Just letting out some steam on a bad day

[thalaw2]

This has got to be the worst day I've had for in a long time.  Here in China it's already April Fools' Day and I came into the office, on my day off, just to play a little prank on the students.  I went and checked my email and got one from my sister telling me that one of my cousins was killed in a car accident on Friday.  I thiought it was a joke because...it's April Fools' Day.  I called sent email to verify, but then decided to call home.  My mother confirmed that it was indeed true.

I was shocked.  He was only 30 years old and had 4 children.  Furthermore, his sister can't be contacted because she was taken to jail just a couple of days before this and no one is sure how to reach her.  I feel so bad that i can't do anything being so far away from home, but i really wonder what I could have done if I was at home.  My cousin lived a good hours drive away and we haven't seen each other for long time. 

On top of this one of the teachers here quit today and I had to take his classes...on my day off!  Darn guy couldn't last a month here because of his temper and drinking problem.  And tonight is opening night for the bar he and i are going into business together to start!  He's the one with bar experience and was supposed to train the waitresses.  I invested a lot of money in this thing and this fool is ruining it because he has no patience and a monkey on his back!  Now it's raining outside and rain is predicted for the next two days!  I hope nothing else goes wrong or I may jump out a window.  I'm finished with my rant....just keeping it short.

I need a drink!   

[stumpy]

Man, that's a bum week for the books! So sorry to hear about your cousin. It's awful when someone in the family passes and you want to be there to support them, but don't spend time dwelling on what you could do if you were home. There are times when you can help, times when you can't, and time wasted thinking about the latter.

Regarding events closer to you (and more addressable), I hate to say it with all the excitement when you mentioned this a couple weeks ago, but you need to be looking for some way out of being in business with your bar partner. I don't know if things are different where you are, but I have known several bar owners here and it's a tough business. And, it's one where you are particularly dependent on being able to trust your partners. If he has a real substance abuse issue, then you can't depend on him to keep the success of the business ahead of his demons. It's sounding like he is already letting his day job fall by the wayside. Hoping that he maintain himself in a room full of booze with a drawer full of cash is just too much. Either find a way to get a different partner or find someone to buy you out. (BTW, this situation isn't doing your partner any good either, in the long term.) I wish I could be a ray of sunshine here, and I know I only know about this second-hand, but some situations are best decided on pure rationality.

Anyway, best wishes to your family regarding your cousin. His kids especially are in my thoughts.

[The Phantom Eyebrow]

God that's some terrible news there.  Afraid that there's nothing I can add to what Stumpy has said on either topic, but you and your family have my deepest sympathies.

[Reepicheep]

I'm really sorry to hear all of this, man. I hope you can relax and handle the stress throughout it.

God bless.

[Spam]

Dude, that sucks, man. I hope that you can try and stay strong, especially in a situation like this. Try to take care, dude.

[lugaru]

Real shame to hear, a passing is always difficult, especially given the circumstances. Im having a drink already so let me join you with my condolences and despite your difficulties I hope that your new buisness (which Im jelause of) brings you the kind of joy and satisfaction that makes up for the hard times.