Oh dear, Linda, I'm so sorry to hear about Chrissy. AS Jude said, cancer doesn't play favorites. Lots of hugs to you and prayers and wishes to Chrissy's family and friends, I'm sending all the strong thoughts I can for everyone, especially her children. And you, of course. Annie

Eileen, I feel your pain-- and your worry. I too was laid off and am actively looking for a new position. It is a scary time. I recommend that you take some time to grieve and vent(if needed) and then try to see this as an opportunity! It's so easy to spend our energy resenting the company that laid us off-- but that doesnt do anything but suck our time and allow the negativity to hang near us. Instead, look at this as a chance to find something BETTER. In this economy, many of us choose not to look for for better work or leave jobs because the security and tenure of a current job beats the unknown (in my case, I stayed with my company after a merger). Do all that you can to stay positive. I know, easier said than done. Here's my formula.. 1. Use the time when not looking for a job to catch up on reading or gardening or something you love-- I recommend something that's a bit of an escape. 2. Be good to yourself.. remember that a widespread layoff has nothing to do with you -- and everything to do with how the COMPANY managed their own setbacks. It's absolutely not about you or the job you did. 3. Be positive in interviews.. every potential employer understands the economic climate and job situation. Don't be apologetic and don't be negative towards your previous employer. You will shine to a potential employer if you can be positive and show a great outlook .. they'll see that you won't wilt in the face of a challenge and they'll recognize that you will be a positive addition to their staff! 4. Teach yourself a new skill.. I don't know your field, but learn a new software tool, start learning a new language, read about what's new in the field, look for free online webinars in your field (don't discount YouTube-- there are some very helpful videos out there on a number of topics), learn about social media (it touches all jobs in one way or another-- and woefully few companies use it effectively). 5. Work your network. I have avoided specific job search techniques because they DO vary by industry, level and region you are in-- but it's always a good idea to reach out to the people in your life to get leads or ideas. Even if it seems like their work is too unrelated-- you never know who they know or what they heard in a meeting last week! Did I say be good to yourself? Best of luck.. sending many wishes and positive energy! May we both find awesome new jobs before the new year!

Prayers answered! My granddaughter just called and said that the surgery went well. He is in recovery and then will be kept overnight. They only did one part of the surgery and if all is well they will do the second in two weeks. They live in Missouri, and I want to much to be able to jump in the car and go see them.I haven't even been able to hold that baby yet. Jim had cataract surgery the past two weeks and finished his 15th radiation yesterday. Tomorrow we will see the Oncologist and see what comes next. Again, thank you to you Prayer Warriors.

A couple of years back our dog was stiff and sore to the point where he couldn't even shake his head. His neck was obviously sore, and we assumed that he had strained or sprained something. Our vet noted that his teeth were plaque-covered, and his gums were slightly inflamed, and said that bacteria from the teeth could get into the bloodstream and cause inflammation and pain elsewhere after a round of antibiotics and pain relievers he was feeling better, and we took him to a friend who was a animal dental specialist who did a thorough cleaning, but he said that some of his teeth were bad enough that they needed to be pulled. After that our dog seemed better and back to his usual happy self for a couple more years. I have no idea whether this could be that case for your little guy, but your description sounds similar. Good luck, I hope he feels better.