[tic]

Hi Vod... hopefully, there will be a glimpse of blue sky rather than just black thunder clouds.

I have been out of work before, so I knew how you felt, I found a job about a year ago, which (fingers crossed) will go on for a few years to come. I know about the isolation as well, family all grown up, getting on with own lives, having very few people to converse with (in topics which you are interested in), trying to occupy yourself with everyday things; time seems to drag on and on and then a week/month has gone by and you're still in the same old situation.

You know the funniest thing? The jobs I have done in the past, (including this one) I work pretty much alone! I am not sure of the irony there, but hey, what are going to do? Sometimes its a good thing, you have plenty of time to reflect on things; sometimes its a bad thing, for that same reason.

I have (what most people would call) few "close friends", mainly acquaintances who you say hi to in the street/shops, but I am pretty comfortable with that now. Most people would say I'm a loner without realising that I am among others who belong to the biggest social group there is - humanity.

That's why perhaps I joined HDC, one big family, with brothers and sisters; big and small, young and old, far and near; and friends. People who don't mind if you voice your thoughts, are prepared to listen without judgement and quick to act as a shoulder when you need it. A true family.

I too write, I can't tell you how many stories I've started only to get distracted by something or other; the best horror story/film of the last few years can wait, just that bit longer. (Is it me, or don't you just hate it when you think of a great story when a few weeks later, a story or a film just comes out, with more than a passing resemblence to yours .... aaahhh!) Like I said, I have plenty of time to reflect.

God, do I sound pitiful or what!:(

Anyways; we're all here for you, bro .....