I am sorry, Tom, but I hope it leads to better things. They`re fools.

I just got called in for an interview, which is exciting, but I kind of forget how to do it. I mean, leave work for a "doctor's appointment."

Tom, I am so sorry. I know you weren't happy there, but it's still a gut-punch. May this be the gateway to something that gives you joy.

ita !, my condolences to you and your family. Much peace and strength to all of you.

Suzi, feel better soon.

Jesse, yes. And current employer can't request any more information than that. Good luck!

Ouch. I've mananged to strain/pull/otherwise aggravate some muscles in my back. What does one do when they have no painkillers or muscle relaxers? 600 mg of ibuprofen isn't cutting it.

You're at work, right? Can you run to a drugstore and get some of those self-stick heating patches?

ita ! sorry about the one-two punch of bad news and a bad night.

In terms of using songs in a way the artist does not approve of, I'm pretty sure one of the Republican conventions in the 0s used "The House I live in" as their convention theme song. Maybe for Eisenhower? At any rate "The House I live in" was written by a leftie, and first sung by Paul Robeson.

Can you run to a drugstore and get some of those self-stick heating patches?

Those are definitely my favorite.

Jesse, this is where working from home definitely comes in handy! I mean, you could call in sick that day, if it's an all day thing, but yeah, "doctor's appointment" or "waiting for the cable guy" or something. Whatever's easier for sneaking off or sneaking in with a suit stuck in your bag!

I am so very sorry, Tom. Echoing everyone else who can't believe there exists a company with its very own Scola that wouldn't want to move heaven and earth to make sure it keeps its Scola. And vibing very, very hard that eventually this leads to something better. And sending virtual hugs and hairpats and exotic hand-crafted mixed drinks and microbrews.

If we get to vote on what you do with yourself in the short term, I'd say (a) sign up with a recruiter or headhunter so that person can do all the dismal Actual Job-Hunting on your behalf and you don't have to shoulder that burden, and (b) take your camera and start wandering and taking advantage of all the interesting late winter daylight shadows and angles and curves your horrible job cut you off from by keeping you there all week and many too many weekends working until stupid o'clock trying to fix various idiots' self-inflicted crises.

And ita, I'm so sorry for your loss, and for all the heartache you and your family are going through.