Jump to content
Gibson Brands Forums

Rumors of my death have been greatly Exaggerated


Andy R

Recommended Posts

Posted

Hello everyone!

It has been quite a while since I have darkened the doorstep of this forum and I hope all is well with everyone.

 

So for anyone interested in what I have been up to over the last year:

 

2012 was a tough year for me at least the first half. When I returned to work from vacation at the beginning of 2012 I was swamped with a project that was just insane and had issues with co-workers. There was also an announcement that my team would be cut at the end of 2012 and myself and 1 contractor would be all that remained.

 

I had not been feeling well physically and was mentally drained. Around July I discovered I had Type II Diabetes, I was extremely frustrated at work to the point of having my resignation paper signed and ready to go. After finding out about the diabetes I took a month off to get my mind and body back in sync.. I lost about 20 pounds ( 40 to date ) and started feeling much better again.. Until I went back to work. I knew immediately that after 12 years I had just had enough and no longer wanted to be there anymore. After some consideration I proposed switching with one of my colleagues and taking a severance package. My last day was August 17th and it was the best decision of my life.

 

I have since been working on my shop and studio and am starting my own business doing what I love. Building and repairing guitars. I am looking forward to start producing some prototypes Hopefully the beginning to mid February!

 

I have intentionally stayed away from the forum up to now as I wanted to get my ducks in a row before saying anything and I have been extremely busy getting things in order. The last 4 months have been exhilarating and inspirational both artistically and spiritually for me. I am extremely happy and more appreciative of life and what I have been blessed with than ever before.

 

I hope some of the old "faces are still around but also look forward to meeting some of the new members as well. I won't be on here all the time but will be checking in frequently.

 

Again, I hope everyone is well, please fill me in on any "Major Happenings" if possible and I truly wish you all a Happy New Year! 2013 is going to ROCK!

 

Regards,

 

 

Andy

Posted

Andy: I hope that 2013 is a great year for you,your situation and finances greatly improve and that you are blessed with good health and much happiness.

 

BTW: I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 7 years ago and like you immediately went on a weight loosing regimin.I am still diabetic and will always be but so far I've been able to control it by closely monitoring and following my diet and still get by without having to take insulin.Stick with a healthy diet and watch the carbs and you'll do fine-lots of luch-Derek.

Posted

dang. THAT'S a lot of happenings.

 

We didn't forget about you. But I gotta tell you, while I suspected you had a life or something like it, would not have guessed what you just laid out here.

Posted

Happy New Year, Andy!

You disappeared like Matt, but he left a note here. About you, almost nothing was known.

Happy and healthy new year to you!

Guest Farnsbarns
Posted

Good to hear from you, Andy! Sounds like you're in a good place now even though you went through the mill to get there.

 

And Damian, nice to see you pop up as well!

Posted

Aye...

 

"Welcome home."

 

m

 

Milod! Good to see your Icon as you are an Icon! Hope you are well.

 

Peace,

 

Andy

Posted

Hi Andy...

 

Dunno if I'm so much an icon as just old and wrinkled.

 

Still working 60-80 hours, still pickin' and doing and occasional benefit...

 

Gettin' grumpier with age... <grin>

 

m

Posted

.

Sorry to read about your diabetes diagnosis, a medical issue I've been dealing with for years. Glad you lost some weight and got things turned around. And I'm excited to read about your plans regarding a guitar business. Keep us posted, I'm interested to see what you come up with. Best of luck to you. . B)

 

 

.

Posted

Welcome back Andy. Good luck with your guitar business. I also found out several years ago about my Type II diabetes. Not that big of a deal anymore, just pop two pills a day and watch my diet, don't even prick my finger anymore. Hope your's gets to that point too.

Posted

Great to hear about the positives coming your way - and all because of your own solid efforts at that!

 

I still miss your 'Andy's Current Build...' threads but obviously things are taking a far more professional turn and so much the better for you!

 

I can honestly say I wish you The Very Best to You and Yours for 2013 and beyond.

 

[thumbup]

 

P.

Posted

Thanks for the nice "Welcome Home" from everybody. I really appreciate it and all the support you guys have given me in the past and present. As far as the Diabetes goes I'm doing very well. The Doc was amazed at how much weight I had lost and said that next reading will show if it is "cured" so to speak. Wasn't too hard to do at all and I feel much better. I do watch what I eat closer now but giving up the vat of Dr. Pepper i drank everyday did the most good.

 

As far as builds go they are on hold until my shop is in order ( getting close ). Once the partial builds are finished I am going to start building some prototypes for some ideas I have. Will be interested in what you guys think.

 

 

Until then!

 

Regards,

 

 

Andy

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...