Saturday, June 10, 2006

End Of The Tunnel

I can finally see a light end of the roller coaster tunnel!!! It's been a very hectic couple of months and should be slowing down after this weekend --- I hope!

Updates:
Dad is home and his recovery is going great! There has been a VN coming in daily to check on his incision and progress. I didn't ask how his doctor appointment went yesterday but the VN expected him to be released from their care.

Darryl's divorce was finally granted last Monday, now it's time for his healing to start. Unfortunately he won't be getting back any of the money he put into his ex's house. On the up side --- she didn't get the $1/yr alimony she desperately wanted.

Work has been a feast or famine these last few weeks. First, I didn't get the job as District Secretary. For reasons, only known to the District Manager, he hired someone from the outside. My boss was more upset than I, that I didn't get the job. Actually he was more upset at the way the DM handled the whole process. Personally, I felt I was called in for the interview only because the DM had been questioned about it. I really believe he had already determined he would not hire from within. The next issue was the DM never told either of us that he had hired from outside or that he made a decision to hire someone. I found out from the "out going" secretary that she would be in the office, last week, to train her replacement.

For anyone that does not follow the business/industry news, Watkins Motor Lines was purchased by FedEx. While we all knew something was going on, the rumor mill was that it was DHL buying Watkins. Maybe two weeks before the announcement, I had been hearing it was FedEx. Right now the SEC, other government agencies and lawyers are working out the details and paperwork. Sometime within the next 60 - 90 days, there will be a new division of FedEx called -- FedEx National LTL. That will be us. Our jobs, at this time, are secure. Of course we all know that is always said during aquisitions. Only time will tell if that is a reality. I don't believe my job would be jeopardized but upper management & corporate may need to worry.

News:
On 06/06/06 my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage!! Tomorrow, Darryl & I have a surprise cookout planned to celebrate. I wish I could do more but it's difficult without the funding. We have about 25-30 people attending and hopefully it will be a nice surprise for them. From the looks of the weather forecast, we may even have sun tomorrow. THANK GOD! I wasn't sure how we could do an indoor cookout if it was pouring outside.

Next weekend, I'm off to Maryland for another of our annual "Cruisers Land Parties". It's about a 5-6 hr. drive but will be well worth the time can gas prices to relax with my friends. Cruisers beware --- Lunyma & BadBinky2 will be sharing a room again!! Will the Clarion in Aberdeen survive us? I seriously thought about cancelling but Lunyma had already purchased her airline ticket and I had promised to share costs for the hotel.

With everything that has taken place in the last few months, I've earned some serious R&R. That's just what I'll be doing during July 4th week. I was going to visit relatives in Maine but have decided to stay home. Gas prices are currently $3.19/gal. and I know they will go higher for the Holiday. While I can pay for the gas to get to & from Maine, I usually do alot of driving while there. We're talking about $150 just for gas --- never mind tolls, eating out, must have lobster, Pat's Pizza, Italian Sandwich.... Then to fight the Holiday traffic, it's just not worth the trip and definatley not the relaxation I could use right now.

TTFN!