no
I used to take scissors away from harmless grandmothers for a living. That was the most money I ever made. I loved that airport, loved the lesbians there, loved being able to walk a mile indoors to find the smoking area. I think it must be because I had authority. Wow. I just found my Standard Form 50, Notification of Personnel Action, Separation-RIF (reduction in force) from the Transportation Security Administration. "Laid-off" June 6, 2003. It was like the first day of my new life.

Whereas the TSA took away money and retirement opportunities and health plans, they actually gave me back so much more. "Pay band D" "to be placed on TSA reemployment priority list." What a lie. They blacklisted me for reemployment and I can't blame them. By not allowing me to be rehired they forced me to stick with my plan--a brand new life.

Everything began to congeal and on that very day. June 6th I bought and brought home my Jeep, the very first 4WD since driving Army vehicles. I sold my Nikons and all equipment, 3 violins and about 50 antiques at eBay. I proceeded to buy tools: musical instruments, digital camera, editing applications, thrift store clothes; built a new computer, gave music lessons, connected with local artists, wrote, copywrote, photographed, drew, vacationed, protested... it's as if I came alive.

JMCC lent me a book with the amazing concept, "the myth of redemptive violence" which for me, caused me to once and for all question all my beliefs and dare to codify them and ultimately to stand behind them with confidence. I not only discovered, became and did, I believed.

So, it is with great pleasure that I now ask you:

are you happy?