We returned home from our three week European vacation on 12/30. It was a fantastic trip but we were both ready to come home to the pets after that long away. The exchange rate in England killed us. The rest of Europe wasn't too bad. We definitely spent more than we intended to and we didn't even buy much in the way of souvenirs or gifts. It was nice that half of our nights were with relatives (mine and his) so we didn't have hotel expenses there.

I'm now into my sixth week of being unemployed. It doesn't feel like it has been that long. I'm spending my days getting things in order related to my separation from work... Cobra, 401k rollover, etc. It's all a big hassle. Part of my severance package requires that I apply for state unemployment benefits (the company is actually the one paying the benefit). I've been applying for 2 jobs a week and wouldn't you know it..... One of them is interested in me already.

I had an interview last week. The HR person sent me an email to ask for my reference info yesterday. I guess they must be interested. However, I'm not ready to go back to work yet. I'm at the point where if they offer me 75% of my previous salary I either have to take the job or lose the weekly unemployment check. Grrr.