Happy Sunday!
Weirdly warm temperatures FTW! Or not. I don’t care if it is rainy tomorrow, a 61F degree high is not normal for Wisconsin in December, and I refuse to accept it. Call me old-fashioned or a traditionalist or what have you. December (in Wisconsin) needs to be cold and snow. That is normal. This is global warming, and I am not a fan.
It has been a tough week for all of us, I know. The tax scam. The net neutrality. It is difficult to think that things will ever get better. For us, in case you did not know it, Jim was restructured out of his job the week before Thanksgiving. As this was the first full week after he was let go, we were hoping his contacts with various recruiters/headhunters, former colleagues, and such would lead to some potential job openings. So far, there is not much. We are trying to limit his search to a one-hour radius from our house, which would include Madison and the eastern suburbs of Milwaukee, for neither Holly nor I want to move. His severance package and his payout for his vacation give us a few months of safety. However, we are going to have to make some tough decisions after the holidays if there are no nibbles between now and then. I pray it doesn’t come to that. After all, unemployment is so low, that you would think there are plenty of Director level supply chain roles out there.
To make matters worse, Jim has torn cartilage in his knee. We debated long and hard about whether now was the right time for surgery. However, when we looked at the costs and realized we had met the family deductible for the year, it was a no-brainer. We live in a messed-up system where we have to weigh the pros and cons of a medical procedure. His surgery is this coming Wednesday; it is outpatient and done all the time so I am not worried. I am worried about the bill though.
On a happier note:
I AM THANKFUL FOR: the fact that I finished all of my holiday shopping, decorating, and cards. The last items are on their way. The cards will go out on Monday. Holly is decorating the tree as I type this. I think this is the earliest I have ever finished preparing for the holidays, and I look forward to being able to bake cookies and treats at my leisure without having the need for a last-minute scramble.
I AM GRATEFUL THAT: we can afford for Jim to lose his job this close to the holidays without any major financial setbacks, at least initially. We are among the very fortunate few, but it was not so long ago where it would have been a major issue. It makes me think of the millions of people who are not so fortunate and vow that when things settle down for us, however and whenever that happens, I will find a way to pay forward our good fortune.
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO: getting a new puppy. Yes, timing is everything. Before we knew about Jim’s job, we put a down payment on a Gordon Setter puppy. The mama just got pregnant and will have her pups late this month, which means we should be bringing home our latest baby at the end of February. We would like a girl but have no choice in the matter should the mama’s litter be smaller than expected as we are fourth on the waiting list, so no names yet. This will be Jim’s dog, so he is really looking forward to having a running partner again. I am curious how Tallulah will react. I suspect some major cuddling, a lot of jealousy, and plenty of barking as they play together.
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Here are past posts from the few last weeks in case you missed them the first time:
- It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 27 November 2017
- Never Coming Back is bittersweet
- A Secret History of Witches – It’s harmless
- Gather the Daughters should come with a warning label
- Fabulous Friday – 1 December 2017
- What’s for Dinner? – Week Starting 25 November 2017
- November in Review
I think I missed the post about him losing his job. That totally blows. I love your positive outlook though. It would be great to find a job even closer to home. I know many companies break over the holidays and don’t post or interview for positions so maybe right after them, things will open up. I also hope the surgery goes well.
We’ve been wondering how my BIL is going to be financially after this hospital stay. A week on life support in the ICU, one week in a private room, dialysis every day and no word on when he will be able to go home or if he will even be able to be cared for at home given my SILs condition. Oh! And I forgot her FOUR weeks in the hospital and numerous ambulance rides to the ER for my SIL. What’s the alternative though? There is none.
I never posted about him losing his job. I mentioned it on Twitter the day it happened but have not really talked about it. I think I am in denial even though he is home keeping the house clean and making dinner every day. It is an unfortunate time of year to be restructured out of a job.
It is so sad that finances become such an important decision-making factor in our health. Opting to avoid procedures because they cost too much, worrying about their financial future rather than just their future health. These should never be worries. Someday, the majority of the people will realize this and vote for single-payer healthcare.
Sorry to hear about Jim’s job & surgery. I remain optimistic for you all that with all his contacts it will work out in early 2018. Meanwhile, it is seriously warm here too. The forecast is looking at 50 degrees in mid-Dec. that is WAY not normal for western Canada. I think the world is going to fall … uh oh. No snow here. yikes. I’ve never seen it so bare.
Thank you!
We finally have a shift in temperatures to what they should be this time of year. No snow yet, but we seem to either get no snow in a winter or are inundated with it. I suspect this is going to be a no-snow winter.
I pray that the perfect job for Jim opens up soon. I know all too well how stressful being in between jobs can be. I’m glad you’re in a situation where you’re able to be okay for awhile. And I hope all goes well with his surgery! I hate medical bills. I try to avoid going to the doctor at all costs so I don’t have that bill. Even with insurance, it’s too expensive.
A new puppy – that’s so exciting!!
Have a great week, Michelle!
Thanks, Brandie! I’m trying to stay positive, but I admit the prospect of potentially having to move makes me sick to my stomach. For the first time ever, I don’t want to move.
Wow. You know, you’re the fourth family – besides ours – that I know that has lost a job in the last six months. I’m glad y’all are getting some severance and other things to help make up a few months of leeway. I hope he gets something quickly. Sending y’all lots of hugs and positive vibes!
Thank you! Like you were moving away from San Antonio, I don’t want to move. Every fiber of my being is saying that would be a bad idea. I can only hope that he finds something around here before the middle of January.
I’m sorry that Jim lost his job, but I’m happy to hear that things will be okay for the foreseeable future. I hope he finds something new soon, and I hope his surgery goes well.
Thank you very much!
I am sorry you’re going through these personal setbacks at the same time we’re going through this horrific period in the US. I hope you get good news about your husband’s career soon. Yay for the new puppy!
Thanks, Steph!
I am sorry to hear about Jim: both the job and the knee. Hope the surgery goes well for him…
…I’m with you on the weather needing to be cold. I just want snow for Christmas.
Thanks, Bryan!
30-degree temperature drop tomorrow. It should be interesting.
I love Gordon Setters! Aw… Cheers and all the best wishes for good news on every front. I am still debating cards or a holiday form letter so it might be late.
Finally, someone who has heard of the breed! We are finding not many people know what they look like. Jim is so excited. He’s like a little kid on Christmas Eve, and the pups haven’t even been born yet. I just hope that the job search and eventual job offer does not change our plans in this area.
Oooo…pictures of Oscar and Esther? On the boat? Put a holly border around it and call it Christmas! 😉
My hopes and thoughts are for finding a suitable job soon.
Thank you very much!