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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

The Economy Just Bit Me

Well, crap.

I just got laid off from my job.

I was a bit suspicious that I would be included in the massive round of layoffs that were rumored to be happening today (and, obviously, did in fact happen), but I've been there for six and a half years and thought that might save me.

Thank GOD there's a severance package, though my health insurance only runs through the end of the month. I guess we should stop trying to get pregnant. We were thinking about a home birth, and that would've been out of pocket anyway, so maybe not. We'll see.

It's ironic that just the other day I was joking about how great it'd be to be able to stay home, as I'd finally have the time to get my house under control. Now I have the time! I guess I'd better use it wisely. My house is going to sparkle!

Another good thing to come of this is that when I get depressed, I don't eat. The last time I got laid off from a job I lost 20 pounds!

So I'm off to apply for unemployment benefits and schedule a massive round of doctor and dentist appointments for the whole family.

This is in God's hands. I firmly believe that whatever's to come was meant to be. I just pray I have the strength to handle it all with a positive attitude.

48 comments:

  1. Oh no! Sorry to hear your news - I guess this kind of news is the theme of the day because I also just got word a friend in NYC got laid off - she's 4 months pregnant. But maybe one door opens when another closes... perhaps time to consider a south american relocation ;)
    (I'd send you some figs to cheer you up, but the last time that ended in disaster with a broken jar and a serious mess...)

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  2. So sorry to hear this Laurel.

    One time someone told me something that helped put a stressful situation for me into perspective. "This might be a surprise to us, but it isn't to God, and He knows how to bring you through this"

    Hang in there and thinking of you!!

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  3. Oh what a bummer! I'm sorry! I hope everything works out for you...

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  4. Oh my goodness. *fingers crossed that everything works out*

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  5. Oh, sweetie, my heart goes out to you. I love your outlook, though, and I am saying a prayer for you that everything will work out wondefully.

    PS--good luck on baby #2 :)

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  6. Hoping that you can keep the attitude and drive that you need to face what tomorrow brings. Hang in there!

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  7. Well...crap! That's officially bad news!

    I'm here if/when you need to rant. (No, really - I'm out of the house for a grand total of about 6 hours a WEEK. IM me!!)

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  8. So sorry - I'm hoping the best for you!

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  9. Oh no, L. I'm sorry. I am impressed by your good attitude. Here's to the super-skinny, house-sparkling new year!

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  10. Oh gosh, Laural, I'm so, so sorry. I agree, all will work out as it should . . . but this still sucks. Hang in there!

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  11. Oh Laural...so sorry to hear this.
    I will be praying for you and hoping that it will all work out for the better.

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  12. Awe man... I'm SO sorry to hear this. Unbelievable economy we have here.

    Good thing you have time to get to all the doctor's appts.

    Here's to getting skinny! Can't wait to join you there!

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  13. Everyone has given such good words of wisdom already.
    I have found that in situations you can't change, to look for the positive and trust in God.

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  14. I'm so sorry...things are getting tough our there for educators too...REALLY worried about next school year.

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  15. I'm sorry, Laural!

    I'll be praying for GOD to bless your life. HE will lead you where you need to be.

    "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; HE will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Duet. 31:8

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  16. OUCH! That's a nasty bite. You have such a great sense of humour about life, though, I can't imagine you not facing this with a positive attitude.

    My humble bit of advice... Don't stop trying to get pregnant. Or, at least, don't try NOT to get pregnant. (Unless your financial situation REALLY can't handle it -- but babies don't really have to cost that much. It's more the down-the-road part that costs.) If I learned anything in the past three years, it's that trying to plan the perfect time to have a child is an exercise in futility. Better just to leave that in God's hands.

    Good luck, hon! We'll all be rooting for ya!

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  17. Oh no Laural, I'm sorry for you, that really sucks! :(
    I hope you can find some good soon and I know bad it feels when you don't know what to do when something like this happen. And maybe while you are looking for another job you can rest a little bit enjo your house and enjoy Gabi! :)

    Hugs!

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  18. Oh Laural,

    I am sorry girl... Sounds like you have a positive attitude... Hang in there & I hope you get what you want soon...(back to work...or staying home....)
    Sending warm wishes your way... Hugs

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  19. Lord Woman!! I came, shocked and worried about my friend, to give you comment love and tell you it's gonna be okay.. but WHAT a perspective you have.. WOW! I'd be a mess. I think it's great you can look at it in possitive ways. I look at it like, YIPPIE DEE DOO DAH.. Laural is going to blog more.. yeah me!.. HUGS and if the resolve slips now and then I'm here for ya.

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  20. Oh honey... What a sucky situation :/ I know the struggles that come with being out of a job.
    I'll be sending prayers your way.

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  21. So sorry to hear that, but it sounds like you've got a remarkably positive handle on the situation! ::hugs::

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  22. Oh yuck! You and your family will be in my prayers. Best of luck to you as you get it all figured out!

    Meanwhile, the weather sure is nice in Brasil right now. And the dollar to reais exchange rate is favorable at the moment! :)

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  23. Oh I am very sorry to hear this!

    You sound so positive. I am not sure I would be the same!

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  24. So sorry to hear your news. It will be nice for you to have more time with your daughter though.

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  25. Oh what bad news! I'm really sorry. And not at all jealous that you lose weight when depressed. ;)
    I supposed the one good thing is that hopefully you'll have more time to blog!

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  26. For such shocking news I love how you're looking on the bright side! I hope things work out for the best!!

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  27. prayers from here that everything happens for a reason.. Tell me if it gets too bad and I will start shipping out the sweedish fish!!

    hugs, it's all gonna work out.. even the 20 lbs and pregnancy

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  28. I'm so sorry to hear your news. But ya know something Laural...I love your attitude. I really do.

    Oh and hey, now that you have all this extra time, you wanna come clean my house too? I'll throw in some lobster!

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  29. Sheesh, this sucks. I was just reading an article about this (job loss and health care) and you should definitely check into continuing your insurance through COBRA. It's federal law that your employer must allow you to retain your health care benefits at the same rate for up to 12 or 18 months (I can't remember) after they let you go. I mean - you have to pay for it but getting in on the group plan payment is much, much cheaper than individual coverage. You should check into at least. Oh, and EAT, girl!

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  30. Oh No Laural! I am glad that you have a positive atitude about it, and that you can take good things out of it, like enjoying some time for yourself, your family and you house, like you said. Just don't give up. Some things just happen for a reason.

    We will be thinking about you.

    Good luck Girl!

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  31. oops, it's me, Nani, I left the comment signed up with my other account.

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  32. Ugh so sorry Laural! Can you at least COBRA the health insurance if needed?

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  33. So sorry to hear about you losing your job, maybe God has better plans for you! Prior to being a SAHM, I was in HR, and you and your family should be allowed enrollment into COBRA (it's costly, but better than no insurance). Good luck and keep the positive attitude!

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  34. I am sorry to hear about your job loss. You seem to have a pretty good attitude considering.

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  35. Oh Laural, I'm so sorry. You will make it through, with a very clean house and twenty pounds lighter - right?!

    You have a great perspective, keep it up.

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  36. Welcome to the world of midday Target and Trader Joe's trips! I thought we were doomed when I got laid off but it's been more than a year and the earth is still spinning. Call me!

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  37. I'm sorry to hear your news. I know how hard it will be to go to a one income household - but - what a gift in disguise to spend some extra time with Gabi! They are only young once!

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  38. Ah, that really sucks. My sympathies. Seems like you've got a great outlook though. I think something good is coming your way!

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  39. I am so sorry Laural.

    It is Murphy's Law.... Tomorrow you will find out your pregnant. Kids seem to come at the worst time possible.

    Hang in there.

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  40. oh friend.

    i'd say chin up and it will all work out, but it looks like you already covered that yourself!!

    thinking of you friend...

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  41. i am so sorry to hear about this!! i hope that everything goes smoothly and you find something else right away...although losing 20 lbs and a sparkling house sounds nice too:) wink, wink!!

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  42. OH sweetie! I have been MIA forever and I'm trying to catch up, and this is the first post of yours I saw :(

    I know it will sound cliched, but I truly believe when one door closes another one opens. I hope you will be able to enjoy the time with Gabi while you're figuring out your next steps. At the very least, you've got a TON of fabulous books to read!

    Miss you!

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  43. Sorry!! :/

    Do you think while you are scheduling dentist appointments you could squeeze me in somewhere? Im in desperate need!

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  44. It sure sounds like you have a great attitude during this time of testing. God will surprise you with joy even in these difficult times.

    There's an award for you at my blog. God bless!

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  45. I got laid off 3 years ago and it ended up being great for me. You have a great attitude...good things are bound to come your way.

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  46. Damn this economy! Such scary days.
    Hang in there girlfriend. Make your house sparkle and enjoy all the time you will have with Gabi!

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  47. So sorry. That does suck. I'm hoping you can turn this batch of lemons into lemonade.

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  48. Oh Laural...so sorry!
    If anyone can get through this it is you.
    And I can't wait to hear some of your wonderful stories along the way.
    Now go soak up Gabi!

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