Back to winter

Returned from Florida today. Had a real relaxing time with Sister, she was such a great host. The weather was Florida - little cool in the 70's and eventually the 80's. Actually saw sun when flying back into Cbus. Shocking! Not bad trip though people are stupid in baggage claim (I'll probably rant later).

Back to office tomorrow - not ready to go, but oh well. Off for new years, though no real plans for tomorrow night - very lame. Least it will be short days at the office.

Will post more later!

Heading South

Getting ready to leave for Florida tomorrow to see my sister! Ready to leave gray gloomy skies of Columbus for 70-80 degree weather. Luckily had no meetings today so didn't go to the office. Had a nice time running a few errands, excellent lunch @ Brio with Mrs. A, had to have a little glass of Chianti.

So nice not to be in a rush to get out of town. Still have to pay some bills and finish laundry, flight isn't til 2:45 tomorrow so plenty of town. Will post when I can - ready to relax! Be back in Cbus on 12/30 and rush back to work on 12/31. Need to find something to do that night.

Anyhoo - more later and Happy Holidays!

My addictions

Gave up one of my bad habits recently, drinking caffeinated soda, usually only one daily. My preference was Coca-Cola and frankly it's not been too bad. Though with this changeable weather and sinuses it's been tough some days. Found I was drinking more on weekends and sort of craving something at night. Have once or twice given in however found the next day I didn't go back. Eventually I'll have one once in a while, don't want to deprive myself. Did have one and realized I slept so poorly later that night, sort of incentive to not have it.

So decided, why not have a cocktail or glass of wine? Not sure why I don't do that more often - have ingredients at home - wasn't happy with glasses so bought some cheap ones at Crate & Barrel last week.

More to say later - however that's the scoop at the moment.

Snowy weekend

Started Friday hanging with my pal Laurie. She was laid off this week after 20+ years. Taking it better than I expected though anxious to find something else. Can't do anything really til end of the year and the firm does have good resources. She worries though even with a long severance and goes nuts at home. It's been devasting for some at work - family breaking up and really end of an era. We watched the Cavs and at least they beat the Pacers and Laurie's boyfriend, Anderson Varejao contributed greatly to that effort. LeBron was himself - not big scoring but big on assists and did some fabulous 3s.

It snowed all day yesterday and really didn't have to be anywhere so didn't go out. Luckily it was a light fluffy snow and easy to clean my car off today. Went for a drive (keep car warmed up for a while) and then grocery store.

Chatted with sister who's cleaning out the guest closet - be ready for my visit! So counting down the days and lots of work to do before I go to Florida.

Hate having my suspicions confirmed

So I was right - today it was announced 10% job cuts of our group which means 7 in the Cbus office. I'm still "safe" though I realize that's for now. If things don't pick up - no one can guarantee anything. (Of course senior mgmt says that's it). They didn't say this, however I'm involved with some critical items (including major project) and I do shit that no one wants to do - so can't afford to lose me. Though part of me would know that this would be excellent kick in the ass to find something better. This isn't the first time I've gone through this (and not last), still sucks.

So of the 7 - two are really good pals of mine and they are devasted. Haven't had chance to talk with them since I was tied up in meetings and when heard news, they were gone for the day. One responsible thing the company is doing - letting them leave now so they can start working on finding new jobs even though official notice is end of the year. (Previous mgmt idiots kept postponing transition and nothing worse with people with a date marked still coming to office) After official notice, they get 60 days before severance package goes into effect. So paid for not really working til end of February. Most have long tenure so lengthy severance (year), however who knows how long this crap will last. One good pal is real worrier - not to mention the insurance issues.

So everyone is depressed and of course worried - even though mgmt says don't, just do your job. There were so many signs this was coming though most ignore them. Plus most of the folks there are old school. Don't get that mgmt decisions aren't always easy to figure out, no longer just seniority anymore and if upper mgmt doesn't know what you do (and your mgr is crap), it's easier for them to say "bye bye". Also haven't heard about other areas yet - though I know there will be some other folks I deal with that may have their jobs eliminated.

Sign of the times

Won't bore with details about credit markets - however usual ridiculousness at work. Rumors there will be cuts announced Friday - not sure how /if impact's my group. Probably so - not sure what means for me. Sort of hoping it does and sort of hoping it doesn't.