DISPATCHES FROM THE GHOST MOOSE

 Since my last post, July 8, I went to Canada for the 40 somethingth time for fishing.  The trip was fantastic as always.  And played golf every week.   I played golf yesterday.  It was round 37 for the year.  A real indicator of my age is I am now sore the day after I golf.  I used to play basketball for hours at a time and not be sore at all the next day.  Of course, I haven't played basketball in 16 years.  And for the 10 years before that, I was just taking up space on the bball court. But 50 years ago, I could dunk the ball.  Weakly, but I could dunk. I started writing this blog in 2008 when I was frustrated and disgusted with unemployment and the job search.  Now that I am retired, I look at the posts on Linkedin that are exactly the same things I was writing about then.  I am so glad to not be on that treadmill anymore.   so, look for a new post around Christmas.  

 It has been 5 months since I last posted.  I used to look forward to posting every day...venting, talking about the job search.  Seems like so long ago.  Sixteen years ago, anyway.  Words of advice...if there is something you like to do, do it more than every 5 months.   I have played 20 rounds of golf so far in 2024.  Three in Florida in February, then the rest up here.  We've had good weather, now the courses are getting dry, and the dirt hard.  I can't hit off the hard dirt.  And I still can't putt.   Going fishing in 3 weeks.  As much as I like the trip, I really don't want that week to get here.  The trip, that we started in 1982, is a reminder of one more year taken from our allotment of years.  But it will be a nice week, regardless.  For 42 years, it has been. enough posting.  I have to get back in shape and write more. 

 I was looking up an old post I did 12 years ago.  Then realized I hadn't posted since September.  And the time from then til now went by in a flash.  I probably played 20 rounds of golf, enjoyed the holidays, went to Florida, and played 6 rounds of golf so far in 2024.   Time goes by far too quickly.  It's Sunday night, and since I don't have to work tomorrow, I have no Sunday night anxiety.  But I worked hard for that liberation. Not too creative of a post.  As I always write, I have to post more frequently so my writing is better. But, I don't want to commit to anything. 

 Happy Labor Day.  It has been 4 months since my last post.  Let me try to recall what I have done since then: - played approx 20 rounds of golf - went to Canada for our annual fishing trip - went to the wedding of my friend's daughter and other than that, lived the life of a lottery winner, just without the money.  Back when I was a working stiff, I will sit here and dread going back to work the morning after a 3 day weekend.  I always had the same thought that all workers have - "there has to be a better way".  I suppose the better way is to not work at all.  And so, that will be my plan.   It feels like late summer now.  It gets dark earlier (as I am sure you noticed).  Still hot weather, but once that ends, we will look forward to Indian Summer.   ok..that bit of writing has tired me out.  I will have to get back in the habit of posting more frequently.

 I hate that inane "May the 4th be with you".  but here I am posting on May the 4th. I think tomorrow will be my last day on the physical end of assisted living.  It was good to have some purpose for the last month.  So, I will work early tomorrow, then play golf in the afternoon.  Now we're talking.  I hit the stick on a par 3 last week.  In the last 2 years, I have just missed a hole in one 3 times.  Maybe tomorrow.... soon, the fishing crew will start talking about what we need to do for our trip at the end of July.  This will be year 41.  Hard to believe.  So may years, so many memories (that I have forgotten).  I am sure I blogged this before, but when I was younger, I looked forward to the yearly fishing trip.  Counted the weeks and the days once we got to spring.  Now I really don't want that week to get here because it is one more year off our allotment of years.  A few years ago, I told my buddy what kin...

 For the past 4 weeks, I have been subbing for a guy on medical leave from his job at an assisted living facility.  So, I have been pushing carts of diapers, oxygen tanks and other supplies.  It is more strenuous work than I have done in a long time.  And I have lost 14 lbs in those 4 weeks.  I forgot what it was like to be tired and sore at the end of the day.  As I tell people as I push my flatbed cart full of supplies "I'm really glad I spent 5 years getting my MBA".  but, it is nice to be busy.  I think I have a week or 2 more of this gig.  Then hopefully the project I was originally going to work on will restart.   At any rate, golf season has started. I played the last 2 weeks, and wasn't bad.  I need to shoot 85 this year.  And I will.  Getting ready to watch NASCAR Talledega race.  Is there a bigger waste of a Sunday?

 It's been 3 months since I posted.  In the beginning, 2008, I used to post at least once a day.  Such is life.  The holidays were fine.  I drove to Florida in January, and that was a nice trip.  February went by in a flash, and now spring is on the way.   I have been working this week at a retirement community to sub for a guy going on medical leave.  I was consulting with them on a project, and they asked me if I'd help with coverage for a month.  So, that was nice.  Should fund my golf when that starts up.  So many layoffs happening.  I started writing this blog in 2008 to document the job search.  And those early posts are like what I read on Linkedin from people now experiencing layoffs.  It's not fun.  And I am so glad to be away from that world.  But for those affected, it is an unsettling experience.  I think things will get worse before they get better.   good to post again after...

 Winter came in full force this afternoon.  Supposed to be very cold through the weekend.  I guess golf season is over.   Our college bowl pool starts now.  That is always a reason to watch meaningless college bowl games, and so I shall.  I need to watch a hallmark movie one of these days...just to get in the holiday spirit.  Speaking of which, here is a commercial my son did: (he's the dad) https://f.io/cLGvesFo That is the second spot he did where he plays the cute kid grown up.  I told him that's his niche.  When I was his age, I was married and thought selling t-shirts at concerts was a big deal.  Before he moved to California, I passed along some fatherly advice....which was   DON'T GET MARRIED.  so, stay warm, and have a wonderful Christmas.  It's hard to believe 2022 passed so quickly.  As the years do every year.  too fast.  Live each day like it's your last, because one day it will be....

 It now feels like early winter.  We played golf last Wednesday and it was 72...today it was 18 degrees when I went out at 8am.  We are hoping to play golf this Wednesday before calling it a year.   Five weeks ago, I was in northern Wisconsin and got the call that my brother had died.  Bill was 2 years younger than I am, so it was a wakeup call.  Remember, live each day like it's your last because one day it will be your last.   With Thanksgiving less than a week away, it is time to start thinking of the holidays.  And, as I have written in years past, I am not much of a holiday person.  So, I generally try to stay out of the way, let everyone enjoy themselves, and buy peppermint bark when it goes on sale the day after Christmas. It's now 4:24 pm and the sun is setting.  We have a month of shortening days before the daylight turns the corner.  About 4 months from now we will be thinking of golf once again.  Happy Satu...

 I had forgotten that I write this blog.  Over 2 months since I last posted.  Since then, I went fishing for the 40th anniversary of our first trip.  I think we missed maybe 3 or 4 years in that time.  I played probably 10 rounds of golf.  I declined a job.   Also, my mom passed away at age 100.  That is the kind of life event that shapes my thinking.  Looking at a person who lived an admirable life.  Who was dealt a bad hand and made the best of it.  I am so very glad I spent most of 2019 in Florida with mom when I was thinking of moving there full time.  Of course, now it is nice fall weather here, and a hurricane is bearing down on Florida, makes me glad to be here. Since my last post, I have all but ceased any job search activity.  I feel more retired each day.  My current plan is to look for consulting opportunities after the first of the year.  or not.  but, given the stock market crash, who knows...

 Sunday night....I remember when I was working downtown how I dreaded Sunday night.  actually dreaded most Sunday nights since 1980 when I started working.  and that is half self-induced mindset and half reality.  Irregardless, it is much, much, much, much, much nicer to not have to work on Monday.  and so, I shall not work tomorrow.  There is a guy I see at the health club all the time.  Over the years, I have had a nodding relationship, then chatted a few times.  I know he is a paramedic, and recently he told me he was now with Highland Park.  I saw him on July 3 and asked if he was working the next day to which he said yes.  I said he'd have to deal with the idiots that blow their hands off with fireworks..... On July 5 I saw him and asked if he was at the shooting at the parade.  He was, and said his pregnant wife was in the parade.  The whole incident took on a different feel once he shared his story....he took a shooting ...

 Summer is here in Chicago.  In the last 2 weeks we have hit 100 degrees a few times.  And, like every year, summer will go by in a heartbeat.  We are going fishing in 4 weeks, and get back at the beginning of August.  That, to me, is the end of summer.  but until then, much golf to play. I was at the pool today and there were 3 young kids swimming, and speaking a language I didn't recognize.  I asked the boy near me what language he was speaking and his sister, who looked about 7, said "Ukraine".  So I guess the refugees are making it to Arlington Heights.  A much more peaceful place.  We are playing a course on Sunday that we play once a year.  It is up near Wisconsin but worth the drive..once a year.  We tee off at 630 am, so will have to get up at 430.  Since I don't have to get up for work on Monday, I don't have any fucks to give.  all the more reason not to get a job. Given the market downturn, I may have to co...

 The national news has been dominated today with the story of the mass shooting at a Texas grammar school.  So sad, I can't imagine how horrible that is for the kids and parents.   enough said... The season of Survivor ended tonight.  I know I have written of Survivor in years past.  I watch it because I always watch it.  The scenery looks good on the tv, and it doesn't require much thinking.  I suppose that is why people watch it.   The show Alone starts a new season tomorrow.  That is a good show if you like the outdoors, and I do like the outdoors.   I've had a few interviews of late.  and like always, get ghosted.  So I will continue to enjoy not working.  My master plan is to win the lottery.  and I will. Memorial Day is this Monday.  soon it will be June.  And at the end of July we go fishing for the 40th anniversary of the first trip.  My 50 yr grammar school reunion is in a few we...

 and so it goes.... I went to the par 3 golf course today with the intent to walk the 1.3 mile trail around it.  after getting there, I realized I would rather practice putting on the practice green, which I did, and failed miserably.  It's a tough green to putt. as I headed back to my car with putter in hand, a guy putting his clubs back in is trunk says "that's a tough green to putt, huh? I stopped to talk golf, and see he has a Buffalo Grove HS shirt on....and I have a BGHS  shirt on (I'm slumming today).  So we talk golf, and I say "nice shirt" ...and he asks what my connection is to BGHS.  I tell him my kids went there and Dave played bball..and he says he is a gym coach and remembers Dave. Nice to hear he remembered Dave for the right reasons.   I texted this to Dave about meeting him, and Dave responded he was a good coach and very motivational.  it was cool to meet a random dude in the parking lot of a golf course on a nice spring day...

 Spring has finally arrived.  For a change, it's not cold and raining.  Supposed to be in the 80s this week, so golf season has arrived as well. I'm waiting for a phone interview in 20 minutes.  It may be that I have grown accustomed to not working, but there are very few roles that I have interviewed for that I would actually want to do.  Working downtown is a definite no....and really, a non remote role is a probable no.  In years past, I would take any job if I was unemployed.  I was on the front lines of the great resignation.   so, will have my phone screen, then will get on my routine.  Which is not doing much.  I did a brief workout at the health club earlier.  I really have to do more when I go, as my weight continues to go the wrong direction.   but, such is life.  now excuse me while I wait for the call that will change my life.  lol

 Happy Cinco de Mayo.  another meaningless invented holiday used as an excuse to drink.  Americans are so gullible.   I missed posting in April.  And now 2022 is over 33% elapsed.  We go fishing in 11 weeks.  As I have posted before, as much as I like going to Canada, I don't like that week coming so soon since it underscores how quicky a year passes.   I went to the Sox/Cubs game last night.  It was 40 degrees.  We haven't had much of a spring yet.  The 3 times we golfed were wet and cold.  Hopefully spring springs soon. I met a friend for breakfast this morning, so I have to delay the health club an hour or so.  Then I will go to xsport and not do much.  

 Two posts in the same month....I am really a prolific writer.  One has to be creative when the urge hits. I finished the contract role I was on since December.  It was a good role, good client, and 3 months was about the right time to be on it.  But now that I am done, the weather here still sucks, and we won't be golfing for at least a week or 2.  I guess it's back to the gym tomorrow.  Since I can't afford to retire, I suppose I need to look for another contract role.  I still get interviews, but there are no jobs that seem interesting.  Hence the need to find a job I can do for 3 or 6 months.  But, that is for tomorrow.  or next week maybe.  I don't want to jump into anything too quickly. other than that, I have no creativity today.  the weather has been cold, dark and rainy.  when it gets warm, sunny and dry I am really going to be upbeat, happy and creative.  you just watch.  (see what I did there?)

 About 6 weeks passed since my last post.  Can't really remember anything notable happening in those 6 weeks.  We did 2 of our Saturday dinners, so that was good.  The weather is improving, though still not golf weather.  I rode my bike briefly yesterday.   I was at the health club today doing my meager workout.  A really substandard 15 minute workout, but it's something.  My son walks in, and says he'll show me a few machines that I should include in my workout.  Let's just say he does way way way more than I do when he works out.  But it was good instruction....now I just have to keep doing those new machines.  But we know I probably won't.  Just like I should lose weight, and pretty positive I won't.  Because I don't want to.  Working a contract role for a few more weeks.  Good people, good client, so the project has been a good one.  But, I will finish this contract, then focus more on what I want t...

 The dead of winter.  I hate winter.  I suppose that's why I like summer so much.  Fall too...don't forget about fall.  But when it's below zero golf seems a long way away.  Maybe 10 weeks or so.  The last 2 years we played in early March, so let's keep a good thought.  I went to get wine after I finished work today and was heading home and saw a woman pushing a stroller in the parking lot.  I got closer and saw a baby in the stroller without a hat. In 8 degree temps.  I rolled down the window and asked if she needed a ride somewhere.  and she blew me off "no..I am ok".  but your kid has no hat and it's 8 degrees...I tried.  idiocy knows no temperature. Halfway through Station 11.  Still trying to warm up to it.  I know there is a new season of Afterlife on netflix.   and so it goes.  

 It's been 2 months since my last post.  I used to post daily, sometimes twice daily.  I used to read a book every week.  I used to be able to dunk a basketball.  I used to go to a job every day that I hated.  lots of things I used to do.  Then I started doing other things.  but, I do enjoy writing.  I have to get back to writing more.   The bears season ended today.  big deal.  and winter sucks.  we are at least 10 weeks from golfing.  so, I have to find something productive to do.   As I have written (ad nauseum) I am not a holiday person, so I look forward to the end of the holiday season each year.  However, this year, my kids and I were going to get together on Christmas and did not due to covid.  We were going to get together on Jan 1, and that was scrapped due to weather.  We did get together on Jan 2, which was nice.  and, I was supposed to bring a present to my grand daughte...