I'm sorry all. I am having a very bad week, and I feel myself slipping into the well of self pity.<P>My job used to be a refuge for me. During the seperation from my W, my job kept me sane. The was enough monotony to the job to allow me to think, and enough variety, to keep me from dwelling on the problems. My job is something I am good at, and used to challenge me. There have been so many changes at work, that I absolutely despise having to get up and go to work. They continue to pile more and more responsiblity on, withouth benefit of even a job well done. The position I hold is responsible for about 85% of the actual day to day work done within the department. There are six of us who do this and provide support for over 5000 users, 2000 computers and 50 servers. Do you know how our bosses are showing their gratitude for the work we do? The are taking our desks away, and will be requiring us to share four desks between the six of us. Our "office" area is being cut in half, and we are being required to work a minimum of 10 hours a week overtime, because others in our department put into place changes which have not been properly tested in real life situations. The line we use is "My mistake, your problem."<P>Add to this the nervousness over my MIL coming over tomorrow afternoon/evening. <P>Then just when it looks like things might calm down a little, my W (hopeful1771) is terminated from her job.<P>Then tonight, and I know this really is trivial, my D woke up about an hour ago calling for her mother (hopeful is asleep.) I went into her room to see what was wrong, and she told me that she didn't want me, she wanted her mom.<P>I know I am just overly sensitive right now, but I really hate this.<P>hopeful and I have gone through so much garbage in the last two years . . . It was finally looking like things were finally starting to even out, then I have a week like this.<P>Sorry to put all this on you, but I just felt I need to vent a little.

Empty Shell,<BR> Sorry you're hurting tonight. Life can REALLY S**K sometimes. Maybe you might want to start your own business!! I did (EBAY SELLER) three months ago and MAN if I didn't I'd be LONG gone fired from my job by now!!<BR> I LOVE (loved) the freedom it gives me. I HATE EVERYTHING sometimes because of this NIGHTMARE!!<BR> Anyway, I know I haven't been much help. But I'm pulling & praying for you. God will help where I fail. GOOD LUCK AND PRAYERS FRANK<BR> P.S. Maybe if we pray HARD enough, your bosses will develop some HUGE hemorrhoids since they seem to be PERFECT A**H*L*S <P>------------------<BR>desperate<BR>"If yesterday didn't stop today, Why should TODAY stop tomorrow??" <BR>"Wisdom is why!!"<P>

Frank -- Thank you for the laugh. I really needed that.<P>I have thought about starting my own business, but I am lacking a couple of very important assets needed in order to undertake such a venture.<P>The first and most tangible is financing. Finances is what began us on this journey through hell, and hasn't gotten much better. Bankruptcy is the solution, but we can't even afford to file.<P>The second asset I am lacking is the certifications (education) which would ensure a profitable clientel. I am having to do things at work which I have never been trained to do. I have learned through trial and error, and "band-aid" fixes. The company I work for has flatly refused to pay for any type of training even thought the knowledge level the six of us work from is at best six years old (an eternity in the computer industry today.) This leads back to financing. In order to attend the classes and obtain the certifications I need, I would have to find anywhere from $1500 to $5000.<P>The third and probably most important asset I am lacking right now is the self confidence to overcome the lack of assets one and two. So self employement really is not a realistic option right now.<P>Thanks again for the laugh though.

Good morning, ES. Well, it seems that this has been "National Crappy Week", huh? I think it was all planned to put you guys in JUST the right frame of mine for the impending MIL visit! <P>I'm so sorry for what you guys are going through this week (and the sarcasm above - guess how MY week's been!). <P>No good advice today. Heck, on a week like this you just try to roll with the punches and hope the next one's better. But I AM sending you and hopeful tons of hugs and support!<P>Now, you guys keep your chins up and hang on to each other this weekend, ok? This whole nutso week could just be a sign that a lot of changes are due to make things even BETTER for you!!! (Alright - at least I'm TRYING!)<P>(((((ES and Hopeful)))))<P>Lori

Empty Shell,<P>We need to talk! Leave your e-mail address so I can get ahold of you! I might be able to help a bit with your situation. <P>R<P>------------------<BR>Thank god for new beginnings, and the ability to understand my W...lol<BR>

lostva -- Thank you for your reply. I think you're right about the unofficial holiday. I hope you're right about this just being a way to start us going even better.<P>Happy Again -- Not sure how you can help, but my address is MB_Empty_Shell@hotmail.com I will check my E-Mail when I get home from work. Thanks.<P>God Bless

Dear ES,<P>I just know how you feel when you look at the entire world that you live in and feel like it is such a mountain to overcome.<P>My advice to you is to scope out only a portion of the world you can change and work on that area. And let the other parts slide. You've got to experience some positives to help you deal with the negatives.<P>Please keep us up to date as to the events surrounding the MIL picking up your daughter.<P>And - saying a little prayer for wisdom for you. <P>TNT

Thank you all for your responses, and an extra special thankyou to those of you who E-Mail me. MIL should be here in about30 minutes to an hour. I will post an update after she leaves.<P>God Bless