Top Ten Good Things About Being Laid-Off

Thursday afternoon I got a call that placed me among the rates of the unemployed for the first time in three years. Obviously this wasn't exactly what most people would classify as "good" news. However, I choose to see the positive side in this situation--to see this as an opportunity to start anew. Here are the top ten advantages to being laid-off:

1. If there was a day to have the afternoon off, totally free from any employment-related responsiblities, it was certainly Thursday. It was a gorgeous day. I let everyone out in the bigger turnout area to play and took all the pictures on this post.


2. If there was a good time of year to be laid off, it would be right now. It's much better than before the holidays, when it seems a lot of people get hit hard. While I search for my next career opportunity, I can take advantage of the extra time I have to do a lot of work around the farm. March and April is a very busy time--getting things cleaned up before everything starts growing, getting gardens ready for planting, getting the fencing all done before it gets too hot, etc. There is a lot around here to keep me plenty busy.

3. Sort of along the same lines, I can cross a lot of things off my to-do list. Just yesterday I got the new blinds installed in my dad's house, helped him set up his new bed, and the day before I helped him shop for items to decorate it--rugs, bedspread, etc. (although he hasn't bought any yet, he has a good idea of what he wants). I've been wanting to get the rest of the landscaping prepped at his house as the soil is terrible, so it needs to be worked a few weeks before planting. I can go get that done this week as well!


4. More time with the horses. What can be bad about that?!

5. For the first time in a long time, I'm financially stable enough to not have to panic about this situation. Although I've got to cut back on the extras, of course, I don't have to worry about losing my home or not having money to feed me and my critters. I'll have to scale back on a lot of my plans, but no one will be hungry or homeless. I was just part of company cut-back--I had survived previous ones, so I count myself lucky that I was laid off after I was able to get back on my feet, and not before.


6. I'm already doing better on my weight loss. Despite Dad taking me out to eat all weekend while shopping to spend his money (that's not too bad of a time, is it?), I've lost two more pounds. Between moving around more and eating at home the rest of the time, it's going to be a lot easier to lose these pounds.

7. On a similar note, Sophie and I went for our first outdoor run the other day. She was beside herself, she was so happy! I went about two miles and Sophie ran probably close to ten--she loves to run up and down the road, looking towards me the entire time. Maybe it's her form of motivation.


8. The door is wide open to me now. I feel like I'm just out of highschool and can go in any direction I want, but with much more wisdom about how things really work. I get to start a whole new, better career, and I'm really looking forward to it!

9. I've discovered how many friends I really have. Everyone has been so caring and helpful. I feel so very fortunate to be surrounded by so much support!!


10. The timing was just right for me to be able to make a decision regarding my best show horse. One of the things I won't be able to swing now is showing Moose in halter at the breed level. He is just way too good to sit around and wait for when I will be able to show, so I've decided to sell him. Here's a few pictures I took Thursday of him:

I've already got a few people interested in him, but if you are please contact me at rosevalleyranch@yahoo.com. He really needs to be fit and shown starting right now--he could get a lot of points as a yearling as he has the size and look needed, plus he's growthy but has super clean legs. It will be nice to see him go to a home that can do him justice. He's such a handsome boy. He'll be missed, but it's the best thing for all. Plus, getting him to a show home will give me more time with my other four "kids."

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone...