Happy New Year

It's been a hell of a year for us.

It started off with a bang when 18 coworkers and I were laid off by Esker Software. Getting laid off sucks. That set off months of fruitless job searching, resume-sending and Monster.com-checking. I was a writer for a while, and a freelance QA specialist. I improved my bread- and pie-baking skills.

I haven't changed my mind about being unemployed--I don't recommend it. While it's true that I got to spend more time with my family, it is also true that it was a highly stressful, uncertain time that I really don't want to repeat any time soon. I'm glad that I was finally able to land a job, for which I thank the several people who gave me a heads-up about the openings at my current employer.

My new job is great; I get to make music for work, about which it would be terribly difficult to complain. I leave work, generally, with the feeling that I've actually accomplished something. The year, I would say, is winding up well.

I hope the year has gone well for all of you.