The new economy

So today I am using my work time to read the archives of Chowhound's Table Manners, and I am now back in the 2007s. In case you think I am overly slothful, I will note that I am skimming and not reading every column. I am also getting laid off next month and working on an incredibly annoying project, so I suppose I am not highly motivated.

It is interesting to see the advice given back in those more prosperous times. I just read a column where we were told that brown-bagging it at work will damage your career, and another that stated taking your leftovers home from a date or a business meal is a major no-no. Granted, I work in an office where restaurants are inaccessible so most people brown-bag it. And as someone that endeavors to fiscal and environmental responsibility, I can't bear to see food go to waste. In either case, I can't imagine an advice columnist giving similar advice now.

The Pleasure of the Layoff

Friends, I have volunteered to be laid off. We are letting something like 14% of the staff go, 20% in my department, and one of them will be me. I am glad of this, as it means that I will be spending my summer before graduate school getting paid and yet not going to work. Great news.

However, Bill will be at home mostly, deep within his own graduate work, and I won't lie, my summer presence is not thrilling to Bill. Apparently, I will serve as a distraction. He has even suggested taking me to daycare.

So, I am now excitedly planning my summer activities.

There are a couple of LA presses that I think I will contact about interning with;
I will sign up for at least one month's worth of unlimited yoga and become a bona fide yogini;
I will use all of my grown-up connections to score house/pet/plant/baby-sitting gigs;
I will visit friends and family in the following cities: Allentown and Philadelphia, PA; Clinton and Somerset, NJ; New York City, NY;
I will make a significant dent in my comprehensive exam reading list;
I will register to be an extra and hope to spend the day standing around on set;
I will continue to explore southern California;
I will sell random crap and too-big clothes on eBay.

I think that sums it up, although I am sure I will come up with many more goals and activities for my unemployed summer!!