Strega, what's his field? My impression is that job-hunting varies a lot by what field he's in. Head-hunters are key in some fields, for example. The one thing you don't mention is networking - if he's been here 6 months and his brother lives here, has he met anybody yet? If he's shy, that's hard, but a ridiculous number of jobs come through contacts.

I think if he's truly your BFF you should be able to judge how he'll take the bad cop routine. If you choose to go that route, couch it with love: "I hate to see you give up on your dream. Here are some things you should do before you give up." (Also is he/has he been *treated* for depression? I know a GREAT counselor.)

We have a bunch of Buffistas in the Triangle, if he needs contacts. We mostly work at local Universities, but have some experience with the job market locally.

Aimee, were you looking for 'Mississippi Delta' maybe?

Strega, I take it you're not in his local vicinity, so a nice talk over coffee is out of the question. But if you took what you wrote here and recast it as a letter to him, it might help him put it in perspective.

In ME news, I have the morning off, as the instructor came down with severe car troubles last night. But of course, I'm already up, with little prospect of being able to fall back asleep. Ah well, it's nice to be able to bum around for a couple hours midweek....

am working in shifts with DH today - day 2 of wtfvirus-the Return. This is the one that doesn't really bug her during the day, but at night changes her into a feverish, sad, gross imitation of herself.

d & javachik - I'ma keep you posted... this may turn into a night on the town (a night on the town where I fall asleep on teh table) - all depends on what happens tonight.

have voted, brought in King Cake to the office, and now boss has left to go to the Giants parade - I sense a good-ish day.

The big ticker-tape parade goes right past my office this morning.

So far today I've hunted through my whole house for a file, installed excel on my home computer, had breakfast, and had a major coniption when my smoke alarm went off when I was trying to make coffee. (I was using a stovetop espresso maker and couldn't really leave it to go yank the smoke alarm off the wall.)

Oh and a little birdie, also known as Facebook, tells me it's Victor's birthday today. Happy Birthday Victor!

I avoided crossing the parade route on my way to work (like I normally would), but did see many Giants fans on the train.

I think I'm going to give up bread for Lent. Also chips, etc.

I am thinking about giving up chocolate, maybe even all sweets. And trying to tidy up after myself everyday.

How cool is that? Parades, yay.

Happy birthday Victor!

I'm not doing jack for Lent. I have enough on my plate. But, you know, I still appreciate the whole sacrifice thing and all! And I want to increase my discipline! But not right now. Hee.

Okay. Gotta go! See you on the other side! Wish me puppies and no dropping mattresses in the snow!