more adept at picking up such material - than a first year associate fresh out of law school with no prior medical experience who was expected to accompany a senior partner to one Orthopaedist's deposition and then take the next one himself. 25 years later, I would suspect all of us are much more versed in how to learn and find the law than I was as a first year associate. I realize my viewpoint may be somewhat skewed because I did work comp for the first 10 years and took a bunch of medical depositions. But, to me the three most important aspects of being able to succeed as a judge [from what I have observed over 25 years and during my first week at ODAR] are similar to what is needed to become a successful associate, [or a tax attorney, or securities attorney, or M&A practitioner] namely: (1) having the ability to quickly grasp technical information; (2) being able to skim lots of material and distill the gist of the issue - within a defined regulatory or statutory framework; and (3) being able to make a decision and quickly move on. Aren't these the key strengths we want ALJ's to exhibit? Medical knowledge can be gained - and quickly judging by the intellect and tenacity I see on this Board. But, the ability and discipline to slog through the work ... that's why you go through a testing process with significant attrition. Those of you on the board who are diligent ... you will succeed. To my way of thinking, it is less a matter of intellect or special knowledge ... and more a matter of discipline fueled by desire. I'll get off my soap box now. ht
|
|
|
Post by agilitymom on Aug 30, 2014 6:26:11 GMT -5
I'm with Tiger and HT. It's been an exciting exhausting week. . Everyone in my office has been great, all are willing to help. I've watched the VODs multiple times and have done a lot of reading. I think HT is spot on. The medical stuff is a bit overwhelming but definitely not impossible. I've picked up new areas of law before and this will just be another challenge to overcome. Persistence with a little tenacity mixed in is what I think it takes. Can't believe the first week has already come and gone!
|
|
|
Post by funkyodar on Aug 30, 2014 7:52:31 GMT -5
Hi all.
Sorry for the prolonged periods of absence. There definitely hasn't been any directive to not post or anything akin to that. It's been entirely on me. Along with moving to a new state, city and region of the country, I have been dealing with my father's recent stroke and him being placed in hospice. So, most of my out of office time has been spent on the phone with family or travelling to him. From my old home he was 3 1/2 hours away. Now he is 9.
Also, not posting during office hours and for some reason the wifi at my hotel blocks proboards so been tough to find time to post.
A few observations...
Anyone who thinks Middlesboro is crapland is sorely uneducated. It is an incredibly beautiful place. The mountains, lakes, rivers and such are breathtaking. The town is a perfect small place that is postcard pretty. True, it is small and doesn't have a lot of restaurants or activities other than outdoor stuff, but it is pretty close to Knoxville that has everything one could want.
The office itself is great. Statistically one of the best in the country. The judges here are top notch and have been incredibly welcoming and helpful. The staff and management are great and the office has a familial atmosphere. Not to mention, they are in a brand new building set in undoubtedly one of the prettiest environs of any odar office.
My fellow newbie, a nodar, is a great guy and is picking things up fast. If I am honest, the training thus far has been mind numbingly boring for me. The vods and reading are clearly aimed at those that have no odar experience. I understand why they need to do that. It's just tough to spend a day watching vods on how to use a computer system one has been using for years. Having the new guy there and being able to help him out has been the only way I can stay focused on that stuff. Now, the hands on stuff by the hocalj, mentor and other judge has been awesome. Seeing how they handle their docket, run a hearing and do their instructions has given me a lot of info I will definitely use.
From those I have met and those I have communicated with here or thru the ssa system, I think our class is top notch. I really look forward to meeting everyone in FC.
You guys and gals waiting on the second cert, keep your head up. You will get your shot and it is a great gig. Good luck.
|
|
|
Post by anotherfed on Aug 30, 2014 9:38:57 GMT -5
Wow! Does anyone else feel like the high school senior when the grads come home for Thanksgiving? It's so nice to hear from everyone, but do you have to make everything sound so great? Could ya maybe talk it down a bit so the faint of heart drop off the Reg? How about a little, "office is a reclaimed broom closet," "no Charmin in the restrooms," "no Trader Joes within 100 mile radius." But seriously, wonderful to hear that there is a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow. Funky, I'm sorry to hear about your father. I've been there, during a big life change, and all I can say is compartmentalize. HT, probably one of the most encouraging posts I've seen, thank you. To the new Kittylaw, ouch.
|
|
|
Post by gary on Aug 30, 2014 10:05:31 GMT -5
Wait . . . tigerlaw is a veteran? I'm not surprised. With a handle like "tigerlaw" I pegged him right off as an animal doctor.
|
|
|
Post by anotherfed on Aug 30, 2014 10:42:49 GMT -5
Animal doctor? I thought it meant he didn't eat meat...
|
|
|
Post by dukehoops on Aug 30, 2014 11:26:06 GMT -5
Very good first week as a NODAR. It has been busier than I thought it would be but very good overall. I am fortunate in that there are two other new ALJs in my office besides me (and one more coming in the second class). I am encouraged by and grateful for the extensive efforts of the mentors to get us up to speed. Looking forward to the training in FC and getting to know others in the current class. Thanks to everyone on the board -- you have been an invaluable resource to this outsider.
|
|
|
Post by privateatty on Aug 30, 2014 15:59:38 GMT -5
Hi all. Sorry for the prolonged periods of absence. There definitely hasn't been any directive to not post or anything akin to that. It's been entirely on me. Along with moving to a new state, city and region of the country, I have been dealing with my father's recent stroke and him being placed in hospice. So, most of my out of office time has been spent on the phone with family or travelling to him. From my old home he was 3 1/2 hours away. Now he is 9. Also, not posting during office hours and for some reason the wifi at my hotel blocks proboards so been tough to find time to post. A few observations... Anyone who thinks Middlesboro is crapland is sorely uneducated. It is an incredibly beautiful place. The mountains, lakes, rivers and such are breathtaking. The town is a perfect small place that is postcard pretty. True, it is small and doesn't have a lot of restaurants or activities other than outdoor stuff, but it is pretty close to Knoxville that has everything one could want. The office itself is great. Statistically one of the best in the country. The judges here are top notch and have been incredibly welcoming and helpful. The staff and management are great and the office has a familial atmosphere. Not to mention, they are in a brand new building set in undoubtedly one of the prettiest environs of any odar office. My fellow newbie, a nodar, is a great guy and is picking things up fast. If I am honest, the training thus far has been mind numbingly boring for me. The vods and reading are clearly aimed at those that have no odar experience. I understand why they need to do that. It's just tough to spend a day watching vods on how to use a computer system one has been using for years. Having the new guy there and being able to help him out has been the only way I can stay focused on that stuff. Now, the hands on stuff by the hocalj, mentor and other judge has been awesome. Seeing how they handle their docket, run a hearing and do their instructions has given me a lot of info I will definitely use. From those I have met and those I have communicated with here or thru the ssa system, I think our class is top notch. I really look forward to meeting everyone in FC. You guys and gals waiting on the second cert, keep your head up. You will get your shot and it is a great gig. Good luck. Funkster! Thanks for the post. I offer my thoughts and condolences for your Father. CVAs are terribly difficult from the inside out. I am sure your Father is proud to call his son a Judge. Its good to hear of your appreciation of your new surroundings. KY is a beautiful state.
|
|
cat
Member
Fog comes in on little cat feet . . . .
Posts: 28
|
Post by cat on Aug 31, 2014 12:10:59 GMT -5
Got into the new office and fortunate to find a great group of people in there. I have so much to learn as an "outsider."
|
|
Guac
New Member
Posts: 5
|
Post by Guac on Sept 3, 2014 22:16:34 GMT -5
I was treated to this view from my new office in San Juan. Warm reception from my fellow ALJs, which wasn't surprising given the location. I have to admit I feel fortunate to have had experience as a decision writer and group supervisor prior to arriving, but I have no doubt the "outsiders" will get there soon enough. ODAR has afforded us newbies a good amount of time to get our feet wet prior to first hearings, IMO. I've been able to sit through hearings with all of the ALJs in the office, which has been most instructive. Cheers!
|
|
|
Post by Gaidin on Sept 4, 2014 8:47:59 GMT -5
Not to shabby Guac. Not to shabby.
|
|
|
Post by futuressaalj on Sept 4, 2014 10:32:51 GMT -5
I was treated to this view from my new office in San Juan. Warm reception from my fellow ALJs, which wasn't surprising given the location. I have to admit I feel fortunate to have had experience as a decision writer and group supervisor prior to arriving, but I have no doubt the "outsiders" will get there soon enough. ODAR has afforded us newbies a good amount of time to get our feet wet prior to first hearings, IMO. I've been able to sit through hearings with all of the ALJs in the office, which has been most instructive. Cheers! Guac, eres el unico Juez nuevo en esa officina?
|
|
|
Post by privateatty on Sept 4, 2014 19:07:38 GMT -5
I was treated to this view from my new office in San Juan. Warm reception from my fellow ALJs, which wasn't surprising given the location. I have to admit I feel fortunate to have had experience as a decision writer and group supervisor prior to arriving, but I have no doubt the "outsiders" will get there soon enough. ODAR has afforded us newbies a good amount of time to get our feet wet prior to first hearings, IMO. I've been able to sit through hearings with all of the ALJs in the office, which has been most instructive. Cheers! View AttachmentCongrats guac!
|
|
Guac
New Member
Posts: 5
|
Post by Guac on Sept 4, 2014 21:27:04 GMT -5
Sí, soy el único nuevo.
|
|
|
Post by sealaw90 on Sept 5, 2014 7:59:09 GMT -5
Guac, I hope that means you are getting all the attention and mentoring you want! Keep in touch.
|
|
|
Post by chessparent on Sept 5, 2014 8:43:21 GMT -5
I was treated to this view from my new office in San Juan. Warm reception from my fellow ALJs, which wasn't surprising given the location. I have to admit I feel fortunate to have had experience as a decision writer and group supervisor prior to arriving, but I have no doubt the "outsiders" will get there soon enough. ODAR has afforded us newbies a good amount of time to get our feet wet prior to first hearings, IMO. I've been able to sit through hearings with all of the ALJs in the office, which has been most instructive. Cheers! View AttachmentWow, should've taken Spanish instead of French in high school.
|
|