Okay, folks...I've started the other thread. We'll see what happens. My goal...if there is one...will be to encourage those in PERSONAL recovery if their Marriage's don't survive.

I had a long day of meetings today, very intense.

I was reading that the Kansas City aura of bbq began with a place called Arthur Bryants. So...I looked it up and had dinner tonight at the original AB's. Ribs, fries, and beans. Man..it is NOT a place you would take someone to impress them!! Looks like a dive from the outside, in the really, really wrong part of town. But...the food was good.

I'm looking forward to heading home tomorrow night. I get home around midnight, justifying me beginning to feel like I need to have Friday off to work in the yard!!

Georgia

Well...this is turning out to be a rather difficult day.

I got a call from my boss this morning. We are basically elminating our whole engineering staff except for a few key people. Amazingly, I'm not being laid off (which I find incredible).

The guy who moved into the job I had until about 4 months ago is losing his job today. Also, the team that was my staff, all of which I personally hired and worked closely with, will be losing thier jobs today. I have considered these folks close friends as well as co-workers, and they are some very, very talented people.

Anyway, it really hit me hard this morning to have to be told this. When I get home and go back to work, the whole team will be gone and there will be empty offices where they were.

I will be the only person in the company who works in an engineering capacity outside of our main facility. I don't know why the company is feeling like they need to keep me, but I think I would be foolish to think I am going to be able to survive much longer. One of the guys losing his job today has been there longer than me (over 25 years).

I think this really needs to add some urgency to my pond business ideas....

Georgia

Sorry to hear about this, Georgia...

It's a testimony to your value to the company thus far but so sad for your colleagues..

Hi GG,

That really sucks! Having the rug pulled out from under you like that is so scary. I've worked for big corps for a while, been laid off a few times, too. The first time I was devestated. I knew it wasnt personal, I even knew it was a possibility, but I was still distraught. And loosing all of your friends like that... I cant imagine. I am very sorry. And of course you are right, time to update the resume and find a lifeboat. What a rotten day. {{{{{gg}}}} - Dru

I talked to one of the affected engineers just a little while ago. They were given a 30 day notice (meaning they will continue to work for 30 days), then their severance package will kick in. I don't know how much the package is, but he's only worked with us less than 2 years. He has 3 school age children and moved all the way from Wichita to go to work with us. I feel really badly about this.

My flight doesn't leave for almost 4 hours, so I'm going to try to get some work done from here in the hotel lobby. I don't get home until midnight tonight.

Georgia

I'm so sorry for the situation. It must be very hard for you as the only survivor in the company. But what's your futur like there?

Hi cc -

Well, I don't want to sound pessimistic, but...

In my new role, I manage only the major programs (>$500K) going in within my company. I ansewr to the V.P. of engineering. However, now that engineering is being done at only one location (not where I live), I am going to have a hard time believing that they are going to continue to need me to manage 4 programs (which is how many major programs we're doing this year) being while the programs are all happening at the same place where the VP works.

We'll see....but I will be really, really surprised if I make it through this year.

Georgia

FGG,

I'm sorry about your work situation. Just as there is life after marriage, there is life after a job too.

I just was laid off due to a complete company shutdown, and by God's mercy started a new job 12 days later. It's a completely different kind of place, and quite different work. Same pay. So far (2 weeks in), I like it. There are interesting possibilities in it.

You have the distinction of being the last man to be fired. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> - even if they never get around to firing you, there's nobody else. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I think that says alot about your status as an employee.

-AD

Yes, I think they would be different. Different in the most critical ways? I don't know. She brought me flowers at lunch yesterday. That's a first!

Of course, your xw would have sent you flowers, baked you cakes etc. etc. etc., and still not given up OM#2. And I don't really know that my XW is not in contact with her OM. So, carefully and slowly I go.

But I have a 5-year-old, and that weighs very heavily on my mind...

-AD

Hi AD -

That's encouraging about your job. In the city you live in, however, there is lots of "similar" (somewhat) firms. Where I am....we're the only game in town.

I have a spent a great deal of time the last day or so "pondering" (yuk yuk) this situation. I think I am going to move forward with writing a business plan and working with some pond folks in neighboring cities to prepare myself. One good thing is that the severage package being offered (or forced) is one week of pay for each year of service. That means I would continue to get paid for 6 months after I'm terminated....assuming that happens. That would give me time to work through this process.

I had #1S give me an optical exam this morning. I have mild occular hypertension (at least I think that's what it's called). This is the second exam (in 6 months) with the same results. The dr. wants to do one more exam before treating me for this. (Field of vision test showed no loss of peripheral vision).

It was really nice to get my hands in dirt and plant things today, even though it's a little cool today. I got home at 3:00 AM this morning due to late flights, then I had to be up at 7:30 for the dr. appointment. I'm tired!!

AD - I know that having a child still at home is a huge issue. I do hope that WW because FWS and you get back together, that would be the best thing that could happen to you.

Also...remembering who you work for...I wasn't aware they shut down. Was the WHOLE company?

Georgia

I can't help but notice.....

"BTW, I agree with Lemonman ...."

Mimi...I never thought I'd live to see you write those words ;-)

I've agreed with him before...only on certain very selected points...

Why did you have to bring that up on your thread?

Now it's been TAINTED...

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

BTW..Yes, I am keeping up with you...

I know you are, that's why I made my comment on my thread....

It just struck me funny...I hope you take it that way.

Georgia:

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

FGG punned, which is like calling my name...

I've been thinking of names for your new business (because I envisioned you doing it on weekends to start it up...God may have other plans)...

Back in January, after I read a post, I saw a truck next to me at a light in that business...I should have written down the name...and yesterday, I saw one, "Colorado Hardscapes" which brought you to mind, again. So I'm posting it, but I looked at their website and, well, that's not your idea.

But I was thinking of you, and let my mind go on...thought of Dreamscapes...it was a movie, but I don't think a business.

Had to post it for ya. You may begin with your ponds, small waterfalls, scenic water gardens...and grow it more...Dreamscapes of Georgia...

Had to contribute. All puns welcome. I'm all over them. Might even say I'm punscum...

But you wouldn't.

LA

"Swampscapes"?

FGG, the saga will soon be over so you will have to start a NEW THREAD! with a different name.

I don't know about starting a new thread..post saga. This thread is the second most viewed thread on MB GQII...behind Idiotville. This was starting a month after Idiotville.

I think FGG has lots of lurking friends following this thread.

It is a thread of FGG's evolving recovery and a comfortably homey place as we follow his saga of rebuilding his life with a 'new' home and a dog named Jeb. I hope we get to see a new business venture develop into a huge success. Then, when the time is right maybe a special lady with enter his life. If, by some miracle, his wife wakes up, has an epiphany, and comes to her senses....well that would be something else indeed; though I won't be holding my breath.

God bless you, FGG.

Hi folks -

I thought I'd pop in here for a minute to see what's going on. Some interesting things, indeed.

I spent yesterday making some major renovations on my pond. It's still in work, but I expect to be able to finish it up this week. I'll post pictures.

Also, I'm adding a small pond in the front yard using left-overs from the big one. I'll add pictures of that one as well when it's done.

I worked some long hours yesterday shoveling and moving stone. I decided that I might want to start getting accustomed to some physical work, which I think would actually be good for me. Last night I think every muscle in my body ached. I actually took Ibuporfen for msucle pain which is something I rarely do.

Tonight I'm going to the final installment of the C.S. Lewis festival. Tonights speaker will be addressing the spiritual significance of the Narnia series. Should be good.

BTW - Dreamscapes of Georiga. I kinda like that, actually. I'll keep that one in reserve. I'm going to call my pond "mentor" tomorrow and see what we can do to meet.

Have a good evening all.

Georgia

Hi FGG -

You sound great, glad things are moving along & can't wait to see pics of your "work".

I like "Dreamscapes of Georgia" too!

Take Care!

Kim