I am pleased to announce that I am no longer employed at EDS.
I was nervous about the day, fearing confrontation or acrimony. But amazingly, everyone was supportive about my decision. They were all sad to see me go, and a little surprised at the apparent abruptness as they mostly expected me to finish out the month. The boss was understanding about my health concerns and my career plans, and was happy for me that I am moving on. She was disappointed about my leaving EDS and asked if it was her fault, which surprised me (a lot of people have been leaving lately.)

Instead of leaving abruptly, as I thought I might after my announcement, everyone was so supportive, I stayed the whole day to make sure they could get by on my tasks. Throughout the day, even GM customers who had given me grief in the past where disappointed that I was leaving and said I had done a good job. I told everyone that I was moving into the education field, and not many were surprised.

I went around throughout the day talking to everyone individually; they shared their hopes and dreams of the future. I got other agents up to speed on my project (as best I could in one day) and they said they wouldn't be able to replace me.

I was pretty together about the whole thing, until I finally said goodbye, and the place gave me a standing ovation that built up throughout the place as I walked out. I lost it. It was like that scene at the end of Titanic after Rose passes away. After the last months of feeling underappreciated and overworked, it was like they were all saying, "Well done."

It was the best form of closure I could have imagined.
On to the next stage of life...

Another week is upon us and I'm actually ahead of the blogging game. My health is steadily improving, so I'd like to thank everyone for their prayers and support. The fact that there is a definite end date to work has made it much easier there. Still a lot of stuff going on but I just don't seem to care as much.

Classes have begun again, and I only have one night class on Mondays. Shouldn't be too bad, I'm just having a bit of trouble nailing down the expectations of this professor. She seems to be uncertain of what she wants us to do in regards to assignments, and when asked what the tests were like, she couldn't give an answer. All and all, it shouldn't be that bad though.

Ellice has terribly hectic 3 days every week this semester, what with a 6pm class on Monday nights, a teacher's meeting on Tuesdays followed by a real late 7pm class that lets out at 9:45, and then WW meetings on Wednesday nights. On top of all that, September and October are rapidly filling with activities: Ren fest, Anniversary, weekend retreat with the church, parents, brothers, Homecoming, nine lords-a-leaping, etc. I'm going to make it my mission to see to it that my wife takes time for back and foot rubs, and general pampering every now and then--perhaps even the occasional poem of appreciation or minor gift.

I finally went back to work on Wednesday. It was a struggle, but I made it through. Today was marginally better; so as you can see, I'm making a gradual transition back to health. Still getting used to the Doogie Howserness of writing a blog about my thoughts.

I actually did help out a bit while I was infirmed; dishes, vaccuum, picked-up, trash, clean counters, and even cooked a couple of times. Ellice seemed rather appreciative of my efforts.

Ellice's parents were disappointed this past weekend, as we were unable to visit, but they gave me assurances that they understood that I needed the rest. They came down yesterday afternoon, saw Ellice's school and went with us to Red Lobster. Great food as always. We capped off the evening with a rousing game of spades. In case you are wondering, the Gulletts won.


News of the Day:
Turns out Jon Benet Ramsey's parents didn't kill her. Hmmm. Guess we all made a rush to judgment on that one. Let me publicly apologize to her deceased mother for accusing her unjustly. Do you believe that Jon Benet was killed about 10 years ago? She would have been 16 years old now. Time flies.

Further thoughts?
We are rapidly running out of Friends episodes and Cheers;
Israel acquiesced too early to the UN;

Finally, a tidbit of wisdom:
There is absolutely nothing we can say that will affect the cost of gasoline in any way, so I should just shut up and shell out for whatever price they throw up on the sign with a sigh.

The rumors of my demise have been grossly exaggerated. I mean come on, a combine accident? yuck

To dispel these misconceptions, it has been suggested that I post more frequently to show that I am in fact, alive. Maybe even answer an e-mail or two.

Current events: work sucks. I would have titled this paragraph 'news' but there is nothing new about that.
Ellice and I have found a new pasttime (yes even newer than our version of skipbo)--Spades on pogo!!
Great fun--and we don't look at each other's screens 'even a little.'
The site is http://www.pogo.com
My favorite games there are chess, spades, word whomp and tumblebees.

Ellice took her test Saturday and while it is always great to be around her, things are nevertheless friendlier these days in stately Gullett Manor...