Job / health / paging IL-WI-KY-TN-AL-GA-NC-PA-NJ-OH-MI-IN

[Guest]

Since people have been asking how things are and I "strongly dislike" losing touch with family/friends, this is an "update"....

"Get the word out" ... Collective Soul ... 'Feeling Better Now'

When I became "newly employable" (layed off from Sears) April 27, I was excited about finding new employment, perhaps in Nashville/Jackson TN. People kept saying, 'You'll get a much better job with better pay/benefits.' Such is not always the case.

I start work at an Elgin company July 18 as a Customer Service Rep. I don't have to sell my Monte Carlos (may later this year), but I'm not moving/"starting over" as I had hoped. The job pays about $3K less than Sears; benefits are OK (will have expensive COBRA health insurance for a while). The company is willing to work with me on my planned 2-week road trip out east in August (tentative details below); however, the vacation time is less.

"It's time to take a leap of faith" ... Steven Curtis Chapman ... 'Dive'

The job-hunting months have been interesting. Stood up in my sister's wedding (3 of my 5 MCs were in the wedding parade); cleaned my MCs; attended seminars; missed several car shows/events and cruise nights; attended the MC Nats (Decatur IL) Saturday night/Sunday morning (missed the show); missed church on Sundays. Frustratingly, I didn't have time or energy to work on projects I _thought_ I would ... sounds similar to how I felt after my open heart surgery 2 years ago...he heh. But, I'm looking at starting my own business ... we'll see how that goes.

On June 8-9, I went to Nashville/Jackson TN for in-person interviews [missed some softball games, but met a few people at the Hot Rod Power Tour that stopped in Nashville and saw friends in the area]. One interview did not go well, another one went OK, and the 3rd went well ... or so I thought. After going back'n'forth, they opted to not have me come back for a 2nd, day-long interview.

As for my health:
* 6-month cardiologist check-up May 19 ... everything looks good, except for the pacemaker, which will last only another 12+ months. No echo was needed, based on the results of the one 6 months ago.
* Despite not eating much the last few weeks (sick to the stomach'n'uneasy), my recent check-up with my Primary Care Physician shows all is good, according to blood test results!

"The life I love is making music with my friends" ... Willie Nelson ... 'On The Road Again'

The rest of my 2005 schedule is _very_ tentative ... especially the cruise nights ... may not get to many at all this year. Even so, let me know if you will attend any of the listed events ... or want to meet up along my travels. Some of you have my cell #; I'll give it to those of you who don't, since it's always good to connect and keep connecting with people. BTW, those in IL, IN, WI, KY, etc., join us in the IL MC OWNERS GRP: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/imcog/


WEDNESDAYS - JUL 27 / AUG 31 / SEP 7, 21, 28 / OCT 12, 26
* Geneva IL ... Goody's, IL RT 38, E of Randall Rd
* St Charles IL ... Rookies Sportsbar, IL RT 64, E of Randall Rd, Double K Productions ... http://www.doublekproductions.com


SATURDAYS - JUL 23, 30 / SEP 10 / OCT 15, 22, 29
* S Elgin IL ... Beef Villa, S side of Spring St/Hopps Rd & W side of McLean Blvd, E of Randall Rd
* Freeport IL ... Dirt Track Races


WEDNESDAY - JUL 20
* Elmhurst IL ... Cars Under The Stars Chevy Night, 7-9p, York-Addison-1st-2nd Sts ... http://www.elmhurstcitycentre.com


SUNDAY - JUL 31
* Sycamore IL ... Car Show, IL RT 64


FRI-SAT - AUG 5-20 ... EAST BOUND'n'DOWN Road Trip!
TENTATIVE ... will negotiate to take this trip ... This is my "big one" for 2005. Since I went West in 2004 (Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas...which will be repeated in 2006, adding Arizona & California), I head East this year.
* TN ... Memphis - Jackson - Nashville ... FRI, AUG 5 - MON, AUG 8 ... IL RT 47 S, SR 24 E, I-57 S; I-40 E
* AL ... Birmingham ... TUE, AUG 9 ... I-65 S
* NC ... Charlotte ... WED, AUG 10 - THU, AUG 11 ... I-20 E, I-85 N
[En route to NC, WED, AUG 10, stop in Atlanta GA for lunch & near Anderson SC]
* PA ... Johnstown - Pittsburgh ... FRI, AUG 12 - SUN, AUG 14 (early morning) ... I-77 N, I-81 N, I-70 W
* NJ ... various ... SUN, AUG 14 (mid to late afternoon) ... I-70 E
* PA ... Philadelphia ... MON, AUG 15 (early morning) - TUE, AUG 16 (mid afternoon)
* OH ... Akron - Columbus ... TUE, AUG 16 (late evening) - WED, AUG 17 ... I-70 W, I-76 W, I-79 N, I-80 W; I-71 S
* MI ... Detroit - Flint ... THU, AUG 18 ... SR 23/15 N, I-75 N, I-475 N
* IN ... N Central ... FRI, AUG 19 ... I-94 W, I-69 S
* IL ... home ... SAT, AUG 20 ... SR 24 W, IL RT 47 N


SATURDAY - AUG 27
* Evansville IN ... Frog Follies


SATURDAYS - SEP 3 / OCT 1
* Carpentersville IL ... Rocky Rococo's Pizza, Randall Rd near Miller Rd
* S Elgin IL ... Beef Villa, S side of Spring St/Hopps Rd & W side of McLean Blvd, E of Randall Rd


SATURDAY - SEP 17
* Sandwich IL ... Congenital Heart Disease Golf Outing, http://www.chdquilt.org/jasonmemorialgolf.html


SATURDAY - SEP 24
* Jefferson WI ... Fall Show & Swap Meet



Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 31swm/pig valve/pacemaker
'72,6,9/'81,7.hobbies.chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
MC Guide = http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html
"I ain't wastin' no more time" ... Whitesnake ... 'Here I Go Again On My Own'

 

[geebee]

Cort,

At least you get to keep your babies.

Be happy - you know things happen for a reason. Maybe the woman of your dreams works at your new company.

Good to know you can still take your road trip. You need that to stay sane and I would have hated for you to have to give it up.

Would have loved to come to Columbus to meet up with you but mid-week is just too crazy.

I am sure we will meet again.

Take care.

 

[Harrybaby666]

So what your saying is.....

So what your saying is.....

Your "Livin' LaVida Loca"?? LOL And as usual, I am wishing you the best on everything, and I hope you don't have to sell your "Baby Girls"!!! Harrybaby

 

[Wise]

Your "Livin' LaVida Loca"?? LOL And as usual, I am wishing you the best on everything, and I hope you don't have to sell your "Baby Girls"!!! Harrybaby

Harry, I think since their Cort's they should be called "Bad Girls" Beep Beep

Cort, you sure a busy dude!! Have fun in your travels.

 

[Guest]

At least you get to keep your babies.

*nods*

True...for now, anyway....

Be happy - you know things happen for a reason. Maybe the woman of your dreams works at your new company.

*raises eyebrow*

That thought did cross my mind .... heh.

Good to know you can still take your road trip. You need that to stay sane and I would have hated for you to have to give it up.

Would have loved to come to Columbus to meet up with you but mid-week is just too crazy.

I am sure we will meet again.

Absolutely we will! Yeah, I wondered if mid-week would be a problem for many people, and I'm finding out it is. BUT...ya never know .

I'm just glad they are willing to work with me on keeping the schedule in tact. I know there are a few other things that will get wiped out later in the year (perhaps even the Frog Follies), but we'll see....


And, Harry, thank you, sir . He he he


wise...bad girls, eh? Heh...not if they know what's good for 'em . LOL! And, oh I do plan to have fun ... thank you .

 

[Ross]

Sounds good Cort, maybe not great, but anything is better then nothing and you know that. Kudos for trying hard in hard times!

If nothing else goes wrong around here (God forbid, I've had enough already) I'm planning on seeing you in Akron. Guess I'll ask more when the time is closer. May not be a long visit since my portable tanks don't last long, but I think I''m gonna do it.

 

[Guest]

Sounds good Cort, maybe not great, but anything is better then nothing and you know that. Kudos for trying hard in hard times!

*nods*

Thank you, Ross. And, yep, I know that ... he he he ... all too well.

*shakes head*

I think one of the more frustrating things about this whole situation (COBRA issues included...aye), is that I'm frustrated that I'm frustrated at issues that pale in comparison to what others are experiencing right now.... Aye. I think I need a drive.

*pauses*

Ya'll thought I was going to type "drink", didn't ya?

If nothing else goes wrong around here (God forbid, I've had enough already) I'm planning on seeing you in Akron. Guess I'll ask more when the time is closer. May not be a long visit since my portable tanks don't last long, but I think I''m gonna do it.

That, my friend, would be splendidly awesome! Yes, as the time gets closer, I'll be able to give ya more details ... and we can go from there.

Thoughts/prayers continue for you and your wife, of course.

 

[Ross]

Well Cobra coverage, if you can afford it, is something you need. Just try to never do what we got stuck doing and go without any insurance. As you can see, we are now totally screwed. We'll be paying on these bills for years to come. Oh and by the way, when you see me drive up in my trusty rusty Pontiac, don't laugh too hard. It has sensitivity issues.

 

[Sherry]

Best wishes to you, Cort, on your new job and future roadtrips. I was just wondering about you yesterday and which job you ended up taking. Too bad Tennessee didn't work out, but hey, you never know what your future holds, right?

And despite the obvious good fortune (the job), you get to keep your baby girls afterall. Yah... Take care and looks like we'll see you at the Follies.

 

[epstns]

Cort,
You've made a major move -- you are now again among the employed! Think about it -- that also makes you more "attractive" to other potential employers, and keeps your life somewhat in order while you continue to work on it.

Congratulations to you! I knew "way back when" when you first became aware that you might become "redundant" at Sears that you would have a difficult path ahead of you but that you would ultimately succeed. This is for the better, trust yourself.

Good job, bro!

 

[Wise]

Bad girls...lame I know

That was in *spirit* of cortism...or was supposed to be

you know,

"Beep Beep" Donna Summer "Bad Girls"

Yeah, I know that song isn't about cars exactly...so I'll do better next time

**hangs head in shame**

 

[Mary]

Bad girls...lame I know

That was in *spirit* of cortism...or was supposed to be

you know,

"Beep Beep" Donna Summer "Bad Girls"

Yeah, I know that song isn't about cars exactly...so I'll do better next time

**hangs head in shame**

Wise,
Cort is charging to use his writing style. I thought I'd better warn you.
I owe him 2 million right now, but he's letting me keep a running tab so I can save on postage!

 

[Wise]

Wise,
Cort is charging to use his writing style. I thought I'd better warn you.
I owe him 2 million right now, but he's letting me keep a running tab so I can save on postage!

*faints*

[Since the above is to short to post, I thought I'd add this....but, I'm out cold really]

p.s. Mary, I'm resigning as a Cort impersonator...doesn't seem to be a financially sound occupation

 

[gadgetman]

Cort,

Glad to see you will be able to make your trip after all. I know the job wasn't what you were looking for but "one in hand" (NO MARY, I DON'T MEAN THAT!!!) is better right now .

Wife still has her calendar marked for August 10th. I, on the other hand, seem to have an open calendar right now . Let us know as you get closer where and what time and we will be there (at least a 2 hour notice required ). We might be able to pick up some of the Atlanta VR.COM crowd and make a mini-Georgia (plus one) reunion while you are there. Anyone else interested?????

Have a safe trip and,

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[Guest]

*chuckles*

Oh my, where to begin ....

Heh.

But first, I want to make sure ya'll (especially you Chicago area folks) noticed that Golf Outing on September 17 ... it is for a worthy cause. Please check out the link and see if you will be there. Cathy (the organizer) has been trying to get me to go for a couple years now ... I'm hoping this year is a go. Hmm...I spose I should start another thread for this...lol.

OK ... that typed....

Well Cobra coverage, if you can afford it, is something you need. Just try to never do what we got stuck doing and go without any insurance. As you can see, we are now totally screwed. We'll be paying on these bills for years to come.

Yeah, I know. I found out yesterday that COBRA will cost just under $400 per month. Not too shabby, but it'll put a crimp in my already-crimped budget. The more I think about the whole issue/situation, the angrier I get that those of us that have serious health issues can quickly be put in a place where the cost of our health issues means the "death" of our hobbies/interests, etc. For me...if that ever happens, might as well put me in the ground then, ya know?

Oh and by the way, when you see me drive up in my trusty rusty Pontiac, don't laugh too hard. It has sensitivity issues.

LOL! Yeah, a couple of my "baby girls" have sensitivity issues, too ... so, it'll be OK. What kind of Pontiac do you have, sir Ross?

Best wishes to you, Cort, on your new job and future roadtrips. I was just wondering about you yesterday and which job you ended up taking. Too bad Tennessee didn't work out, but hey, you never know what your future holds, right?

*nods*

Amen...and thank you! I know everything works out for the best at that eventually I'll find out the reason why I'm stuck here, etc. I just wish I knew why NOW...lol.

And despite the obvious good fortune (the job), you get to keep your baby girls afterall. Yah...

For now, anyway. They may be for sale later this year, however .

Take care and looks like we'll see you at the Follies.

Yep! That's the plan, anyway. However, depending on budget issues, the Follies, unfortunately, is one of the things on the "easily to be cut" list . But, we'll see....

You've made a major move -- you are now again among the employed! Think about it -- that also makes you more "attractive" to other potential employers, and keeps your life somewhat in order while you continue to work on it.

Very, very true . He he he...we'll see what happens .

Congratulations to you! I knew "way back when" when you first became aware that you might become "redundant" at Sears that you would have a difficult path ahead of you but that you would ultimately succeed. This is for the better, trust yourself.

Good job, bro!

Thank you, bro! And, yeah, I realize it is for the better ... still some lingering "naggings" persist. But, I'm sure it'll all work out! I'm not so sure that all of the difficulties are behind me, though. The adjustment period will take some getting used to ... and even after that ends later this year, it'll be another adjustment next year to not have much vacation...heh.

That was in *spirit* of cortism...or was supposed to be

you know,

"Beep Beep" Donna Summer "Bad Girls"

Yeah, I know that song isn't about cars exactly...so I'll do better next time

**hangs head in shame**

*lightbulb goes on*

Ohhhhhh!!!!! I had no idea what you were getting at, actually ... but, now I see!!!! A valiant effort, so gold stars for that! He he he.


BTW, Mary ... your tab has been reduced just a tad. I couldn't carry it any longer ... got to heavy . You now owe me $1 million ... but that'll triple if I don't have the money by the end of August.....

*grins devilishly*

p.s. Mary, I'm resigning as a Cort impersonator...doesn't seem to be a financially sound occupation

LOL! Actually, being me isn't financially sound, either ... heh.

*shakes head*

As for being an impersonator ... nobody comes close to me, so don't feel bad .

Glad to see you will be able to make your trip after all.

Me, too!!!! He he he

Wife still has her calendar marked for August 10th. I, on the other hand, seem to have an open calendar right now. Let us know as you get closer where and what time and we will be there (at least a 2 hour notice required). We might be able to pick up some of the Atlanta VR.COM crowd and make a mini-Georgia (plus one) reunion while you are there. Anyone else interested?????

I sure hope so!!!! He he he...it'll be the "copy cat" version of the Dallas TX area gathering last October .

I'm sure I'll be posting a more detailed itinerary by the end of July, certainly, to give people a chance to check schedules, etc. So, plenty of time yet to plan .

And, of course, thank you!

 

[Wise]

[QUOTE/knightfan2691*lightbulb goes on*
Ohhhhhh!!!!! I had no idea what you were getting at, actually ... but, now I see!!!! A valiant effort, so gold stars for that! He he he.
[/QUOTE]

Hey, I'll take the gold stars, but will be content at that level...no seven time gold star champ here. This is my first "prize" since winning $1.00 in a christmas ornament contest in the 6th grade...oh, just a few years ago now.

Hope everything works out for you Cort, and I really do hope you get to keep your cars.

Wise

 

[Guest]

Hey, I'll take the gold stars, but will be content at that level...no seven time gold star champ here. This is my first "prize" since winning $1.00 in a christmas ornament contest in the 6th grade...oh, just a few years ago now.

LOL! Gold stars ARE good.

Heh...wonder how you would've faired in the Monte Carlo Jeopardy! contest I am finishing up holding on several Monte Carlo-related message boards ... he he he.

Hope everything works out for you Cort, and I really do hope you get to keep your cars.

*nods*

Thank you ... I hope so, too. But, well, ya never know .

 

[Wise]

Heh...wonder how you would've faired in the Monte Carlo Jeopardy! contest I am finishing up holding on several Monte Carlo-related message boards ... he he he.

Just a hint of how I would fair...NO GOLD STARS...

Hey, my nephew Kenny may do well at that though. If you can let me know where your MC Jeopardy is I'll tell him about it. Thanks

Wise

 

[Georgia]

Congrats on new job, Cort. Glad to know you're staying among us northerners (altho I know that wasn't your preference).

Before you can move to TN you really need to slow your speech and practice eating at the Wafflehouse (I recently heard someone say that the new Mason-Dixon line is placed between IHOP[north] and Wafflehouse [south]). We must be right on the line here in Springfield as we, regretfully, don't have either mecca of victuals.

 

[Guest]

Just a hint of how I would fair...NO GOLD STARS...

Don't be so sure, there .

Hey, my nephew Kenny may do well at that though. If you can let me know where your MC Jeopardy is I'll tell him about it. Thanks

Well, it's already overwith ... prizes are being ordered/sent to the winners as we speak. However, if you like, I could Email you a copy of it ... PM me your Email address....

Congrats on new job, Cort. Glad to know you're staying among us northerners (altho I know that wasn't your preference).

Thank you, Georgia. I must admit ... I guess I didn't realize just how much people wanted me to stay in IL ... I've had a few people from some of my MC groups tell me that they were sorta wishing/hoping that I wouldn't be moving to TN...lol. Sadly, I barely see any of these people . Irony rocks .

Before you can move to TN you really need to slow your speech and practice eating at the Wafflehouse (I recently heard someone say that the new Mason-Dixon line is placed between IHOP[north] and Wafflehouse [south]). We must be right on the line here in Springfield as we, regretfully, don't have either mecca of victuals.

LOL!!!!!! That put a huge smile on my face . I prefer the Wafflehouse. There is one that sits just the other side of Briley Parkway, across from the Opryland Hotel ... try to stop there at least once when I'm in TN. Sadly, I didn't make it there when I was in Nashville in June . Maybe when I'm there in August...he he he.