The Furlough Diaries

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:17 pm

For the first time since May of 1996, I was asked not to come in to work. Sure, hopefully it's temporary, but it's still odd. No need for sorries and shit in here guys, this is just you getting to live it all along with me. Some of you are working from home, but for me the past three weeks or so have mostly been not working at work. Not lazy, just very slow as a lot of the stuff I do depends on others doing their jobs and when conferences and lobbying and whatnot slowed down, it trickled down. Thanks, Reagan!

Anyway, presented for your, well, whatever who knows, YMMV, The Furlough Diaries

Furlough Day: One

Official Start Time: 9:30 AM

Daily Soundtrack - Jason Isbell Station on Amazon Music, then hijacked by daughter to Still Woozy

Breakfast: N/A woke up too late
Lunch: A hearty chili I made last night. Spicy!

Physical Activity:
It's day one. Chill out with that. Plus it's not very warm and super windy.

Domestic Accomplishments:
- Three loads of laundry
- Unloaded, loaded and run dishwasher and did the overflow by HAND. Domestic GOD.
- Replaced lightbulbs I'd been ignoring for lazy reasons

Free Time
- MLB The Show - 18 year old no pop Left Fielder/1B through 36 games in AA Ball with the Tulsa Drillers (LAD Affiliate)
- .250/.250/.318/.568, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 7 SB

WSJ Puzzle from Saturday and I CANNOT parse one of the last wordplays. Anyone who also did this and solved it help a brother out.

Alcohol:
None!

Reading list:

Joe Pos on Willie Mays

Swamp Services Rendered
- Helped Sabo with vital Excel questions related to expense tracking and financial performance

A_B plays the shit he likes to play:

(Couple of little hiccups in there but I ain't going for perfect.)

govmentchedda · Post by **govmentchedda** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:21 pm

Bravo!

P.D.X. · Post by **P.D.X.** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:23 pm

A_B wrote: ↑Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:17 pmSwamp Services Rendered
- Helped Sabo with... performance

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:36 pm

Yo I did that WSJ puzzle and it was a doozy.

Post by **brian** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:39 pm

After having last week off to help take care of Tanya after her shoulder surgery I was considering offering to take a voluntary furlough from work for a month or so, but didn't want them to figure out they could live without me (and my salary), so that put the kibosh on that.

(The truth is they probably could easier than they think so I usually try to disabuse them of that notion when I have the chance, so this would be a really stupid move. I'm just trying to suck at the teat for another couple or three years until I can parachute out of here with a part-time job).

Post by **Sabo** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:41 pm

A_B wrote: ↑Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:17 pmSwamp Services Rendered
- Helped Sabo with vital Excel questions related to expense tracking and financial performance

That's one way to put it.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:53 pm

Ryan wrote: ↑Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:36 pm Yo I did that WSJ puzzle and it was a doozy.

What goes with above? Or have I missed that one.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:58 pm

Shit i threw it away...was it “over” or “beyond”?

Did you get the final answer anyway?

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 3:17 pm

Yeah I got the final one just can’t parse that one out. I’ll look at it again in a minute

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 4:39 pm

A_B wrote: ↑Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:17 pm Alcohol:
None!

Day’s not over yet!

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 4:59 pm

sancarlos wrote: ↑Mon Apr 13, 2020 4:39 pm
A_B wrote: ↑Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:17 pm Alcohol:
None!
Day’s not over yet!

Oh for sure the diary day ends when the lady comes home.

HaulCitgo · Post by **HaulCitgo** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 5:25 pm

Sounds like you're finding your way nicely. Breakfast though. Preferably involving pork.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:23 pm

I will take requests btw. But YY Zed is right out.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:56 pm

Play some John Prine if you know any, while we are playing family feud.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Mon Apr 13, 2020 8:02 pm

sancarlos wrote: ↑Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:56 pm Play some John Prine if you know any, while we are playing family feud.

I used to know paradise but would need to refamiliarize. It’ll be tomorrow’s entry in your honor. I think I can relearn it fairly well. Four chords I believe.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Tue Apr 14, 2020 9:34 pm

Sorry I don’t update today. There has been some clamoring from my biggest fans. I don’t want to spoil anything but hopeful day 2 update in the AM.

ETA: small spoiler but I haven’t watched a second of tv during the day either Monday or Tuesday.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Tue Apr 14, 2020 10:13 pm

Clamor, clamor!

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am

The biggest concern today is that I'm not hearing of that many of the "twelve" from my office who were supposedly in the same boat as me. Only one confirmed and two more that I think are but that's still far less than 12. So that's got me a bit leery, but maybe the process is just different depending on department.

Furlough Day: Two

Official Start Time: 9:30 AM (Consistency is important)

Daily Soundtrack - The dan Le Batard with Stugotz

Breakfast: N/A woke up too late
Lunch: A panini, some chicken nuggets and a few cheez its

Physical Activity:
It's day otwo. Chill out with that. Plus it's not very warm and super windy.

Domestic Accomplishments:
- Unloaded, loaded and run dishwasher. No handwashing.
- Replaced even more lightbulbs I'd been ignoring for lazy reasons after going to the store and getting new bulbs.

Free Time
- MLB The Show - 18 year old no pop Left Fielder/1B through 46 games in AA Ball with the Tulsa Drillers (LAD Affiliate)
.256/.258/.35/.616, 2 hr, 19 rbi, 10 sb

Despite that line, Bull Durham was inexplicably called up to OKC.
AAA Stats (8 Games)
.437/.437/.531/.969, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3 SB

Maybe those scouts don't need no stats. I passed the eye test

School Time:
Spent a good chunk of the day relearning factoring quadratic equations and the like. Then going over some English terms. First real day as teacher dad. It was fine!

Alcohol:
None!

Reading list:

Didn't Read Shit

Swamp Services Rendered
- None. Guys, just ask if you need anything.

A_B plays the shit he likes to play:

Eh. Didn't get to record one yesterday. Definitely shooting for one today.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:17 am

A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am
School Time:
Spent a good chunk of the day relearning factoring quadratic equations and the like. Then going over some English terms. First real day as teacher dad. It was fine!

That's impressive. Trying to teach advanced math to my daughter was a gruesome experience.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:29 am

D's Notes (say it out loud!):
1. "A panini" requires more details.
2. The stat line should list PAs.

rass · Post by **rass** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:29 am

A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am The biggest concern today is that I'm not hearing of that many of the "twelve" from my office who were supposedly in the same boat as me. Only one confirmed and two more that I think are but that's still far less than 12. So that's got me a bit leery, but maybe the process is just different depending on department.

Are you worried about yourself or others?

rass · Post by **rass** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:30 am

mister d wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:29 am D's Notes (say it out loud!):
1. "A panini" requires more details.

Just assumed chicken nuggets and cheezits.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:44 am

mister d wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:29 am D's Notes (say it out loud!):
1. "A panini" requires more details.
2. The stat line should list PAs.

It was a frozen lean cuisine chicken club panini. I have a panini press, but no other ingredients. Also, still trying to watch calories.

And OK, I will list PAs going forward. I put the games in, and obviously, I'm an every day player (Which in the minors means i start 6 out of every seven games.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:45 am

rass wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:29 am
A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am The biggest concern today is that I'm not hearing of that many of the "twelve" from my office who were supposedly in the same boat as me. Only one confirmed and two more that I think are but that's still far less than 12. So that's got me a bit leery, but maybe the process is just different depending on department.
Are you worried about yourself or others?

Well I guess that maybe I didn't get correct information? The two one the fence were confirmed today as well as now two more rumored. My worry is that I was told that it was worse than it seems, so now I wonder what that means that I was on the first line.

rass · Post by **rass** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:50 am

OK, I understand. And not that you now want to root for your coworkers to be furloughed, but that wouldn't definitely make you a little more at ease...

Steve of phpBB · Post by **Steve of phpBB** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 11:56 am

A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am - MLB The Show - 18 year old no pop Left Fielder/1B through 46 games in AA Ball with the Tulsa Drillers (LAD Affiliate)
.256/.258/.35/.616, 2 hr, 19 rbi, 10 sb

Despite that line, Bull Durham was inexplicably called up to OKC.
AAA Stats (8 Games)
.437/.437/.531/.969, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3 SB

Maybe those scouts don't need no stats. I passed the eye test

What's the scoop on this game? Can it be played on a PC, or do you need a Playstation console? Is it primarily about physically playing as a player (throwing, swinging, running), or does it involve team management? Because I'm almost tempted to figure out if I can give it a try.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:05 pm

Steve of phpBB wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 11:56 am
A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am - MLB The Show - 18 year old no pop Left Fielder/1B through 46 games in AA Ball with the Tulsa Drillers (LAD Affiliate)
.256/.258/.35/.616, 2 hr, 19 rbi, 10 sb

Despite that line, Bull Durham was inexplicably called up to OKC.
AAA Stats (8 Games)
.437/.437/.531/.969, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3 SB

Maybe those scouts don't need no stats. I passed the eye test
What's the scoop on this game? Can it be played on a PC, or do you need a Playstation console? Is it primarily about physically playing as a player (throwing, swinging, running), or does it involve team management? Because I'm almost tempted to figure out if I can give it a try.

The show is a PlayStation exclusive. I’m actually playing the 17 version. But it has plenty of modes that would fit whatever you wanted to do. Mine is called “road to the show” and you just play one player who you created and follow their caterer only.

Post by **Sabo** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:17 pm

A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:05 pmThe show is a PlayStation exclusive. I’m actually playing the 17 version. But it has plenty of modes that would fit whatever you wanted to do. Mine is called “road to the show” and you just play one player who you created and follow their caterer only.

Does that mean caterers are being stalked unnecessarily?

duff · Post by **duff** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 1:08 pm

Sabo wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:17 pm
A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:05 pmThe show is a PlayStation exclusive. I’m actually playing the 17 version. But it has plenty of modes that would fit whatever you wanted to do. Mine is called “road to the show” and you just play one player who you created and follow their caterer only.
Does that mean caterers are being stalked unnecessarily?

Looks like drinking alcohol has been reached in day 3.

Post by **brian** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 1:15 pm

A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:05 pm
Steve of phpBB wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 11:56 am
A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am - MLB The Show - 18 year old no pop Left Fielder/1B through 46 games in AA Ball with the Tulsa Drillers (LAD Affiliate)
.256/.258/.35/.616, 2 hr, 19 rbi, 10 sb

Despite that line, Bull Durham was inexplicably called up to OKC.
AAA Stats (8 Games)
.437/.437/.531/.969, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3 SB

Maybe those scouts don't need no stats. I passed the eye test
What's the scoop on this game? Can it be played on a PC, or do you need a Playstation console? Is it primarily about physically playing as a player (throwing, swinging, running), or does it involve team management? Because I'm almost tempted to figure out if I can give it a try.
The show is a PlayStation exclusive. I’m actually playing the 17 version. But it has plenty of modes that would fit whatever you wanted to do. Mine is called “road to the show” and you just play one player who you created and follow their caterer only.

I still occasionally play my RTTS 10 on PS3, which is kind of embarrassing really considering most of the guys in the game are retired now, but it still holds up.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 3:50 pm

An update from my concern earlier. There were two layoffs that were the two I was pretty sure about but thought furlough and not layoffs. Then a couple more that are off but not sure layoff/furlough in some other departments along with two more that right now are rumors. So I feel a little better, also knowing that they have done furloughs in some other "support" offices around the company.

Furlough Day: Three

Official Start Time: 9:15 AM Had to get up early what with so much shit to do.

Daily Soundtrack - Guy Clark Radio (With "If that ain't country" by David Allan Coe showing up and man it is jarring when you year a white guy drop an n bomb so casually) and then Hayes Carll Radio.

Breakfast: An egg mcmuffin that the oldest went out to McD's for this morning.
Lunch: Wife has a class she is taking and brought lunch home prior to that. Wendy's Double. Solid.

Physical Activity:
It's day three. Chill out with that. Plus it's only mildly warm and super windy.

Domestic Accomplishments:
- Unloaded, loaded and run dishwasher and did the overflow by HAND. Domestic GOD.
- Cleaned downstairs half bath
- Took out the trash

Free Time
- MLB The Show - 18 year old no pop Left Fielder/1B in AAA Ball with the OKC Dodgers (LAD Affiliate)
- .347/.377/.475/.853, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 8 SB, 106 PAs

(I think 2 things are playing into my stats being better. 1) I am getting my rhythm back as i hadn't played this game in two years probably and 2) I am upgrading my guys base stats so now soft fly outs are dropping for hits as harder hit liners. Getting more into the gap and getting some extra base hits more often

Alcohol:
None, even if my typing doesn't show it.

Reading list:

a few chapters of "Sleeping Beauties" by Owen and Stephen King

Swamp Services Rendered
- None!

AB Teaches Sophomore High School

Not much today. They are split into blocks and this is a B-Day, which is the stuff that doesn't need as much help.

Other:

Presided over a board meeting (first time doing this. Weird to call for motions and stuff.) where we authorized a decent donation in coordination with a few other entities in the state. Money will go to support drive through testing centers and the antibody stuff that is also getting a lot of run. Probably be a press release soon so I'll share that later. (Yes, I am the president of the board but it is considered volunteer so I was instructed to continue doing this as needed even though I have the position because of my job.)

A_B plays the shit he likes to play:

Paradise, upon request

(little rusty, but again, this is just to keep myself playing)

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:04 pm

Burger King for dinner?

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:09 pm

mister d wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:04 pm Burger King for dinner?

Good idea. Gotta keep supporting the local guys.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:33 pm

A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 3:50 pm
Presided over a board meeting (first time doing this. Weird to call for motions and stuff.) where we authorized a decent donation in coordination with a few other entities in the state. Money will go to support drive through testing centers and the antibody stuff that is also getting a lot of run. Probably be a press release soon so I'll share that later. (Yes, I am the president of the board but it is considered volunteer so I was instructed to continue doing this as needed even though I have the position because of my job.)

Without researching KY labor laws, I'm going to say they probably have to pay you for that. I'm assuming you are an exempt employee, so they should have to pay you for a full week of work, and include all benefits. You should be receiving benefits for the first 30 days of furlough, so this should set the clock back. Just something to think about if they don't bring you back after the furlough, maybe a nice negotiating point for a severance package.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:35 pm

Nice version of Paradise, AB!

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:51 pm

The Sybian wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:33 pm
A_B wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 3:50 pm
Presided over a board meeting (first time doing this. Weird to call for motions and stuff.) where we authorized a decent donation in coordination with a few other entities in the state. Money will go to support drive through testing centers and the antibody stuff that is also getting a lot of run. Probably be a press release soon so I'll share that later. (Yes, I am the president of the board but it is considered volunteer so I was instructed to continue doing this as needed even though I have the position because of my job.)

Without researching KY labor laws, I'm going to say they probably have to pay you for that. I'm assuming you are an exempt employee, so they should have to pay you for a full week of work, and include all benefits. You should be receiving benefits for the first 30 days of furlough, so this should set the clock back. Just something to think about if they don't bring you back after the furlough, maybe a nice negotiating point for a severance package.

No, the bylaws of the board are that it is strictly on a volunteer basis and not related to employment in the industry (several board members are lawyers that do work for mining companies but aren't employees of any company). My boss had the employment lawyers look it over before I went on furlough because this has been in the works beforehand and I didn't want to jeapordize it. So think it's OK.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:51 pm

sancarlos wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:35 pm Nice version of Paradise, AB!

Thanks. I'm a little out of practice so i deaden some strings more than I like but it's ok I just play for fun anyways.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:38 pm

Also I know no one made it to the third chorus because no one commented on my wife sneezing in the background.

But that was the take that was best and I thought it was a good Easter egg. This one took about five fewer takes than the first because my hands were at least working.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 11:23 pm

Spoiler alert: I got called up to the show.

It’s a simple game. You throw the ball. You hit the ball. And sometimes it rains. Think about that.

And my shower shoes are gold.

Post by **brian** » Wed Apr 15, 2020 11:37 pm

I still have the sealed bottle of Woodford Reserve from Hood To Coast if you ever make it back out to Vegas. I don’t have the heart to open it without someone who was on that team present.