Laid Off and Crazy Happy - Memoirs of a Houseband

by Andy Weisberg

Author Andy Weisberg chronicles his transformation from corporate executive to “Houseband”, detailing the ups and downs of the journey and his unique perspective for dealing with it all. Chapters range from routine housekeeping tasks to the nature of time and space, with some especially valuable ideas on work and play. With plenty of exercises for readers to experiment with, anyone that does any kind of work can benefit from Andy’s useful advice and celebrated example. And for those who find themselves spending more and more time at home, either as a result of a layoff or by choice, this is the quintessential commentary on enjoying it to the fullest.

Genres: Parenting, Memoir

214 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

About the author

ANDY WEISBERG is an author, professional speaker and coach. Few presenters can claim to have been both a professional performer and a corporate executive. Andy spent 20 years as a successful actor, director, theater teacher and performance consultant at multiple universities, and then spent another 20 years as a successful corporate trainer, an Organizational Development Specialist and ultimately a Director of Talent Development.

His forty years of successful teaching and coaching were focused on the things that make us better communicators, better at relationships, better teammates, better husbands and wives, better parents, better people. Redefining his entire life for the third time, he now helps businesses and individuals transform their efforts to improve performance, create more creative work environments or transition from the workplace altogether.

Andy’s new book, “Laid Off and Crazy Happy – Memoirs of a Houseband”, is the quintessential commentary on defining your life and enjoying it to the fullest. Please visit his website at AndyWeisberg.com.

Reviews

[Andy Weisberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a little biased. I wrote it. But I'd like to tell whoever reads this how it came about, and why I think it's a great book that could really help a lot of people.

This book was written on a dare and a lark.

One Summer day, while sitting in the shallow end of a public pool and extolling the merits of my unique approach to housework, my wife turned and said to me, “Why don’t you write about this stuff?” So I did. And my intent was to just capture some of that “uniqueness” which makes up my surprisingly enjoyable daily routine. It was just going to be a fun, diary-like thing that would perhaps preserve my uncanny strategies for posterity.

Little did I know that several months later I would be involved in actual book writing, and considering publishers and marketing campaigns. And while it was indeed fun, it became something of an obsession and accrued a life of its own. As I started to get feedback from friends, it turned into an authentic endeavor to describe not only my present activities but my whole life, and the way it has defined me and brought me to where I am now.

As of July 1, 2013, I have been out of the corporate workforce for exactly three years. The struggles and the joys of being home all the time drive the content of this book, but the real story is the way I do the things I do. My thinking, shaped by my experiences and my relentless optimism, guides my approach. And for all its peculiarity I honestly believe that others can benefit from a good dose of quirk in their work.

So for those that are recently out of work, and those that have been so for much longer than they expected, this is for you. But it’s also for those that find it hard to enjoy their situation in any situation. If the simple, everyday tasks of housekeeping can become the vehicle for the best parts of us -- and they can -- then that’s true for anything we do. The upshot of this book is that it offers a way to help others see things differently and live their lives with more playful joy than they might imagine possible. Which is what I think everyone wants. So, logically, everyone will like this book.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on a good reads first read give away.I highly recommend this book it was a fun read and more than met my expectations. it Gives you a look into how one person went from Corporate america to House Husband. He gives it his all and along the way learns that running a house is not sitting on the couch watching soap operas and eating Bonbons.He gives advice and shares his schedules and organizing his day ,I laughed at some of the things he did like giving a first hand account of his shovels and the fact that he even has names for his shovels. don't miss this book put it on your must read list.

[Silvia F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all I'd like to say that I have never read a self-help/motivational book before and found it to be entertaining, motivational and REALLY FUNNY.

Laid Off and Crazy Happy is a memoir about Andy Weisberg being a "houseband". He describes how everyday mundane tasks like cleaning, shovelling the snow, mowing the lawn and loading the dishwasher could be fun, entertaining forms of art and could potentially bring you happiness.

What I loved the most about this book is the fact that I could easily relate to it. I too am a stay at home "house-girlfriend" and I am one of those people who has a very hard time enjoying all the house work that needs to be done day in and day out. Being only 22 I find it draining and at times put it off and telling myself I will do it sometime in the near future. I am a HUGE procrastinator when it comes to household chores. However, with Weisberg's approaches and activities at the end of each chapter I have begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So now, I try to look at all of the little things I do with a more attentiveness and to do them with a little more positivity and fun. I actually found (after reading the chapter about the trees) that I was walking down the street and decided to actually pay attention to the scene around me. It was freezing cold and I couldn't wait to get home. I ended up looking around and paying attention to all my surroundings. To my astonishment I started laughing, my head was tilted up, and I was not looking where I was going. I realized that I probably looked silly to all the people driving and walking by. I found this to be hilarious and the next 15 minutes walking in the freezing cold flew by and I actually enjoyed myself (I normally dread and really HATE walking in the cold). So little by little I will definitely attempt what Weisberg has suggested and mastered.

A great inspirational read that made me laugh and made me realize that I should not obsess about the future and stress myself out, but I should enjoy everything that comes my way. POSITIVITY...woot woot!!! Now I cannot wait tomorrow to start cleaning... haha just kidding... but I will try to take a more positive outlook on things.

Definitely entertaining, laugh out loud funny, innovative and creative.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prior to reading "Laid Off and Crazy Happy", I thought the book would be totally a humourous take on the daily life of a house husband. However, I am presently surprised. Andy Weisberg describes the sunny side of not working along with "a bit about the darker side of being out of work." After each chapter, there are some reflective exercises to reinforce his discussion.

This would be a good book to read for someone who is seeking work and would help you see your situation from a different perspective. Of course, his humorous observations make the book enjoyable.

Thank you GoodReads for the book.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a humorously written guide to making the most out of your life, despite what the circumstances of your life are at present. As Weisberg states "sooner or later all jobs come to an end", therefore it is important to not only come to turns but look at the positive things even though you've been set back by a major negative. This book is not only about working but living at home and finding enjoyment in the little things. He also highlights that household chores can be quite a workout, so no more gyms for me!

I received this copy in Goodreads Firstreads giveaway.

[Lance Labelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thought provoking, well-written book. The theme is much more than just “whistle while you work”. Andy teaches us that happiness is really more about how we each choose to experience life as opposed to thinking we're only passengers and it's all outside of our control. If you want to embrace the philosophy of enjoying (or trying to enjoy) whatever you are doing—I highly recommend this book.—Lance LaBelle

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I entered this giveaway out of curiousity more than anything as it is really irrelevant to me- an old lady. I was surprised to receive it and so I read it. Had a bit of a chuckle along the way, agreed with some things and not others. It was interesting. After the chapter about taking his daughter on to the roof to survey and appreciate the world I asked my daughter if I could go up with her next time not surprisingly I got a resounding NO.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

When this arrived i thought it was probably a good one for my husband to read and i wasn't wrong he didn't put it down in 2 days till he had finished it. He said it was great and he would read more from this author in a heart beat. I am sure i will get round to reading it very soon but for now take my husbands word for it that its a great book.

[Jazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas on how to think about approaching tasks in a different way, exploring options on your personal attitudes regarding work, family etc.

Thank you Goodreads Giveaways for the opportunity to have won this book.

[Marybeth]

Smart, funny, insightful - a must-read!

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a easy, fun read. Which might not sound like a great review - but it is. Was reading it in Doctor's waiting rooms - and I would be smiling- sometime laughing to my self.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny! Good read!

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

i enjoyed this very much,

[Becky Hart · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this as a goodreads giveaway. I was expecting a memoir and not a how-to on cleaning my house and yard. The author had a couple of good points but overall I would not recommend this book.