chilly (economic) climate blues

If misery truly does love company then I feel as though I should invite everyone over for wine and cheese (it will have to be Franzia and Kraft American Singles though as I am B-R-O-K-E). I'm living in the Great Depression Part Deux in The Frigid Winter That Will Never End; at least that's what it feels like with no income. The job hunt has reached a new level on the "oh shit" scale having just received a rejection letter to job #106 (a job I would have loved and rocked at!). I spend most of my mornings glued to the computer searching for employment and to prevent myself from scratching out my own eyeballs, I read blogs to escape for a moment. Unfortunatley, the tone of many local blogs mimics mine. I usually find solace in commiseration, but now I am overwhelmed by the number of other bloggers who are down in the dumps. It frustrates me that at a time when all I have is time to write, I am so uninspired to do so. I've tried to sit and write and twitter several times but the panicky knots in my stomach see to it that I don't type a word.

In addition to my forced writer's block, the fact that winter won't let up isn't helping. My thermostat stays at 66 regardless of how cold it is outside and that is why I have trouble accepting my gas bill which has tripled since last year. After a little research I found that since gas usage is down 25% (most likely due to people trying to save money and the environment) The state allowed the utility companies to raise their rates by 25%. Hmmmm...that makes sense! Now our asses will freeze along side our assets. I mean have you ever really scrutinized your utility bills? Most of the balance comes from taxes and applicable fees, not from the actual usage. Why do I have an "energy adjustment charge" that is half of the bill?!?!? It's all a racket. Now, I'm all riled up!!!! Now I understand why I have been so reluctant to "tickle the ivories" lately.

So many things need to happen to fix the things that are making us all so glum. It's to much to think about. I hope everyone can find some simple (free) pleasures to fill your hearts. Your blogs are definitely some of mine! This is what I would love to do one day downtown: ! Hugs to you Cleveland