Thank you for the excellent year end wrap up, Zen. I tell people about your Iceland experience more often than you would imagine. Then again I work with medical people. Wonderful to hear of the improvement in work environment. This no doubt goes a long way toward keeping you out of lockup of the loony or criminal variety.

2017 may end up defining the rest of my life. (How's that for an introductory sentence?)

It's been another difficult year on the feline front. Shortly after New Year's, we lost our flame-point, Arthur, to a stroke. Then in early October, our black cat, Coco, was diagnosed with lung cancer and started chemotherapy. The bright spot is that Coco is tolerating chemo well -- he acts like a perfectly healthy cat and has even gained some weight back. According to his latest chest x-ray, the cancer is stable -- which is good news in the sense that the chemo is not letting it grow.

Two new Assistant Directors at work. I've been severely underutilized since about February. Possibly because the division has grown a great deal over the past few years, possibly because the former administration valued my division's work a lot more than the new administration does.

Then last month I had a nervous breakdown, which resulted in 8 days in the hospital followed by a couple weeks of "partial hospitalization" in a classroom-type group therapy setting. (Today is my first full day at work in 4 weeks.) On a positive note, I've learned a great deal about myself in the last few weeks, and I now see that the breakdown had been coming for some months. I also found in group therapy that I have a certain talent for helping others.

The experience also gave me some new ideas for what to do in retirement. I'm close enough that every few days, I calculate how many days are left until I'm eligible (282, if you're counting). Still not sure whether to go in 2018 or 2019, but I'm seeing new directions whichever year I pick.

I'm sorry that the road to awakening had to be so painful, Fred. I'm not remotely surprised that you have a talent for helping others! We could have told you that. The compassion you have for your animals is a window into your underlying compassionate nature. 282 days is a great amount of time to make a plan for your life after retirement. Maybe also consider in the group therapy how to accept help as well as give it.

Fred, Laura said whst I was thinking. You are an amazing person.

Maybe also consider in the group therapy how to accept help as well as give it.

That was one thing I learned. Part of the program was making a safety plan, including who we can reach out to if things get so bad again.

I'm thankful to be here too, WS, and thankful for all of you.

I tell people about your Iceland experience more often than you would imagine.

Oh cool! Let me be the warning to all - pour out a libation for the fairies; they get testy if you ignore them.

People talk about me when I'm not there... I must really exist

Fred Pete, I'm so sorry about your lost kitties and about your breakdown. Glad Coco's doing so well, though. I sympathize with the "couple weeks of "partial hospitalization" in a classroom-type group therapy setting" - I did that a few decades ago, too. It helped, and I'm glad it helped you. I echo what Laura said, we've always known what a great person you are, and now that you know it too, I look forward to seeing what you do with yourself!

Ahh, retirement. The thought that buoys me up 8 hours a day.

Oh Fred, I'm sorry things have been so hard for you, and hope they continue to get better.

What a rough year, Fred. I'm glad you're finding ways through and some useful things enroute.

Fred, sorry that things got so bad, happy to hear that you are doing better. We will be counting down with you!!

My Seekrit Santa is sent!