Tom didn't get the job he interviewed for on Wednesday, and he's feeling blue. He has gained some weight which he hates, he's stressed about being unemployed, he's taking the rejections more and more personally and he's losing confidence. Poor noodle. And today is his birthday. and it's supposed to be biblical weather.

Aw. Have a good birthday, Tom. I know you'll find something soon that fits you just right and doesn't put you through the stress you've been under.

Birthday wishes for Tom. Sorry it has been a rough week for him. I hope he is able to enjoy his day.

There is about 10 loads of laundry awaiting me. I've been putting it off way too long. Normally laundry is a pleasant enough chore, but it is hot and sticky in my utility room and I don't wanna do it.

Birthday wishes for Tom that the coming year brings the perfect job and lots of happiness. (What am I saying? He's got Nora-- happies are inevitable.)

Encouragement~ma to Tom. Hope he can put aside the gloom and enjoy his birthday.

Well, that's no good. I'm sorry, Tom. I hope the birthday is a good day for you.

And today is his birthday.

Sorry to hear the interviewing is getting him down, but Birthday Happies to Tom.

and it's supposed to be biblical weather.

NOT looking forward to this. However, I'm taking some small comfort that the forecasters have a tendency to make everything sound biblical these days.

Speaking of interviewing, we've been trying to hire on a new person (two actually) for some months now. We had originally posted the job back in maybe January or February and starting doing some screenings and interviews. We ended up deciding to hire at a more junior position instead, but then resumed the search for the senior position early this summer.

Some of the people we've been seeing are people we started inteviewing way back in February who are still looking. (One of them actually took another job and got laid off again in the interim.) Of our finalists, one was currently employed, and all the rest have been out of work for at least six months.

It's fucking scary out there. And god, you really feel for these people. I've been there, for sure.

We're finally making someone an offer on Monday. (Someone who nearly put herself out of the running with the frequency of her phone calls, emails, additional writing samples, "why you should hire me" powerpoints - not kidding - etc.) And aside from desperately needing someone in the first place, I will be so fucking glad to not be feeling like I'm stomping people down and like, crushing their hopes every time an interview doesn't go great.

(Eep. Does that sound like I'm saying "you know, it's hard on the other side too." Because no, not remotely. But it's been an unexpectedly emotional process for me watching good people walk out and knowing we're not going to be hiring them, and especially when I can't help identifying them with really good people like Tom and David and meara who are having such a tough time of it.)

In weather news, Mother Nature is being a tease - it's starting to get a little sunny out. No fair!

It's beautiful here, if a little on the chilly side.