I live in the midwest and am out of work right now too. I am hoping that things will pick up after the first of the year. Until then we cut back, heater is turned down to keep the gas bill down, no more eating out, no more going out, have to limit what is bought for groceries (have to cut coupons, buy generics, not get everything that I would "like" when I am at the store, now have to get the things we "need" instead.). It helps me to count my blessings .....

I have my health, my family,my ethics, many years of work experience that will help me to find a job when the market opens up.

Hey Nutshell,
Just leaving you a note.... thanks for the advice ... save my pennies... I thought the recession was on the way out? Obviously not!

Hope you are otherwise good. Living with parents isn't that bad, better than your car.

I much prefer your drunken, stoned ramblings to these because I can't think of a damn thing to say that will make you feel better. BUT, I am leaving a comment to let you know I was here. I hope things pick up - aren't you a newlywed, now?

These are scary times. I feel for you.