I had lunch downtown with my friend A today. I met A about a year and a half ago, back when I was still in Portland and doing PR at the agency I used to work for. My client had hired him to give a speech to a group of partners and I was the one coordinating his visit and speech, so A and I ended up talking pretty regularly and becoming pretty good friends.

Anyway, we headed for a sushi lunch at a place in Boston near his office. It was good to catch up and while we've only gotten together three times (including this visit) since I've moved here, I'll miss having him nearby.

After I got home, I decided it was time to face the music - so to speak - and so I headed to my apartment manager's office.

I sat down and talked to Molly the manager about my situation, about how I'd lost my job and was planning to move home to Oregon, and asked if there was a way we could work something out as far as the lease penalties went. She agreed to put together a payment plan for the penalties and I gave my 60-days notice then and there.

The good news is that if they're able to rent my apartment before the 60 days is up (Sept. 7, for those keeping track) I won't have to pay the penalty!!! So I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed.