Sunday, May 23, 2010

The News



Pregnant? No.

A new puppy? Hell, no.

Moving? Maybe!

I loved all of your suggestions and by no means meant to torture you with the anticipation, but Blake and I needed some time to process the recent events before I threw it out there on the web.

Blake was laid off from his job. It was not a complete shock, as we knew they were making significant cuts (first in the field and then corporate office) and the position he took in Kansas City was new to the company. Those are often the first to go - since they survived well enough prior to creating it.

With that in mind, I think the world of my husband.....his work ethic.....his dedication....his relentless pursuit of doing well for his family..and couldn't imagine him actually being on the list. Of 165 people. It was a sad day here in KC.

We feel no animosity towards his company. They've been extremely good to us over the years and have helped us through relocations....above and beyond what most companies would offer. The cut was inevitable. He worked for a major tax firm. When the economy isn't performing and people are struggling financially, they either do their own taxes or not pay them at all. It makes sense.

So, what now?

We rally. He got a fantastic severance package, so we're safe for a good amount of time. Benefits are the main focus at the moment, as Cobra is super expensive and not a good long term solution.

We have a lot of factors that could work in our favor:

1. I can work, too, and am more than willing. (Hello, Mr. Mom!)

2. We're relocatable.

3. Jack is slated to start Preschool here in the fall, so Lainey could certainly tag along, too, if we were both to work full time.

After nearly 10 years of marriage (the 25th!!!!!), we know our strengths and how to get through tough times. I've said it many times to many people.......this is when you figure out if your marriage is successful.

This is when you see your partner's character shine through.

For richer. For poorer.

In good times and in bad.

Through sickness and in health.

This is what it's all about, peeps!

34 comments:

Pam Bowers said...

Praying for you guys. My husband and I have been there!

Dee Stephens said...

yes, prayers. There are a lot of people in the same boat right now. Let us know how we can help. Many times getting a job is all about who you know and I do work for a big company with multiple locations. :)

Michelle Hughes said...

Praying for you too. That stinks! But, hopefully this will open up new and better opportunities for your family!
Michelle

The Lenzers said...

So sorry to hear that. we will certainly keep you in our prayers. we have just been through the job search a few short months ago. and yes, you will survive...your family and certainly your marriage!! yall are the best couple ever! a new experience is just around the corner for the starnes family! and you know lots of people in blogland... i bet we can find something for him somewhere. hang in there!

Mama Sue said...

Casey, we've been there (more than once) and I know it's hard but I can tell you that your attitude and support is key and it's sounds like you are off to a great start. Blake is lucky to have you. Please keep us posted!

Sara said...

Thank goodness you finally spilled the beans. I was getting worried that everyone was going to think you ran off with Coco to be a lesbian. :)

You know I'm thinking of you guys and can't wait to hear what the future holds. A whole new journey! Love what you said about this being the time you find out if your marriage is successful. So very true.

timmonstimes said...

Wishing you only the best. Praying for ya'll!

Coco said...

You failed to mention that people are calling everyday wanting to talk to you hard working, charismatic, very smart, though ugly husband.

No doubt that this might be the best thing that happens to y'all.

Unknown said...

I was really hoping it was a puppy. That's GREAT that you can go back to work in a pinch. You got this. I'll say lots of prayers...everything happens for a reason, right?

Allyson and Dave said...

I wish you the best. And remember everything happens for reason. I bet Blake finds an even better job in a fabulous city!! It will be like a whole new adaventure. That is just how these things play out.

greygillfish said...

Sorry to hear the news. Been there, done that, but I must say, it always works out for the best! Are you ready to become a Sooner girl? Oklahoma would welcome you with open arms! :)

Lauren W said...

Love you, Casey. Great perspective and please know that I am thinking about you.

The Soladay Family said...

Was going to say something very similar to Coco's words! Blake is a rockstar, and as I told you the other day, he is so marketable because of his dedication, honesty, integrity and character. This change, I have no doubt, will bring an opportunity beyond simply good! What you said about finding out how strong your marriage really is in times like this.....so true! It can make it even stronger!
Praying for your family!

Carrie Darney said...

Casey, I'm so sorry to hear this. it is tough times out there, but you are so right in MANY aspects...you are both marketable, you are relocatable (infact, it is easy for you guys...well you make it look easy), you both can and are willing to work, you have the strong marriage, you know how to love on a tighter budget...you guys are really set up good for this. Of course, no one LIKES being in that position, but you two are on a pedisal in my eyes (I know I spelled that wrong).

Remember I am a recruiter...it is technical...but I can review resumes and give advice. The best piece of advice I can give is to get on LinkedIn. It is the only tool I use to recruit...it is free for me and the people on it and EVERYONE is on it...even your boss.

Praying for you guys! Please let me know if you need my help!

Monica said...

Sorry about Blake. Way to keep the great attitude. We always get through. It's a good thing to remember. Everything will work out just the way it's supposed to!

Kelley Loredo said...

You guys are so amazing! I'm sure you were sad but you are so positive and I pray that something comes to light quickly for you. Maybe this means you will get to head this way (ok - probably not your first choice, but it would be so cool!). Hang in there-

Unknown said...

Blake and Fam:

Just came across this site as I was scouring you for a LinkedIn profile last week.

Any recruiters or leads that I have funnelled in my direction I will happily send along your way.

If you need a reference from within HRB, I'd be honored to validate all the good things.

Heather said...

Can I just tell you... how much I admire you... Your great attitude is ... I can't find the right word... awesome, outstanding, incredible, shining... RADIATING. Nothing I can say to make it better. But this will make you stronger, build more character. You and Blake are an amazing team. We can all learn so much from you.

You are in my prayers sweet Starnes Family! xo <3

FROGGITY! said...

oh my gosh, praying for y'all!!! big transitions on the way! i hope that a new, even brighter door opens for you all.

and congrats on 10 years! so wonderful.

The Rand's said...

Blake will find another in no time! I just know it!
Relocate? Hope Texas is on that list!

The Luis Family said...

I know this will only open doors for your family! We will keep you all in our prayers!

Let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do for you guys! Hugs & prayers!

Brittny said...

thank you for letting us know. i will definitely be praying for you and your family. you have such a positive attitude! keep us posted!!!

Jodee said...

So sorry to hear this news. This economy sucks!

You and Blake will no doubt make lemonade out of lemons. You two are always up for a new adventure so this just may be the next one! Hooray for great severance packages too. Hang in there!

aunt caroline said...

Starnes Fam = resilent. That's all I gotta say. You're the definition!

Malinda said...

So sorry to hear about Blake's job. I'm sure something even better is just around the corner for you guys.

Best of luck, I'll be thinking about you guys.

merrilee said...

Casey, I LOVE your ever-present, positive attitude. Your family will sail through this just fine. I really do believe these things happen for a reason. Darin was laid off from his first job a day before our 1st anniversary. I remember being so upset and feeling helpless. It was the BEST thing that ever happened to us, as he got a fantastic job in Seattle, which ultimately led us here.
Selfishly, I am hoping something pops-up in California....you are MUCH more marketable when you are willing to re-locate. Oh--and Happy Anniversary tomorrow. 10 years is a BIG one! XXOO

Tutus and Choo-Choos said...

Congrats on ten years of wedded bliss! I am thinking about your family and sending prayers!

donatelli98 said...

Sending lots of prayers your way - I admire your strength and courage and have no doubt you will make it through and be better than ever!!

Merry Mack said...

I am right there with 'ya sister. Mr. Mack got laid off in January. I have often thought of writing a similar post about marriage and these times. You are right. This is why we take vows because anyone who didn't and isn't worth their salt would have hit the door by now. Better or worse. Richer or poorer. There are days I repeat these two sentences repeatedly. We do rally. You will rally and you have no other choice, but to look at this in a positive way. To know that a window of opportunity and fresh life is about to be blown into your lives. I am sending good thoughts your way. May something wonderful fall into place.

Julie said...

You both will do just fine. Some tough times may be headed your way but both of you are strong and even stronger together. Good luck and always lean on the Lord, he'll help you though it all. Plus....you have us to chatter with. We will support you also.
Take care and God Bless!!!

Live.Love.Eat said...

Sorry to hear about this but I am happy to see such a positive attitude. I got laid off over a year ago from a job 50 min away and it was one of the best things to ever happen. Now I work less then 2 miles from the house and I get to meet my little guy for lunch.

When one door closes, a breezy window opens....

Much luck!

Rebekah Williams said...

Well crap. I HATE this economy right now. Hate, HATE.

Bless you for your positive attitude, even in the midst of it.

Thinking of you!

Kim said...

I love you positive outlook. wishing you the very best!

Kristen said...

I freakin' love your attitude. Truly... perhaps the fates will bring you and Blake and the punks up to the Wisconsin area. I am quite certain we would be fast friends and BFFs for life if you lived close. And a bonus... to encourage Blake to look for jobs around, let's say, Milwaukee... you would have FREE child care as often as you wanted it. I would probably pay you to hang with the punks... not even kidding.

And I have to admit... I was kinda crossing my fingers for you being pregnant. Dear God don't hate me... but another punk would be so flippin' cute.

So... I guess... Go get 'em Starnes Family. As you said, this is the stuff life is made of. What's your next adventure?!!?