Maybe you haven't heard back from them because they're all scrambling around trying to create the budget and offer letter for you? One can hope. It's frustrating that companies usually don't tell you if they don't want to hire you, but since your friend is there - I'd think she'd give you a heads up if things were to fall apart. So, probably safe to assume that they're still trying to figure out their stuff!

Yeah, I think inviting her to coffee might be a bit odd. We've actually done the coffee thing once, when my friend introduced us the three of us met at Starbucks and talked for awhile. I don't know, I guess I'm opting to not worry too much about it. I was worried, but now that I've had some things to do for my current job, it's a bit less pressing. And, as I said, it seems smart to try to hunker down at work and be grateful for the low workload as I work through all my many issues in therapy ! I'm sure at some point therapy will intersect work again, and it will probably be the push I need to go out and look for a better job...

Oh, the retirement thing - I'm not sure how it works, but I think I'm actually able to retire in 11 years now, not 10 (I know, small difference!). My friend was just very adamant that it would be good to stay and do that, that the benefits you keep make it worth it. I'll still be plenty young in 11 years, and I figure therapy is going to take up at least 3-4 of those at the rate I'm going... so it will probably go by in no time! Then I can run away, work for a theater company, or do something else exciting that doesn't pay much

The acting class was a TON of fun. I really *need* to do the next one... it's a bit rough right now, too many other things going on, but it's on my list for sometime this year, I hope! Piano is great too, but it's a lot of work and I'm not really "talented", and don't have put in enough time to be good. Still, fun.

If you're in any way attracted to stuff like that, I'd say - go do it! All that creative stuff can be so much fun (with the right people!) - it's really worth dipping your toes in, in my opinion. Such a nice break from reality

The museum work (and tour!) sounds really neat! So, are you a docent now? Did you have to do a lot of training to do that? Wow! I bet that gives you a ton of practice in chatting with people, aren't you talking to people all the time about the art and answering questions?!! Very cool! And, how awesome that you clicked with the people there! I know exactly what you mean - and it IS hard to find, but really wonderful when you do!

Ugh, sorry that you're stuck with the business board for the next year. Maybe something good will come of it though?

I really don't know about the image stuff, but I'm biased, because (like most tech people, I guess) I'm just not that good at "image", and honestly have a hard time caring . One of the people we interviewed looked pretty crazy, and we knew that from his website. He even brought it up on the phone interview and asked if it would be ok, since we're a huge mega-company. And, as crazy as his personal stuff was (think big fuzzy beard and holes in his ears)... you know what else... I could see his stomach peeping through his shirt during the interview just a tiny bit, because his shirt was a bit tight, and the buttons weren't holding it closed all the way (!!!).

I mentioned it to the other people after the interview, and they had seen it too. And, not one person cared, because his skills were that good, and his personality seemed like he'd fit in with our team! Heck, 90% of the time we all work from home in PJs . But, it was one of those things that struck me as weird - but like I said - nobody cared. I think that's kind of great, and gives me hope!

Edit to add: Oh geez! I swear, I tried to write this one shorter! I thought it was shorter! I really did! Then, I submit it, and look - it's like a book. I'm sorry for the rambling and length!