let me explain, that I am a jovial person who tries to find the funny side in a situation (i'd rather laugh than cry) and whenever I post on this site I am almost always chuckling to myself (even though no one else thinks I'm funny!)  I'm still chuckling, yes I have been slow for 2-3 years, but it has been enough work for me.  and yes I have been cold calling, but I have always been cold calling from day one, which was 20 years ago, always looking for the next client.  And yes, its been tough in the last few months not getting any new clients. I was just crying in my keyboard because last week was unusually slow compared to the previous 2-3 years, and I just wanted some company in my misery. and maybe I exaggerated a little in my first post (falls to that trying be funny thing, which obviously isnt working for me) I know when to cut and run, and I'm not there yet.  sometimes you just need to be re-assured that other people are miserable too   

anyway, work has picked back up friday, yesterday and today, so I'll stop crying for now.  and I honestly do appreciate your suggestions about the Marcellus Shale and energy jobs search, and I apologize if you or anyone read my posts without a touch of humor, as it was typed with a touch of humor.  laughter is the best medicine, I just sometimes forget some people stay in a serious state of mind, instead of a humorous state of mind.