On the Shores of Change

It was a rough week. First, Notre Dame got burned. Then I did.

I, and a few hundred others, got "the call" and were told we were "being separated from the company."

Breaking up is hard to do. Especially after 27 years (29 if you count the time spent as a contractor).

At first, I was euphoric. We'd known about the layoffs for months. Having it happen felt like a gigantic weight had been lifted from my shoulders. My coworkers were wonderful. They are the part of my job I will truly miss.

Then the enormous reality started to settle in. Stuff like bills. Paying for continued health insurance. Finding another job.

The day after, I prepared a rough draft of my resume and sent it to my son. I got it back with many revisions. Then more. Then a few more. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.) Eventually, it got to a place he deemed satisfactory. I have been truly blessed with this son of mine. He has been a tiger about putting out the word and offering me links to potential jobs. He is a keeper.

I also had lunch with some (now fellow) expats. That was diverting and fun.

In the meantime, Mr. Ginley, concerned about my psyche, insisted I take a few days off to process. Because the Sword of Damocles had been hanging over my head for so long, I'd gotten past the first stages of grief (anger, denial and bargaining). I'm working on depression and acceptance.

On Thursday, we went to Wendy Park. It was the first time either of us had been there. It's a lovely place, and it was great to go on a weekday morning when only the hardy fishermen and a lone photographer were sharing our space. I saw several common loons (I guess that's why they are "common"), which was a kick. Walked around the restored Coast Guard Station. And sat by the lake and got blown around a bit. (Wendy is windy!)

I'm enjoying the time with Mr. Ginley. We're going to pretend it's a (very frugal) vacation.

Aside from having the internet, we're looking at it as living like our folks did. We can do that.

And this week, I'll be searching for a new start, hither and yon, hoping someone will hire a "well-seasoned" worker with plenty of passion left in her old bones.

Thanks to all who are reading for your support. It means a lot to me.

And, oh, yes, Happy Easter to one and all!