The Recession: A Love Story

I was angry all the time.

I hated my job. The big boss picked on me.

I knew Bill had a ring, but he was waiting until he had a secure job to propose.

I saw a therapist. She told me the job was crazy, not me. I had a feeling I was going to get laid off.

I got laid off. 

I wanted to blow things up.

I got really drunk and vomited gyro all over a brick road. Bill took care of me. I slept on the floor.

I was really sad and drank a lot, and then my computer crashed. Then I drank more.

I folded Bill’s laundry and set it by his dresser. A week passed and the laundry basket was still sitting there.

I was angry and put his clothes away for him. I found a ring in the drawer.

I tried it on and put it back in the drawer.

I tried it on again and wore it around the apartment when I was alone.

I told Bill that I found the ring.

I told Bill that he needed to find a job.

I went to New York to buy some fabric and visit some friends. It was fun, but Bill said that he would never be happy living there. New York is too expensive. My severance pay was almost up.

I bought a new computer on credit. I needed it to get a new job.

I started getting unemployment checks. It was only enough money to cover my rent and health insurance.

I went into debt.

I didn't have enough money to afford my medication, so I stopped taking it. I stopped paying for health insurance too.

I was anxious and sad all the time.

I realized that I had gained a lot of weight. Then I got more sad and anxious.

I did a few projects.

I had a few interviews.

I had to buy a bunch of bridesmaid stuff for a wedding. The wedding was terrible. I had two panic attacks and soaked the shoulder of my brother’s dress shirt with tears. The wedding was outdoors and it was really hot.

I gave a sweet toast, even though I was disgusted with the bride and groom. I got really drunk and vomited lasagna and wine into the shapes of the Hawaiian Islands. Bill took care of me again.

I got a job offer in Cincinnati, so Bill and I moved into his parent’s basement in the country. 

I lived out of a box. 

I started a new job.

I told Bill he needed to get a job.

I started taking my medication again.

I moved into an apartment in the city with Bill.

I was happy when he got a job nearby.

I still drank too much.

I lied about it.

I was angry all the time.

I went to a couple of AA meetings. I met some kind people there, and realized I'm not an alcoholic. I needed therapy.

I had a long talk with Bill about the last few years.

I went to see my old doctor in Clifton. She told me to stop drinking. I did. She told me to me to exercise and take vitamins. I did. She told me not to resent Bill for things he can't control. She told me not to resent myself for things I can't control.

I felt better. 

I started listening to Bill's stories again. 

I laughed.

I realized life is not all about me.

Bill and I started to be happy again.