It’s only been recently that I realized I’ve been gone about seven months. Wow. In the past, if I wasn’t out of the country, it was unheard of for me to even miss seven DAYS around this place.
Who’s been here to sh**-post, and run up their post count with inane replies to other peoples’ threads in my absence?
LOL
It’s interesting. Within the last two weeks, I’ve realized I was gone for seven months (more on this later) and, within the last week, two different people reached out to see how I was doing. It’s like the universe wants me to come back here to you fine people!
Okay… back here to you people.
It made me realize…
With my apologies to the Batman franchise and, indeed, the entire DC universe. LOL…I’m the Admin Bartertown deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So you'll hunt me. Because I can take it. Because I’m not your hero. I’m a (less than) silent guardian, a watchful protector. A dark knight…
My apologies to those who have reached out to me in my absence. Please, know that I WILL be reading my PMs and replying to any and all that… well, that it would still be appropriate to respond to. If you asked me about a trade dispute from 7 months ago, for example, I’ll still check in with you to see how it went. I won’t (right away) spend an hour writing a response, as I would have previously. No reason responding to something that might be a moot topic now.
So…
A lot has happened in my life. More stories than you want to hear, so, I’ll give you the short version (YES, HATERS! I AM CAPABLE OF THAT… in my own way.).
Got laid off in Oct 2020. Was fortunate to have a stellar severance package, which saw me “made whole” for ten months, due to my position and seniority with that employer. So, I was fortunate in 2021, while many people weren’t. The week that my severance ran out, I got a job offer. It’s a huge step up, and into a vastly different job. I’ve spent a lot of time learning OTJ, studying, etc. Plenty of home study, as well. That started in August and, frankly, is ongoing. I’m learning every day, and this job will keep me on my toes. It’ll be a LONG time before I’m able to log into BT from work aga (if ever).
In Nov., I had a COVID exposure. I was negative, fortunately, but still. Not something you WANT to happen.
I had a medical issue in December that I won’t go into much. In long-term the scheme of things, it wasn’t anything severe. In the short term… it kind of was. I was taken OUT of commission for months. I’ve been in Physical Therapy 2x a week for a couple months. I’m down to 1x a week now. It’s only been a couple weeks that I’ve been able to use a pillow and sleep without elevating the head of the bed (the wife’s ecstatic about getting to sleep flat again! LOL). The radial nerve on my right side went haywire and f*ed me up. I’m mostly better, but have to work on weakness in my right arm. But I’m back at about 75%, which is an amazing place to be, all things considered.
My daughter got engaged at the end of last month, so I’m dealing with the stress of knowing that my 23-year-old daughter’s going to be someone’s WIFE next year. Wow. We get to go look at a wedding/reception facility on Thursday. I’m so excited. The deposit is more than my whole wedding and reception (25 years ago) COST.
LOL
So, I’m going to try to get back here at least once a week. I really do miss this community and website. I spent so many hours and years of my life working around here that it really has felt like a part of my has been missing. You, Bartertowners. YOU are that part.
Please, keep in mind that my PM inbox is stupid-full. If you want to send me private greetings, etc., PLEASE do so. I’ll love to hear from you people who I haven’t talked to in so long. It might take me a while to get back to you, though. LOL
BUT I WILL.
If you have any BT related questions, problems, etc., please continue posting those in the appropriate forums. A Staff member will reply ASAP. Since I’m starting at my oldest messages, and working my way forward, it’s going to be a LONG time until I’m able to help anyone. Even then, I only expect to be on once a week or so. So… yeah.
For you old timers – I missed you grouchy, opinionated, fun s.o.b.s. I really did. You guys added a lot of fun and humor to my life (and maybe only a LITTLE stress). I look forward to interacting with you psychopaths again.
For those of you who have just joined in the last 7 months or so – I look forward to getting to know you guys, too.
Okay, BT. Just a small “novella” to get you started. No epic soliloquies from me tonight… just a minor one.
Happy Trading!
Eric