Unemployed at 55! OMG, I can't believe this is happening! What a nightmare! No wonder I haven't been busy! But damn, I worked hard. Other people spend hours talking on the phone or otherwise wasting time. And I was a bargain--no benefits. This is such a huge mistake for the Shelter--I can't imagine who is going to take care of the things I did or how. Starting with being there at 8 this morning. I feel sorry for Meredith; she is somehow going to have to do even more. And she will have this on her conscience forever. I do think she worries about things. It really bothers me to think that stuff is going to be done badly or not done at all.

I remember what it was like last time I was unemployed--for 2 years! How hard I worked to stay busy and keep from getting depressed. I am determined to use this time to do some housework--clean up my files. Too bad they just took the part out of the stove to send in and see if it can be fixed. I can't do any cooking for weeks, just when I have the time and would like to get ahead. And the weather is terribly cold; baking would make it much nicer. I wonder if I can bake one loaf of bread in my "new" toaster oven. Perhaps I can make some more shades for the windows.

I really don't want to be home all day every day with my parents. I could use a little space right now. Spending time with Ray is fine. I look forward to it, maybe we can play racquetball a lot. Or maybe we should cancel the gym membership to save money. And Netflix. What about my cell phone? I would cancel the satellite TV, but can't really do that while the Captain and Vanessa are living here.

I won't buy any more Christmas presents...maybe I can sell some things?

I was informed by email that I had a meeting with the president of the Board and the Director. They told me that they were eliminating the position of Assistant Director and hiring a Finance Manager. It was the best thing for the organization and had nothing to do with me. They would help me find another job, they appreciate everything I have done...they are paying me through the end of the year, but I don't have to come in.

I think it's insane. They all come and go as they please, dragging in at 8;30 or 9 or so. It's going to be hard for them. OMG. They will put McKenzy in my office. I can't stand it. Do you know, it was my suggestion to create that position? It's like a novel. And I think it has a lot to do with my age.

I will have to find out about applying for unemployment.

We cooked potato pancakes in the electric flying pan. But there wasn't any applesauce, so we made some--on Becky's hot plate. She had it in the horse trailer and lent it to us. Heated up frozen broccoli in the microwave.