Nine years ago I was a simple man. The big day was blustery, but very pleasant. My fiancée and prepared for a life ahead as husband and wife. We had a lovely time with 25 of our closest friends and family. We got married and have lived happily ever after.
Well, not quite. Life isn't a Disney story folks. The nine years since we got married have been interesting. Prior to my getting married I worked numerous jobs, 25 or so to be imprecise. Amazingly I've been at the same job for almost the entire time we've been married. After we got hitched I changed jobs a couple times which included a brief stint at the Costco corporate office.
I had so many dreams in my head in 2001. The sky's the limit I kept telling myself. In essence it was very true as we were able to save our money and purchase our first home the following year. In 2004 we spent two full weeks vacationing in France. Needing a bit more space than our 840 square foot house, we upgraded to our current home in 2005. The following year I trained my ass off for Ironman Canada. 2007 brought us a little bundle of joy known as Baby Singe.
Life has been rather good. The correlation between 2001 and 2010 are hard to overlook. The last time I was a free agent in the job market was 2001. I recall a sense of freedom when I landed a spot at my current company. While chatting with someone yesterday about my uncertain job future, I hinted at how I feel like I can dream again. It really does take me back nine years to when anything seemed possible.
Of course though, none of this would be possible if it wasn't for my loving wife, Mrs. Lessinges. She's been a pillar of strength the entire way, an amazing life companion. Breaking the news to her about my layoff last week wasn't nearly as bad as envisioned. She took it in stride and is probably a bit relieved. This job has had many ups and downs. To my own surprise I've lasted about 6-7 years longer than expected. Onward ho!
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Now that I'm leaving my job, it's time to share some wonderful gifts I've received during some company gatherings. Of the Why Bother category: smiley face stickers, luggage ID tag, and a garment bag. Seriously, I was given a luggage ID tag with a sincere look accompanied by a firm handshake saying thanks for all your hard work. Gee thanks, nothing says you're a hard worker like a luggage ID tag.
Of the This Is The Shit category: iPod Shuffle, Kindle, and some glass trophy. I may never have made great bucks at this job, but there were a couple really nice gifts for my time worked at said company.
I got a luggage tag from my job before last. I also got a lot of glass/lucite awards and stuff which I boxed up and took with me when I left. That box remained in the place in the closet for years until I was moving to San Diego and decided to move the box into the trash bin.
(also: when i link to your blog entry from twitter, I’m prompted to enter my name and password for Twitter which is weird)
I’m not sure I will comment here again. Next you’ll want my SS number and bra size. #unacceptable
Also? Here’s a beautiful future for you and your girls. Am squeeing.
I think I said this before, but new work can be so liberating! And you have incredible support by your side, which is going to make it even better. The best is yet to be!
Oh, man, if only my husband had given me a luggage tag and a firm handshake for our anniversary, he would have gotten so much more than a bj.
Congrats to both of you. Now go make it nine more.
take all the post-its, do it. hey on another note, are any other readers getting prompted to log in to twitter when reading this blog? i’m getting a funky prompt the past couple days
Kirk – I haven’t a clue why that annoying as hell Twitter API message keeps popping up. I’ve tinkered with almost every setting I can imagine on TypePad, Twitter, and GoDaddy. It’s pissing me off. Seems to be linked to RSS feeds for my blog based on the browser used. Luggage tags aren’t so cool. I’m not sure trophies are great either, but it’s nice to be recognized I suppose.
the wino – still waiting for the size. Shall I guess? The future is so bright, I had to get new shades (before my benefits expire). So it goes. The girls are good and I’m not talking about my manboobs either.
LesleyG – support is going to be key over the next few months. I love the cyber world for support. I mean it.
Gwen – nicely done, nicely done. I love it. Nine more kids? If it guarantees me a reality show and an endless supply of wardrobes and fame, I’m game.
Van – I will take all most Post-It notes and my work schwag. See my note to Kirk above about this login garbage. It’s confusing and really pissing me off.
Wait. Gwen gives BJs?
the wino – I liked that Gwen didn't hold back on her admission. She's a very special woman and so happy she brings her A game. Not that others don't, she just lives in Switzerland so that makes me jealous.
I hope the next 9 years are even better.
Churlita – the next nine years are definitely going to be a lot different than the previous nine years, 6.5 of which were childless.
Egan, your accounting of all that is right in your world will go far in getting you through the uncertainty of unemployment.
I wish you well in your quest for a new job.
Tme for a new beginning!
This is definitely going to be a good thing.
Chris – thanks man, I’m really getting settled in and enjoying the down time. So rare to have this unscripted time in our lives.
Michelle – heck yeah!