When the people I baby-sit for looked at me when I walked in their door and exclaimed, “Oh my, are you all right?” and then insisted on their return home that “But are you going to be okay, aren’t you? You seem really down, not yourself,“ I realized that the fact my stage is slowly sucking the life out of me has become evident to people I don’t know. I can no longer hide my misery. It is time to go home. I gave my notice today and next week Friday will be my last day. I am sure to be back in the US by December 1st.

Here’s the deal: is it going to be better there? Exhibit A is the e-mail my mother sent me yesterday:

You got the dearest mailing from Melanie asking you to save the date of June 9 for her wedding celebration. You can access additional wedding information at ______ so says the mailing. Lovely website- so excited for her!

*Translation: This could have been you if you hadn’t picked the Wrong One. Such a shame you’ll live with your father and mother until you die.

Also the Annual Fund letter from Middlebury. You gave (small amount) in’ 04 and (slightly larger amount) in’ 05. If I were you I'd go back to the (small amount) considering your income this year.

*Translation: Get a real job already and quit mucking around with this cooking crap.