I’ve long been unhappy with my job, which has taken a toll on me both emotionally and physically.
All the mandatory overtime hours of the past few years have made things that much worse, but the end is now in sight: Philips “Best Plant” Slated to Close in Sparta.
I’m really not sure how I feel about this, it happened so suddenly and without warning.
Right now I’m planning on going full time with whistle making when the layoffs get down to me, and I hope that I’ll be able to sell enough to pay the bills.
I’ve always envied people who could make a living doing something they enjoyed, but I could never justify the risk of quitting my job to take a chance on something that might not work out.
Now I have nothing to lose by taking the chance, so look for the return of Humphrey Whistles some time in the near future.
Oh, and I haven’t mentioned the kidney stone I had three weeks ago.
First Colin Goldie, then me… it could become an epidemic among whistle makers!
I’ve always heard how bad those things hurt, but you really have no idea until you experience it firsthand.
Unlike Colin’s, mine was too large to pass and had to be removed via lithotripsy.
No fun, no fun at all, but thankfully it’s rare that a kidney stone requires invasive surgery these days.
Kicking my caffeine addiction was also necessary to help prevent future stones, which was no walk in the park, but it’s worth it if I never have to go through that pain again.
I’m over the headaches, anxiety and irritability now, but I’m still sleepy most of the time.
I already knew from some recent blood work that my blood sugar and cholesterol are higher than normal, and that I had a few nutrient deficiencies, so I’ve been moving in incremental steps toward a healthier diet and getting regular exercise.
The doctor tells me I’d better stop procrastinating and take the necessary action to help lower the high probability of becoming diabetic and/or developing heart disease, both of which are common in my family.
Well, that kidney stone was just the wake-up call I needed to convince me that I’ve neglected my health for too long.
I’ve lost a few pounds and my blood pressure has been improving, so I’m hoping to eventually be able to stop having to take medication to lower it.
Getting out of that factory will be a huge stress relief, which should do wonders for my blood pressure if no new source of stress comes along after that.
I’m looking toward my future very optimistically right now, and I think there’s a real chance that I’ll be happier and healthier when all this is behind me.
Many have been the mornings I have driven to work lamenting the thought of growing old in that factory, and now I know that’s not going to happen.
Not that I was ever ungrateful to have a job, especially in today’s economy, but was always wishing I could do something I enjoyed instead of drudge work.
I have been there. Keep the optimism. You will indeed be happier. And watch your health. I’m sure the stress will dissolve once you are out of the rat race. All I can add is that since my forced retirement I really enjoy sitting in front of the lathe turning whistles and flutes on my own schedule. It makes all the difference in the world. Gary, I wish you the best of luck with everything including Humphrey whistles.
Nice to hear from you, and I hope things work out for the best. In the long run, they usually do.
At the risk of giving medical advice, let me recommend what all of the urologists in our hospital recommend to all of their kidney stone patients: drink LOTS of water.
Here’s another thing I love about this community: a whistle maker announces that he is returning to full-time production and two of the first four replies are other whistle makers welcoming him back. Best of luck, Gary.
I understand, Gary. Colin and I want through kidney stones, together. And I experienced the realities of lithotripsy, also. Marble sized stones are just not going to pass… The whole experience is to be avoided, if possible… I was never one to feel thirsty. I know I did not drink enough, but felt no need to do so. Suffice it to say that kidney stones, lithotripsy - and its aftermath - are all a life-changing experience. I drink a whole lot of water, now…
It will be good to see Humphrey Whistles again, on the market. I wish you the best in your endeavor, Gary.
Thanks for the update, Gary. Glad to read you are on the mend and will be building whistles again. I worked in factories and canneries for over thirty years with the requisite overtime and often hot and wet conditions. Not much money now but, enough. Best of luck as you start creating new paths and building the wonderful Humphrey whistles.
I’m on call this weekend and we had one case just this morning of an elderly lady with a stone that nearly FILLED the entire open space of the kidney (staghorn stone of the kidney pelvis).
Like I said, keep drinking…
Amazing, Paul. I got pretty good at reading my own x-rays, and I fully understand what that x-ray shows. I don’t want to even think of the procedure needed to remove that thing.
Gary, thanks for sharing. I never heard a bad about a Humphrey whistle, so I think you’ve got a shot. I’d add one thing to your plans, if you haven’t already: Find a good church!
Midlife crises sure put things in perspective. Wishing yours turns out even better than mine. And mine brought me to the harmonica and then to playing the flute, something I would have never believe possible.
Best of luck as you start creating new paths and building the wonderful Humphrey whistles.