Interesting Finds- Bathroom Poetry!😜😜- Originally published 11-17-19

Hello everyone! I figured I would share some random humor discovered on the temporary bathroom walls. I find the best gems that bring unexpected bursts of laughter! Carry on with your day and have a great one! Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper #Scholastic #nonfiction #bookstagram #DropEverythingAndRead #SpringBookFair2021 #LoveOfReading #Reading #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NYC #podcast #Spotify #VerballyDisastrous #bookfair #bookjoy #ReadAnywhere #LoveToRead #AllForBooks #Adult #FBF21 #LBF21 #BEA21 #IKBF21 #KLF21 #HKTDC21 #GBF21 #IIBF21 #LATFOB21 #SIBF21 #FILBO21 #EIBF21 #BAIBF21 #MIBF21 #BIDLDSP21 #BS21 #BBF21 #HIBF21 #IBTAF21 #IBBF21 #ITEF21 #JLF21 #JIBF21 #LBF21 #NDWBF21 #TiBE21 #TIBF21 #BCBF21 #LIVREPARIS21 #SDLDM21 #HBF21 #FIL21 #IIBF21 #SBF21 #BuchWein21 #VIBF21 #ADIBF21 #AIPF21 #bookstagram #book #bukuislami #b #bukumurah #islamicbookfair #buku #booklover #bukusejarah #buchberlin #booklove #cher #bookshelf #internationalbookfair #bookholic #jualbuku #jualbukumurah #reading #obralbuku #bukuindie #bukujogja #tokobukumurah #buchmesse #langka #pasarbuku #bukulangka #bhfyp #jualbelibukuonline #onlineshop #jualanonline #booklovers #anresbooks #readingbooks #booksofinstagram #boekuitstalling #buch #bookish #buchberlinkids #tokobukuonline #boimela #lesen #bookworm #poetry #gontor #fbm #bazarbuku #bookreview #berlin #read #writer #berlinerbuchmesse #buchmesseberlin #author #instabooks #boekverkoping #virtualbookfair #bookaddict

Studying for the NYC DOB Site Safety Manager Exam- Originally published 12-16-20

hello everyone! I have not written to you all in awhile; my apologies. I have been deeply engrossed in studying for a few very important safety exams. They consume a tremendous amount of time. The fear of failure is tremendous. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career in safety. Admittedly, I struggled to study and pass the (ASP) Associate Safety Profession by the end of August. The safety material was not easy and required a specific type of study content in order to pass the exam. After discovering my original study material didn't work out, I chose to use BCSP ExamCore tutorials. BCSP is the same company that generates the exam and provides the certifications within the safety industry. The study material contains at least 100 video tutorials, 50 practice study questions, and the 200 mock exam. I completed the video tutorials and religiously went through the practice study questions. Once a week, I would do the mock exam to check my score. Once you get a score higher than 80, it is recommended to go sit for the exam. Once I passed the ASP, I shifted gears and started the (CSP) Certified Safety Professional ExamCore study tutorial. I was required to go through all of the videos and then rigorously go through all of the 50 practice questions until the content was seared into my mind. Once I got a high 70 score on the mock exam, I set up the CSP exam. By mid-November, I passed the exam and immediately switched gears to start studying for the NYC DOB Site Safety Manager exam. For the month of October, I had to sit in the 40 Hour Site Safety Manager course. I also had to re-take the OSHA 30 and another 30+ hours of required course work that must be taken prior to applying for the site safety manager license. I had to receive the SST card via using the DOB course curriculum guidelines. Thank goodness for my union since they supplied the majority of the required courses in order to meet this educational requirement. The pile of paperwork and hoops required to apply for the Site Safety Manager license is a lot. The paperwork is available online to download. I found out, after printing the paperwork, that it is required to type write out the forms. The exam is the first step at a cost of $525- money order ONLY along with the notarized form. I received an email from the DOB two weeks after submission for the exam invitation. I am scheduled to sit for the exam next Monday Dec 21st. I pray that I pass the exam the first time around. I am unsure if there is a waiting period in the event that I fail. I need to have my mound of paperwork notarized and ready to go for the appointment once I pass the exam. I can work anywhere in the country as a Site Safety Manager which is great. My current plan is to remain as the Safety Manager for my WBE electrical contractor here in NYC. It is less stressful than being a project manager. Ever since the 2008 recession, I felt like I was in a tiny employment box with my electrician skill set. It pleases me that I have developed more education and opportunities since that time frame. It is super important to me that I never again endure more than a year of unemployment until I retire. I believe that I endured a total of about 3-4 years of no unemployment as a result of the 2008 recession. The best things in life are learning from past harsh life lessons and working to not repeat them in the future. I have been studying via recording while reading aloud and posting my study content onto YouTube. I currently have over 20 site safety manager study videos on YouTube. Check out a sample of my amateur site safety manager study guide videos on YouTube (I need to learn how to get into editing): https://youtu.be/E9nNKqvIxdw I have been repeatedly playing it back to myself. I noticed there is not much currently available on YouTube- as far as available study material. I was hoping to find someone's site safety manager study material; I yielded no results. Perhaps that is a niche of unique content that I can get into deeper at some point on YouTube. Why not work to provide a roadmap to other folks attempting to dive into this safety study journey? I know the holidays are around the corner and I need to market my book. I have been slacking on my book marketing. I need to get my children's book, "Not All Girls Play With Dolls", finished and onto Amazon too. It is something that I have on the back burner. The next goal is to work on my own illustrations and produce some more children's book under the "girl power" theme. It is time to go back to my studying and work on passing and smashing that exam next Monday. I must score above 70% on 80 questions for a 3 hour time frame. Wish me luck and speak with you all soon. Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NYC #DOB #studymaterial #sitesafetymanager #exam #Womaninthetrades #gohardorgohome #Amazon #Audible #BarnesandNoble #iTunes #Scholastic #nonfiction #bookstagram #DropEverythingAndRead #SpringBookFair2021 #LoveOfReading #Reading #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NYC #podcast #Spotify #VerballyDisastrous #bookfair #bookjoy #ReadAnywhere #LoveToRead #AllForBooks #Adult #FBF21 #LBF21 #BEA21 #IKBF21 #KLF21 #HKTDC21 #GBF21 #IIBF21 #LATFOB21 #SIBF21 #FILBO21 #EIBF21 #BAIBF21 #MIBF21 #BIDLDSP21 #BS21 #BBF21 #HIBF21 #IBTAF21 #IBBF21 #ITEF21 #JLF21 #JIBF21 #LBF21 #NDWBF21 #TiBE21 #TIBF21 #BCBF21 #LIVREPARIS21 #SDLDM21 #HBF21 #FIL21 #IIBF21 #SBF21 #BuchWein21 #VIBF21 #ADIBF21 #AIPF21 #bookstagram #book #bukuislami #b #bukumurah #islamicbookfair #buku #booklover #bukusejarah #buchberlin #booklove #cher #bookshelf #internationalbookfair #bookholic #jualbuku #jualbukumurah #reading #obralbuku #bukuindie #bukujogja #tokobukumurah #buchmesse #langka #pasarbuku #bukulangka #bhfyp #jualbelibukuonline #onlineshop #jualanonline #booklovers #anresbooks #readingbooks #booksofinstagram #boekuitstalling #buch #bookish #buchberlinkids #tokobukuonline #boimela #lesen #bookworm #poetry #gontor #fbm #bazarbuku #bookreview #berlin #read #writer #berlinerbuchmesse #buchmesseberlin #author #instabooks #boekverkoping #virtualbookfair #bookaddict

Originally published 8-13-20 #ConstructionTales 7 Year Anniversary This Month & Covid-19 Observations

good evening everyone! I went on LinkedIn today and saw an avalanche of well wishes on my book's 7 year anniversary as well as my work anniversary!! It was overwhelming, slightly annoying, yet wonderful at once to see. I somewhat felt bad that I have not been on there all that much-it is just periodic content to review in my mind. I made sure to reach out to all and say thank you- I was alarmed that I spent a significant amount of time to do so. When you think about it, it is cool that a person took time out of their busy schedule to reach out. I am actually surprised to see that I have over 1,000 professional contacts on there!! I spent some time updating it and adding content to my page as well. I try to keep my content as professional as possible. I see a lot of political posts and personal content in the news feed. I find that odd since the intent of LinkedIn is to search for business contacts, a job, or seek professional affiliations. In my mind, it is not a space to place personal content. Therefore, I tend to not do it much. However, people may fare better when they socialize amongst their business network. Perhaps I am a fool for putting some distance with my network? I am not sure on the "right" approach. I am convinced that my approach works for me-at least. Although we have freedom of speech, we are not free of the opinion of an employer- past, present, or future- or the consequences. The sad part is once content leaves your page, it is presumed that YOU sent it. It is difficult to prove otherwise. Meanwhile, you may have other family members who have access to your electronic equipment. It is something to ponder when you think that almost anything you post or respond to may have consequences in the present or future. It is painful to think that something you found humorous ten years ago, comes up and becomes an issue. When I was younger, I didn't think about it as much. I worked with the tools and felt like I was a construction worker-no need to be a delicate flower. As I get older, I'd like to think that I am more weary of the content that I am affiliated with. However, I am sure the perception of my construction humor content, over the years, may be considered vulgar to another person. I feel pretty comfortable that I can stand by anything I have posted- that is my position on the top of my head. It is during these anniversary moments, that I am hard on myself and start to think about some of my book projects that are still on the back burner!! Damn it Leslie- get it in gear!!! Then again, some people have NEVER attempted to even write a book! Much less work on multiple book projects! Additionally, I have been working on my house project for the past 20 years-mostly solo. I ripped every room out in the whole damn house- talk about a time consuming project! Then I rented it out and sometimes contemplate about buying another house/condo project. Don't laugh- where I am currently living, I have tackled some projects here as well. I just did a makeover to the kitchen- I am not done as of yet. I just can't help myself-I feel accomplished and happy working on projects. My back problems are frustrating and keep me from finishing the entire house by now. We can't forget that a career takes up a huge block of time during my typical week (insert face palm to my forehead). I was also thinking about how fast 7 years goes!! The thought of writing Volume 2 then crosses my mind along with the fact that I have not done much with it at all. In all fairness, I did pay for the app where you talk and it writes down. I had issues with the app and the content is "lost"- I get busy and it went on the back burner. I then shift gears and work on "easier" projects. My children's book #NotAllGirlsPlayWithDolls has been written for awhile now. I even mapped out what I want the content to be for my illustrations and handed them to my illustrator to work his magic and bring the book to life. I have not chased down the illustrator to get the project finished in the manner that I should. I have done it a few times- I have felt like he drags his feet with his personal life and I respond by backing off. At times, it feels like it is something that I really need to finish & get published!! On the positive side of this, I have not had to pay someone who doesn't do the work. Then again, I think I sat on my audio version of #ConstructionTales for at least 2 years before finally finding time to pursue it in order to publish it. I had to chase my sound engineer down to do the editing. It is not something that I know how to do so I must rely on someone else; a huge source of frustration. Part of my push back is that it takes awhile to re-coup the money spent on these projects. I know that I like to do the projects more out of a need to accomplish a goal than to make money on it. I must remind myself that a lot of people are extremely lazy and I push myself way too hard. Learning to "slow down" is a lesson that I am trying to master over the past few years. My problem is that by slowing down, it helps my back/body but not so much my mind. Some middle ground would be a great way to walk along my journey. A lot of my focus for the past year has been split between my career and studying for my safety credentials-also needed for my career. Due to the arthritis in my lower spine, going back to the tools is NOT good for my well being. I decided a year ago this month to go deeper into safety and become a NYC Site Safety Manager. I tested and passed the CHST Certified Health Safety Technician exam back in October. My goal is to pass the ASP Associate Safety Professional in the next 1-2 weeks. I need to then pass the CSP Certified Safety Professional in September. The safety content with each test is harder and harder and requires a tremendous amount of dedication and focus. My goal is to limit my distractions so I can smash my safety credential goal by the end of 2020. Sadly, it is impossible to be "distraction free" in life. I have been healing from a painful break-up, where I was engaged, for the past year and a half- it has served as an annoying distraction that I have worked hard to get past. Work and studying has been my means of healing and pushing past this tough challenge. Against my better judgement, I have put my toe in the water to attempt to date here and there. However, I feel like it could serve as a distraction from my current goals and I should hold off on diving in that part of the water. Word on the street is that people end up with broken necks and irritable bowel when attempting to dive in those waters when not exercising absolute caution. I know that I need someone to be as motivated as myself in order for it to work. I have already learned that dealing with another lazy soul (he initially disguised himself as motivated) is not a good fit at all- laughing out LOUD!! I believe that the key is to not think about it too much, let go of what doesn't fit, and try to have fun in the process. With this whole current Covid-19 world climate, dating wasn't even a viable option. To make matters worse, I have not been getting as much exercise that I was getting before the lockdown. I know for a fact that I am not the ONLY one with this problem- cue evil grin and chuckle. I have found out that working from home SUCKS big time for my body! If this lockdown was kept up, I would be a contender for the TLC show, "My 600 lb Life". That is an ugly truth that has managed to present itself in a very rude way to me. The month of May to June were really RUDE to me!! I was in the stretch pants ONLY zone for a hot minute while working from home. I knew change was needed when I noticed that touching my feet was a challenge. It crept up on me in only two months- I felt disgusted and had to fix it ASAP! To make matters even worse, stress from work is a doozy for sure-it raises cortisol levels and doesn't help my plight at all!! I cut out booze as the first line of defense- it has been a switch from Jack Daniels honey (drank more than I like to admit) to White Claws. I must say that black cherry and raspberry are the best flavors along with being low carb and great alcohol content= not so bad. What more can ya ask for?! As of late, I am trying to drink White Claws only for "special occasions" and on the weekends with friends. I then shook off the dust on a step tracker in my gym bag, slapped it on my wrist, put the app on my phone. I must admit, this is a powerful motivator to see how lazy or active I am each day. Next, I have to monitor what I put in my mouth each day and be VERY honest about it. I typically avoid bread and pasta like the plague-time to go even tougher on the diet!! I even threw some "bad" food away in an attempt to steer the ship in a different direction. I have seen some progress already but I know more is needed. After all, I need to date at some point in my life so I don't become the cat lady spinster. Let me tell you, dating is not a great idea if you can no longer fit into your closet of cute outfits- epic FAIL!! Getting those daily 5-10k steps in is CRUCIAL and has also been a huge goal of mine as of late as well. I can't possibly think that I can get away with wearing the same outfit for each date- that would not work at all. Even guys that don't notice stuff would surely not be fooled by this attempt. My evening walks have been a challenge with the humidity as of late. I indeed have been sweating profusely each night I go out- YUCK!! One doesn't realize how the lockdown makes you "out of shape" until you attempt to start walks and EVERYTHING HURTS!! I felt like someone cut off my achilles tendon right off the back of the foot. It took awhile to get through a walk and not feel like my ass was kicked in a fight. This is a gentle reminder to NOT get old since that cannot possible be fun with more aches and pains. I am sure I have no choice with this matter- I just need to keep in decent shape. A goal is to get a swimming pool membership so that I can shed any extra accumulation since this shutdown began. This just adds another layer of fear of "not looking like my photos" upon first meeting a suitor (insert face palm on my forehead). My mind races with this layer and gets me out of the dating game- for the time being. The only good things about working from home is wearing whatever you want, cheaper commute, and getting some more sleep before work. Sadly, I saw that I did use my normal "commute home" time and did more work. Yay for my boss on that one. Well, it is time for me to go get dressed so I can walk past people dining and pretend like I am walking to another restaurant to eat something truly amazing. I will pretend like my Poland Spring is vodka and dance while I am walking- until my back screams to stop. Boy- I was a chatty Kathy in this post! I wish everyone a good evening and a great upcoming weekend! I hope my current narrative makes more people laugh than cry. Be safe, calm, cool, and dry! Hot Tip- I got word that hearing incredible voice on my Audible version of the book makes the book way more funny!! Who would ever know! Please leave feedback good or bad- that way I can attempt to make future projects more appealing to readers/listeners. Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper #ConstructionTales #NotAllGirlsPlayWithDolls #books #funny #NYC #NextChapter #WomanInTheTrades #WBEContractor #CanDo #bookanniversary #Amazon #BarnesandNoble #iTunes #Audible #LinkedIn #Scholastic #nonfiction #bookstagram #DropEverythingAndRead #SpringBookFair2021 #LoveOfReading #Reading #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NYC #podcast #Spotify #VerballyDisastrous #bookfair #bookjoy #ReadAnywhere #LoveToRead #AllForBooks #Adult #FBF21 #LBF21 #BEA21 #IKBF21 #KLF21 #HKTDC21 #GBF21 #IIBF21 #LATFOB21 #SIBF21 #FILBO21 #EIBF21 #BAIBF21 #MIBF21 #BIDLDSP21 #BS21 #BBF21 #HIBF21 #IBTAF21 #IBBF21 #ITEF21 #JLF21 #JIBF21 #LBF21 #NDWBF21 #TiBE21 #TIBF21 #BCBF21 #LIVREPARIS21 #SDLDM21 #HBF21 #FIL21 #IIBF21 #SBF21 #BuchWein21 #VIBF21 #ADIBF21 #AIPF21 #bookstagram #book #bukuislami #b #bukumurah #islamicbookfair #buku #booklover #bukusejarah #buchberlin #booklove #cher #bookshelf #internationalbookfair #bookholic #jualbuku #jualbukumurah #reading #obralbuku #bukuindie #bukujogja #tokobukumurah #buchmesse #langka #pasarbuku #bukulangka #bhfyp #jualbelibukuonline #onlineshop #jualanonline #booklovers #anresbooks #readingbooks #booksofinstagram #boekuitstalling #buch #bookish #buchberlinkids #tokobukuonline #boimela #lesen #bookworm #poetry #gontor #fbm #bazarbuku #bookreview #berlin #read #writer #berlinerbuchmesse #buchmesseberlin #author #instabooks #boekverkoping #virtualbookfair #bookaddict

E-Book Used For ASP/CSP Studying- Originally published 8-2-20

hello everyone!! I hope you all are enjoying your summer!?! Keep cool and be safe! I am focusing on studying. I shared above the screenshot of the e-book that I listen to to aid with my studying. I am writing while listening to the e-book entitled, "Safety Professional's Reference and Study Guide". This book was issued as per the purchase of the (BCSP) Board of Certified Safety Professionals- the official organization that issues many safety exams, courses, and provides the safety certifications upon successful completion. I have been heavily involved in studying for my (ASP) Associate Safety Professional exam. I am also studying for the (CSP) Certified Safety Professional exam- I intend to take after the ASP exam. I intend to take the ASP in the next few weeks. I have discovered that, during my study journey for this particular exam, not all ASP study programs are the same. I am going to share what I have been using to help me study for the exams so that it may be helpful to you on your safety journey. I attempted to first use flash cards. They worked for my (CHST) Certified Health Safety Technician exam that I passed in October. For whatever reason, the information was so overwhelming, the cards appeared to not work as well as they have for me in the past. I then chose to go with the online study, via the Institute of Safety & Systems Management, Inc. It cost about $250 for just the written online program. I didn't purchase the videos since I didn't want to initially spend $1000 on the study program. I am glad that I didn't waste the video money on that program- in hindsight. However, I must say that the math portion is super helpful to ensure that you can get your head back into the math concepts. They do walk you through the math problems to help solve. I was studying like crazy for weeks the bank of test questions. Once I started scoring consistently high on the practice exams, I arranged to take the exam. I was so anticipating passing and working on the next safety exam. Boy.... a cold hard reality slap sure hit me in the face when I started the exam! I wanted to scream when I was sitting in the exam!! The study material's test questions was NOTHING like the ASP exam questions!! I didn't feel confident with my responses at all! I had an hour left to review the questions-an opportunity that I usually take. I walked out and so hoped that the proctor would give me a passing grade. Upon discovery of my results, I was soo disgusted!! I felt like a I had a HUGE punch to the gut after walking out of the test center!! I was screaming in my head on the ride home, "I NEVER FAIL TESTS!!!" I was a 3.8-4.0 student in high school & college. Getting an F was unheard of in my educational career! I was absolutely mortified and ashamed with the test results! My ashamed and angry disposition molded into the need to, "figure out what happened?" I needed to get off the ground where I fell, get up, and find a solution to pass the exam. I didn't spend the money on the full program. However, I was not confident that would have helped since the practice questions were nothing like the exam questions. I then decided to see how much the study program, issued via the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, would cost me. The BCSP ExamCORE Training was $1000/course. If you get the ASP & CSP program, you save $100. I pulled the trigger and went for the combo since I must do it anyway. I must say the training is more intense and has much more study modules compared to the ISSM online course! They offer you an opportunity to take a pre-exam. I opted to do that and I saw that my test result was the EXACT SAME as the ASP exam score. This has given me confidence that once I score consistently above an 85, it is time to take the exam and I will pass. I have gotten through almost 200 tutorial video modules and now running through tons of practice questions. My goals is to get above an 85 practice test score and then go take the test. I have learned that one must spend the money on the course in order to get the correct safety related study material. It is wise to go with the study program that comes from the organization that issues the exam. I have learned that I did spend time on getting my head back into the math so it wasn't a complete waste of time. I plan to get back on here and blog after I pass the ASP exam. I will do the same after the CSP exam. I will then blog after I sit in the NYC DOB 40 Hr Site Safety Manager course- after I pass the CSP exam. Stay tuned for my safety journey within the construction industry. I am going back to studying and shall speak with you all soon! Wish me luck! :) Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper #ConstructionTales #books #funny #WomanInTheTrades #NYC #Amazon #BarnesandNoble #iTunes #Audible #NotAllGirlsPlayWithDolls #Scholastic #nonfiction #bookstagram #DropEverythingAndRead #SpringBookFair2021 #LoveOfReading #Reading #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NYC #podcast #Spotify #VerballyDisastrous #bookfair #bookjoy #ReadAnywhere #LoveToRead #AllForBooks #Adult #FBF21 #LBF21 #BEA21 #IKBF21 #KLF21 #HKTDC21 #GBF21 #IIBF21 #LATFOB21 #SIBF21 #FILBO21 #EIBF21 #BAIBF21 #MIBF21 #BIDLDSP21 #BS21 #BBF21 #HIBF21 #IBTAF21 #IBBF21 #ITEF21 #JLF21 #JIBF21 #LBF21 #NDWBF21 #TiBE21 #TIBF21 #BCBF21 #LIVREPARIS21 #SDLDM21 #HBF21 #FIL21 #IIBF21 #SBF21 #BuchWein21 #VIBF21 #ADIBF21 #AIPF21 #bookstagram #book #bukuislami #b #bukumurah #islamicbookfair #buku #booklover #bukusejarah #buchberlin #booklove #cher #bookshelf #internationalbookfair #bookholic #jualbuku #jualbukumurah #reading #obralbuku #bukuindie #bukujogja #tokobukumurah #buchmesse #langka #pasarbuku #bukulangka #bhfyp #jualbelibukuonline #onlineshop #jualanonline #booklovers #anresbooks #readingbooks #booksofinstagram #boekuitstalling #buch #bookish #buchberlinkids #tokobukuonline #boimela #lesen #bookworm #poetry #gontor #fbm #bazarbuku #bookreview #berlin #read #writer #berlinerbuchmesse #buchmesseberlin #author #instabooks #boekverkoping #virtualbookfair #bookaddict

Stepping Back For More Training! :) Exciting!- Originally published 5-23-20

hello everyone! I hope you all are enjoying your 3 day weekend!?! It is a great moment to in time, as an essential worker, to get some rest and re-group to accomplish things that I could not get a chance to take care of during the week. The stress of acquiring and maintaining PPE was a hardship in the beginning of the global pandemic. However, my resourcefulness served me well in the initial acquisition process for the shop. I have held the fort down managing multiple projects in many aspects for the past six months. It felt like a start-up company in the making. A lot of hard work was required to help grow to next level growth. My goal has been to become a site safety manager since I was first approached about it in Aug 2019. I have been helped by my current shop CEO to achieve that next level. It helps me build my job security and adds more skills to my tool box. It also helps the shop so it is mutually beneficial. The goal is to serve as a sentinel and keep the shop safe. This effort requires some down time and more extensive training. Therefore, I am stepping back from being a project manager and heading towards my sabbatical to finish my safety training. I am so thrilled with the opportunity to rest from the weight of the shop on my shoulders!! I took the responsibility very seriously and certainly hope that the coverage will take care of my forepersons on various projects. I am so looking forward to the rest for my mind. I will be able to detach and focus on my studies. That focus is very needed to re-emerge and start the next journey with the next level of success. I have appreciated the opportunity for the past 6+ years as being a project manager. There is a lot of details and elbow grease that is required to ensure the crew continues with the work flow. When you are sitting in project meetings, I am the ONLY female unless there is an admin taking notes. This is why now working for a woman is both unique and different on many levels. In the beginning, I was so nervous and excited to learn back in 2014 after leaving the tools. I didn't immediately get the opportunity to try it out. Once I got the opportunity, I was often thrown at already losing projects prior to even setting foot on the jobsite. That has been the theme of almost every project I have worked upon. It is no coincidence that these projects were thrown at me since they were a loser- I might as well give it a go, be the scapegoat, and try to stop the bleeding. I have learned so much from each and every one of them. I am grateful for the opportunity but it is time to step up to the next level. As I have mentioned in the past, I started my safety journey back in 2013. I chose to go and train to become an authorized OSHA trainer. I taught OSHA in a labor college for about 8 years before moving on from that position. I then chose to go deeper with the safety training after crossing paths with my current employer. She is a champion for women and a big sister to me. Our goal is for me to finish my career at the shop. As the safety officer, I will serve as a protector of the shop. That is a wonderful opportunity. I have a lot to do to build our company safety program once I finish training. I have a few more exams and courses to pass before achieving my goal. I studied in the fall and took the CHST Certified Health Safety Technician exam in October 2019 and passed. I then tried to take the ASP Associate Safety Professional exam only two weeks later and I didn't pass. My mistake for not giving myself enough time to study. This is especially evident since the content is a lot more math and more safety content that I didn't give myself enough time to study. Those are lessons learned so I must give myself more time and be very disciplined with it. I plan to give myself two months to study daily as it is a job to go take the ASP again and pass it. I will then give myself one month to study daily and then take the CSP Certified Safety Professional exam. I know that any other smaller certifications that may expire, I must renew them in a timely manner. Once I ensure that all of my pre-requisites are complete and I pass the CSP, I will sign up for the NYC Department of Buildings approved 40 hour Site Safety Manager course and take the class. Once I complete the class, I can schedule the subsequent exam. I must pass background checks and have no child support issues in order to get my NYC Site Safety Manager license. Once I complete the course, I will re-emerge and become my shops Safety Officer. I will also become registered with the Metropolitan Transit Authority. I will end my working career in safety with no intention on returning to the tools. I believe in helping other people, while serving as a mentor, to guide them through the process if they also want to follow my career path. In the next few months as I finish my safety training, I will offer the courses that I have taken since 2013 until I officially become a site safety manager in the future blog posts. Questions are welcomed if you have an interest. If not, that is perfectly fine. At some point, I will start a YouTube channel to speak about my journey and to help others navigate their career path. I will let you all know when that time comes. :) This is all I have in the tank for this evening. As always, thanks for stopping by to read my blog from all over the world. Be safe with your family and enjoy this Memorial weekend! Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NextChapter #Safety #NYC #Construction #WomanInTheTrades #Amazon #BarnesandNoble #iTunes #Audible #Scholastic #nonfiction #bookstagram #DropEverythingAndRead #SpringBookFair2021 #LoveOfReading #Reading #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NYC #podcast #Spotify #VerballyDisastrous #bookfair #bookjoy #ReadAnywhere #LoveToRead #AllForBooks #Adult #FBF21 #LBF21 #BEA21 #IKBF21 #KLF21 #HKTDC21 #GBF21 #IIBF21 #LATFOB21 #SIBF21 #FILBO21 #EIBF21 #BAIBF21 #MIBF21 #BIDLDSP21 #BS21 #BBF21 #HIBF21 #IBTAF21 #IBBF21 #ITEF21 #JLF21 #JIBF21 #LBF21 #NDWBF21 #TiBE21 #TIBF21 #BCBF21 #LIVREPARIS21 #SDLDM21 #HBF21 #FIL21 #IIBF21 #SBF21 #BuchWein21 #VIBF21 #ADIBF21 #AIPF21 #bookstagram #book #bukuislami #b #bukumurah #islamicbookfair #buku #booklover #bukusejarah #buchberlin #booklove #cher #bookshelf #internationalbookfair #bookholic #jualbuku #jualbukumurah #reading #obralbuku #bukuindie #bukujogja #tokobukumurah #buchmesse #langka #pasarbuku #bukulangka #bhfyp #jualbelibukuonline #onlineshop #jualanonline #booklovers #anresbooks #readingbooks #booksofinstagram #boekuitstalling #buch #bookish #buchberlinkids #tokobukuonline #boimela #lesen #bookworm #poetry #gontor #fbm #bazarbuku #bookreview #berlin #read #writer #berlinerbuchmesse #buchmesseberlin #author #instabooks #boekverkoping #virtualbookfair #bookaddict

Studying The 1918 Spanish Flu- Comparing to Covid-19-Originally published 3-28-20

hello everyone! I hope people continue to exercise caution, common sense, and good hygiene during this moment in time. It is vital so we can all get past this crisis and have life go back to normal. If you can work from home, now is the time to seize that opportunity and make the best of a tough situation. This is the time in our lives where we try to read books we have not read, watch movies we have not taken time to watch, pursue hobbies we never took time to chase, and smash some goals. So far we have had no interruptions with our power or internet. I am grateful for those creature comforts while in isolation. I try to not watch the news all day long. The constant updates of bad news is not healthy to be immersed in 24/7 or longer than the time needed to review the updates. It is an odd time in life where you need to be aware yet you also need to protect yourself from diving into depths of paranoia due to the tough time at hand. While in NYC, we feel like we are being hit the absolute hardest with this Covid-19 crisis. Watching the body count rise when it is in your "back yard" is a much harder pill to swallow that if it was thousands of miles away. I spoke with my sister out in Oregon last night and they feel the walls are closing in with requirement of having to stay home. However, she feels relieved because any local cases are minimal. She feels nervous for me because she watches the news and is worried for me since we are enduring the bulk of the cases here in NYC. For a period of a few weeks, the trains were empty so it felt somewhat safe to commute to the city. The streets of Manhattan are very light of people as well. Now that the trains have been reduced to weekend or holiday schedules, people are forced to be closer together than the required social distancing. This newly reduced train schedule is something that is now frustrating that we are forced to endure to get back and forth to different places. I have friends on Facebook sharing the newly crowded subway car photos. I did hear that the bike rentals are more reasonable during this time period to aid with the need to get from place to place throughout NYC. I decided to watch some YouTube documentaries on the 1918 Spanish Flu that ravaged the world during WW I. In order to understand the magnitude of the current crisis, we need to understand the conditions and actions the people before us took during the past global pandemics. After reviewing some documentaries, it is clear that we are responding today a lot swifter and with more advanced processes and tools than what they had over 100 years ago. The government bodies, during the 1918 Spanish Flu era, chose to keep a lid on the information and were slow to react to the news of the spread of the disease. This same mode of slow and secretive action was how the Chinese government, specifically the city of Wuhan, handled affairs during the initial phase of the virus outburst. It is alarming to see footage of the Chinese government welding doors of families who have been afflicted with the virus during the apex of the outbreak. Just when you feel outraged with the treatment of people in modern times, watching the conditions of the 1918 Spanish Flu era was even more cringe worthy to watch the documentary. During the 1918 Spanish Flu era, the conditions of homes were a lot dirtier and rougher than they are today. These poor conditions didn't help to contain the disease spread amongst families at all. They shared outhouses amongst some neighbors and they didn't have a proper means of disposing waste water. People who worked long hours often shared beds with people for 7-8 hours at a time. They never changed the sheets for each weary worker that was sleeping on the beds either. The sick soldiers, positioned around the globe, were living and fighting in trenches. These trenches were seeping with decaying corpses, fecal matter, and diseases when the rain waters flooded the trenches. As the disease progressed, the bodies were stacked up with no one to bury them. Eventually, mass graves were dug to handle the diseased folks. They had no means of attempting to sanitize the space to contain the spread either. War soldiers were unknowingly spreading the disease amongst their family and society in between from their journey from the trek home from the trenches or traveling military base to base. The globe was absolutely ravaged by the time they figured out that self quarantining was a process they must use. Surprisingly enough, San Francisco was not as hard hit on the first wave because to took swift action to impose isolation on the city. They did get hit on the second wave of the virus since they thought the virus was over when numbers of sick people initially declined to near zero levels. Watching these documentaries make me grateful for the better conditions we have as a modern society. Remember, when you are home and in need of a laugh, I am here to help distract you. The goal is to spread some humor to help us get past this crisis together. I often use humor as a tool to get past the most challenging times in my life path. Seek out some distractions and this too shall pass for all of us. This week, I found this super humorous comedian, named Josh Sneed, on YouTube where I was laughing so much, my sides almost split and I had a hernia. Here is a clip that I watched that you may or may not appreciate: Be safe and speak with you next time! Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper

#Scholastic #nonfiction #bookstagram #DropEverythingAndRead #SpringBookFair2021 #LoveOfReading #Reading #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NYC #podcast #Spotify #VerballyDisastrous #bookfair #bookjoy #ReadAnywhere #LoveToRead #AllForBooks #Adult #FBF21 #LBF21 #BEA21 #IKBF21 #KLF21 #HKTDC21 #GBF21 #IIBF21 #LATFOB21 #SIBF21 #FILBO21 #EIBF21 #BAIBF21 #MIBF21 #BIDLDSP21 #BS21 #BBF21 #HIBF21 #IBTAF21 #IBBF21 #ITEF21 #JLF21 #JIBF21 #LBF21 #NDWBF21 #TiBE21 #TIBF21 #BCBF21 #LIVREPARIS21 #SDLDM21 #HBF21 #FIL21 #IIBF21 #SBF21 #BuchWein21 #VIBF21 #ADIBF21 #AIPF21 #bookstagram #book #bukuislami #b #bukumurah #islamicbookfair #buku #booklover #bukusejarah #buchberlin #booklove #cher #bookshelf #internationalbookfair #bookholic #jualbuku #jualbukumurah #reading #obralbuku #bukuindie #bukujogja #tokobukumurah #buchmesse #langka #pasarbuku #bukulangka #bhfyp #jualbelibukuonline #onlineshop #jualanonline #booklovers #anresbooks #readingbooks #booksofinstagram #boekuitstalling #buch #bookish #buchberlinkids #tokobukuonline #boimela #lesen #bookworm #poetry #gontor #fbm #bazarbuku #bookreview #berlin #read #writer #berlinerbuchmesse #buchmesseberlin #author #instabooks #boekverkoping #virtualbookfair #bookaddict #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NYC #WomanInTheTrades #Manhattan #Transit #Amazon #BarnesandNoble #iTunes #Audible

Current Status of NYC During The Covid-19 Pandemic- Originally published 3-22-20

hello everyone! First I wish everyone having to go out to work the absolute best and to be safe! As you have heard in the news, we have been dealing with this Covid-19 ongoing pandemic, in Manhattan and the rest of NYC. It indeed feels like we are in the most dangerous part of the U.S.A. at the current moment. I am aware that you all have been dealing with it globally as well. I have had international pals on Facebook tell me that they are all home based for the time being. For the past few weeks, I have been working solo person out of my field office. My feeling is if my crew is in the field, I need to be there as well. I have been lucky to have some good leaders in the field working to get our jobs done. Most recently, an event happened on the job that caused fear and panic to settle in. When you are working on a project with a large group of people working within a variety of capacities, it is very difficult to withhold the flow of information. Especially when you withhold very important information. When you attempt to do that, then the rumors swirl and now you must discern between what is rumors and what is real. There was a large amount of communication that was flowing on the jobsite that could not be contained no longer. The absolute worst part is when people attempt to hide important information. This does far more damage to the crew's morale and mindset than just being forthcoming with the information. Once you withhold information, now people do not feel safe to go to work. It is very hard to fix a situation where people perceive that they are in immanent danger and do not feel safe. Immediately upon hearing that key people are withholding necessary information, fear and anger absolutely flooded my mind, body, and soul!! How dare these people choose to not disclose needed information!?!? Then you think what else do we need to know?! What is real and what is a rumor?! This is especially disrupting knowing that, in hindsight, we are all within close quarters interacting with all of these people at any given point of time!!!! Now that I am forced upon this flood of new revelations, do I keep it to myself or do I take the lid off of this information? I take my obligation as a manager on my team very seriously and this full disclosure was absolutely necessary and the only path to take. I could not even imagine having anyone in my work family become sick, as a result of me withholding information, and harmed due to an interaction they made that may not have been necessary to make. The many options flashed through my mind for a few seconds. Obviously, this is going to have an impact on my own employment as well. I felt that I have an obligation to disclose this discovery to my employer in order to make the choice on what to do next. The decision to temporarily pause with the work flow was not an easy decision to make for anyone involved. However, it was the right decision to make. Our integrity as a business in New York City could potentially be on the line as well. I am proud that good decisions were made for the welfare of our team. A big shout out to my fearless leader.👊💪 Swift action was taken to address the situation. It was not easy at all- I admire her more and more each week. Our concern was more for the safety of the work force than the job at hand. Not all were happy with the action taken. Some are in need of work to be performed; no matter what side of the team people are working on. Many were fearful of what was going on. A break in the action was needed to keep people safe and sort out the issue. Safety and the power of choices is paramount at this moment. Upon return, people have the option to return or sit out longer. Sadly, we have no idea how long this pandemic will persist. I am willing to continue riding it out while being absolutely as safe as physically possible. I am sure I will continue to blog and post on social media as this global crisis continues. Here are some photos that I have taken within the past week: Long Island Railroad at 6PM rush hour! #1 Subway line heading north mid week! Q Subway line at the 72nd Station AM rush! The photos are all taken during rush hours throughout the city. Normally the trains and places would be so jam packed, it would be flooded with tourists and commuters. Hotels are currently at 20% capacity. Trains are 60-70% lower than normal. All real statistics currently.🙄😷 Please be safe and practice your normal hygiene routine! :) While you are home keeping your loved ones safe, just know that Construction Tales is available on #Audible #Amazon #BarnesandNoble #iTunes to give you something funny to occupy this moment in time.

Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NYC #WomanInTheTrades #WomenOwned ElectricalShop #girlpower #NotAllGirlsPlayWithDolls #Scholastic #nonfiction #bookstagram #DropEverythingAndRead #SpringBookFair2021 #LoveOfReading #Reading #ConstructionTales #books #funny #NYC #podcast #Spotify #VerballyDisastrous #bookfair #bookjoy #ReadAnywhere #LoveToRead #AllForBooks #Adult #FBF21 #LBF21 #BEA21 #IKBF21 #KLF21 #HKTDC21 #GBF21 #IIBF21 #LATFOB21 #SIBF21 #FILBO21 #EIBF21 #BAIBF21 #MIBF21 #BIDLDSP21 #BS21 #BBF21 #HIBF21 #IBTAF21 #IBBF21 #ITEF21 #JLF21 #JIBF21 #LBF21 #NDWBF21 #TiBE21 #TIBF21 #BCBF21 #LIVREPARIS21 #SDLDM21 #HBF21 #FIL21 #IIBF21 #SBF21 #BuchWein21 #VIBF21 #ADIBF21 #AIPF21 #bookstagram #book #bukuislami #b #bukumurah #islamicbookfair #buku #booklover #bukusejarah #buchberlin #booklove #cher #bookshelf #internationalbookfair #bookholic #jualbuku #jualbukumurah #reading #obralbuku #bukuindie #bukujogja #tokobukumurah #buchmesse #langka #pasarbuku #bukulangka #bhfyp #jualbelibukuonline #onlineshop #jualanonline #booklovers #anresbooks #readingbooks #booksofinstagram #boekuitstalling #buch #bookish #buchberlinkids #tokobukuonline #boimela #lesen #bookworm #poetry #gontor #fbm #bazarbuku #bookreview #berlin #read #writer #berlinerbuchmesse #buchmesseberlin #author #instabooks #boekverkoping #virtualbookfair #bookaddict