And then there were three fewer

Remember that old Agatha Christie classic, And Then There Were None? Here at work, we seem to be re-enacting it. Every time we meet in a certain conference room, there are fewer of us. Except instead of a murderer knocking off us "little Indians," it's layoffs.

I'm trying not to freak out, because what would be the point? The problems seem more tied to agency infrastructure than to any particular campaign. I can't fix this. I can help minimize the problem, but I can't fix it.

My mortgage is paid 6 months in advance. I have 7 months' expenses socked away (I wish it were 8, but somehow I just can't get to and stay at that threshold). Until the economy turns around a bit and jobs are more plentiful, I think I've done what I can.

Now I just have to trust in my preparation, trust in my ability to do well while I'm here, trust in God and fate, and try not to make myself crazy.

Heads or Tails #20 -- Light

I am of German-Irish descent, and what's more, I am the palest one in my family. So when I saw the prompt "light," my mind immediately went to my very light complexion.

And skin cancer. I have to remind myself that it's a winter issue, too. And, while I'm reminding myself, I'm going to take this opportunity to remind the blogosphere.

According to the American Cancer Society, we should all apply sunscreen every day, because even "brief sun exposures all year round can add up to skin damage." An SPF of at least 15 is recommended. In Chicago's winter, when carrying a tube of suntan lotion isn't exactly second nature, I make sure I use foundation and moisturizer formulated with sunscreen.

Sunglasses are important, too. Before you purchase, check the label and make sure the lenses block both UVA and UVB rays. "If there is no label, don't assume the sunglasses provide any protection."

Now have fun but be careful out there. And be sure to check out Heads or Tails here.