Sorry I’ve been silent for a few days. There’s some stuff going on here, but I’ll get to that later in the post. First, let’s close the contest. Thanks to everyone who suggested songs for my workout playlist. There were a lot of songs I never would have thought of and am going to add to my list!
I chose the winners using random.org. Of course, the first two #s it chose were me. Duh!
The winner of the Australia Bronzed Boys calendar is…Mad! Congratulations, Mad, please email me or use the contact form here on the website and let me know your mailing address.
The winner of the Australia Bronzed Girls calendar is…Albert. Same goes, Albert. Please contact me using the form here on the site and give me your mailing address so I can get your calendar in the mail.
On the good news front, Sony sent me a 700 to try out (because they rock like that) and I got it Friday. I’m going to use it for a few days over this weekend and will try to post my thoughts on it next week.
Other good news: My dad was in the area for a business meeting and decided to extend his trip and come visit us. He got here yesterday afternoon and will be here just for the weekend. Since they live in North Dakota, we usually only get to see them once a year because it’s expensive, and time intensive, to fly in and out of there. So we’re all glad to see him, but Brianna is especially thrilled. She loves it when she gets to see family and she’s seen a lot of them lately!
On the bad news front: Ugh, I don’t even like to type this but we’ve joined the ranks of Americans affected by the economy and the “reduction in workforce” as of yesterday morning. Josh was laid off yesterday morning when he went into work. It was a complete shock to us and not expected at all. Obviously we’re still processing this, since we only just found out. But I just keep telling myself it could be worse and that we’re certainly not a unique situation.
And to end on a positive note, we visited the beach yesterday, even though it was windy and cold. But we walked the beach, collected seashells and I took some pictures. It was a good day. Mostly 
I follow your tweets (as suggested by Kassia and Kirk) and always enjoy your blog posts.
Very sorry to hear about the layoff and am hopeful that something new and better will come along in a reasonable time. It sounds trite, but in the interim, there’s the bright side of family time which, if your life’s like mine, is seldom easy to come by.
Good Luck.
@DonLinn
Sorry to hear about the upheaval – I too have been affected already, but in a much smaller way, so I completely sympathize. It’s hard to believe what’s happening right now and I really hope that the prez’s plans are able to help many many people! On another note, I’m completely jealous that you have Kindle 2 and now another Sony to play with! I’m still lashed to my computer monitor, downloading my pdf’s! Finally, I hope that when you were in Vegas, you stopped in at Margaritaville – there’s nothing like walking around with a 2-foot tall raspberry margarita to make it feel like Vegas (at least to me!)
Michelle
Can’t think of any words that are adequate right now, but to say you are in my thoughts.
Speaking of relatives from North Dakota, mine are here too. Well, the in-laws. Small world.
*hugs* for everything that’s happening.
:sigh: So sorry to hear about the sudden layoff. I hope Josh finds something new soon.
~Amanda
Terrible news, Angie. I’m sorry. But you guys will make it. Hang in there, hon.
Sorry to hear about the lay off, Angie.
I’m so sorry to hear about Josh’s job! Not that anyone is ever happy to get laid off – but when it’s “unexpected” it’s like a double-whammy. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. Scary times right now…..
I’ve experienced the layoff the comes out of the blue and know how awful it is. I hope that things go well for your family
I’m so sorry to hear about Josh’s job! My brother-in-law just got laid off last week, a month after he got promoted. His company decided to cut one person from each department, and since he made the most money they decided he was the one to go from his. Totally unexpected for him, so I can sympathize with your shock. With any luck they’ll both find something soon, but in the meantime you’re in my thoughts.
I look forward to hearing how the Sony 700 performs.
My thoughts are with your family as well, I hope your husband finds something soon!
Oh man, that just… sucks. I’m keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers; hopefully something else, better, will come along. Hang in there!
Ugh. Sorry to hear Josh’s news. I hope he’s able to make lemonade by having really good quality time with your daughter, and that something better will come along fast.
Have fun with the 700… I’m eager to hear what you have to say about it. Since you introduce me to the Sony at RT last year, I’ve been coveting one.
I hope this job loss turns out to be an opportunity in disguise.
I was sorry to hear that Josh got laid off, hope something better comes along.
I’m interesting in hearing how the Sony performs, although I’m still thinking of getting the Harlequin Anniversary edition.
Hope you have a good weekend.
I’m sorry about Brian losing his job.
So sorry to hear your bad news! I hope he finds something quickly!
Yep, the bad news is spreading across the Atlantic, too. A few days ago I was talking to my uncle on the phone and he said that the company he works for has been affected – they’re going to be taking extra unpaid ‘holidays’ when the company decides it’s time. A couple of days ago the government announced that we’re officially in a recession. Duh! (Like we haven’t noticed the layoffs and all the talk about the recession…) Another one of their bright ideas is to raise the retirement age. Whoopee! Looks like by the time I hit that age I’m going to be 80 before they allow me to retire.
But that’s in the future, I should be okay for now. Unless I get hit over the head with a ‘surprise’.
My thoughts are with you guys.
I’m sorry to hear about Josh’s layoff. If he isn’t, he should be on linkedin.com It’s a good networking tool. Several of my friends have used it recently and successfully networked for a new job.
(((((Angie and family)))))
Will send out prayers and good thoughts.
Oh, Angie. I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck.
I’m sorry about Josh’s job
One of my best friends has been laid off from jobs twice in the last nine months (ish). It was a bummer. The good news is that even though some places are cutting costs (read: cutting employees), there are others who are hiring.
Here’s to the job hunt adventure.
Sorry to hear about the news, Angie. When my spouse was laid off a few years ago, it felt like I’d been sucker punched. Even when you expect it, it isn’t easy news to hear. Keeping my fingers crossed Josh will find something soon.
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