cobbler
Fractal Fanatic
Thanks guys!
To be perfectly honest, I've been able to do lots of work on my hobbies and home improvement because I have free time right now. I was recently laid off from the job I've had for 15 years. I was an apps engineer for a large IC manufacturer. I designed eval boards and eval software, validated new silicon, wrote datasheets and app notes. My employer recently gave me an award for my part in getting one of 'my' ICs designed into a high-volume device made by some fruity cellphone maker. But I was working at a remote location and this office was eliminated during a ~20% across-the-board layoff. I have no regrets and no hard feelings, though.
So I am technically unemployed starting yesterday. Feels very strange.
And if that was not enough my esophagus problem has been getting worse, I've lost about 30 pounds since Axe Fest. It's really difficult to eat due to the nausea that accompanies eating. The nausea meds just are not doing the trick anymore. Fortunately, there is a simple surgery that will help. It's an upper endoscopy to stretch the esophagus with a balloon. Totally painless, very low risk, and last time it made a huge difference in the way I felt after eating. In fact I just saw my surgeon this morning to review last week's test results (barium swallow xray, esophageal motility test) and based on those results he wants to do the surgery again, asap. Tentatively scheduled for early June, but man I wish it were sooner.
David I am so sorry to hear about your illness. I am shocked you even had 30 lbs to lose. I hope you get that resolved shortly. My IT dept is cutting 30-40% this year so I know how that goes too. It's a sign of the times. For me it's kind of a blessing as I was going to retire but now I can be laid off. Our company gives us a weeks pay for every year of service and I have 28 in so it's a nice little handshake. You are a brilliant guy and I have no doubts you will find work soon if you are wishing to. Just take care of your health first my friend. There is nothing more important. Holler if you need anything!