Once we arrived - the kids and supervisors were given little in the way of direction - it's lucky most of them made it on the hill... But we did make it. Meghan had to go for a quick ski test, and then had a 1 hour lesson. I took advantage and headed up the hill.
It was an absolutely beautiful day for skiing. Clear sky, warm sun on the face, little in the way of wind and around -10c. There weren't many at the hill - it was a tuesday after all - mostly retirees and the school kids. The lifts take a little while to get to the top, but getting into the lift on my first trip up, I got to ride up with a retired couple. Since it does take a bit, there's lots of time to chit chat, and downhillers are among the nicest out there. Friendly and chatty. Any given day, you could hear a hundred different stories. Who they are, where they're from, line of work, kids, other ski hills and of course the weather... every story is unique. They're usually surprised to hear that I have 3 kids, have lived in the U.S, Germany and worked in so many different places. Have to admit, that feels pretty good.
And then there are the times, when you get to ride up with just your thoughts. Just look around, take it all in. There's a great view of the Ottawa Valley, the local lake and river, the hills of Quebec can even be seen from there. And there's lots of time to think...
Of course, I'm thinking about the company issues, where I should apply next... but really being quite content at just getting away from it for the day. Relaxing. Having fun. Enjoying life. I'd only come to find out later, that while I was trying to forget about it all - it was happening anyways. But more on that later.
Meghan and her friends had a great time. Had lunch at the chalet, and then a full afternoon of skiing. Took a little longer than expected to get everyone back, as the buses were running late, but all in all - it was a great day.
On my way back, I received a text from Sara that 'the sh!t had hit the fan today at Q' - doh, that didn't sound good. I had already agreed to help our friend pick up his new car that day - so was running late for that, but had this news looming overhead. He was happy to finally get his RAV4, the bus strike had been a huge pain for him just arriving and not having any mode of transportation... We were going to hit Canadian Tire for a shovel and a few other things, but I asked him if we could skip it for the day - I had a few other things to take care of...
Got to the house, rushed downstairs to check my voice mails, sure enough I had one from my boss. Uh oh - that's not good. Tried to login, as the first that happens when you're laid off - is that your account is removed. I was able to login, good maybe I'm not quite done yet... Spoke to my boss a little while later, and he broke the news.
Well - it wasn't exactly like that...but you get the idea. They had announced it earlier in the day (ironically while I was busy trying to forget about it all going up the lift!) that the factory would be closed, and that I had two weeks left. I wasn't really surprised. The company had been on life support for sometime, and I had been looking around - but didn't quite start looking soon enough I guess.
Luckily - it won't be a complete break. There won't be any severance package - but they'll be paying out a few things at least... we'll be ok for awhile, but I won't have to chance to be as picky now. It's the kick in butt I needed - time to try something new.
So, that's how you have a perfect day...almost.
Posts
Hi Ian,
I feel the same way as you do. My needed kick cam with the insolvency on 23th Jan. I think we had mostly a good time and that's the reason why we are too lacy sometimes to leave the cosy desk :-)
All the best whishes for your quest...
Mathias
Oh no, so sorry to hear about the job loss! How can they not give you severance, I thought they had to?? You sound pretty upbeat, I like your attitude!
Good luck with the job hunt and happy ski trails!
Sorry to hear about the job situation. I'll cross my fingers for a quick hunt.
Liked the snow video. Pretty cool! Literally! I guess the difference in Canada Vs. Southern California is that your school trips are to ski during the winter, and ours are to go and play at the beach.
I'm so sorry to hear about your job. What a kick in the arse you did not need after your beautiful day. At least you could enjoy the skiing without knowing. here's to you finding something new really soon.
Well, you seem pretty upbeat about it. Sometimes the best thing that can happen to you is to get pushed out of the nest. Self-employment is always an interesting option at times like this OR temp agencies. I don't know what you do but there are temp agencies for everything now and it's a cool way of working at different places, seeing what's out there, making connections -- all while getting paid!! All the best. I look forward to hearing all about your job hunting adventures
Thanks all for the encouraging words!
Mathias - good luck to you guys still in the middle of it in Dresden...
CancunCanuck - ever get back for some skiing? Miss it?
SuperMegaDad - I was in San Diego last year, November, and it was 16c outside, like 60F... and guys were walking around with winter jackets on! What the hell would happen if snow fell? ;-) We only get to play at the beach for a few months a year. I think I'd miss the 4 seasons.
Haley-O, I think I needed that kick in the arse! Time to move on!
XUP - I will definitely be looking into starting something on my own... contracting... whatever, I'm a little scared of the unknown - but excited about it too.
Thanks again everyone.
Ian,
What a way to break the news! You made it much more interesting than all those comments I read in response to the news articles these days..
Gotta love the videos of the Canadian blonds! ;-)
Anyways... All the best with new challenges! Keep having fun!
Thanks Ira - yeah the overwhelming feeling from the Qimonda crew has been very angry... I guess they've been in denial for the last year or so, and soon they'll be trying to sue the company (bargaining!).
They're well on their way for the 5 stages of grief!
Hope Singapore is treating you well these days.