Some good news for a change

[greatbear]

After about ten months of disability, I finally returned to work this past Wednesday, but not before some serious drama between my doc being able to release me for work and my employer ready to release me as a voluntary quit. After some last minute hat tricks and pleading, it all got worked out. It actually feels good to be back, though I did return to a big pile of work waiting for me along with new added responsibilities. Ah well, it's a paycheck (FINALLY) with added job security.

Today makes it 22 years that I have been working that job, add the part time mechanic work over those years and going back to my teen years and that adds up to a lot of hard work (and grease under the fingernails). To celebrate, I took mom and Jeff to dinner, as is my usual silly routine for this date. We went to my favorite Asian restaurant nearby, Hunan Manor. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere is awesome. Their huge central fish tank seems to have at least half the cast of Finding Nemo contained, I could not help but sing aloud "keep swimming, just keep swimming". I always go for the 'noisy' dishes, this time settling on a 'quadruple fragrance combination' that gets dumped into a hot plate to sizzle and get that oh-so-wonderful smell going at the table. ^___^

Being on disability since before this year started has set up a bit of a windfall for me that I am not sure exactly what to do with yet. I still have 5 weeks of vacation time that I have to use (no carrying over... grrr) somehow. I was pondering a driving trip across the country, through northern and midwestern states to Seattle and Cali, then back via southern states. I'd love to do this, and if I decide on doing this, I'll be fielding input from my friends here on LJ and elsewhere as to the best routes, things to do and see, and people that I am just dying to meet. Stay tuned!

Mom's last trip to her doc garnered some potential good news, as her does does not seem to want her rushing right back into chemotherapy, instead they will keep watch via tests and imaging. In the meantime, her next visit to the doc isn't until six whole months later. She's happy. I'm guardedly ecstatic. w00t!

Being back into the daily grind, especially when I am still in some pain and can no longer rest makes me upset to see just how much of that time off I pissed away. Still, the future is mine to change that, and I plan to.

*hugzes* for everyone.

Comments

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I'll let you know!

[danlmarmot.livejournal.com]

hint hint, nudge nudge nudge, from this soggy corner of the country, you have a place to stay.

Good to hear you're back at work. Getting into that work routine must feel good but odd after months off, yes? When I returned to work, I found I really enjoyed the structure and interactions with folks.

And good news about your Mom too! You must be feeling good!

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Yep, it's rather odd, but after all the time doing it, it doesnt take long to drop back into the routine. Still, my body clock is trying to readjust.

And thanks for the lodging offer and kind words too. :)

[jrjarrett.livejournal.com]

Indeed! And Madison would be on the way.

[jrjarrett.livejournal.com]

What is it you do, btw?

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Ooooh, possibilities of getting milk in a bag! lol

Da Cheese State is definitely on the map, I have a coupla good friends there.

[jrjarrett.livejournal.com]

Milk in a bag is a Canadian concept.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

It seems to have migrated south in some areas around there!

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

It seems to depend on the day. Mainly I calibrate and repair electronic test equipment, but I also write automated testing software and create testing stations by integrating the automated testing procedures with porpose-selected test equipment. There is some technical writing involved and building stuff on occasions. I also seem to get asked to pick locks when people forget or lose their keys lately.

Part time and hobby work still involves working on cars and trucks and subsequently abusing them. :D

[kspsibear.livejournal.com]

If you were to come toward the Kansas City area, you'd definitely have a place to stay, buddy.

[bearlover.livejournal.com]

I already told you this, but congrats on going back to work. I hope someday I'll be congradulated for not having to go back to work :) Good to hear the new about your mom.

[beg1n.livejournal.com]

Man...such a smile I got from reading this. I hope your potential travels have SF in them...would be great to finally meet you in person Phil.

[baeritone.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad, Phil. :) I know how much not working has bothered you.

I hope we gets to see you soon. Like at the soiree. :)

[thepozlife.livejournal.com]

Well that was good news!! Even though I live in So Cal, the northern part of the state including SF is nice place to visit and taking the coastal route from WA to SF is very scenic.

[chastmastr.livejournal.com]

Many, many, many hugs, and blessings for the future. I would still like to meet you very much, though you may be busier now!

Thank you for adding me to your friend' s list.

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

You and I seem to have quite a bit in common. You're one day older than me, psshaw. I'm looking forward to chatting with you in the future.

Re: Thank you for adding me to your friend' s list.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I was reading comments left in one of my friend's journals and found one you had left. That sent me to your LJ and then to your info. I could not get over how similar some things are between us (and these arent the usual things people would have in common) and the fact your bday was the day after mine. Really small world. I was in Tempe a few weeks ago too, it's too bad I didnt find you sooner! lol

Hope to chat some more and soon.

Re: Thank you for adding me to your friend' s list.

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

It's great to hear from you also. Perhaps we can talk about the metaphysical side of progressive rock, or maybe not?

Re: Thank you for adding me to your friend' s list.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Hey, I can talk about almost anything.

Re: Thank you for adding me to your friend' s list.

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

Great, I dearly enjoy intellectual repartee. Thanks for befriending me.