Difficult - yes

I was taking classes and trying not to go stir crazy.
I'm CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certified now.
There are a few more I will pursue - time permitting.
I also took some college classes.
The IT Training was paid courtesy of Michigan's No Worker Left Behind program.

Things are looking up
The wife was working, so I had benefits during that time.

Thanks for the well wishes everyone!