Updates, generally.
I’m sorry I haven’t been here in a while. I have an excuse, but that always makes the apology seem less sincere, as tough it’s followed on its heels with, “but I shouldn’t have to be.” I’ll tell you what it is anyway. Not to excuse myself, I suppose, but maybe let you know how I’ve been. And I’ll still be sorry.
The writing was a big deal, of course – for some time I was allowing the novel to consume all time not spent at work or tending to family matters. Then we were all hit by The Cold.
For over a month it took its turn rotating through the household, a long incubation followed by a 2 1/2 weeks of progressively miserable symptoms. By the time I personally finished with it, I was tending the afflicted and helping reduce the strain on my dear wife. See, by this time in the year, what with young kids and all, I only had 1 sick day left; we were loathe to use it all up by March or April.
After The Cold, family things seemed to stay busy – even the book began to languish somewhat, which is unfortunate because my health and cognitive outlook have been steadily improving and I’m really in a place now where I could probably make some serious progress. I’m pretty sure I was about to try, rededicate my efforts when the Reduction In Force showed up.
I have nothing disparaging to say about United Online or its various offshoots. They run the company well, the culture and environment are wonderful, and I highly recommend that if ever one has an opportunity to work with or for them, to go for it.
It just so happens that our division is trying to make sales of technology services to consumers at large. The offerings haven’t been appreciably updated in the last 5-6 years, and the web has really grown up around them. Times are tough, revenues are slipping, and that means one or more of the following: find new revenue streams, reduce expenses, tough it out, or quit. They’re trying to see if A & B can help with C.
This happened half-way through April. I’ve been busy with some contract work for a while and really only just beginning the search for new employment when it’s already over; just like that.
I have an offer I’m considering – not a bad one at all – and am hoping to get one more early this week. Regardless, the family is OK, the career is OK, and hopefully writing (novel, journal, and here) will also be OK.
I’ll let you know.
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