[Oh Haha]

As some of you know, I was told about three weeks ago that most of our business was sold to a friendly competitor. I had to work with the new owners in making the transition from us to them as seamless as possible. Ok, you might think that "it's just some vending machines, what's the big deal?" When you have built relationships with your customers and HR/purchasing people it IS a big deal as they have come to trust me that we are giving them great service.

I have been with this company for 18 years, starting out as a routeperson, moving with the company when they closed my branch in 1995, 2 marriages, 1 divorce, bought a house, had kids, etc. I fully planned to move up and retire one day but now that is all gone. ( I start with the new owners Monday but at an entry level position at 50% less than I was making. A gal that worked for me will now have more time than I.)

I did my best to make the transition work for everyone, keeping a positive attitude the entire time. At home, however, I was a mess. Any little thing would bug me and I was a real jerk to my wife and , in some ways, my kids. I envisioned losing all we had worked for these past years. I even offered the 911 to a friend, figuring the money in the bank would be better than the car. I still have it, BTW. I may get to keep it.

When Friday came, my manager was in town so we could take care of security passes, the car, and I filled him in on all that I could think of to help him continue to run the branch with the 4 emplyees left.

I honestly didn't feel this much anguish when I went through my divorce. I was pi$$ed at everything and everyone. My wife has been incredible through the whole process, however. We want her to be able to stay home with the kids until they start school full time. She could go back to work in HR without much problem but unless we absolutely need the money, we want to avoid that.

I bought a Pontiac Grand Prix to be my DD. 165,000 miles but it seems to run good and it is in good shape. I could have been forced to buy a real POS.

Yesterday, my wife made a deal to swap the BMW for a Montana minivan, even up.

When she asked what I thought about doing it, I simply told her "I don't even care, anymore. Do whatever you want with the wagon."

She did good. The van really is a nice vehicle and will cut our insurance close to 50% per month.

We were counting on getting a lump sum from my pension and 401 K but have been told we have to wait until at least June to be able to do anything. This cash was to go toward our 1 credit card that would be paid off with enough left over to bank. Now, we will have to get by until I can get some of my pension. We are not going to starve or lose our house at this point but I sure felt like I wasn't going to be able to support my family and that, I think, was getting to me the most.


I spent the morning today tinkering with our "new" cars, fixing small issues that will bug me and that was very good for me. I was able to reflect on my life and what I have in the privacy of the garage. I have a lot compared to others. My wife is awesome, my kids are healthy, and we have a home.

Thanks for reading/listening to my ramblings. (911rob-thank you again for your response to my post in the Ford SHO thread.)

If anything, I know there are other Pelicans that are without a job and may be going through bad times, to varying degrees. I may have a job come Monday but some of the same feelings might be shared with those folks. I hope this helps just one of those who may be feeling the same way.

I don't know what is going to happen with the new company but I have resolved to work for them just as I did for my old company. I may try to pick up some other work when the weather breaks. I can do most jobs that require labor and I don't mind getting dirty.