Monthly Archives: March 2009

I haven’t been terribly motivated to update recently. Nothing bad has happened — just don’t have anything to talk about.

My contract was extended at work, but I don’t know for how long. I was feeling pretty good about it until last week when they started laying off FTEs (including one of my best friends). It feels weird that I — a vendor — still have a job, but they’re laying off FTEs. Intellectually I know that they view FTEs and vendors entirely differently, and I know that although I’m expensive, I can do the work of more than one FTE because I’m able to focus solely on projects. Emotionally, though, it’s tough to fess up to someone who is 30 days from unemployment that I’ve been extended.

Let’s be clear, though — I’m not ungrateful, nor am I looking that gift horse in the mouth. Realistically, it’s just a matter of time before I join the ranks of the unemployed. Every day I’m still in my current position is an extra few dollars in our savings account to help us survive the inevitable lean times to come.

Speaking from a purely personal perspective, there has been a positive consequence to this bad economy. Jay and I made a very comfortable income… and we spent our very comfortable income. It wasn’t always irresponsible spending — I don’t, for example, regret any fence or drainage work — but it was spending, not saving. Now we’ve done a lot of re-evaluating of our expenses, and we’ve grown up a bit. We’re thinking long-term, and we’re making smarter choices about what we choose to spend in the short-term.

Other than the economy, there’s not a whole lot happening in our world. The dogs are fine; Pflouff is growing; everyone is getting along splendidly. I am concerned about what happens when Miss Pflouff goes into heat, but I guess we cross that bridge when we come to it. The horses are fine. Rowan is just about ready for her first ride, and Lesley will soon be ready for Mr. Blue. I need to get out of horses, but at the same time, I sure will miss them. With Rowan in training at Eden Farms, it’s actually peaceful and pleasant in our pasture.