Please enjoy your summer off with pay. Lucky girl. As to September - as you say, cross that bridge when you get to it. Not to be cynical, but half pay is better than no pay, I know that from experience. I was laid off twice within one year, 2 different companies, but still the first times I had ever been laid off. However, 2 days before the second lay off date, my husband went into the hospital with severe vertigo. I spent the next 6 -8 months taking him here, there and everywhere - doctors, hospitals, tests, etc., etc. Hang in there, enjoy your summer, remember - life is what happens when you're making other plans. Use that time to do what you love, painting and quilts, it doesn't get much better than that. Enjoy, without guilt.