Dream Job

Sometime this week the economists for the State of Oregon will publish the quarterly budget projection. Oregon operates on a biennial budget. That means that the budget we’re operating under in August 2010, and will continue to operate under through June 30, 2011; was determined during the spring of 2009. It’s crazy, but its how we do things in this progressive paradise.

Back in May, the economists announced that there was a $500+ million hole in the budget. Since the states cannot operate under a deficit, the Governor announced a 9% across the board cut. Basically targeting Social Services, other agencies were untouched until they “voluntarily” cut their budgets. Many of the contracted services I work with were cut and there are two open positions in my district which will remain open until… who knows when. Disaster averted.

The economists are saying that there will be ANOTHER $300-500 million hole in the budget when the quarterly budget projection is made this week. Layoffs were avoided last quarter by issuing a hiring freeze and leaving positions open. The Director is talking layoffs this time…

Should I get that pink slip, I’m thinking I should shuck my life of ALL entanglements and become a bartender in a place that Kenny Chesney would sing about…

Sunday Secrets

Sunday Secrets is a blog, turned book, turned speaking tour. We all have secrets we desperately want to get off our chest, but are scared that people would judge or, even worse, that no one would care. The concept is simple, maybe we would tell our secrets if we could do it anonymously. So they have built a movement out of people mailing in postcards with their secrets. Sometimes the secrets are on a sticky note in a copy of the book, or found on a scrap of paper at a speaking event. Basically, getting things off your chest is good for you.

About once a month there’s a secret that could be mine. Perhaps, that is what keeps me from actually participating in the game. Tonight, there was one that could have been written by me. Not just the concept, but the words, sentiment, the emotion and even the penmanship.
I talked to my sister last night and learned that our 72-year old father is out of work… I know he needs someone to care. I know that one of us should open the door and say, “Dad, you can stay here”.
Its hard to muster up that kind of charity for the man who took every chance he could to remind me what a worthless piece of shit I was and to occasionally smack me around like the bitch he thought I was. He’s the last person on earth I turn to when I need help, because for the last 20 years there’s always been a reason not to give it.
I’m sorry, but you never seemed to want me in your home… it’s my turn to return the favor.