For the first time in my life, I’ve been fired. I suppose I could go on and on about my boss being cheap, or market values, blah blah blah.

But I’ll spare the useless drivl and get to the point. Fact is, I don’t think that the fishing tackle industry would every be able to afford someone like me (unless I worked in Cabela’s corporate office). Like I told my boss - It’s like trying to make a profit from selling penny candy, and there’s a thousand people out there doing the exact same thing.

In the end, it was probably for the better. Not only am I obviously more grounded now, but it’ll give me the opportunity to explore other options. I highly doubt I’m ever going to make what I deserve anymore… at least, not around here.

The boss and I parted ways on a good note tho, and I certainly don’t regret going to work there. I learned a hell of a lot for new skills…. which is yet another reason I should have my own business now. I have a good understanding of how advertising REALLY works. I’m equipped with different marketing methods. I learned how to operate some pretty high end software. And I did it all pretty much on my own.

The only bad part is, I feel like I let my kids down. Heck, I haven’t even told them yet cause I really don’t know what to say, and I certainly don’t wanna paint a shitty picture of my boss to ‘em, cause the kids can’t grasp the complexity of the situation.

I look at as this - I just couldn’t bring myself to give more of myself to a situation/company that wasn’t going to give me what I required in return. Just because that’s all there is in front of me, doesn’t mean I have to take it.

I’ll probably be ultra broke now working some dead end job, but at least I won’t have a mountain of stress at the same time.

Some of you already know this by now, but for those that don’t, here ya go….

Today, my boss came in all pissed off about the raise I asked for a month ago, and it looks like i’m being asked (politely) to find work elsewhere, because he feels that his company will never be able to make me happy.

Kind of stupid imo. I mean, why the fuck should his company-structure have anything to do with what my skills are worth on the open market?

I dunno… maybe I’m asking too much. Maybe I got it all wrong. Or maybe, just maybe.. he’s being a cheap prick. What the hell took him so long anyways? I think he was just stewing around in his office TRYING to come up with excuses to get rid of me (there’s a long story behind that one too).

Anyways, I finished updating the last section of my resume. Apparently, any company can get all this and MORE for the low jew-tastic price of $27k. NOT shown are the other ten years of business management, cost accounting, etc. Do you think I’m asking way too much?

WORK EXPERIENCE

Marketing Manager (company name), Mitchell, SD 2005—Present

Develop new, cost effective, marketing strategies to promote a fishing tackle product line. Work directly with multiple media companies such as magazines and custom print producers to ensure maximum return on investment dollars. Manage all aspects of web development for six websites including proper presentation of products, secure shopping cart systems, increase ranking on the top three search engines (Google, Yahoo, and MSN) and monitor traffic flow to ensure effective bounce rates and conversions rates. Use multiple software platforms, such as Corel Photo-Paint Pro, Corel Draw, Photoshop and Quarx, to create necessary artwork for websites, catalog layouts, flyers, and advertising. Handle proper assimilation of a newly purchased fly fishing component company, including raw material ordering and maintenance, inventory control, customer relations, vendor accounts, catalog creation, and website management. Work with overseas companies to ensure proper shipment and payment of products, while increasing international sales and consumer awareness.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks, mostly with work, but a few updates none the less….

1) Congratulations to Summer on the birth of her baby boy, Freedom Reign. How come I couldn’t have boys? Must be some bad karma floating around out there somewhere.

2) The boss still isn’t talking to me. He must still think I’m not worth the money I’m asking for….. never mind the phone call I just took yesterday - I might have landed another $100,000 account….. asshole.

3) Had a small celebrity appearance at karaoke the other night. Not much into basketball myself, but it was still pretty cool.

4) I finally got a leather jacket for riding. Makes it SO much nicer when riding at night. Spendy, but worth it.

We’re back, and I finally got the time to post some pictures of our vacation out in the Black Hills. This year, we kept it light - No pre-scheduled appointments, itinararies, or pretty much anything written down to do besides a few notes on a couple points of interest. We figured that if the girls waste too much time dinking around, then no big deal. Less stress that way, and for the most part, everyone was happier. Heck, we didn’t even book the campground until about an hour out from Rapid City.

First, on the way there, we decided to stop at the 1880 Town. The girls got all dressed up too…. not that I agreed with their choice in clothing, but I didn’t say anything…

That took a serious chunk of time from the ride in, but we still made fairly good time. We set up camp, and got the fire rolling. The kids wrestled around for a while, then slowly passed out one by one….

The next couple days were spent either swimming at the campground pool, or visiting attractions like Story Book Island (it’s FREE!), Old McDonalds Farm, The Roo Ranch, and Dinosaur Park (not that great)….

What the heck is that?!?!?!

Then on Friday, I met up with Mark in Rapid, and we went on up to Deadwood (actually, this is when we went to the Roo Ranch). Mark was nice enough to pick up the tab, and while we were there, I seen this….

The company slogan underneath, is the BEST! Even if the beer sucks, I’m sure these guys are making plenty of cash from guys that just wanna try one, out of shear curiosity.

Then we strolled downtown and visited a few shops. I was hoping I’d spot a set of bags for the bike, but didn’t notice anything that looked good. But then I ran into this god awful monstrosity….

I went inside with hopes of seeing some cool Harley gear. Maybe some custom hardware, glasses, etc. Not that I could buy anything for myself, but all my friends have Harley’s.

To my surprise, the store lacked the gritty, ‘down-n-dirty’ look that you’d get from any of their other stores. No, this store was nothing more than a fashion stop for your average teenager. From top to bottom, every square inch of this store was nothing more than a Gap or Hot Topic, using the HD name to make some sales. I shit you not…. I actually felt OLD walking in this place. IT’S A FRICKING HARLEY STORE! HOW THE F*** DOES THAT HAPPEN?!?!?!?

During this years rally, the bikers should actually ‘rally’ and burn that place down.

Anyways, moving on….

So, Saturday came and it was finally time - I hadn’t seen my dad (long story if ya don’t know) in 20 years, and thought this would be a good time to catch up on things. Despite the nervousness (from both of us), everything went well. Dad got to meet the girls for the first time, and we got some pictures. Just a couple notes from speaking with him…

1) Had some sort of surgery in his guts (something like a hernia I guess). I’ll avoid the gross part by saying “Things came a little loose in the doctors office”….. How fucked up is that?!?

2) Fell down drunk and hurt himself. Forced himself to crawl to the bed and passed out. Next day, called work, couldn’t make it because of the pain. Went to the doctor to find out he had 4 or 5 broken ribs and a punctured lung.

I guess the old man just don’t know when to quit.

Later that night, my sister Shelly (Johns daughter), swung by the campsite after a softball game. She’s doing good, has four kids, and actually cares about keeping in touch with me… unlike other relatives who just wanna use me for a pay check…..

The next day we just packed up and came home. The kids were driving us nuts on the way home, as none of them wanted anything to do with any of us, anymore.

Yeah, it was good… but damn… I need some ‘me time’…..

I just thought I’d update everyone on some minor BS before I head out.

I got vacation this week, and god willing, we’ll be heading out to the hills for some camping. Mark, you’ll have to call Erin’s cell some time… or I’ll give ya a call. Though, I’m pretty sure you’ll be working the whole time.

I haven’t had a cigarette for just over two weeks. Cold turkey. Almost broke down Saturday night at karaoke, but handed the pack back to James.

Slowly finding the exact pieces I want for recording equipment… the shit ain’t cheap, but I suppose if I want something decent, then I’d better drop the cash for it. Sold my printer, and shortly here I should be selling the other one… on ebay. Picked up another printer at a garage sale for dirt cheap, and I’ll sell that on Ebay also. Plus, I got some other stuff at the garage sale that I’m gunna try selling… don’t wanna say anything just yet tho. Either the idea is going to be good, or it’ll flop hard as shit. Worse case scenario - I’m out $10.

I told my boss I wanted a raise today…..

Boss: Hey, where ya goin! Haven’t seen ya in a while, so whats up?

Me: I need a raise…. like, about $10k.

Boss: <with a half smile>Oh yeah? Sooo… if I don’t, then are you gunna quit?

Me: No, I didn’t say that. I just want what I should be getting.

Boss: Ya know, I gave you a raise last week. Didn’t you see that on your check?

Me: Uhh… yeeeaaaahh… I did. . . . . . . . . Anyways, I gotta run. See ya.

Sure, why not? Lot of things changing this year, on several levels, and since the other blog was infected with some sort of plague, I thought it’d be a good idea to dump the old site and start over…. wasn’t really saving anything important there anyways.

So be patient with me, while I go through the transition and get everything all fixed up around here.