Kari - thank you so much for the shoe help, much appreciated! I like the two-toned oxfords, but I particularly like the cream/tan ones more than the black/white ones I've seen around here for some reason. Probably because I'm too chicken to try - so I think easing into it with cream/beige/tan will work better for me.

Meanwhile, just wanted to say that it was a real treat to see you post something - and I hope you know what an inspiration you are.

Um, none of my beeswax, but have you 'said anything' yet, or are you taking some time to get ducks in a row (seems sensible to me) ?

I bet that once you've decided and made a move, your energy level will go way up. Scary? Yes, very. But sometimes you have to do what you have to do. That said, I can certainly appreciate being a wee bit careful and cautious about this sort of thing - especially these days when it isn't quite as easy to jump from one thing to the other as it used to be.

Hang in there and so glad to see you around these parts

You look gorgeous Kari! I adore all three of these outfits, so so good!

Looking marvelous and showing your amazingly creative style sense! You inspire me every time. I certainly hope you can find work that gives you joy!

Velvetychocolate, I know - the cognac and cream was what drew me too, and that seems to be kind of a rare combination. But there are some other flat oxfords (not two toned) that are also catching my eye - you might be interested:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bo.....tiveSearch
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/bo.....63-0-0-1-2
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bo.....tiveSearch
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/hi.....57-0-0-1-1

Don't worry at all about asking - I put the info out there on the forum, so it's not a big secret here. No, I haven't said anything officially. I decided to wait as I got a strong review and wanted to make sure my raise came through before handing in notice, which would mean waiting a couple extra weeks. Since I was waiting anyway, I decided that to be safe, staying put for a month longer would give me more security. I'm kind of playing it by ear now, as I've finally received a little help, and there are also some recent developments that *may* make my remaining time here a little more bearable.

And yes, I am scared. Still exhausted too, but less drained than I was, knowing now that this is a temporary situation that I *can* leave.