Well, I'm sorry for the bad news, Erin, but it does sound like you're getting your head in the right place and making good solid plans. That also means you can ask for references at this current school, right?

My two friends - who did not know until today that they had a connection through me - met at a Witch's Tea a while back.

Wait wait, you mean my #1 Minion?! Ha! That's funny.

Oh ugh, Erin. I'm sorry.

plus if you are laid off due to budget cuts you qualify for unemployment, yes? It's never enough, but better than nothing in a worst case scenario kinda way. You do seem to be handling the situation very, very well. That's batshit that they have that kind of turnover, and terrifying.

Erin, that school sounds like a horror to work at. I wish you luck finding a better place.

I don't know what to do about my hair. People told me it looked really good short, but after seeing some photos, I think I looked pinheaded. Maybe if I were still thin. I really didn't like having a naked nape, either. Only twice did I get a short haircut that I really liked; once from a random stylist at the cheapo place, surprise; and the first time I ever cut it short - but that stylist was never able to re-create the look she first gave me, and I was always disappointed. The way it curls, it's really hard to get it to look right around my face - I end up with little horns. I like having long hair. In the summer, short hair became a pain to keep off my face, because I couldn't put it back. And I hate to have to keep going to get it cut every month. So, for me, it's long hair. (Sorry, Hec.)

Mmm, I don't think I qualify for unemployment; it's an at-will contract anyway, so they can fire me at any time, no reason, no warning, and I'm just not getting a contract renewed.

Anyway, I got a note back from That Place, asking me to do 6 writing exercises, which seems pretty awesome and positive. Four of the 6 exercises are -- BONUS -- on books I am teaching this semester! Woo!

I told her frankly if they liked my writing, they would be getting someone who could write as much as they need after April, and furthermore, someone who can read 4 books a day.

Basically, the site is writing Buffista-style snarky but intelligent study guides for students. Um. Who do I have to KILL to do this?

And I have another freelance writing gig I haven't been contributing to as much as I would like because of my insane work schedule. So. Things will be OK if I just keep my head on straight and keep my nose to the plow and my hand to the grindstone. Or something.

Off to write!

you have to keep cutting it. A lot. THAT'S the pain.

Well, if you care how it looks, sure. The magic is in letting go. Which is why I haven't cut my hair in...TWO MONTHS.

It's pretty crazy, I know.

Erin, I'm glad you're braced for this, at least. I hope you can make the best of the situation.

I get my hair cut maybe once a year, in the spring when it gets hot. I'm lucky in having naturally curly hair that will move itself out of the way when it's short. I will take scissors to the bits around my face when they get annoying, and the curl will disguise any unevenness.

I guess there's a reason my straight-as-a-stick-haired sister tried to chop off all my hair when I was a baby.

My hair right now is the longest it's ever been, almost past my ears. I'm not sure what to do with it. I don't want to cut it back short, but I want to make it a little more manageable as it grows long, just to try it.

Wait wait, you mean my #1 Minion?! Ha! That's funny.

Yep! That would be her!!

Erin, I hope That Place works out for you. It sounds terrific.