First of all….I enjoy your blog, thanks for writing it and for always being so honest. I read other blogs and think, “do these people really exist? Seriously, is their life really that carefree all the time?” Of course, the answer is no. They are just not honest, humble, and brave enough to admit that life sucks a fat hairy one sometimes. I appreciate that you acknowledge suckiness. =)

Secondly….misery loves company (for a short period of time anyway) so let me share in an effort to make you feel better. In Oct 07 I had to “put down” my 13 year old dog. And by “put down” I mean “pay the vet $350 to kill him”. Devastating to say the least. In Dec 07 my mom was diagnosed with cancer. In Feb 08 I “lost” my job of 10+ years. And by “lost” I mean “they replaced me with someone who took the same position for 25k less”. Also, devastating. In March 08 I left my beloved Boston and relocated back to Texas. Boston being a much more expensive place to live and Texas being where my entire family resides. And did I mention that not only did I relocate back to Texas (a state I still have an unexplainable hatred for) but I moved in with my sister. I’m 36. I live with my sister. And I’m not even going to mention my love life (or lack thereof).

So there…enjoy a few glorious minutes of feeling, “thank god that’s not me”. Then remember that intelligent, savvy, ambitious gals like you and me will come out on top.

And if you’re ever interested in pretending like its all okay over a (half-price) happy hour Shiner, then let me know!

This may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. We’re never given something we can’t handle (and I know it sounds like crap now but it’s true).

So bounce back already!! You will thrive.

You’re right: this isn’t part of some “greater plan”. It sucks. And it is yet another life experience to make you even stronger and even more appreciative of the good when it happens. Give yourself a couple of days of feeling sad / angry / scared, and then bust a$$ to find the next job, which after what you’ve been through is bound to be better. I mean, the Universe can’t be THAT harsh…. right?

And for what it is worth, if you ever decided to move back to Boston, I’d hire you in a millisecond.

You are such a talented writer. I’m sure something will come up. *Message to all publishers*: Offer The Fish a book deal! I’d buy a novel written by you! Keep your head up. It’s going to be OK.