Hi there, all.
The lovely BGB has told me I should come back in here and take a look around. Imagine my surprise at finding my Inbox full of new messages of encouragement and support...

I will admit, this is being a hard time for me. I'm entering my fourth week of unemployment, and am nervous to say the least. I got a message from an engineer I used to work with, a classmate of mine who went on to get his Masters in mechanical engineering, and he tells me that he's been out of work since mid March and is starting to look for a job in other states.

This scares the almighty sugary fuck out of me. If he can't get a job, what does that bode for me?

I've been spending my days recently trying to stay busy around the house. I've painted my porch, done a lot of yardwork, had a tree cut down and have been splitting the logs myself, have worked on stained glass and metalwork, and generally tried to stay away from the computer other than email so I would feel that I had accomplished something with my day- because otherwise I would start down a very dangerous spiral that would end in the dark place. I've been consciously fighting depression with activity, and consequently haven't seen much of what's been going on over here.

It will take me time to answer everyone who messaged me, but I will do so. For now, I just want to express my thanks and appreciation for all of you. Your messages came to me at a time when I've been feeling especially down and worthless. They helped lift me out of the grey clouds and back into the sunlight again. I'm not ashamed to admit that there may have been a few tears involved.

You're all a very kind and caring bunch, and I'm very happy to know you all, even if it be only through text.

Thank you.
( The Resident Loon Not a demographic. Do not measure., Thu 28 May 2009, 21:00, 13 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

Some of us may not be able to do much
But we will do what we can to keep you going. Hang in there!
(Potty Jag har smör i min rumpspringa, Thu 28 May 2009, 21:05, Reply)

you are doing what i would do
keeping busy

although i would also be doing some paid work of some kind just to tide me over, even if it was digging ditches
( mictoboy shitting in your cunt since, Thu 28 May 2009, 21:20, Reply)

Hey Loon
You haven't missed a thing on here; we've just been killing time until you got back...

But in all seriousness, hope things work out for you sooner rather than later. I know they've dropped off a bit 'round here lately, but hugs from me and the missus.
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Thu 28 May 2009, 21:26, Reply)

Keep busy, Loon. Keep busy.
I heard from Justin yesterday - he got 'laid off' too, but is keeping his spirits up.

He's now decided to work on cruise ships - can you imagine?
*sighs*
( thealternativefact, Thu 28 May 2009, 21:32, Reply)

Hey Loon,
welcome back!
Keep busy........and {{{HUGS}}}
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Thu 28 May 2009, 21:40, Reply)

Hi Loon
All the best fella. Next time I'm on the Shockoe Slip I'm buying you a beer. Hope you don't mind Boddingtons...
( jim_bob can herd cats., Thu 28 May 2009, 21:45, Reply)

Hey TRL
Keep your chin up and your head down. It's a good time for reflection and keeping yourself busy at this time can be really good for the soul.
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Thu 28 May 2009, 21:46, Reply)

You've taken an extremely healthy approach
So many other people would just cave in or reach for escapism of whatever form. If it's any help at all you won't look back on this time as "lost", you're reinforcing it with positive memories.

I sincerely hope you pick up something soon... The newspapers say we're through the worst of the downturn, I'm sure your skills will be in demand.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Thu 28 May 2009, 21:52, Reply)

I'm lovely?
*blushes*


I'm glad the messages have lifted your spirits.
( girlinthehole, Thu 28 May 2009, 21:56, Reply)

It's a TruFact and you know it.
you are WELL lovely.
(Poppet some assembly required., Thu 28 May 2009, 21:58, Reply)

you ARE lovely
I've met you and everything so it's true.
(happylittletulip helpless and delicious, Thu 28 May 2009, 22:08, Reply)

Yeh, I've met you
and I still think you're lovely. How about that?
;)
( thealternativefact, Fri 29 May 2009, 9:46, Reply)

Hi Loon.
We're all behind you, even if the only thing we can do is send messages of support and fluff.
(Poppet some assembly required., Thu 28 May 2009, 21:57, Reply)