Guys
No Le Mans for me too.
I've been following this thread for a while so I'll mention my pot of poo. Annus Horibilis don't come near.
I'm an architect and have been hit by the recession big style. A big project I was working on in January and due to start in June was put back to September subject to the client ( public ) getting the money together.
At the end of January, I was formally made redundant and started my notice period of 4 months. 3 days later I was redeployed in the same office with a circa 40% salary drop - fortunately the house is paid for, and a quick look at the pensions showed that early retirement was possible but uncomfortable, so discounted for now.
Early in February, the M in Law died aged 87, not unexpected but I sorted out the arrangements and helped the wife get over it.
Early in March, some old guy ran into the side of my wife's car, a big smash but she was only shaken ( and shaking that night when we discussed it and I saw the damage ) but flip - it's only metal.
At the end of March our little dog aged 10 died after 2 days of throwing up. I'll spare the details but that is not an old age. Pet cemetry dealt with that and much grief in our household as we wondered what could happen next. Surely it can't get worse ?
Exactly one week later, I came home from work and found the wife slightly befuddled and I began to worry she had had a slight stroke although teh symptoms were not all obvious. The medics were not sure but we got her into hospital where they diagnosed liver failure, weak heart, put her on life support and then intensive care when they discovered pneumonia. I got a bollocking from teh hospital for not spotting anything amiss and not goint to the doc but we never go to the doc unless we feel really poorly. One week later she had died on the 8th April and today aged 61, would have been our 38th wedding anniversary.
I can't say that being on first name terms with the funeral director is fun but sh*t happens.
On a slightly humerous note, we received a wedding invite in the post so you can say that I've had 3 funerals and a wedding ( get it - apologies to Hugh Grant ? )
Yes guys I'm slightly p*ssed off with life and rattling round the house keeping busy to avoid wallowing in self pity.
All my mates and the various girl friends are ringing me up offering to help - you know, washing, ironing and a frozen portion of supper, ( but unfortunately not a sh@g yet ) and I'm wallowing in it for now but it will soon dry up as life moves on.
I've taxed and insured the Westie, going to see Neil Young next month and listening to as much rock music as I like without having to turn it down.
I also learnt how to use the washing machine, having found after 2 washes that were not too clean that you have to put powder in. Cooking, gardening and ironing skills are also advancing.
I decided in January that I could not plan for Le Mans with job uncertainty and the strength of the euro but my heart will be with you in the little corner of england in the Sarthe. Probably be there next year having not missed the last 10 years.
It's only a poxy (!!!) recession... compared to some people's battles, it's pretty insignificant...
Keep fighting folks
Stay cool, keep rocking and live for today because it could be far worse around the corner.
Regards
Bryan C
