Scenes from the Virtual Office (PANERA)

If you listen to the Comedy Point every Tuesday, you know that Joel and I have set up our “virtual” office at Panera. We joke around about it being an office, but the truth is, we virtually work there 2-3 days a week. Why Panera? You might think it’s the free internet, or the good food, or the coffee, or the friendly atmosphere. All good reasons, but the truth is: they don’t kick us out.

As you know from the show, I’m Joel’s virtual office manager. I campaigned hard for the title for over 2 weeks, after I found out that Rich Shultis hired a virtual assistant from India. My promotion was announced on the show at the beginning of the year. Now I am always on my best behavior. I wouldn’t want Joel to virtually fire me.


At first, Joel and I used to cram ourselves into a small booth in the back , but now we sit right in the front facing the windows so we can people watch. Plus, while I’m on the shy side, Joel’s a walking advertisement, what’s the point of hiding him in a corner? Seriously, not only does he drive up in his Soul Mobile, he’s always wearing at least one piece of Soul Joel Production gear. Even his computer is wrapped to promote his radio show (my Christmas present to him).

The kids love Soul Joel, giving him secret waves, thumbs ups and smiles behind their mother’s backs… And the Adults strain their necks to get a good look at this guy with the fancy computer, with his sidekick (me) sitting right next to him. Nobody can figure out what we are doing, but they know we are up to something.

Joel inadvertently names drops on his phone conversations, “Hey Reese…what’s up Reese? Yannis, good show last night.” Maddog!!! What’s up Bubbas?….Hello, I’m Joel Richardson, I’m a producer and I host a radio show.” People can’t help but look up from their coffee as he walks around talking on his cell. He’s not showing off mind you…he’s just making it happen at “the office.”

Stop by and join us at our virtual office, The Panera by Target. Have a coffee , and join our virtual fun.

REPOSTED from The Comedy Point with Soul Joel Blog.

"Are you coming???"

Every day, I am being invited to school fundraisers, Pampered Chef parties, trips to Florida, Atlantic City, NYC for Karoke,  my cousin's wedding in Mexico, night out drinking with friends, out to dinner...  More and more the answer to "Are you coming is?" "Im sorry...I can't." 

In the beginning, I was able to pick and choose between the things I wanted to do.  If it wasn't a huge layout of money, I felt it would be good for my mental health.  In fact, if you remember, I had a strategy for dealing with these situations.   Now, I am at the point where I have to say no.  I guess I should feel lucky.  I made it a year.

The truth is, unemployment benefits is only little band-aid, not meant to last a long time. Its been my savings, a home equity loan and a decent credit line that has been holding things together. My Cobra Subsidy is about the end, and that's when the band-aid will fall off, and the bleeding really begins.  My next line of defense is borrowing from my parents. Then...I don't know.

I know I am not alone.  And I know that things have to get better.  And I know as bad as things are, I am still spoiled.  Things are not even close to being as bad as they were in my grandparents' day.  And I know it must have been pretty bad, becuase till the day they died, my grandparents lived a very simple life despite riches in their bank account. You don't that unless you've been through hard times before. 

Today I have to make tougher decisions.  How can I keep my head above water until my next job? What else can I cut? Can I rent out my condo?

Its tough out here...but I know we can handle it. 


My Prayer for the Unemployed



Dear God,


I know you never give me a situation I cannot handle and for everything that happens in my life you have a plan for me. I ask that you give me the strength to stay positive during this difficult time, and continue to help me to find the brighter sides in my dark days, and guide me to a better future. I ask that you help others who are also struggling with unemployment, those who are lost, and those who are stressed financially and spiritually, that they may also find relief from their burdens. I trust in you, God. Amen