Sunday Reflections – 3 December 2017

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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: