speaking of rough.....the last couple of months have been pretty rough...

[RedValk]

for me (and somewhat Sherry and Susan).

I tore a tendon in my right wrist about 2 months ago. it didn't quite completly tear OFF of the bone.....but it tore so bad it tore chunks of bone off. I did that doing heavy lifting. since then, until JUST RECENTLY....i couldn't lift weights....at first couldn't do ANYTHING with me right hand. OH, I COULDN'T RIDE A BIKE ANYMORE (throttle hand)!!!!!!!!!

then, just when i was starting to get a little healing in my wrist and thought MAYBE i could TRY riding.......i got the flu right after New Years. So that put me down over a week. And ...i gave Sherry AND Susan the flu too. so all three of us were socked up since New Years....sick as dogs...living in misery together (Susan was home for the holidays from college). Then Susan returned to here trailer in Auburn....and bingo, her pipes were busted from the recent cold spell. When it rains..............it pours.......

and THEN....just when i thought I'd finally get to lift again...and RIDE AGAIN....i found out this week what i thought was some left over effects of the flu....was actually pnemonia.

So now i'm fighting pnemonia....so STILL no riding. But hey, we had the WETTEST December on record...and now ...so far...the coldest January on record down here. So, there really hasn't been much GOOD riding weather anyway  since Thanksgiving!

bottom line, i haven't really lifted or ridden my bikes since i think back in late NOVEMBER. i've never gone this long without riding. I DON'T SEE HOW YOU GUYS UP NORTH DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And now, i just found out our company lost the bid for our recompete on the contract. i'm getting my termination notice tomorrow. i have to interview for the same job...with the new company. NO GUARANTEES. they've already announced they're cutting bodies...........so.............nothing to do but put in my app and hope for the best. Worst case, i have no job as of 29 January. Best case, i have a job....but have no vacation accumulated and have to start over from scratch building up vacation time. That might mean LESS rallies i can go to? Maybe........maybe not. First priority...........have a darn job in two weeks!!!!!!!!!!  And be able to ride and lift again by then????????????

[Chrisj CMA]

The Redvalk family.  Tim you need to start living right....(kidding) not about the prayer part though....were praying you get healty, strong and have a job

[hubcapsc]

Praying in South Carolina that your job works out...

-Mike

[JimL]

Praying in South Carolina that your job works out...

-Mike

Ditto what Mike said (except from Tennessee).

[Mickey Runie]

Bummer.    I know Erwin and Cheaha can't get along without you guys.  I don't see how a new employer at the base could either.

Good luck with the job.

[forestb]

Sorry to hear that.  I hope things work out for you with the job.

(I actually rode to base three times this week here in Bama.  The mornings are cold, but the ride home is nice... and there's plenty of motorcycle parking!)

Cheers,
Ben

[Daniel Meyer]

That sucks Redvalk. I hope it works out for the best!

[MAD6Gun]

 Sorry to hear that Tim. I hope everything works out for you.......

[Skinhead]

That sucks! 

All that and Global warming, too!


Seriously, I hope things get better for you.  Good Luck with the job.

[T.P.]

we hope the best for you Sherry and Susan. all the way from Minnesota.  Did you guys get flu shots last fall ? or not.

[Jack]

Best of luck, Tim.  I'm sure the new company will know you are still the best man for the job.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Best of luck on everything Tim. Things sure are different nowadays and getting old just plain sucks. I've got two imaginary buttons I often imaginarily push.

One is home now which I use when the darn car rides are too long and the other is go back to 22 years old. Would you like to borrow either one?

Raymond

[Highbinder]

Man...talk about a run of bad luck.....that's alot to cope with in such a short time.....we hope everything works out for you and Sherri....have a limey! have 2...mix it with bourbon....things won't be any better but you sure won't remember what had you outa whack....

[RoadKill]

Man...talk about a run of bad luck.....that's alot to cope with in such a short time.....we hope everything works out for you and Sherri....have a limey! have 2...mix it with bourbon....things won't be any better but you sure won't remember what had you outa whack....

That is my recipe too! Just remember every day you are upright and taking fluids is a GOOD day!  You will adapt and overcome no matter what! You did not make it to where you are by laying down...stand up,and GITERDUN! !     Best wishes for you but also faith that you will make the best of whatever comes your way. 

[Doc Moose]

I'll put money on ya, Tim!  Speedbump on the road of life, you'll be back on your game soon.  Pisser no doubt, but I have faith in ya!

[Oss]

Man Tim that is some rough patch but soon you will be into clear sailing again

Just be careful around trees and horses for a while ok?

Seems like we all need to pray for each other a bit more these days.

Hope you are all recovered and working soon

Oss

[Crazyhorse]

Hate to hear about all that but will remember you and yours in prayer.

Mac

[RedValk]

TP......no flu shot for me...they JUST got them available for us "non critical folks" lately....a day late and a dollar short. SHerry did have a flu shot....but apparently not for the right kind?

Raymond.....send me one of those "Easy Buttons"...you know, the big red one.......

i'll post back on the job status in a week or two. i'm being told the new company comes to town next week...interviews....then within 24-72 hours either makes and offer or doesn't. one of the fears is ...they WILL make an offer (we all suspect for most of us, they WILL make an offer).....but.....sometimes, when new companies take over....they do so by making a "lowball bid". If that is the case, often they offer you your old job....with a "nice big pay cut". Of course, unless i come accross another good paying job in the next week....i'd probably sign an offer....even one with a big cut....to at least keep bread on the table!!!!!!!!  I'm PRETTY sure it will work out, but no guarnatees in this life....as we all know!

Thank you for the well wishes. Oh, and.............Cheaha...........Git-R-Done.........NOW IT'S MORE VALK RELATED     

[SherRune]

OH he forgot about our German Shepard having a huge tumor in her lung and on her spine.  Just making her last days good ones.  She will let us know when it is her time to go. 

And my old horse Cactus tried to rip off his left front hoof the day after Christmas and is healing well...  That was until this past Sunday when he can't put much weight on the heal of the hoof and is walking around on his tip toe and that is very difficult for a horse to do by the way.  I am headed to Auburn Vet College this afternoon to see if they can figure out what is causing the extreme pain.

At least we are all alive and getting better.  Just wish this cough would go away soon.

Susan's trailer is fixed and she is back in classes after missing the first three days for the semester.

Hopefully 2010 will start looking  better for us soon.

[Spirited-6]

RedValk, thinking of nothing but good things for you and yours. May it turn around for you.  

[RedValk]

Sherry thinks i may have cracked a rib during one of my HEAVY coughing 'bouts' yesterday. I've heard of people doing that....but having never done it before myself....i'm not sure if that's what i've done? it hurts like heck on one rib now when i cough...i felt something sudden happen during one particular coughing 'spell'. Just one more thing to work thru.....

honestly, after hearing about Big Al having a stroke, any problems i may be having....are NOTHING. seriously.....

[NiteRiderF6]

Sherry thinks i may have cracked a rib during one of my HEAVY coughing 'bouts' yesterday. I've heard of people doing that....but having never done it before myself....i'm not sure if that's what i've done? it hurts like heck on one rib now when i cough...i felt something sudden happen during one particular coughing 'spell'. Just one more thing to work thru.....

honestly, after hearing about Big Al having a stroke, any problems i may be having....are NOTHING. seriously.....

LOL... Hey Tim.... Like one of my friends says .... "Getting old ain't for sissys", Buck up ole boy.... Things will be better before you know it... You are still a "spring chicken".

Seriously though, I hope the job thang works out for you and that you are getting over that epizoody that you have come down with...

P.S. It may help to sleep with your "drawers" on for a spell!

[RTaz]

Sherry thinks i may have cracked a rib during one of my HEAVY coughing 'bouts' yesterday. I've heard of people doing that....but having never done it before myself....i'm not sure if that's what i've done? it hurts like heck on one rib now when i cough...i felt something sudden happen during one particular coughing 'spell'. Just one more thing to work thru.....

honestly, after hearing about Big Al having a stroke, any problems i may be having....are NOTHING. seriously.....

You may have separated your rib from your chest wall...I did that once hurt like hell every-time I would cough or take a real deep breath...takes a while to heal too...sorry to hear of all your bad luck lately Tim...#1 take care of your health and family everything else will fall into place...oh by the way when we can't ride up here in the winter we try to make up for it in the summer...Devon and I hope we see you and Sherry up here for InZane...

[Stanley Steamer]

Dang Tim.....I hope ya'lls luck turns around soon.....I'll keep my fingers crossed that they are smart enough to let you keep your job without a big pay cut.....take it easy for a while and let things heal properly....

[BF]

Do you work for a contractor on a military installation?  I may be mistaken, but I think I read somewhere on one of these blogs that you do.  If so, your wages are set by the area wage determinination by the Department of Labor.  Those are the minimum wages that the contractor can pay for your job title....they can't pay any less.  They can pay more, but they won't be reimbursed for it and it'll come out of their pocket (not very likely).  The amount of positions on the contract is determined by the base's contracting office also and there are a set number of positions requried by the contract that the contractor is required (by the statement of work) to fullfill.  Unless the number of positions under the new contract that was let by the base is reduced, the new contractor is reqired to fill the same number of positions (again, by the statemenet of work).  True, they don't neccessarly have to have the exact same person to fill a slot, just that they fill it.   In reality, the new contract can't pay any less, or reduce the number of positions on their own. 

However, that said, (and I've seen this tried before.....although they failed) they can try to bid a contract by reducing everyone on the contract to the next lower job title/pay scale.  That's really the only way the can pay less.  However, again, that would have to be approved by the contracting office......and that's not going to save the contractor any money........just the base. 

But, that's where a good union comes into play........so you won't get screwed by each new contractor. 

If you arn't working under a collectively bargined contract, you really don't have any rights. 

I don't know how you feel about unions, but there is a good union that represents contract workers on military installations.  The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (The AIM). 

I'm 56 and have been in your shoes a couple of times in the last 25 years and know it's not a good place to be.  I understand how you feel and your apprehension. 

I sincerly hope things get better for you. 
 

[Big Rig]

Redvalk,

Sending all the positive waves possible for a much better 2010....

As for not riding in the winter...we do live vvicariously through our Southern Bretherin (sp)...Rain here Sunday...gonna wash the salt away...so that means temps in the upper 30's....I will be riding...

Again, best of luck with the potential new job...and heel well...

[RedValk]

Do you work for a contractor on a military installation?  I may be mistaken, but I think I read somewhere on one of these blogs that you do.  If so, your wages are set by the area wage determinination by the Department of Labor.  Those are the minimum wages that the contractor can pay for your job title....they can't pay any less.  They can pay more, but they won't be reimbursed for it and it'll come out of their pocket (not very likely).  The amount of positions on the contract is determined by the base's contracting office also and there are a set number of positions requried by the contract that the contractor is required (by the statement of work) to fullfill.  Unless the number of positions under the new contract that was let by the base is reduced, the new contractor is reqired to fill the same number of positions (again, by the statemenet of work).  True, they don't neccessarly have to have the exact same person to fill a slot, just that they fill it.   In reality, the new contract can't pay any less, or reduce the number of positions on their own. 

However, that said, (and I've seen this tried before.....although they failed) they can try to bid a contract by reducing everyone on the contract to the next lower job title/pay scale.  That's really the only way the can pay less.  However, again, that would have to be approved by the contracting office......and that's not going to save the contractor any money........just the base. 

But, that's where a good union comes into play........so you won't get screwed by each new contractor. 

If you arn't working under a collectively bargined contract, you really don't have any rights. 

I don't know how you feel about unions, but there is a good union that represents contract workers on military installations.  The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (The AIM). 

I'm 56 and have been in your shoes a couple of times in the last 25 years and know it's not a good place to be.  I understand how you feel and your apprehension. 

I sincerly hope things get better for you. 
 

this is good info........and yes, i fall under this situation. Thanks for the info...it gives me some peace of mind....really it does!

RTaz....i think maybe i did what you described in your post. It's SLOWLY feeling a bit better each day...and now...the coughing has subsided....thank goodness.

 I actually rode motorcycles yesterday....be it briefly. Sherry and i took the bikes out for a short (25 miles) little jaunt. it was sunny and in the 60s.....we just couldn't let that kind of weather sneak by! the wrist is better....the coughing is almost gone....now....to take that job 'interview' (i find it strange...interviewing for MY OLD JOB....be it with a different company!) tomorrow. I should know something by next week...........

[Carolyn Schmidt]

Tim,

Keeping you and Sherry in our thoughts and prayers. Sure hate to hear you guys have been having such a rough time of it.

Stay positive and keep going.  I've learned that we don't have much control over our lives, that things turn out the way they're supposed to.

Blessings!
Carolyn and Pat, too

[REELAY]

Keep the FAITH................If You enter the Storm..... HE will bring you out of the Storm. and YOU know I KNOW what I'm talking about.  PRAYERS for You and Sherry........

[BF]

Redvalk........

If you want it, I can give you name and number contact info for someone in the IAM that can answer questions for you.  If he can't deal with you direct, he can put you in contact with the right person for you.  They can tell you how the re-compete process works and your role in it.....whether you're an IAM member or not. 

I'm not currently working under a collectively bargined contract myself, although I've been working on and off with the IAM to achieve a contract here for the last several years.  They do have a contract here with another contractor, just not ours.........yet.   

They have contracts at alot of the installations around here organized and working under a collectively bargined contract.  The Navy base at Pensacola, Whiting Field, Tyndall at Panama City, Eglin (contract with Dyncorp), Fort Rucker Al as well as others. 

If you need help, let me know. 

[big turkey]

Tim hang in there.

You will be OK.

Military Tribute: Hank Jr.; Country Boy Can Survive	powered by Aeva

[Blackduck KS]

Thoughts and prayers from Kansas.
Hope you have a speedy recovery,
and everything heals back right.

William   
Blackduck

[alph]

Nothing sucks worst then having to come home and tell your wife you just got fired.

Been there, done that.  Twice.

The last job I got fired from was two years ago.  I never thought I would have the job I’ve got now (since I applied for it 6 times and got 6 rejection letters to prove it).  Things might seem as though they couldn’t get any worse, but they don’t last.  For me it did last ten months.  I kept myself busy, refinished the basement, and fixed nearly everything that was wrong with the house, made dinner for the family a lot. It seems like companies always use a bad economy to “clean house”.  You never hear about management getting cut back, just the joe-schmoe workers.

Hang in there.  Keep trying, and keep your chin up.

Things could be worse!  If you lived up here in Wisconsin, you couldn’t ride your cycle ‘cause you’ve got 3 inches of rutted ice on the road!!