This collection of entries is from July 31, 2002.
The Fire Sale continues... though I didn't see this one coming. The Chicago White Sox have acquired minor league pitchers Frankie Francisco and Byeong Hak An from Boston in exchange for right-hander Bob Howry and cash considerations. They're sending both new guys to Class A Winston-Salem. OK, I don't like this move, but boy we're sure stockpiling pitchers throughout the farm system. Thank God the trade deadline has passed (4pm ET today for players to be traded without going through the waiver process).
Another nail in the coffin: I called today to file my bi-weekly unemployment claim. The automated system didn't tell me when my next call date is - a sure sign that the benefits have run out for the last time. Crap.
Well, I think Carol and I finally hit the wall. I've been unemployed 14 months tomorrow. Finances have now gotten "dire", and I don't have a clue on what to do. I'm starting to work with some resume writing companies to try and re-work this monster and get a bit noticed. My online job searching hasn't changed - there's still a lack of opportunities out there in my field. I know the stress of all this has gotten to Carol - she has no idea how bad it's been for me. So, what now? Change careers? To what??? Try a menial temporary job just to keep afloat? I hate this economy and what it's done to my industry - significant cutbacks and bankruptcies have flooded the market with people for a handful of jobs. This sucks, and I'm getting scared.