tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post4977379799663621947..comments2023-12-28T21:22:10.935-07:00Comments on Jill Outside: The ride afterJill Homerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-18425071027597032502008-12-16T02:28:00.000-07:002008-12-16T02:28:00.000-07:00No time to read all the comments though I wish I d...No time to read all the comments though I wish I did. All I can say is damn you're a good writer. I wish I could write that good.<BR/><BR/>I've never sat in a mandatory meeting about downsizing... though sad it was a tremendously interesting insight. I'm glad I've been spared... albiet who's come home from out of town on a sunday night just to find registered mail??? I have. It was nothing personal, nothing to do with my teams largely successful run, just problems in upper managament and elsewhere. I always used to say, "that's what happens when you're the monkey's tail." but I'm not sure which is worse... board rooms or registered mail... not seeing it coming... or the immenent doom of a slowly sinking ship. I just realized I never really got to say good bye.<BR/><BR/>As for spliting from work for a ride... I very much agree. It creates a space between work and home, which is really good after a bad day... or a good day. It's enevitable that you will leave all your problems at work. Especially in foul, cold, gritty weather.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps this is why i love foul weather riding so much. It's simplicity and purity. There's not room for anything else. It's just you and mother nature. On good days your mind can wander... but in foul weather all you can do is take it in... and no matter what the conditions I just sort of enjoy that solitude.<BR/><BR/>p.s. though a different thing you should try a motorcycle in the summer. Same sort of disconnect... only quicker. There's nothing quite like working late nowing when you're done you're out of there like a bullet... just done... not to the train... not for an hours drive in a car... but just pure immediate release.Michael Meiserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02136752168371831819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-46880296455129732322008-12-13T18:59:00.000-07:002008-12-13T18:59:00.000-07:00The company I work for also recently had cut backs...The company I work for also recently had cut backs, it’s tough on all sides. What I love about your blog is that you write about the good and the bad. It’s real. <BR/><BR/>I sometimes have busy weeks or months and don’t get a chance to read your blog. Then one day I sit back, scroll down, and catch up on everything missed. Then I get the motivation I need to continue my goals as well. Thank You!Bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-26468567827365845682008-12-12T01:22:00.000-07:002008-12-12T01:22:00.000-07:00What a shite day, Jill. Sorry. Not sorry because...What a shite day, Jill. Sorry. Not sorry because I could do anything, just sorry that you had to go through that and that more may be coming. Sending positive thoughts your way...Jennoithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03200703483030319387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-25597727363257260012008-12-11T18:43:00.000-07:002008-12-11T18:43:00.000-07:00"Not all those who wander, are lost.""Not all those who wander, are lost."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-23002976264961606172008-12-11T17:35:00.000-07:002008-12-11T17:35:00.000-07:00It's hard to be one of the ones left on the life r...It's hard to be one of the ones left on the life raft. You can't help wondering if it might sink, too. I agree that having Plan B always is helpful. And I would add that you have an awesome future in publishing, with the following that you have on your blog, the fundraising support you have garnered and probably your growing book sales. There is a way through all this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-52134721618859166262008-12-11T12:58:00.000-07:002008-12-11T12:58:00.000-07:00i stumbled on your blog and love it. i have a sis...i stumbled on your blog and love it. i have a sister who lives in southeast too. you're fortunate to live in such a beautiful place and have a job you love. i hope you can focus on the positive.dcrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09664986907853703198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-68346704100740438692008-12-11T06:20:00.000-07:002008-12-11T06:20:00.000-07:00Hi Jill, your a stong woman, you'll go your way!go...Hi Jill, your a stong woman, you'll go your way!<BR/><BR/>good luckAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-52908209747957813822008-12-11T02:09:00.000-07:002008-12-11T02:09:00.000-07:00Conch,I don't really share your views. I do believ...Conch,<BR/><BR/>I don't really share your views. I do believe the newspaper industry is dying, and there is little I or really anyone can do to save it. I also believe the economy is in rough shape. But I have lived on very little (by choice) at times in my life - traveled around on a $300 bicycle, slept in ditches, ate beans - but I've never been impoverished. I believe poverty and despair are a choice, because poverty and despair are a state of mind. I know I'm going to be OK. Whatever happens, I'll be OK. I just hope I can help the people I know and love.Jill Homerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-71226754216111557112008-12-11T01:30:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:30:00.000-07:00I found your comments on not voting to be odd comi...I found your comments on not voting to be odd coming from someone in the newspaper business. I find it even odder you haven't noticed the reality of the profoundly bad news that is all around and getting much worse. Multipily this year's layoffs by four and think of how much guilt 2009 has in store. I work for the police and I don't worry so much about being laid off, I worry more about becoming the 21st century equivalent of a Pinkerton agent in a world of poverty and despair. That will be a guilt trip.Conchscooterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08016331487463993200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-6173469716140651782008-12-10T23:57:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:57:00.000-07:00Unemployment is sad, scary, and happening all arou...Unemployment is sad, scary, and happening all around us. I feel sad for your co-workers. I think you are a wonderful compassionate person for feeling sad and worried about them. Life is hard right now. The economy is effecting everyone in some way.<BR/><BR/>I am glad you got to ride home and ponder your thoughts, even though that wasn't a part of your plan.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05971829321577186599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-75640504575671476042008-12-10T18:05:00.000-07:002008-12-10T18:05:00.000-07:00I just found your blog, you are an awesome photogr...I just found your blog, you are an awesome photographer!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-68047698922319673332008-12-10T16:10:00.000-07:002008-12-10T16:10:00.000-07:00I've also been on both sides as well as in the mid...I've also been on both sides as well as in the middle of these. It's not easy for anyone and it can numb you. It's not personal and don't take it that way. Keep your spirits up, count yourself lucky, and honestly always keep evaluating your options for new opportunities.<BR/><BR/>SScotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14145967744319836316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-59521276577704218682008-12-10T15:59:00.000-07:002008-12-10T15:59:00.000-07:00Jill, don't carry the burden of others. You canno...Jill, don't carry the burden of others. You cannot allow yourself to stress over others' losses. Be there for them, if they so choose, but do not carry that burden.<BR/><BR/>My advice is to be grateful for what you have, TODAY. I've been in many interesting situations, and I can tell you from experience that stepping back and assessing the CURRENT situation will allow you to make appropriate decisions. <BR/><BR/>Life goes on, and so will you.<BR/><BR/>Now, as a cyclist, I have this gem to offer you: you own a Pugsley (I am jealous). As long as you can afford bike parts and repairs, as needed, life is good. It's about the bike. ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-60506613354584759412008-12-10T13:27:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:27:00.000-07:00you should go even more far out there. heck, you ...you should go even more far out there. heck, you could live off the land in se alaska. become a technopagan, beat a drum.chump nerdmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00294377691221249223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-84612572511982766652008-12-10T12:36:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:36:00.000-07:00STICK IT TO THE MAN! FIGHT THE POWER! YOU'RE GON...STICK IT TO THE MAN! FIGHT THE POWER! YOU'RE GONNA BE FREE LIKE FREEBIRD!<BR/><BR/>my advice is not to be so attached to your work, or anything else in your life.chump nerdmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00294377691221249223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-56158433044556860312008-12-10T12:14:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:14:00.000-07:00Jill,Beautifully written post.I am also feeling th...Jill,<BR/>Beautifully written post.<BR/><BR/>I am also feeling the weight of the world at my workplace. But stepping out one dark night, gazing up at a galaxy full of stars, EVERYTHING became clear.<BR/><BR/>I look forward to the icicles growing on my beard on my bike commute home!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-58051339583698011762008-12-10T11:04:00.000-07:002008-12-10T11:04:00.000-07:00Glad you were made it through! It wasn't just luc...Glad you were made it through! It wasn't just luck. It's still tough even when you still have a job.<BR/><BR/>I've been through at least 7 layoffs in the past 13 years. I was always left. Most of them were done as well as corporate America does layoffs. The one in July wasn't though. Then I also was left with the question, "Why not me?"<BR/><BR/>The local office was closed and a few of us were left working from home. A couple weeks ago, I got an email from my boss saying he needed me on a conference call in 45 minutes. Somehow I knew what it was for. When I joined the conference and the HR manager's name popped up it was confirmed.<BR/><BR/>The newspaper industry is being hit hard but so is pretty much everything else. I'm a software developer and things are tight too. On the positive side, I have more time to ride although job searching takes a lot of time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-12365523992135874402008-12-10T10:56:00.000-07:002008-12-10T10:56:00.000-07:00How about a heaping plateful of steaming guilt:I'v...How about a heaping plateful of steaming guilt:<BR/><BR/>I've been the person in that room trying to figure out how to say what has to be said without blurting. Those penetrating stares and furtive looks are the hardest thing to confront. <BR/><BR/>The face to face behind the closed door with the innocent victims is actually easier (for me). It is particlarly challenging when you have been promoted from the ranks. <BR/><BR/>Guilty for not being among the fired, and guilty all the more for not having bargained hard enough to keep my whole crew in the boat. And then too, guilty for being the lacky charged with the task of pulling the rope on the guillotine. <BR/><BR/>No one wins in the race to the bottom.<BR/><BR/>Yr Pal, Dr CAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-39320835878937588342008-12-10T10:44:00.000-07:002008-12-10T10:44:00.000-07:00"I didn’t want to ride to work, but when the day w..."I didn’t want to ride to work, but when the day was done, I couldn’t think of anything I wanted more than to ride home. "<BR/>---------------------------------<BR/><BR/>I am feeling that for sure. This too shall pass, ride your bike.<BR/><BR/>:)Cycle Jerkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16110525076034840977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-49898802169347832762008-12-10T09:37:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:37:00.000-07:00JIll, I am so sorry to hear about your coworkers. ...JIll, I am so sorry to hear about your coworkers. The comfort of having a job is sometimes overshadowed by guilt. I hope that things look up soon!Kristina P.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16144488639100871226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-48722078735143093622008-12-10T07:59:00.000-07:002008-12-10T07:59:00.000-07:00Maybe the Universe is just forcing you out of your...Maybe the Universe is just forcing you out of your comfortable bivy and into the blizzard. It knows you can make it through to the other side.Craig, The Flanders Fat Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440903092957497625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-56450338092614339242008-12-10T07:52:00.000-07:002008-12-10T07:52:00.000-07:00Gosh! Downer for sure...I'm going for a ride now....Gosh! <BR/>Downer for sure...I'm going for a ride now.<BR/>Allbest,<BR/>Ken/Akronkenbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02483219755088902674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-17559662841077570142008-12-10T07:50:00.000-07:002008-12-10T07:50:00.000-07:00Jill, you are a talented writer and even if it was...Jill, you are a talented writer and even if it was you, I have no doubt that you would not have a problem getting another job. However, knowing that doesn't soften the blow of seeing friends/co-workers lose their job. A nice long bike ride does sound good right about now!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-90178250879033618982008-12-10T05:28:00.000-07:002008-12-10T05:28:00.000-07:00In the course of my career, I've been on both side...In the course of my career, I've been on both sides of the table. When you are the one in a small company that is forced to give that speech, or in my case make the decision to cut, it is absolutely agonizing. Even when the owner and myself have forgone compensation to keep people employed. It is unfortunately the cold hard reality of life. But it is also just a job and I know my job doesn't make me who I am.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-14738863178937089242008-12-10T05:15:00.000-07:002008-12-10T05:15:00.000-07:00That is the sad realization in today's economic wo...That is the sad realization in today's economic world. Unfortunately it will only get worse before it gets better. Be glad it was not you and always have plan B in your back pocket because you never know when it might be you.<BR/><BR/>Our neighbor is layed off one day a week for a while and I asked his wife if he was looking for something new. Her reply is no we will wait this out. Better to be prepared with some options!<BR/><BR/>Glad I read your blog because it reminds me to be grateful for what I do have and to not be so needy!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10435961166281655365noreply@blogger.com