I have posted here before about the situation the company I work for finds itself. Anyway, last week Thursday, just before I went to the doctor, the guy who own the place next door asked if he could come and view the property. He has in the past indicated an interest in buying it, but that discussion didn't bear fruit.
Now he's interested again. So much so that before I got home after his viewing, I got a call from the current owner to say he had made an offer, and it was for more than she was expecting!
Okay, so he really wants the place! I know he tried to buy the place behind the one next door, but that's not for sale. So, my advise to the landlady was to get hold of my boss, and let him know that if he does not put in an offer now, she's going to sell, and he will have to move.
Thing is, the lease here comes up at the end of May, around 6 weeks time. If this property gets sold, then we have to move. We have to find alternative workshops which suit our needs. We will have to get forklifts, riggers and crane trucks to move all the machines and equipment. The cost, my estimate, would be around R200k, depending how far we move. Then, in the new premises, we would have to get an electrical company to upgrade and fit the distribution boards, and pull in all the cables required to power the machines. My estimate here is between R300 and R400k! Along with being out of production for probably 4 - 6weeks.
This morning I went to where his offices are, and met with him. I explained the above, and recommended that he seriously consider buying the property. He listened and said that he had been in contact with the bank (for financing?), and they just needed one more document from him.
Let's see how this goes.
On another (related?) note, last month they didn't load the pay on time, and we all got paid late. It took for me to drive to his offices, and request they make it immediate clearance (which costs the company money), and ensure my staff get paid same day. Before I got back to the office we had all been paid. This month, I called him the night before payday, at around 6pm. I explained that I was checking that he had cleared the payments online, and he confirmed he had. Great, I thought.
The next morning (Friday 25/03/2025), I saw no notification on my cell phone from the bank. I get to work, and the employees confirm none of them have been paid! Damn! I make a call to the main office, and speak to the lady who loads the payments onto the banking system. She confirms that the payments were not released. I ask her to change them to "Immediate clearance" and get the boss to release. Then I call my staff together, and tell them there has again been a hiccup, but I promise that they will get paid before we knock off!
Lucky, about 2 hours later the wages came through, everyone got their notifications from their banks, and that problem was sorted.
I look like the hero now, but that aside, we really don't need this kind of stress. My staff don't earn bombs, don't have access to other funds, so depend on their pay coming in on time.
As it is, we gat paid on the last Friday of every month, but next week I'm meeting with the FM and CEO, and asking them to change it to the 25th of every month. That way, if there is a hiccup, we have a day or two to sort it out.
And this morning I received a message from the current landlord to confirm that the boss had indicated he will be sending her an offer, matching the other one she had received. So looks like he's buying. And, the offer was a couple ok 100k above her original asking price!
Enuff of that.....have another subject I want to post about - on my other blog.
So here we are. Tuesday morning, at the office. I know, I should be working, well, I'm the manager here, and at the moment we not too busy, I have made sure all is well in the factory, so can take 5 minutes to start this post.
I posted a blog directed at a very good friend (brother), and he replied on his blog. Interesting how that's working.. Suffice to say, we know each other too well.
I can't wait till I can get down there to spend a few days together. He's a good man, gives great advice, listens to hear and not just respond.... Not too many people like him around - well, not in my life anyway.
So, this coming weekend, my nephew (in-law, read ex's sister son) is getting married, It's his second. I was on the invite list - one of only 70 people, but alas, I had to decline. And I'm quite pissed about it. You see, the ex will obviously be there, probably with her ??, and his parents. Since our divorce, I have had no communication with the ex family, other than when my mom-in-law died, and then as little as possible.
Also, even though I made a point of being the better person after the divorce with regards how I treated my ex, that has now come to an end. On the basis that she is enabling my son with regards his decision to divorce his wife, I can no longer, in good faith, be that guy. So I am making a point of avoiding her as much as possible.
What pisses me off is that I am now missing out on events which include family and friends. I know, it's my decision, but made on the back of my self respect, and not wanting to condone the actions of others. If you are seen to be in acceptance of their actions, it reflects on you as well!
So, apart from the fact that I was sick, I didn't get to spend Good |Friday, or Easter Sunday with my family. Had we been a normal family, my illness would not have ben an issue. We would have go together, and celebrated, minding that I don't infect the little ones. Well that didn't happen. Had we been a normal family, I would be flying down to the Cape this week to attend the wedding.
What's even more annoying, and again, probably due to decisions and / or choices I have made, is that their lives are going on as normal. This is their new normal. But it's not normal, not in my eyes.
And this bring to the fore another issue. I know my boys care for me, and look out for me. More so my biking wingman - he has much of my personality, so caring for those close to you comes naturally. However, of late I have been feeling bad about stuff, mostly because I don't want him to feel like I am now his responsibility. He has his own life, and shouldn't have to worry about his dad, make sure I feel included, looked after, etc.
I'm not saying that his actions are because he feels responsible to look out for me - I just don't want it to be that. Does this makes sense? It does in my head. I really appreciate him, and what he does for me.
Enough for now..... Not sure where I was going with this post, other than to record my feelings and thoughts.
On the basis that I probably only have one reader, who I am very comfortable to share my stuff with, I'm okay with publishing it here.
Be safe out there.
I have spent two days running and writing this post in my head. There is so much I want to say, even more I should say, and yet......
All would be so much easier and better if done face to face. But that's not an option right now, so I'm going to try and speak to him through this post.
DMD / DMGD....
Your post really hit me, and yes, I was in tears. And not only because of the content of your post, but also because I understand what you going through - mostly.
First thing I have to put out there, there is no shame in a man showing his emptions, crying, getting emotionally upset. There are not features reserved for the ladies. I think there is someone out there right now who would gladly offer a listening ear, along with any tears, without any judgement. Seriously. I've been there, and still am in many respects - I have no shame showing that I feel. We are human, made with emotions as part of your DNA, and just because we were raised in an ear where men didn't show their emotions does not mean we don't have any, and does not make that statement true. Giving vent to your emotions helps. You will no doubt have had those crying sessions when you are alone in your room, and that gearbox in your brain is running amok, with all the "what if's", and "why me's"..... And you will have felt a bit better afterwards - I know - I have.
Your partner is ill, and you had to make a big decision about her care - and you did - I have no idea how hard that was, but I do know what having a family member suffering from that disease is like, and the best thing for them is being in a place that can give them the care and attention they deserve. You arranged that. Well done.
You also looking for company now, been alone too long (I was warned after my divorce "Don't get used to your own company" - I didn't listen). I understand. It's nice to have another person on call, someone who you can have dinners with, take walks, sit and chat... share some normal life together. And you will find her. She's out there. But it takes time, and patience.
I know you not impulsive, and so won't get into anything you don't feel right about. And your a nice guy, well mannered, gentle, love music, love life - hey what's not to like about you. So, you will find someone.
The fear of maybe being alone can conjure up unfounded fears, and we need to be aware of this - don't want to make hasty decisions.
Finally, the lady you speak of looks awesome (if it's her that Facebook popped up as a possible friend, who is linked to you...). She's been responsive, good. She's probably going to read your blog. You should get "feedback" of some sort from that. Either way, stressing about it now won't change the outcome.
Apart from the above, the past couple of years have been hard on you. I understand what you went through with your S. I am in awe of what you did for her before you had to make your hard decision. Your brothers story, and now having to take care of the Monster nephew, plus having your mom live with you... It's been hard. I know.
Now this is where I'm at - And I think I know your stand on this, but it's my story.
When I was at the very bottom of my darkness, I had only one place left to turn, my bible. I opened on random pages and read. Closed it, opened again and read. And so many times the paragraph or chapter had a message for me for that day, or that specific event that needed clearing up / sorting out.
My heling came after one particularly bad evening, I was in my study, I had read a piece, and then started to talk to my "dad". Yes, I refer to God as Dad, He doesn't mind. In tears I eventually found myself on the floor, begging Him to take it away, to help me get through this, to stop my brain gearbox from going into overdrive....
I don't knowhow long I was there, if I passed out or fell asleep or what. But some time later I got up, and felt lighter. My mind wasn't burning out, I was calm, and able to think clearly about stuff. Since then, I've had a few bad stints, I've even had to get meds for the depression twice when I couldn't work my way through it..... But I've never again got to that low point I was that night.
I don't really know your stand on religion or God, or Jesus. I must assume you will have some knowledge on the subject (you not a stupid person), and I doubt you believe that you are the descendant of an ape....So, brother, maybe just sit on your deck at sunset, with a glass of wine, or beer, and have a chat to Dad. He's listening, and will hear you. It's a non-critical ear, and with promised good results.
Sorry if I am coming across as bible bashing - I'm not wanting to, just sharing what happened to me. I have so much more to say here, but maybe better kept for another time - maybe when I get to visit again.
Be strong, keep up the good work. Believe in your self.....and stay safe brother.
This has been a different Easter for me. Unfortunately I got the flu earlier this week, and it turned into bronchitis, so I'm basically homebound. Was supposed to go to the boys on Good Friday for a prawn braai, but wasn't up for it. Wingman came round with his new lady later to bring me some prawns. Apart from church in the morning, I stayed home, indoors.
Saturday I didn't go and visit my mom as usual, as I definitely don't want to make her sick. So took a drive to a drug rehab center, where a late friends son is getting treatment. He's been there a year in a weeks time, has cleaned up well, is considering joining their counselling training. We will see how he does. I needed to get him to sign some documents for the lawyers attending to his late dad's estate. Got back home, went round to a local poker game, and joined in. Was a free roll, so no expense. Did okay, went out 9th, but considering there were 30 players who started, that's a good result. But, when the cards don't come, they don't come. Got home, went to bed, but didn't get much sleep.
Today, church. Was a nice service. Then came home. Been here all day. Had a simple lunch, have to eat to take my meds. Wingman called to say hi, and check on me. We would have gone on a breakfast run today if didn't get sick. We agreed, maybe tomorrow, if I'm up for it. However, I'm not sure I should be exposing my chest to the cold. Will probably give it a miss.
I'm not stressed about not having had a typical family Easter Sunday, But being alone has given me a different perspective on the meaning of the day (Resurrection Sunday), and time to reflect.
Bigger issues are the possibility of my employer going out of business. That's going to leave me in a shithole. The property is also under offer to purchase, and if it gets sold, we will have to relocate the workshops by the end of May! Lease expired 31 May! And that's a shit show - probably 2 - 3 weeks downtime. Maybe problems with staff and transport. And the expense involved with moving trucks, riggers, forklifts, rewiring the new premises - it would probably be cheaper for my boss to buy the premises we are in.
But that's very much out of my hands, and so I keep the faith.
I've been a bit slack here - been kind of busy. Head office has sent a graduate to spend some time with us to learn the ropes. The guy studied music - yup, and now he's at an engineering company. His dad is partner in the business, so that's how it happened.
That said, he's a nice fellow, well mannered, and keen to learn, so I'm teaching him as much as I can. He's going to be here for 4 weeks, then will be back again in 4 months time.
Apart from that, I have picked up the flu, but am still at work - no peace for the wicked. However, if it gets really bad, I'll gladly take a few days off to recover.
On the home front, all is quiet. Have arranged to go out on the bike with my wingman on Sunday, so I'll be attending the 6.15 am service at the church, so that we can get an early start as well and enjoy the road with the other bikers. If we go after the 9am service, (10am), we kind of miss the bunch, and don't get the full breakfast run experience. We will see how the 6.15 am thing works if I still have the flu!
Still alone at home, and I seem to have got over the "I think I need someone around" thing I went through a few weeks ago. It happens, and I ride it out. All I need to watch out for is getting depressed. Happens quickly at times, but I have learned to recognize it, and manage it.
So all good there. I've started to clean out stuff, albeit slowly, as I know that at sometime I will want to sell the place. I'm finding stuff that hasn't been used since the divorce, and those are going to a good home (read: staff at work are benefitting).
I did a cleanup in the pantry a few months ago, and found stuff (tinned stuff) that had expired 10 years ago! That went into the bin with speed.
I've dumped half of the plastic containers (why do we have so many), and will be dumping some more soon. There's an old popcorn maker, one of those soda stream machines (all the rubbers have perished), and some other kitchen stuff I don't even know what they are used for - they going soon.
SO, all good, keeping moderately busy, behaving, and staying safe.
Someone commented that I need to keep writing - follow up on previous posts, or something new.
Go figure - I live alone. My day goes as follows
Up at 6.30am - Do the bathroom thing, shower etc. - Get dressed - Go downstairs, switch on the kettle - go outside for a smoke - go inside make coffee - go outside again....2 cups of coffee and maybe 4 or 5 smokes later, I've checked the Facebook updates, read any WhatsApp messages that have come through, read the daily message and prayers, and get ready to go to work. It's now 7.40am.
Note:- At this point I have not spoken to anyone yet.
Drive to work, get there at 8.am. Go inside - now I get to speak to people, the employees. Put in my 8 hours, and at 5pkm, lockup the factory and go home. I'm home by 5.15pm, if I don't stop at the club for a cold one with the boys.
Once I'm home, I don't get to speak to anyone again till I get to the office the next day - Maybe a call from one of my sons, or Gavin, a close mate, but other than that, nothing.
So, unless something happens during the day that requires taking note of, or needs to be shared with my hundreds of followers, I don't have too much to say.
Weekends are similar - up early, coffee, smokes. A visit to mom at frail care in the old age home (Advanced dementia means no communication, but I believe she knows I'm there).
Then sometimes to the club for a late breakfast, then home. Up early on Sunday - same routine - then Church, followed by a visit to my sister, followed by a visit to my grandchildren, and then my other son, and then home, to prepare for work on Monday.
Saturday afternoons I used to play poker - a nice game just a few k's down the road. But I've given that up as I can't play against donkeys, and I strip my moer too quick - it's not healthy for me :)
Reading through this post I get the feeling I need to get a life!
I am, however, posting quite a bit on my other private blog, and might share the link sometime.
Keep safe out there.....
