Get your butt to the gym and get some natural endorphins going. Get a hot trainer to really kick your ass in gear.

Remember its only work after all, not your life.

I can't afford a hot trainer to kick my ass.

Unless there are any hot trainers in Chicago who are willing to train me for free (or for plugs on a tres popular website)?

Sex. Lots and lots of sex. And spooning. Along with all that whiskey.

I am dead serious about this.

As a long time reader who has never commented I wanted to let you know that I have my fingers crossed that your spending freeze will not last much longer - I hope you get to keep the job you love, who would've ever thought in our lifetimes we'd be going through this? My thoughts are with you!

Hmmm. Did you try whiskey? Yes? Hmm... shoot.

Ummm. Ahhhhhhh...

Well I'm out of ideas.

Well...while your on a shopping freeze you could start your holiday shopping guide for boyfriends/husband early! Thanksgiving is almost here!

have sex, it helps

While not in the Chicago area (sorry), I do alot of personal training. Exercise really does help. Not only does it give you benefits in terms of biochemistry, but there's also the sense of accomplishment and the extra exertion should help you sleep better. Just make sure there is sufficient time to wind down between the end of your workout and bedtime.

Iz okay Trix, just find time in your day to wind down and count your blessings maybeh?

Throw a party; preferably at your place, BYOB, have some food (grill out or pizza w/e) and most importantly invite all of the people that make you happy and that care about you. The superficial things that we think matter and that although do affect our financial and professional lives aren't important. It is neccessary to recognize that it's the personal relationships anc connections that we have in life that matter most. What better way to cure your worries than having a cheap, impromtu gathering?

You've got a readership, you're connected to a bunch of people with book deals, you've got something real to feel about/deal with, and you may have some time on your hands.

Write a book. A novel would be great, but Trixie's guide to being a Trixie would be fine too.

Well trix...m'dear.... YOu are in a tad bit of a snaffoo.... YOu liked your co-workers. Understandable. They were friends. they helped pass the time. Alas, my sweet... You are growing up... YOU still have a job, and in this market, you should be dancing for joy that YOU are not one of the 38 let go.... Finding three bottle of hooch is nice, but quite frankly, I see no reason for you to be drinking it unless it is to celebrate that you are a good employee, you are valuable to your company, and you are NOT unemployed... I mean, come on- you had a great summer.. Traveled your ass off. Fall is here, the weather and air is beautiful and crisp. You aren't homeless, you aren't piss poor broke... AND YOU HAVE BOOZE!!!

My suggestion? Call up a few of your friends that were fired... Have em over for a drunk fest.. Go ahead.. Get BLITZED!! Watch some movies.. Everyone can crash at your pad.. And the next morning, you go for a run. You don't need a hot PT to make you get off your ass and get your natural endorphins pumping.. You can do it all on your own... Go for a nice run along the waterfront.. Wear some hot assed shorts to make men drool (as let's face it, your legs won't be seen for the next 4-6 months) And get your own natural high.. When you are done, go play a round of golf bitch... Whack the fuck outta those fukkers.. Hit those balls for every fired employee... Hot those balls with all the anger at your spending freeze. Hit those balls for all the PTS's that have fucked you over... And then... Go home, and take a hot shower.. And feel good about yourself... Just remember... It can get a lot worse before it gets better, and if this is the worst? CELEBRATE!!!!

Trixie,

That sucks and I know what you're going through. I can only assure you that over time you will adjust and things will get better without those friends. It will never be the same though, I'm sorry to say. I work in an industry with a lot of turnover...you pretty much have to learn to deal with it.

I can't add much to what's already been said...work-out, drink a little to kill the pain, and probably take a nice weekend trip would be my advice. Even if it's not too far...

Most of all keep in touch with the friends who got laid off. You'll find most of them will still be your friends in 5 years. It's worked out that way for me.

good luck, keep yer chin up. :)

Well, for what it's worth - I know you're on a spending freeze, but I'd LOVE to see a "wish list for winter 2008" fashion extravaganza. Scouring the web for decent shoe blogs is really difficult when Trixie isn't around :)

Maybe try some mind altering yet still legal drugs that are cheap and are not part of any drug screening **cough*SALVIA*cough**

Becoming a tree helped me put thing in perspective, and all it took was $10 and an hour (felt ALOT longer)

salvia is fucking retarded, it didn't put anything into perspective, you are probably 15. (and it doesn't last an hour)

sex, wine, and dancing, good luck on said mission!