Dammit, Shirley, I’m trying to wallow here – and it’s hard to wallow when I’m laughing so hard I’m snorting. Cut it out, 'kay?
Thanks for your kind words, all, and your suggestions. Although I’m happily ensconced in Philly, maybe it’s time to shake things up a little and head south. Or north. Or west. Probably not east, though, that’s New Jersey.
elelle – thanks so much – as someone who knows both the magazine biz and the gardening biz, your opinion carries much weight. I can’t begin to tell you how much your praise means to me. (And damn, if you thought May was good – June/July will blow your mind. I was incredibly pleased with how it came together. Bummer it will be the last issue.)
Not cool, twickster. I do know that feeling. My last job ended that way in 2000. Not just me, but waves of 10-20 at a time for months. I had been shuffled about several times before the end came, so it wasn’t a huge surprise, and getting “early retirement” with several months’ severance softened the blow. But that “what next?” feeling never goes away. I haven’t hit a lick at a snake since then, and have been living off IRA Rollover, pension and Social Security since then.
Oddly enough, perhaps, I consider it a blessing in disguise and look back on it all with mixed feelings.
Maybe the Real Deal is just a short and painless step away. I hope so for you. You’re a cool gal in my book.
i’m sure there is something good waiting for you job wise.
i’m sorry to hear about your aunt. mine will be turning 92 next month. they seem like such rocks, and that they will always be there. it leaves a big hole in your life when they pass.
Aw, hell. Very, very sorry for you on both counts, twickster. I’ll bet something will come along for you sooner than you think on the job front - you have an even more impressive resume than you did two years ago, and a portfolio full of great work to preen about.
Ugh, that sucks! I’m sorry, Twickster…I know just how it feels, especially when you’re laid off JUST when you think you’re hitting your stride. Don’t fight the feeling for now…just float with it. In a couple of days, you’ll be looking at finding things to do again, and you can stress out about it then. For now, relax…you’re on a (paid, thanks to severance) mini-vacation!
Also accept my condolences about your aunt. I haven’t had any of my actual parent-generation aunts die yet (great-aunts, yes, but I barely know them). I can’t imagine how I’m going to handle it when they start (the oldest is in her 70s now).
Well, I’ve lost a job because we just didn’t accomplish what we set out to do, and I’ve lost beloved grandparents, but never on the same day.
But think of it this way, **twicks ** – your skills are very much in demand out there. Probably not in exactly the way and medium you are used to, but still in demand. You are a visually creative person with deep knowledge of typography, graphic arts and design – oh, yeah, you are definitely marketable.
Actually, this may not be as devastating a justaposition as it might seem. Use the weekend to mourn your grandmother, make *moderate * use of spiritous liquors to fully embrace the good times and great memories of her, remind yourself you are an intelligent, in-demand professional, sink unashamedly into a weekend of self-celebration. Then, right after the funeral, hit the bricks and build that new life you’ve always wanted for yourself. I never knew your grandmother, but if she was a typical grandma, I think she would have wanted you to do that.
