hello everyone, long time. i’ve been extremely busy these past few weeks. my last posting was on the 1st of april. a few things have happened since then … where to begin.


a lot has been happening at work. these past few months i have been working a lot trying to get this release out. the stress was pretty much killing me mentally and physically. add to that how divine treats their employees like lower life forms and you can see how one would become tired of that environment. they have cut 401k matching, started making employees pay more for their health insurance (a rather large chunk), slashed all perks like snacks, soda, etc (that one’s no biggie), canceled all bonuses and compensation that a lot of us were putting in 80+ hour weeks counting on, and finally they put in place a 4% pay cut. all of this happened in the past 4 months. needless to say it put me back about $15k+ this year if you work out the 401k and the potential bonus etc.


i don’t need that kind of treatment from a company so it was pretty much a wake up call. there is a certain amount of weight someone can bear. i’ve take quite a few hits “for the team” but finally decided that enough was enough. about 2 months ago i started some serious job hunting. i was still putting in the hours necessary for success in the project but my heart wasn’t with it any longer. after quite a few job interviews with a range of companies i recently (monday) accepted an offer with the chicago mercantile exchange commonly referred to as cme. my last day at divine is may 10th at which time will take a much needed vacation followed by me started at cme on the 20th. i plan on using that time off for me and hopefully some time in michigan with family … i’d like to try and make amends if at all possible but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.


as you can imaging from my lack of posts my fitness regiment has been less then stellar. i’m not quite the model of dedication but i still am determined to succeed. every time i fall of the horse i get right back on … the same horse yes. why? because i know it works when my heart and soul are into it. i chalk it up to stress again .. it’s not quite as easy to manage as one might think.


in order to get my mind off work i’ve recently reinstated one of my old hobbies, astronomy. i never really had the cash for a nice telescope but i always read a lot of books and magazines on the subject, took a class on it in college, and looked through quite a few scopes every time i had a chance. anyhow, i joined the northwest suburban astronomers where i attend regular monthly meetings and hope to use one of these weekends, if it ever clears up, to go to one of their viewing sessions. anyhow, every time i get i’ve been reading up on star-hopping, telescopes, etc … getting my mind off computers and getting into the hobby. it’s been quite enjoyable. i look forward to soon having enough cash to buy a nice scope. till then i’ve rented a club 6” newtonian reflector on a german equatorial mount (gem). right now i am leaning toward purchasing a 12.5” portaball from mag 1 instruments. a whole lot of beginner scope but something that will last a lifetime.


anyhow, look for more updates in the future now that i’ve made it over this hump (aka decision). have a great one … and clear skies.