I'm BAAACCCCKKKKKK!!!

You know, when I started this blog, I had the intention of writing in it every day. As you can tell from the date of this post, and the last post in it, that did not work out too well. It is never too late to try again...

A lot has happened since my last post. As feared, my local customer is not going to continue the contract on their tool. To make matters worse, they are going to scrap the tool out since they were not able to sell it. That leaves me sad. I ordered that tool when I worked for IBM, I worked hard installing it, and then took care of it as an employee of Micronic for the last nine years. That tool is what got me on the career path that I am on today....

There is good news, however. My company has assured me that I am not on the chopping block. There is one tool coming on line that I will be responsible for that I actually brought into the company. About two years ago, I found another company that makes a small, lab scale maskwriter. I informed my management about it thinking that there might be a patent infringement issue. There was no issue - and they were looking for a North American dealer/service agent! Taa-daa, that is us! There is also another tool coming on line about four hours away from me, and potentially a third north of me. Add to this the fact that I am going to become more involved in software support, and my position becomes a bit more stable - with the added benefit that I will not have to relocate out of the area.

So enough on the job front. The children are back in school, and so far, doing pretty well. One son is having some problems in school, but may be turning himself around. He is always in my prayers. The rest of them are having a good year so far. My eldest daughter had surgery on her ear for the third time, and this time it seems to be working.

So far, things seem to be OK. The summer and year are being a bit more financially challenging than I originally expected, but not impossible. I never put my overtime money in my budget - but I never realized how nice it is to have some overtime to do "above and beyond" stuff for the children. Hopefully, things turn around in the not too distant future.

The annual, end of the year officer election drama has already begun. I am going to be running for Captain this year, moving up from Lieutenant. I don't really want to, but I am not happy with how training is being handled and want to make some changes. It means I will have to get a new shield for my helmet, though... I have been told by many people that I am a shoo-in for the position. God is going to have to help me with this one - I still do not think I am ready. What is nuts it that I am already being told that I need to run for 2nd Assistant Chief in no more than two years!!! I am really not ready for that, and I don't want it!! I will be on the curb instead of in the house, and up to my eyeballs in paperwork. I am too used to getting my hands dirty... Maybe when I turn 55 or 60....

I truly believe that the only thing that has gotten me through the last few months is prayer and the grace of God. I have felt like the sword of Damocles has been hanging over my head since New Years Day. I can give you chapter and verse of why the world should have come crashing down around me. For some reason, it has not. Thank you, God.

I have so much more to write about - and it is late. I am going to try to be better about updating this in the future.