Ahhh.. nice to be back!

Paul in Cannon Beach

I wanted to say "hi" to anyone who may remember me from my days on HR Hero forum. I had left awhile back but recently decided to renew my ML Smith subscription and return to the forum.

While I have been gone, I have missed the interaction with my peers and the always informative state newsletter. There really is nothing else that is comparable anywhere else.

It will be great to re-connect with old HR HERO friends and also meet the new members. Perhaps we can revive the HR Haiku contest...

Paul in Cannon Beach

Parabeagle

Well, I'll be hornswoggled! Welcome back, Paul. Been quite a few changes in the lineup since we last heard from you. How is everything in Cannon Beach? x:-)

LarryC

Welcome back, Paul!!

Paul in Cannon Beach

Thanks Larry and Beagle. Its really great to be back. I am aware of some of the changes made and they were factors in my decision to return.

I also meant to say thanks to Ray A and James who have stayed in contact with me while I was gone. Ray is a good man and I probably wouldn't have come back if he hadn't kept in touch.

Oh now I'm getting all weepy.

LarryC

Speaking of Ray, where is he?

Whirlwind

Hey Paul, it's good to have you back! I wondered what happened to you. I look forward to your participation again. You and I weren't always on the same page about some things, but I really appreciated the respectful and articulate way you expressed yourself.

ray a

Now you did it Paul. After all the sturm and drang that occured here last summer I vowed to stay away. Having popped in on occasion I've noticed it is kinda dull. Maybe we can liven it up a little.

sonny

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 01-09-06 AT 07:57AM (CST)[/font][br][br]xclap
x:-)
xhugs

How great to see you both!!

HRinNH

Welcome back Paul. I'm glad that Ray and James were their charming selves and convinced you to come back. It's been awhile so you have lots to catch up on. CHEERS!!!

Cheryl C.

Parabeagle

Is this where we all join hands and sing "Kumbaya?"

ray a

I ain't holding your hand, Beagle!

HRinNH

So much for making s'mores around the campfire after the song service.

Parabeagle

Ain't my fault, Cheryl. Ray takes that dang trombone with him everywhere.

HRinNH

ouch...{%&*?^#@!~}...I just bit my tongue

ray a

Would you prefer the tuba?

Parabeagle

Right now I'd settle for an explanation of "Sturm and Drang." Sounds like a law firm.

ray a

Notice how Paul started this dragging me into it then he runs away.

Parabeagle

You're changing the subject.

HRinNH

You guys must have scared Paul off again!

Merriam says it means Turmoil...good word for what transpired here last year. It's much nicer now.

Cheryl C.

Parabeagle

Yeah, well, here comes Ray sturming the drang all around, no wonder Paul got scared off. x;-)

HRinNH

>here comes Ray sturming the drang
>all around,

Geeeezzz Beagle, can we say that kind of stuff on this forum now?

ray a

No, no Beagle... It was a drang and sturmy night when I returned. Or, was that dark and stormy?

Whirlwind

Gee, seems like old times, what with the trombone methaphors and all. I do appreciate being enlightened on the meaning of sturm and drang, but one question regarding the correct pronunciation of drang: Does it rhyme with dang or with song? I always like to work new phrases into my everyday usage ASAP, but would hate to commit a faux pas of pronunciation.

ray a

Sturm und Drang from The American Heritage Dictionary, turmoil,ferment or storm and stress. Pronounced shtoorm oont drahng (song). Do you pronounce faux pas like fax pass?

Whirlwind

No, I prefer "fox paws."

Paul in Cannon Beach

Sorry guys. Ray offended me and I had to quit again. Just kidding.

The truth is my whole world was basically shook up over the weekend when a friend of mine offered me a position running one of his companies. Basically, I could write my own ticket. The catch was that I would have to spend a lot of time away from my family for 1-2 years.

I have two girls, ages 2 and 9, and ultimately I decided to pass on his offer. I think they need their dad more than they need the nice things this job would have allowed me to buy them.

It was a hard decision though because I haven't had an offer like this before. I have worked for a non-profit for the past 12 years so you can guess where I am financially. However, I think when I look back, I will know I made the right move.

HRinNH

xclap xclap xclap

You sound like you have your priorities in order, Paul. I admire you. Spending quality time with your children is the greatest gift you can give them. If only more fathers can see this kind of sacrifice as beneficial to their family.

But don't worry, it comes back eventually when they become your friends once the chores of parenting wind down!

Cheryl C.

ray a

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 01-10-06 AT 12:46PM (CST)[/font][br][br]I'm sorry Paul... I confused you with that other guy from Oregon. You all look and sound like.

SMace

Paul, wow what a tough decision.

There is no doubt in my mind you made the right decision. I'm willing to bet that in the LONG run it will pay off big time.

Gillian3

Welcome back, Paul and Ray.

Gillian, formerly Gillian 2 and 3.

LarryC

Gillian, are you back to square one?