One Year Anniversary

Thursday will be the one year anniversary of my layoff (the date of 11/15), but it occurred the week before Thanksgiving. I remember that day vividly. I remember exchanging pleasantries with a manager who had never managed me (but had wished that she had). I remember talking with friends and telling them that I had this meeting to which Sue (enjoy hell Sue) had invited me. I remember thinking, "I have a 9 am meeting... I wonder what it is about..." I remember walking in the room and seeing people with whom I never had meetings. I remember the "solemn" looks of the SS Guard. I remember them reading a declaration from the Führer about how we had to walk into the career gas chambers. I remember walking to my desk and seeing all of my friends. Their faces full of such unbearable sadness. I remember leaving the building and getting in my car (oh, don't forget that Sue had to collect my ID). I remember driving to the park accross the street and sitting in my car for what seems like hours. I remember gathering the courage to call my wife. I remember speaking to her as she cried. I remember feeling like I had no idea how I would survive this ordeal. I just wanted to see my wife and kids.

But, This year has taught me that I am and my wife is and my children are much stronger than we ever envisioned. We survived this year. Sure, it sucked... But, we survived it together. I am also thankful for the friens I left behind . Thank God for their support.

P.S. What makes this day even sadder is that four of my friends from my current company were let go today. I truly wish them the best of luck. I totally know how it feels.

Long Hours

So, it has been a long time since I posted... I was home last week, but I am back this week... This week has been and will continue to suck... I am scheduled to work 8am until 10pm tomorrow... How fun!!! I am not sure that we will be able to get lunch or dinner, but they may bring in something.... How nice of them!

Anyways, it was so nice to see some of my old friends last Friday (some of whom I hadn't seen in years). I am hoping that I will be able to see everyone next time.

Also, while I hate going to church... I really loved sitting next to my wife and eldest during the service. I so love being with them

Terrible Travel Day

Today has been such a terrible travel day... I went to bed at midnight PST. I couldn't sleep... I knew I had to get up at 4am PST to catch my 6am PST flight out of SBA. Well, I woke up at 2am PST and again at 3am PST. I stayed up and played a little FIFA 2009.

SBA - I got to the airport and there was a delay... I thought... Oh, crap. I am going to miss my connection in Salt Lake. Apparently the first officer was sick and they had to call in a new first officer. We left a half hour late.

SLC - So, I land into Salt Lake and run to catch my flight. I had about 10 minutes to board when I got to the gate. I was thinking... I can't wait to get home. I can't wait to take the girls trick-or-treating... I was thirsty, so I got a tea. I walked back to the gate to find out that my flight was canceled and I was on a flight to home via ATL. It really made me sad... God, I was suppossed to land at 4pm EST and now I won't be home until 9pm EST.

ATL - Airport is nuts... I am so freakin' tired... I have 96 new emails from today... God help me...
I should be home soon.

Work... What to do

So, I am packing my stuff to take my 6am flight from SBA to home...

I cannot wait to go home to see my kids... I am so looking forward to walking around with them on their Halloween fun...

Celeb Rehab 2 is on right now... Nikki McKibbin is on the show... Who knew she was famous (minus the first American Idol experience)? Gary Busey is absolutely nuts... He needs to be committed...

The whole job thing... I don't know... I am just so tired... Maybe I should stay... Maybe I should go... I just want to work a normal schedule...

Hello, my friend... Hello

If only, like in the movie "Saving Silverman," Neil Diamond could sing to all of us...

I am sorry that I have not made a post in awhile. I know that you, my friends, are probably wondering how and what I am doing . Well, I have been so busy. I have been working 75+ hours a week and it is getting to be too much. Last week, I worked 86 hours (if only I got paid an hourly salary). On top of it, the poor economy has everyone at my company feeling a little uneasy. We will see what happens with this whole work thing...

On the home front, I have been trying to enjoy my time with my family. I am so proud of my eldest. She is so smart. She asked her teacher for extra math homework because she doesn't feel challenged by the work she receives. Outside of school, she achieved her camo belt in tae kwondo. My little one is learning so much in school too. She has such a little personality (that can definitely help you in school). She is also doing well in ballet. I really love my girls. Finally, my wife is such a rock for me. She has been my strength, my comfort and my hero. She has talked me down from the ledge may a time lately. I could never have made it through this year without her. Lately she has been talking about her desire to add another child to our household. I have been scouting around for 18-year old exchange students... LOL. She and I are going to talk about a baby again starting the first of the year. I really love having two kids and I love that the little one is really the little one. I can't imagine her being a middle child... Stay tuned.

On a non-serious note... The kids and I all have Nintendo DS's. We play them all of the time. I have been obsessed with FIFA 2009. It is a great game.

Also, there are some great shows out there: "True Blood", "Amazing Race". "Heroes", "Sarah Silverman", "South Park", "The Office", "Survivor" and, of course, "Ghost Whisperer." Doesn't my job know that it is important for me to watch these... LOL... (I am so behind on my shows).

Adios

I just don't know

So, in terms of work, I have a ton... It seems like an insurmountable mountain. But, having all of that work makes me feel secure. It gives me the comfort of security in my position. The takeover of my company and the lack of new projects makes me nervous and I HATE it. If I was single, all of this would affect me differently. But, supporting my family is one of the most important aspects of my life and I want nothing more than the security of a job. I would do anything to take care of them.

Ok, got that off of my chest... So, I had to travel to the big city today. Chicago is so huge. I had to present to the customer on the 38th floor of some building in the city. I cannot imagine why people want to live in that chaos. I love my life in suburbia.

Finally, go watch "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." It is such a funny film. And, most of all.... Thank you all

Being home for a second...or so...

After being home for 45 hours, I am now in Santa Barbara. I love being here because it is so beautiful, but I wish I could have stayed home. I planned this trip a while ago not knowing about what my travel schedule would be... Dallas last week, SB this week and Chicago next week. I am going to be tired of travelling (actually, that happened sometime in April... LOL...).

On a personal note, I can't believe that my little girl will be 8 a week from today. I am so proud of her...