::REDUCTION IN FORCE::

I need to push harder. The problem is that I need to push harder in orthogonal vectors.

A museum reorganization is going on due to the merger. I still have a job; it'll be different, though, from what I currently do.

Sadly, it seems my interface with the publicity machine will be less. Very, very sadly, I have been tasked with orchestrating a camp-in from the ground up in two days -- and be onsite during it as it runs from 7:00 PM tomorrow to 9:00 AM Saturday. And do a few off-site gigs Saturday. And compose a few marketing blips before Monday. And be Manager on Duty Sunday.

Three of the layoffs are people whose jobs I know moderately, and I'm the logical "fill-in" girl for their immediate duties. If each of them were transponders, the triangulation of their signals would be me.

My last two days have been hell. The next three will be, too.

And the reorg chart isn't even being unveiled until tomorrow.

The worst part of this is that any time I feel overwhelmed, pitiable, or fit for martyrdom, I look at my colleagues who were laid off. And I feel worse, because at least I have a job. On the other hand, that job is making life a cesspool for a little while.

All this said, the future looks excellent, my new coworkers seem jovial, and the person who's most likely my new boss has given every indication that he's going to be great.

I have taken to coping by wearing striped socks.

It doesn't really work.