Again, I didn't see it coming, until I learned right after our staff meeting that Chad, our ONLY professional photographer for four papers, was laid off. My next clue was that Janet, our publisher, was on her way to our office. She doesn't come over a lot. I was last in, so, first to go. I'll work until March 9 - oddly, I started there on Nov. 9, 2010. I don't want to go. Mary and I held each other and bawled later on. It's not her fault, or Janet's. It came from much higher. Each paper had to lay off one person. I don't know how Mary is going to do it, because I was the only reporter. She's the editor, but now, she's also the reporter. All that's left is sports, copy editor and the ad "executive." Yeah, right, like they're such executives.
It's just like when got laid off at the Press. I have cultivated my sources both on Mercer Island and Sammamish, to where I'm known, trusted, considered concerned and accurate. Damnitt, I hate leaving my beats. I'm so screwed.
I don't know what I'm going to do, but this is particularly devastating because I had my arms wrapped around a sweet, sweet condo, that I (could have) afforded. We were just waiting for my pre-approval, due any day now. I still want to know if they'd given me a mortgage, but for now, my little condo has slipped through my hands, and I remain in this shit-hole. Not that it's really a shit-hole, but I just want a place with more light and in a better neighborhood.
Sweet Jesus, I don't know what I'm going to do. I guess re-group, start looking for a job, and hey, I'll have time to work on my book. Yes, I've started a book. Keep you posted.
For now, I could use a little love and encouragement if anyone's got it for me. These past 10 years have been hell. Like Jack Nicholson said, "is this as good as it gets?"
You got this Leenda! Sending much love and encouragement from AK!! xoxo
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