I'm on the countdown to retirement. As I sit here today, there are exactly 350 days left till I'm free. At least, that's if all goes well, if the company stays afloat, if I'm not one of the 120 jobs that are supposed to be cut across the country. This economic recession has taught me that nothing is forever, that security is an illusion, that pensions can't be counted on, that eating catfood might be a reality in my future. But still, I don't plan to work after my 60th birthday. And that's a fact, ma'am. Right now, I'm looking forward to nine days away from the office. Maybe I'll feel better when I come back. I hope so.

It's Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010. Only one workday left before we get a long family-day weekend and a week's holidays too. Cool. But why oh why does life have to be so complicated. I thought it would get easier when the kids grew up, but how wrong can you get! Little people have little problems. BIGger people have BIGger problems. Like now two sons are at loggerheads, daughter is thoroughly unhappy, granddaughters all have their issues going on, except the six-year-old who's just cute all day long. Oh it makes my heart hurt when the family has issues. Why can't life just be easy? Sigh.