It may not pay to be overly optimistic so soon after getting the boot. It could be another manifestation of denial. But today, two good things happened. First, I was informed by the corporate payroll office that I had been contributing to an unemployment fund. So, there is some possibility that I will be eligible for unemployment benefits. I say "some possibility" because, being from a different country, I don't know if the standard requirement that you be "available for employment" applies to me. As far as I know, I lost my right to work in the U.S. when I lost my job. Anyway, I'll find out.

Meanwhile, I did a quick initial scan of the job availability board for my city (that's all online here, so I don't have to travel to the unemployment office), and I found a suitable job ad. It had a "start date" of March 20th, so I wasn't sure if the position had already been filled. I sent an initial email inquiry (stating a summary of my qualifications) asking whether the position had been filled. The response came later this afternoon. They asked me where I lived. I guess if the position had already been filled, they would have simply said that, so I am hopeful that it may present an opportunity.

At this point, if I was to land a job for any reasonable wage, we might be able to afford to keep the house. Wouldn't that be grand!