And just like that....it all rains down.

Disturbing imagery is hardly a bellwether of something nice.

After a few unpleasant morning interruptions, I was finally able to catch a few hours sleep this morning. I woke up, a bit more refreshed, and a bit late for work. I pulled on some clean clothes and moussed up my unwashed hair. I dashed a quick apology e-mail to my boss, and advised him that I'd be in as soon as I could and that I had a quick stop to make along the way. I left the house. I was late. The traffic was horrible. I eased down the highway ramp and realized...I had forgotten my wallet. I had a checkbook on me but no one takes checks without ID. So I looped around the embankment, and headed back to my home. The weather was nice out...it was a shame I had to spend the day sleeping. I walked up to my door.

"Hi There!" I look up and see my neighbor, Mrs. F. She chatted for a second with me and then said "Did you hear..."

I listened. And I tried really hard not to look panicked. Because after my painfully realistic nightmare the other night, I drew a very unpleasant conclusion for myself. And here is Mrs. F, telling me how this unpleasant conclusion was not only valid, it will become reality very quickly.

Here I am with only one week of school left an an uncompleted final exam in front of me and I was just given news that is turning my life upside down.

Had the circumstances been different, the news might have been neutral, or even good. But now, with all I have going on...the news is woefully unexpected and bitterly surprising.

I went through my mail and found a letter that confirmed the worst.

When I saw my boss this afternoon, I should have had a chat with him then, but it will need to wait until Monday now. I'll have to take a vacation from work very soon and I sure as hell hope that I am still in one piece when I get back.

There really is something worse than waking up from a nightmare...its seeing something a lot like the nightmare come true in real life.