FromClaygary

I've been kind of reading along here from time to time and empathizing, but with working didn't have much time to comment... Now it's my turn....and I guess, as I'm all alone in the thread....I'm all alone. But here goes. I lost my job on Tuesday last week. Very unexpectedly, and unfairly I think. But, it is what it is. Onward. I have received an offer of severance, which I have to respond to by tomorrow. I've done a fair amount of research online over the last few days, but as the amount of severance "varies with the circumstance" it's really difficult to determine whether the amount offered is fair, not fair, what.... I would kind of like to get a legal opinion, but that looks like costing me mega-bucks and if I'm going to need the money, I'm hesitant to spend it on something that may turn out to be a "you got a fair offer" response and then I'm out $375 for an hour of nothing. (Yes, $375) What to do, what to do. I'm 63 years old and have been earning a good salary, with excellent benefits, and that's going to be extremely tough to match. I can't afford to retire, as I've been a single parent most of my life and there was very little opportunity for any savings. I can't do much just yet, as my company hasn't even issued me a Record of Employment....and I don't know if I'm getting a paycheque on payday (I should be getting my final pay then). I'm not sure how to address the termination positively in looking for new work.... Bottom line....I'm not very positive right now (yah, that's the understatement of the year, huh?). Plan of action right now? See if I can find something part-time that will give me SOME money to stretch the severance, but still allow me to job hunt. Possibly stop eating so I can pay my mortgage . Redo my resumes. Needed to rant.....thanks for listening! Even if you scrolled, I'll pretend.

Finished my jewelry for the Gala auctions! WOO-HOO!!! Now I just need to get it in the mail.

Your Aron characterization might be considered understated! So if he thinks the new website is "mindblowing" I'm SOOOO excited! I can hardly wait!! Surely this next week!.......right?????

Yeah, well.... ......here it comes again!! Break out the Ark! It's not just you. Not really into the body-builder type. Give me the long, lanky redheads.

Well, nothing like a change of subject!! I strongly suspect these won't be NEARLY as interesting, but hey, I'm having fun. I bought new cartridges for my HP printer the other day, and in the package was an offer for a free 15-day trial of Painter4 from Corel, and a 50% off to buy offer. I LOVE these types of programs, but through bitter experience with ones I can't use with my dual-core system...now, I always try first! So....I've been playing..... Original pic: (these first two are my pictures) Painterized: Original pic: Painterized: You'll recognize this one, painterized:

And, last but not least, one of my absolute favorites...

If nothing else, this says to me that he's very happy. And I'm happy that he's happy. I hadn't thought of that, but you're right! Noone puts up a happy, smily face as their avi if they aren't.... Me too!

Oh believe me, you would not be alone in considering IKEA = Disneyland for adults! LOVE IKEA, and they always manage to keep it fresh, with lots of great ideas. I have quite the investment in those bookcases of theirs, and much of my living room furniture. Loved that story of coopersgirl's. Yep, sounds like the Clay we know! Did the little tidbit that he changed his FB avi today to this get brought over?

Just a quick heads-up for those that use it ......I picked up a Trojan Horse yesterday from the once-a-week Itunes update. It is an "Itunes helper object", and my AVG caught it...but just so you know, if you're running something less effective.

....and I was dead to the world at the time, or I would certainly say I know this lady, and I KNOW she's not nuts! :thbighug-1: It always amazes me how many of us Clay "picked up" when we were in stress mode of some sort...he and his voice are healers, there's absolutely no doubt. It even works for babies.... I bet there are times when Jaymes has appreciated that.

Thanks for the website! I'll pass it on......and you're always welcome on my doorstep! :thbighug-1: Good news~the rain looks like it has kind of quit (it's still wet but doesn't look like it's actively raining). There's some clearing in the sky.

Omigosh!! It is coming down so hard up here I can't even see past my backyard fence; surely this can't last long........ so I hope it's decent for you this weekend. I'll have to let a friend of mine newly moved here know, that the Elvis thingy is this weekend; she's a big fan. I did mention it to her as I knew about it from you, but didn't really know when it was. Enjoy your vacation! Better you than me as I love my shower with a passion. And being warm. And NOT cooking over a fire. SO not a camper!!

Huh? I thought he hated Hair! Reed must have wanted to see it, or there's someone they know in it? I hang my head in shame, but I am glad he's in Tweetsville once again. I do love to know where he is.

Well, I can think of a couple of reasons, but there's one good one I know you don't want to talk about. I can't imagine anyone falling asleep while feeding a baby in a highchair...I mean, whatever happened to "here comes the airplane...brrrrm...open up the hangar!" or was that just me and my 11 month old kids? My guess is maybe Clay was holding him when he was taking his bottle, maybe it's a bonding/cuddling thing they still do. Either that or Parker is a really, really sloooooow eater! :856: Who says? My mind was thinking more along the lines of....practising for the tour, dance lessons for the new Broadway show, setting up the theatre where he's going to be based for the next 6 weeks, learning lyrics, rehearsals for his TV show......???

So, I'm just re-reading the latest questions/answers again Am I the only one wondering WHY he's so tired he falls asleep in Parker's breakfast? What is he doing that he's so tired? *inquisitive minds want to know*

Awww, Scarlett, I'm so glad I'm not the only one that kind of thing happens to! It happens to me when I'm way, WAY too tired....so hope you had a good rest! I know whereof you speak!!

Awww, thank you, I'm wearing my perma-grin once again!! That was AWEsome.....AND......re the answer to question # 8590....little shit!!

Tijala!!! :thbighug-1: So good to "see" you! How ARE things out there in the Wild West?? Ahhh, I'm sorry to hear your Gala plans have been side-swiped by the car repairs....since I bought my Hyundai I don't worry so much about that any more (knock on wood) but I remember the years well of just getting a few dollars ahead.....and then the ominous noises start. Crap. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhh, Couchie, I LUV surprises! No brilliant thoughts at 4 AM...but bring it on! I'm home for about a week, so if you need some help, just holler.

You're right! The Velveteen Rabbit!

I've had a quiet day...did pretty much nothing all day, it was fabulous! I could get into this having-weekends-off thing! Played on the computer....worked on my jewelry for the Gala...read most of Janet Evanovich's Fearless Fourteen and laughedmy butt off....and watched this little visitor in the backyard. We see lots of little ani-mules, but I've never seen this guy before. He's teeny! Maybe 8" long and 6" tall, including ears! He loves the clover in the lawn!

Glad you and #2 ( ) had fun! I love John Cleese. My vote goes to July 21st.....and it'll be BAF's new name. My vote also goes to fans stepping away from Reed's Facebook, but that's probably just me.

Ohhhh, I'm so sorry to hear about the death of xxx4clay. She was a wonderful, funny, loving, lady with a great sense of humor and compassion. I lost track of her when she went into the hospital the first time and was so glad to hear she'd been the recipient of a phone call from Clay. She will very definitely be missed. ETA: I am, however, very happy to know the joy she received from Clay, and to know that always and forever he will be the star in her heaven. She was always there for him, and when she was ill he was there for her too....how wonderful!

For those looking to do some Christmas shopping, I think this year is going to be an EXCELLENT one to do that at the Gala auction! Unlike prior years where large (mostly corporate) donated items have been the norm, they have had a call for donations out at large...so I think you will see lots of smaller items, and lots of non-Clay items. Perfect for Christmas shopping! As will the Beads for Life be perfect for gifts of any kind.