"Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug."

This post is about nothing in particular, except that sometimes we OS'ers need to write.

I know I've been a little distant, lately, on OS.  I haven't been able to keep up with as much reading as I like to do, let alone writing.  But, things have been a little . . .

The last three weeks have held multiple earthquakes in my real life - none of them completely devastating, but more than enough to put me, and my family, significantly off-balance.

Earthquake one has to do with my sudden realization that I've been tuning out aspects of myself which have lain dormant for too long. Reading/Writing on OS has awakened some parts of my personality and spirit in ways that I could never have expected.  And although some of those realizations are painful, they are all to the good - if I don't recognize where I'm bleeding, the wound will go untreated.

Earthquake two has to do with work.  Last week, the leadership announced that cutbacks would be made, and there would be lay-offs.  All positions are under consideration.  The next day, my boss came in and told members of my team (I manage a team - how wierd is that?) that their names had been on the list, but that they were safe (for now).  He told me that my job was not in question, but that I could end up losing one or more people in the future.  My response was "if you take one of them, you may as well shoot me - I've been the team, and I sleep little enough as it is."

Wednesday of this week, my boss got fired.  As much of an ass as he can be, he was the only one bringing business in.  Our division is the only one running in the black.  He was fired for violation of the company's ethics, and there is talk of an investigation.  Knowing him, he's already spinning his network of contacts into gold - it's what he does.

Earthquake three has to with home.  No, no, no - the family is not breaking up.  We recently came to the decision/realization that we need to move, as soon as possible.  Our priorities are thus:  keeping the Giant in the same school district, keeping our cats/dog, livable environment, affordable, within walking distance of town (for the Giant).  For reasons I cannot go into, the move is urgent.

 So - everyone is ok. Things have been stressful/insanely busy.  I worked more than 70 hours last week, but we made our deadlines.

And so, my OS friends, I've been a little preoccupied.  We'll be ok.  And I'm not going anywhere. 

But, if you happen to think of me, feel free to toss a good thought or a little prayer our way.  I promise, I'll do the same.

LITTLE UPDATE (08/27/2009):

I've recently changed jobs, and things are looking good on that front. We ended up getting out of the house, but have had to be living separately for the last month or so.

The Giant and Raven are staying with a friend, and he's doing well in school, so far.  (I'd be staying with them, but the friend's intrusive, close-knit family lives next door, and are confirmed haters of "niggers, queers and fags" - so I'm keeping a non-profile over there.)

The cats are staying in a different friend's garage. I'm staying on a friend's couch much closer to my current job. We're looking for a place that will allow us to have our cats and dog - there's just not much available.

On the plus side, absence does make the heart grow fonder - at least in our case!

As for the first earthquake - it's kind of "on hold" until the dust clears.

Thanks so much for your wonderful thoughts and prayers. On low days, I've read back through these and drawn a great deal of strength and comfort. Blessings on each of you!