Tim--we love this forum! And you're right--it's very easy to read text the way you
think it's intended--read "projecting your insecurities, sore spots, etcetera," when actually the intent is something completely different! I realized what you were getting at about the length of time thing after a later read-through, and you're right.
As always, the main thing I like about all this is that everyone is fine with agreeing to disagree!
Bertha--I'll bet you never expected all this!!

Like Bertha and I have said, this is a small town, (though crowded, and on the urban side) and to be quite honest I'm surprised I didn't hear about Bertha's woes until she brought it up on the forum. She obviously has picked good secret-keepers as friends! I don't know who Bertha's VP is, though I suspect I'll find out eventually. Don't worry, Bertha, I'll keep this on the down low--no point to do otherwise. I've the feeling the problem isn't so much with you, but rather the person is extraordinarily embarrassed. You ARE a VERY nice person, and I think the world of you, despite knowing you a relatively short period of time. As I've said, I feel badly this happened to you of all people

. I'm assuming the said "problem" will be relieved of their duties due to "personal issues that demand more time than can be given to their position," and hopefully the principal et. al. will get the situation cleared up, and life will go on.
(though admittedly melloweer's posse idea
does sound rather exciting--keep it in mind)!