Ugh so sorry Tom, and I agree with everyone that they are crazy to let you go, and you should take advantage of the time to take pictures.

So sorry to you as well, ita !

ita, I'm sorry for your loss, and the extra-sucky way you found out.

Tom, being laid off is a rotten blow, but 12 years with a company that doesn't appreciate you is quite enough. Take their money and run. I echo the previous advice to (a) wander around with your camera for a while, and (b) hire a headhunter.

Plei's links to Cumberbatch photos is the only thing rescuing my day. I'm sleepy and slightly hungover in the aftermath of my niece's birthday bowling party, and yet people want me to work.

I met a guy last night. He moved here 2 weeks ago to be with his current girlfriend, and they're already having problems. Apparently she's "a hot mess." He's just a bit taller than me, and handsome, and a few years younger than me, and smart, and in a band, and has an actual job. I haven't met a guy I was seriously considering for dating purposes in... 13 years? I don't know. I'm vaguely hoping he ditches the hot mess and asks my niece for my number. And also vaguely anxious that he'll do just that. But probably nothing will ever come of it.

Tom, I commented in Bitches, but I'll repeat - glad you're getting a decent severance (which may well last more than six months, since you won't be dragging yourself in at all hours of the day and night AND buying lunch AND having to pay to dryclean clothes that get icky from icky, icky computers - I remember the one you showed us), take some time to regain your balance, enjoy what promises to be some nice weather, and find something better.

And because it deserves its own post:

Plei, that very first photo of Cumberbatch? my hair is almost that exact color. Sadly, it looks better on him. Does he glow in the dark? If anyone gets the chance to find out, SHARE.

Yikes, sorry to hear about the layoff Tom. As others have said, hopefully this will work out for the best and let you score a new job that will be fulfilling and enjoyable for you.

Tom, I've also been thinking about the time I decided I was going to quit my job, like six months in the future, and then I got fired the next week. I was SO PISSED and hurt and everything else, even though I hated that fucking place by then. "I'm not fired! I QUIT!!" Anyway, just saying.

Pertussis outbreak = no good. Jeebus, Amy.

My nose is runny and I feel like shit. But it's finals week and I have to be here every day. Yay for forced stockpiling of sick days?

Oh! If I take two more sick days, then I have to retire a year later.

Oh! If I take two more sick days, then I have to retire a year later.

...what? Are you serious?

Yeah, what?

That's just bizarre, Kat.

How does that work?