“The nation turns its lonely eyes to you me.”
Oh, only to be so relevant.
Fortunately I’ve heard from at least one source that I have been missed. It doesn’t say how much or why, but it feels good to know somebody noticed I was gone.
In any case, it’s nice to be back, if only for this post. Hopefully I’ll regain my form and be posting regularly again, but as you’ll find out below enough melting has occurred that the permafrost has shifted, resulting in a whole new level of discontinuity.
And it has nothing to do with the recent warm temps in Fairbanks. Or maybe it does.
So, let me fill you in on the last two weeks in “disco perm” world.
- I had the flu. High fever, cough, exhaustion, etc. Took me out for a few days.
- Following the flu, the day of my return to work, my work associate/boss and I made a mutual decision to part ways. It was not unexpected or unplanned for. Exhilarating actually, freedom from what had turned into a bad working relationship.
- We head our separate ways as friends. We will see in time how that plays out. Hopefully we laugh about it together years from now.
- Immediately started my own business. I had/have several jobs on the back burner that I had held off bringing into my former workplace in fear of losing any control over their outcome. But it means working late into the night getting all my ducks in order rather than writing a diatribe on life’s meaning or big hair.
- The next day after quitting, signed a contract to work part-time for a project management firm doing construction management. Great people, I have worked with them on a past project.
- Had several medical tests for a medical anomaly concurrent with the flu and job change. I’ve developed a healthy phobia of needles. Tie that in with the flu, I was not stable material when getting an IV. Fortunately, I’ve begun to admit this to the nurses so no severe injuries occurred other than to my male pride.
- Found out there was nothing serious at this time, but received definite doctor’s order to “drastically change my lifestyle” incorporating a “healthy diet and exercise” or suffer the consequences down the road. No prescription for amphetamines to speed me up or for more hours in the day, so somehow I’ve got to squeeze in a healthy breakfast and an hour of intense exercise everyday. Not that I eat that poorly now though I get very little intense exercise. Genetically, I guess I’m going to be held to a stricter diet regiment than others. Thanks Mom and Dad.
- Jane was out of town for three days at a UU conference.
- Accepted an offer on our house that has been on the market since September. Great!!! Except now that I’m working on my own, where I’ve the potential to make more money, we have no basis to get financing for a new home. Still waiting for the bank on that one.
- Got thrown up on twice. For some reason the “chuck bucket” (ode to chum bucket) is never around when we need it. So, in the middle of the night, I’m the more convenient target.
- Spring break, the girls have been around a lot. Ali has stayed close to me all week, all the better to reach me in time to throw-up. For the record she is 2 out of 3. She has a future in something, I’m just not sure what.
- Put out three proposals for work. Haven’t heard back for sure on any of them, but it looks reasonable. I’m caught in an interesting position, where I’d like to provide services to people whose income wouldn’t usually put them in the class of people who would hire design services, but I still have to charge enough to cover my expenses. I keep reminding myself that I paid a garage door repairman an hourly rate of $110 to replace the springs on my garage door a few months ago. Of course, you have to have springs on a garage door, you don’t have to have architectural design on a residential project- though in my opinion it definitely helps. (Our new house, if we have one, won’t have a garage. Take that, garage door repairman!!)
- I got my own business cards. Whoopeee!!
Thanks to FairPed for checking in on me. I’m alive, though if I don’t change my eating and exercise habits, not for long.
Discontinuous Permafrost 
I, too, was missing your posts but gathered from the blurbs of emails from Jane that things were busy for all of you. Once again, I’m impressed with all that you’ve been juggling and the changes you’ve embraced to have a different/better/healthier lifestyle. Starting your own business is definitely a challenge but sounds like you have the motivation and desire to make it all come together.
Relieved to hear that you have solutions to the health issues, too! Feeling sick and dealing with an illness is the best way to identify priorities. Nothing seems more important than good health!
Sounds like Ali is well on her way to becoming a target shooter! 🙂 You just need to find a better target.
Best wishes on your new venture!!
Lori
Lori,
Thanks for the comment and for missing my posts. And most of all for all the encouragement you have given us over the past year.
I can’t tell you how much respect I have for you and all you have been through and endured, even thrived. We have no room to complain when compared to the adversities you have faced.
Just the same, that makes it mean all the more when you send a compliment about how we are handling our choices and struggles. Thank you.
As an end note, we’d really like you and Josie to come see us sometime. I’ve got Alaska Airline miles stashed away for just such an event. Would you come spend a few weeks with us this summer? Think about it.
Thanks again,
Thane
He’s baaaack! (My apologies to Jack Nicholson!)
I kept checking each day, and telling myself, “He’s not feeling well, so just back off and let the guy heal. . .” Then, I knew it was school vacation, and the kids weren’t feeling well. . .
ENOUGH!
He’s back! And so many changes for your family! Remember that you’re both young and can adjust to all these challenges in life. Years from now, you’ll look back on it all as a great adventure, although it may not feel that way at the moment. You’re both intelligent, creative and compassionate spirits! All these changes will lead you on your path to bliss. Joseph Campbell promises that if you “follow your bliss” the world will open doors for you. Look for those open ones, and let the ones that are shut be closed forever. No looking back. Onto Bliss!
“No prescription for amphetamines to speed me up or for more hours in the day, so somehow I’ve got to squeeze in a healthy breakfast and an hour of intense exercise everyday.”
Ugh. Don’t we have enough living to do without making time for some abstract, good-for-us activity called “exercise”? I really wish more of our lives just integrated physical activity, rather than making it a separate agenda item.
You have my sympathy.
Am so glad to have you back.
Miss the funny, and not so funny takes you have on life and living.
Sympathize with any one who has that flu, am still trying to get going again. Am much better but it really kicks you in the slats.
Glad the girls are keeping you in material.
Hmm… exercise, relaxation, self-employed… sounds like it’s time for another hunting trip!