Would you like a bon bon?

My first day of unemployment hasn't been so bad. Today was supposed to be a vacation day anyway. I already had plans to wallow in my own filth for most of the day.

Had a WONDERFUL weekend of fun and friends in Dallas for Heidi's 30th. Friday started a little rough having to get up at 5:00 AM to catch our flight. Once we landed, I had all kinds of messages on my cell. The word of my unemployment was spreading across the country. I spoke with a former co-worker and friend, Norma, and she said CTM (the software development segment of ATS that was sold off) was interested in chatting with me. Also got a call from Rob, a former boss who works for CTM too. I haven't even had a chance to settle into unemployment yet. Even if it doesn't work out, the idea of all the opportunities available really put me at ease about the future and that everything will work out.

We got to Heidi and John's before noon (I lost all concept of time when we landed in Dallas) and spent the day drinking beer, hanging out in/by the pool, eating chips and salsa verde, relaxing. Later in the afternoon, we were joined by Heidi's mom, Nancy, Heidi's brother Aaron and his wife, Katie and son, Trey (all in from Montana), Heidi's sister, Tiffany (the Human Schwiff) and her fiance, Eric. Dad, Merle, was unable to make the trip. Busy branding season on the ranch. After more lounging by the pool, we went to see the restaurant where Tiff and Eric work (Fish City Grill) and had a beer or two and some apps. Chris joined us for a beer and we all headed back to the house for a big Texas grilled steaks. YUM! So much food. I'm glad Chris was able to join us and had a chance to meet William, Freddy and John. I think he enjoyed how funny and friendly (CRAZY!) the gang is.

The evening ended with relay races in the pool. John and I turned in around 10:30, but the party went on well into the wee hours.

Saturday, the party resumed. Those Montana folks sure get up early!!! We had an awesome b-day celebratory lunch at Joe T. Garcia's in Ft. Worth. Margaritas were flowing! Afterwards, more lounging by the pool and such. John and I napped, got up and snacked a little on some antipasto platters, watched the Wizards go down in flames against the Heat and I headed back to bed. The party was much more calm than the previous night. No dance-offs or relay races. Just a group of good friends chatting into the night to ring in Heidi's birthday (May 15th).

Sunday... of course there was more eating to be had. Breakfast burritos (mine filled with leftover steak from Friday's dinner!). Then off to this yummy fried chicken joint called "Babe's". We parted ways with Heidi, John, baby Sophie and the Montana Heitzman clan and headed to Dealey Plaza before going to the airport.
My weekend in a nutshell. Lots of food, fun, friends. The perfect pick-me-up to a "position elimination". I'm thankful to have such good friends to support me. Thanks to everyone who helped me lift me up on Friday!

Check out the pics... don't Heidi and John have a beautiful home? You should see the rest of it! Next time...

EDIT 05/16/05 9:01 PM - Sorry, Bill! I know you were the one who got the ball rolling on this whole CTM connection! Mad props to you! You know you 'da man, right?