We were told during a faculty meeting this morning that the economy is having a real impact on our budget, and we should expect 1.) no pay raises next year (sounds like not even cost of living) and 2.) layoffs. As a private school teacher, I don't have a union to back me up or fight for me. I am not worried about losing my job, particularly, but a little job~ma wouldn't go amiss.

And to add to the job misery. I got laid off yesterday. I'm still here for a few weeks while we figure out what to do with all the stuff I'm doing.

Downside: I will totally miss the people here, and of course some of the perks.

Upside: Boss and manager have been totally awesome and agreed to help me in any way they can. Also, friend is a headhunter in my industry, so I'll have better leads if not a better shot.

My mom was admitted to Hospice last week. We are trying to keep her comfortable. Her 99th birthday is the 24th of this month. It would be great if she was here to celebrate it.

A is home from the hospital. Oh thank God. And the Doctors who invented the lung bypass machine. He continues to cough up shells and sand but is expected to make a full recovery.

Sorry, didn't know where I was.

waves

Four years ago.

Four years ago today, I fell and broke my face. Only by whatever grace I have did I avoid breaking my neck.

As such, I now consider 11/14 to be the start of my new year. I'm try to focus on the future, instead of being frustrated at the present and angry about the past.

Your support and love has been invaluable to me. I'd like to take this opportunity to humbly apologize for any offense I may have given, unintentionally or not, and to beg for your forgiveness. If I have offended you, please let me know via email so that I may make such amends as I may.

Again, thank you. This place has been an oasis in some very rough times, and I appreciate it.

Unspecified its no-big-deal-ma, please.

I've sweated through writing a resume - with Sox's excellent help - and sent it to a couple of people. I've gotten some tentative response, but nothing concrete. I am trying to build a portfolio to send and show. Oy, I never thought I'd have to do this stuff!

Some more job~ma would be much appreciated.

After a little over a week in Hospice care, my Mom died Friday morning without ever waking. She was comfortable, well cared-for, she wasn't in pain, or frightened. Her funeral was Sunday afternoon, and there were a few friends and neighbors who remembered her who came. This was not a sad occasion. She lived her life as she wished, and she was tired and ready to let it go.

After the funeral, H and I left StY to mind the cats and the house and came to spend a week together at the beach, which is where I'm writing this. I need some time, and some rest, and I think I can find that here. We're all really fine, just tired and grateful that it ended so peacefully for her.

My next-younger cousin passed away suddenly last night, far too early in life. We don't know the cause yet, but his dad died in his 30s too, so the family is thinking heart issues are likely at this point. Any prayers for his branch of the family would be greatly appreciated, as they've already suffered more tragedies than one family should have to.