...yep, that's me. And boy, does that title ever fit. If you've read me, you know I am pretty cynical by nature. (Being kicked in the teeth a lot growing up does that to a person.) Basically, bad things happen. Especially to me. And forget what they say about pessimists not living to be very old---no pessimist (except yours truly) will ever admit to being a pessimist. (They like to call themselves "realists.") Which is rather odd, as I am dating a guy who thinks I am the best thing to luck since the rabbit's foot. He claims that since he's started going out with me his world has been nothing but lucky. (It seems I've become Hurley in reverse.) So why am I so pessimistic? Take your pick. The government is out to stab the people in the back... Anyone higher than you in the workplace usually has an agenda... The people you should worry about stealing from you isn't the guy off the street--it's your own family... I could go on for days. However, today the Consummate Pessimist has a bit of good news---sometimes the world does work in favor of the little guy. A friend of mine was telling me how they almost has their car stolen out of their driveway...until her husband managed to wake the guy up in the car and was able to describe the would-be thief to the insurance people and the cops. Not only do they think they caught the guy, but insurance is covering the cost of steering column repairs in full. This is great news! Especially after what I read about the insurance companies and their "policy" on paying out on flood insurance... (Here's a tip--don't bother with it.) More to come in the weeks ahead...