Here's to finding a better gig, smonster. Lots of -ma towards that end.

Ack, smonster! I'm sorry about the layoff, but it does sound like you're well rid of that place. And Scrappy is right -- I'm in awe of you just up and moving to New Orleans, which was so clearly the right decision for you, and I have absolute faith that you'll find something even better, now that you've been there for a while and have made new friends and contacts. Lots of luck to you!

The vet first saw Penny when she was a kitten (before I got her) and the vet is extremely pleased with how she is doing and said she's really healthy and active and she wasn't sure Penny was going to make it at first.

askye, this is so great to read. Penny was a lucky girl to find you, and you're doing a great job with her. I hope her medical issues are easily resolved.

askye, you are a great kitty mommy.

Thanks for all the encouragement, all. I need to polish up my resume today and send it off to the ED I know - she wants me to come in for an interview, though I'm unclear on whether they actually have anything right now. I'm also going to talk to a friend about a possible handywoman business with his daughter. I may look into movie extra work in the short term, too - there's so much filming here.

I took the pup for a romp with his bestie, did dishes, am baking chicken that I'm going to turn into a casserole, and put away clothes.

OMG I am so submitting my info for this - [link] I'm going to attach a picture of my ringmaster costume that I wore Mardi Gras day.

smonster, that sounds like fun!

{{brenda}} So much love to you. I never realized how close the dates were to our respective losses. It will be 10 years for me on March 12th. The people I've met on this board have filled such a huge void for me, it's hard to describe. But part of it is knowing I'm not the only one who has gone through loss and lived through it. I'm so glad I met you and so many others to help me bear the weight. I know I would not be in nearly as good a space as I am without all y'all.

OMG I am so submitting my info for this - [link].

Yes! Networking, NOLA-style.

smonster you should totally submit your picture they'd be crazy not to pick you!

I am so sick of feeling sick, I've barely had 2 days together since the New Year when something wasn't bothering me.

But it's warm! Not that it's been a really cold winter, but it's 52 outside and even though this weekend is supposed to be a bit colder, I'm taking blankets of windows and letting light in. I think that should help me feel better.

smonster, yes! Send in your info for that. Also, for whatever reason, your posting

Might go out to the state park in the bayou, walk around.

Has earwormed me with "Bloodletting" by Concrete Blonde. Please report back if you meet any non-sparkling vampires when you take Frankie for a walk.

heal quick ma~~~ , suzi -- sending you all will be well ma~~~.

and , askye I am sorry you haven't been well/ But I have to say you are handling things so well. Even if it hasn't been the worst winter ever, Winter in NE can be very hard.

Visa~ma for your friend, beth.

I'm going to a cheese contest tonight where I am want to eat all the cheese I can without exploding. But I've only got 500 calories to play with in my food plan. 'Tis enough to pout.