About two weeks ago the President and CEO of the company that I have been contracting with went for a jog and didn't return. This very nice and smart man of 49 years liked to run on trails and must have (I don't know the actual details) had a heart attack where there was no help available. This definitely put a dark gloom over everyone that knew him and that I worked with.
I was expecting (someday) to maybe interview with him about a position at this company. At that point, I had no idea what my future held for me.
The CTO and one of the founders of the company stepped in and took control. This guy is very intelligent technically and also has a track record for success with at least two previous ventures locally.
A week ago last Wednesday, he and the Senior Technologist pulled chairs up to where I was working and inquired whether I would like a position as a manufacturing software developer, and pass the software quality assurance to somebody else. I agreed (in principle) and had an offer in my hand by the next day. The offer was very good and put me very close to where I was at my previous job, AND provided a piece of the company that would vest in a year. Not only was I overwhelmed by the offer from out of the blue, but jumped at a chance to be a developer again AND be part of an exciting new venture that is very quick moving. It is becoming very successful in a hurry.
As of last Monday, I am a regular employee. Let me tell you how very close I was to applying for unemployment again. In California, we are only entitled to six months of coverage, then we have to wait six months before we can apply again. I had been unemployed for just under a year.
The employment picture is gloomy locally (to say the least). The types of businesses that I have experience within, have dwindled to very, very few. Since they depend on defense dollars, which are being pinched by the current government trending to end wars (at least the existing ones). It got to the point that I was no longer worried about not getting responses from companies that I applied to, but more trying to find positions to apply for. I expanded my range from Camarillo to VAFB, but it only added a few options, and if the panned out, it would mean a serious commute.
On Monday, the CEO (who I report to) outlined a new software project for a manufacturing cell that I would be working on. [This is fun stuff!] Working for a commercial company now means that the customer base and trade shows are pushing our schedule instead of government contracts.
Another cool aspect is that when we determine that we have a need, we go buy it (if local) or order it online. There are no requisitions to fill out. BTW, there are no timecards or charge numbers either. Verrry interesting!
Shopping
My husband had reluctantly agreed to come shopping with me. But when he found himself stuck in a lingerie shop while I tried on one garment after another, he regretted his decision. Impatient and bored he asked a salesclerk, "Is there anything in the store for men?"
"Sir," she said, "everything in this store is for men."
Map
Before heading out on a family hike, we stood at the trailhead reviewing map pinned to a bulletin board. A red arrow on the map that said "You are here" caught my six year old's attention. Pointing to it he asked. "How do they know that?"
"Nice dog. What's its name?" I asked my friend's 10-year old son.
"Bob," he said.
"And what's your cat's name?"
"Bob."
"Well, how do you keep them straight?" I asked.
"Well, one is Bob Cat and the other is Bob Barker," the boy answered.
"Go ahead and tell him your rabbit's name," his father suggested.
The kid smiled and said... "Dennis Hopper."
Falling Apart
There's quite an art to falling apart ....
as these years go by.
And life Doesn't begin at 40 ....
That's a Big Fat Lie!
My hair's gettin' thinner ....
my Body is Not.
The few Teeth I have ....
are beginning to Rot!
I smell of Vick's-Vapo-Rub ....
Not Chanel #5.
My new Pacemaker's all ....
that keepin' me alive!
When asked of my past ....
Every Detail I'll know.
But what was I doin' ....
just 10 minutes ago?
Well, you get the Idea ....
what More can I say?
I'm off to read the Obits ....
like I do every Day.
If my name is not there ....
I'll once again Start -
Perfecting the Art ....
Of Falling Apart!
But til' That Last Curtain ....
Decides to Fall,
I'm gonna' have ....
Myself a Ball!
