Update - Month 4.5

I keep thinking about my blog and wonder what I should write that wouldn't bore my friends too much. Only when you reach the end of this entry will you know if I've succeeded or not. This is thanks to my good friend since Jr. High School, Rick "the Bull" Walters and his kick me in the ass email in response to my self doubts as to whether this move down under was a good decision or not. Thank you, Rick.

I'd had a very bad week, mis-dealing with a client on a small project and in this company, especially in these troubled economic times, makes any mistake a deadly mistake as far as employment goes. My old work place went down to 30 hour work weeks at the beginning of February and just last week, laid off 5 people out of the Seattle office. With only about 28 employees, that is a huge hit. The middle of February, I had my 3 month review and was sweating it. That week they laid off8 people throughout the company so I wasn't feeling too confident. I even cleaned out all my personal stuff just in case I was going to be escorted to the door. In fact, I'd tried to get into the office one Saturday and my card wouldn't let me onto the floor so it could have been their way of saying, 'Your services are no longer needed,' and the DO it that way sometimes.

But I did get a pretty good review although will go though it again at the 6 month mark. This past week, I even got some under the table intelligence to expect a phone call from the woman who hired me regarding doing some marketing. That was the original plan, to put me in production to learn the company for 6 months then slowing move into marketing. Right now, they need marketing so the plan is going along as anticipated, that's great news.

The difference in Australia's approach to the world wide economic crisis is to invest. They government is giving money directly to home buyers for example. $14,000 for buying an existing home, $21,000 for new construction with some State and Local governments throwing in a few thousand more. With record low interest rates, I should think about buying, but my location is unknown as I could be sent to Perth or Brisbane or even stay in the meat grinder of Wollongong (at least, that's how others throughout the company view the corporate office).

I haven't be bought a car yet. Speaking of which, one of the usual suspects at the Charles (the local pub I usually go to) bought a car off a friend who is a mechanic for Mercedes Benz. He goes up to the auto auction in Sydney, brings a car down and goes through it mechanically to make sure it's up to snuff then sells it with a 12 month guarantee! This pub buddy bought a 15 year old Ford Falcon 4 door for about $1,200 and it looks very good! I told her to tell her friend to keep me in mind for something similar. When that happens, I'll be able to explore a far wider range of places during the weekends. This and the travel for marketing should make for more interesting reading and pictures.

This is just an update for my friends who care, and if you don't care...you're still my friend. I'm doing well in this late in life adjustment and wanted you to know. I miss Holly a lot and she misses me, too. This separation has made us appreciate one another much more. And I appreciate all of you.