DISPATCHES FROM THE GHOST MOOSE

Not sure if anyone reads this blog anymore, but if so, Happy Thanksgiving. I remember a year ago doing my fruitless job search at 6am on Thanksgiving morning, and basically moping my way through the day. So needless - I marvel at how many days I ruined with that lousy mindset. this is the day to give thanks for what you DO have. and so I will. the weather is more winter like each day. Dark, cold, foreboding....you have to find something positive about it, or it will get you down. So, I am thankful for: - my health and that of my family - having a job - having good friends - a million other things with that, I am going outside to light a fire in the fireplace. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, all.

I was walking the dog before work today and passed the school for special kids. I remember from years past that they have a big Thanksgiving party today, and are closed next week. I remember as I walked by last year, seeing the kids and their families, the smell of the charcoal grills, and the holiday feel. And I remember just not being into it - so much weighing on my mind that I had no mental capacity to enjoy my favorite holiday. It was later in December that I started this blog since those frustrations were all too common in my day. To the 10.2% or 11% or whatever the actual percentage of unemployed truthfully is, try your best to enjoy this holiday season. At this point last year, I did not permit myself to do so, and that time remains memorable to me for that very fact. Our leaders have certainly failed us. It is up to us to help on another, and that is what I will continue to do. have a good weekend, all.

I stopped for a minute today to think about just how many of my friends are still looking for work. Between those I'd call my friends, and those who have been busness acquaintences, there are over 25 people who I know, and whose skills I could attest to, that are looking for work. In years past, the number was never more than 5 or so. With the onset of the holiday season, hiring activity slows to nothing. I do remember last year from Thanksgiving through New Years just being so frustrating and unproductive. I saw a LinkeIn posting from Jim Warda about trying to help those in transition. A noble effort. I do remember during my time off how beneficial it was when someone would take the time to call or email, and even better, when someone would call me with a lead. The mental boost from those gestures is critical. so, if you know of someone affected, remember them over the holiday season. Things have got to get better. D

What a beautiful weekend. I played one last round of golf and took the clubs out of the car, where they had been for the last 6 months. Maybe get one last round in, but if not, yesterday was a nice day to call it a season on. My son's last football game was Saturday - basketball starting soon. The change of seasons marches on. I raked the leaves and planted some flowers that will hopefully come up next spring. Gotta get ready for the winter. Met with some former colleagues on Friday. Still lots of changes going on their company. I suppose that is the norm. No matter what the stories in the press say, unemployment is not getting any better. the number of new cuts may be decreasing, but realistically, how many more jobs can be cut. Companies know that the remaining staff will just have to suck it up and do whatever it takes to keep their job. I remember this being the exact same thing in 1990. history repeats itself again and again.

Fridays are always good. The weeks continue to fly by, and even though the months since I was unemployed are growing, I still think back to how frustrating it was, as I talk to colleagues who are still out there searching. I read an article today that the unemployment rate is now 10.2% - hopefully we have bottomed out. I went to the end of season party for my son's football team last night. It is hard to believe the season that started in July is now over. Five months just flew by. I remember last year the games being a highlight of the week for me since I was away from the computer, and outside. I still play basketball, and it is really a wakeup call that I can no longer play the game. The years really take a toll on the body. At 51, my days of being able to run, jump, shoot are long behind me. The 14 months since I got laid off have flown, and I look at the years left until I plan to retire, and realize that will be here in a flash. Where do the years go?