It is my birthday. I'm 54 years old today. I wish I could have had a day of celebration today, but...

I thought I'd be in a better place by now. But after seven months of 200+ applications, I am still unemployed, and prospects are dwindling with every rejection letter.

I even had the terrible luck of having the manager for a state job - a job I had all indications I WOULD be getting - give me a phone call on Sunday to tell me the rejection as I was streaming Jackbox with friends.

I was devastated. This gutpunch knocked me out socially for a whole day. But I came back around. Because at the end of it, if I don't keep going, nobody is going to do it for me. And I have too many people I would hurt if I gave up. It's more like... I'm continuing for my friends, more than myself, at this rate. I *AM* continuing though.

I have dinner plans with a local friend, but otherwise, it's just another day. Maybe I'll be lucky and a job will fall in my lap.

Love you all. Take care.