If you remember from posts of old I had this shell of a school bus in the woods when I was an early teen and it became my refuge where I could go to think, find peace and solitude or just be there because I liked being there.
When I first found it the bus was as I said a shell meaning it was missing the floor, wheels and cab area. Kind of an upside down "U" sitting on the ground with weeds blocking the opening. I cleared away the growth and the inside area was relatively clean and free of vegetation.
I had found a white 5 gal. bucket that turned upside down made a very good seat to be comfortable while I spent time thinking and enjoying my freedom and refuge. It gave me shelter from the rain and the sound of the rain drops on the roof was a soothing sound.
As I end my 7 years with Quality Office Equipment, Inc and enter a new realm of my life the days have become less than enjoyable during the transition. Some of my duties have been given to others so that parts of my job can be divided among various employees. So far a replacement for my position as service manager has not been hired and may not by the time I spend my last day there. I have been active doing tutorials for all the areas of my responsibility and hopefully it will be helpful to whoever comes in to look after the service department and the 5 technicians who keep the wheels turning.
I said all that to say that I am a doer and not being in control of my time lately has not been an easy time for Odie. The idea of the "school bus" beckons to me yet I do not have that favored place to escape to and find myself wanting to speed up the clock and be done with this career in office machines.
As I type this my employer has more than one entity wanting to write him a huge check and put all this behind him as well. In the years since 1994 when he and another technician decided to start their own little business with no money and personal vehicles it has grown to a company that covers all of eastern NC and now has their major supplier wanting them to be a full line dealer selling the largest copiers available. I wish him and them all the best as decisions are made and families affected.
That bus was an important part of Odie's life over 50 years ago and at least it still exists in my mind.
