Originally Posted By smedley *waves* I would be available for that job and could give them a call tomorrow if you would like me to??
Originally Posted By smedley You know once I drag my tush out of bed some time in the afternoon as I'm on nights tonight (I know you figured this for yourselves as it's 4am here, but just in case lol!)
Originally Posted By X-san That'd be great smed...just let him know we're thinkin of him if you do get in touch, would you?
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle Yeah, thanks for that Smedley! I haven't heard from Sarah as much lately either, actually.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts. I am likely to take a little break from LP. Most of the issues are real world. I cannot say too much on here as it is work related, commercially sensitive, and government implicated. Suffice it to say, I am leading my firm's biggest contract (accounted for 35% of last year's revenue - and 40% of this year's is up for extention). We have written a book for the government due to launch tomorrow (after significant delays with lawyers, politicians and printers). We got that on the presses Friday (after dealing with a major issue of a child death too). Friday afternoon, I was called to be told our conference organisors for the Wednesday event had gone bankrupt ceasing operation with immediate effect (I have 62 senior dignataries and the press lined up for the government launch on Wednesday, one that is contentious, and a cancellation could give the wrong idea and make front page of the press). After working late into Friday night, over the weekend (save Sarah kidnapping me to go to Legoland after I lost my marbles on Saturday morning) and a 5am start yesterday, we have a solution acceptable to government. My job was potentially on the line too, because this project makes or breaks us. And with the fact I support my whole family, that is scary. But again, I worked hard enough over the weekend that my board were pleased with my performance, and we set my goals for next year. Now instead of bringing in $1m next year, they would like $2.5m. The things I do to try to make a difference out there (and take my family to DL). I haven't shared much of this with anyone as I had to push through, but I had little patience and was a very unpleasant person. I have some contentious views on certain matters, that I feel quite strongly about but rarely talk about. Being raw, I have been very snappy, both in the real world and on line. Well frankly, I did not want to alienate anyone, so I came offline for a bit. And may consider a break to focus on the real world. Also add that I used to consider the world of Disney and the online fan community an escape. But when I get mad at what I read, and lash out, that is no good for anyone. Hence the hiatus. I really do appreciate all your kind thoughts. I am hoping after this conference series over the next two weeks, and maybe I can get ministers to sign off the extension, I may have a little breathing space and can become human again. But I do not want to say things I regret, or hurt anyone, so I think a little break may be in order. My family is about the only thing keeping my act together right now. But you know when you make your own kids cry because they can see how upset you are, something is not right. Thank you for your friendship and understanding.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo As for Sarah, I will let her speak for herself, but she has been having to put up with me as a jerk, and we also have a lot on domestically too.
Originally Posted By u k fan Dave, you know where we are if you need us. I'm not just saying that, I mean it. And make sure you hurry back - it's a lot of pressure offering DLP advice without you here as well!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks Kiz, I know you are there. I suppose when things get rough, I tend to hide away. I don't want to be a burden. Mentally I feel like I am asking myself a lot of questions about choices I have made in life and are they the right ones. Currently I am finding this project challenging (I a largely on my own). Not a huge fan of commuting 4-5 hours a day on the cars, trains and city walks. I normally feel so in control of everything, and instead it feels like chaos. And working with central government has been a real eye opener!!! On the plus side, I am hopefully making a bigger difference to people's lives. I am empowered to make decisions. And my target this year is $2.5m as opposed to my old $24m targets (though different kind of business). For home life, it's a trade off. By doing this, Sarah can be a full time domestic goddess, and the kids can go to a good school in the countryside. I feel like I am at such a crossroads, but I am hoping it is just a phase.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo FoDD - thank you so much for your kind thoughts. I think talking to someone would be great. Sadly, I am at a loss. I get from my parents "this is what you wanted, studied for and get paid for", helps a bit, but feels like salt going into wounds. Sarah is sweet and supportive, but does not always understand the issues. Those who do understand the issues are in the power to use my weakness against me, and harm my career. And my very few true friends, well, I do not wish to burden them. I am trying to spend time with the kids where possible (I did not see them yesterday, they were asleep when I left and when I got home - so I watched them sleep for a while). I wish I were fitter. I hear exercise helps people when they get like this.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo JazzCat, I am a little confused by your advice. Can you illustrate further? My perception are one in the same, are they not?
Originally Posted By X-san ***But you know when you make your own kids cry because they can see how upset you are, something is not right.*** Well, I'd say that's bad and good at the same time. GOOD because, obviously, they love you lots. Right? Anyway glad to hear from you but sorry to hear everything is so overwhelming right now! Was it Inspector or DD that advised maybe trying to seek help with some of this (perhaps a stress councilor at work, or else and outside source?)? That's good advice, seems to me. Good luck, bro!
Originally Posted By u k fan Dave, don't be too proud to ask for help. I'll be offended if you don't! I know I can't help with the work stuff, but we are only an hour away with a good wind behind us and there's plenty we can do. You only have to ask!!!
Originally Posted By sarahwithbaloo Hi all I'm around just reading more than posting which is not that unusual for me but I guess I have not actually posted in a while. Not been on line so much recently getting sorted as both kids birthday's in the next couple of weeks starting with Mikey on Friday. UKfan I will contact you soon see if you guys want to get together to do somthing around our BD.
Originally Posted By u k fan Definitely. I'm seriously considering a trip to DLP the following week to renew my AP. Wow! Mikey's going to be 5!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Yep, we have been "real" friends for nearly 5 years, and met in cyber space about 7 years ago. Scary huh? First time we saw each other was over 5 years ago, we had only just found out Sarah was pregnent when we went to Star City in Brum with the cuddly Stitch, wearing hawaiian gear.
Originally Posted By Stacers76 Hello Baloos! I just wanted to say thank you to you both while you are still here, just in case you leave us for awhile. You've both always offered kind words, thoughts, and bear hugs when I've posted in my times of turmoil, and it's truly appreciated. I hope over time things get easier, taking a break is understandable and hopefully that really cool outlook you have toward Disneyland will bring you back ) Best thoughts for all of you, take care.
Originally Posted By u k fan <<<First time we saw each other was over 5 years ago, we had only just found out Sarah was pregnent when we went to Star City in Brum with the cuddly Stitch, wearing hawaiian gear.>>> I'll never foget that! You made us seem almost normal, lol!!!
Originally Posted By danyoung dave buddy, you know we've had our words in the past. But I think we've always kept things civil between us, which is of great value to me. I can certainly relate to pressures in the workplace, as I'm in the last 2 weeks of my annual buildup of our big 4-month extraveganza. While my job isn't at stake (at least I hope not!), the pressure is pretty huge, and I'm more than ready for it all to be over. So, from one pressured guy to an even greater pressured guy, do what you need to do to keep your sanity, and remember that you have friends here!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks Stacer76, that is very kind. Dan - you and I have not always seen eye to eye on the WDW front, but I have always repected and enjoyed your views and opinion. Thank you for your supportive thoughts. I'm off to brief the press now. Fingers crossed.
Originally Posted By LuLu Hugs to all the Baloos, from my place to yours! Dave, if you could find someone in your line of work but not your company, sort of a mentor, that would be great to talk to. Also a company counselor if there are some "safe" things you could discuss, AND a good friend just to vent. I agree with getting some exercise - just to get outside for a short walk in a park or other pretty "nature" area (how brilliant if Sarah to kidnap you to Legoland!). I think you do need to find a "quiet place" in your head for at least a short time every day. Walking can be/create an easy form of "meditiation." All my best to you friend! Feel free to email or call me. I'm just coming off a very busy period and will have time to listen
