Oh, my sweet Eeyeore

My best friend reminds me of Eeyeore. Sensitive, dear, but gloomy.

Not 10 days ago, he was worried because he didn't think he was getting the important assignments at work. It made him feel vulnerable, as though he was the next logical candidate for a layoff.

Today he shot me a quick email, describing himself as "crazed" and "drowning" because he has four concurrent clients.

I love him more than my next breath, but he does exasperate me at times because I don't think he will allow himself contentment.

Oscar Predictions

Last night my friend Kathleen and I went to a panel discussion on the upcoming Academy Awards. Here are the predictions by Tribune columnist Michael Phillips:

Best Picture -- The Social Network or The King's Speech

Best Actor -- Colin Firth, The King's Speech (sure thing)

Best Actress -- Natalie Portman, The Black Swan or Annette Bening, The Kids Are Alright

Best Supporting Actor -- Christian Bale, The Fighter or Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech

Best Supporting Actress -- Hailie Steinfield, True Grit or Melissa Leo, The Fighter

Keep in mind these are his "will win" predictions, not his "should win" responses.