Mercury's In Retrograde...Can't Someone Stop This?

I'm not really sure what that means, but people tell me that it causes unexpected--and not necessarily good--things to happen. Here's a sum total of this week:

• Starting with the worst of it, the beloved feline companions belonging to two people at work died--in the same day. One was attributed to old age, the other from an unexpected death. So very sad...


• A family member's house was struck by lightening, frying tv, printer, modem, electric and phone.


• Monsoon season has hit. I mean, we do need the rain, but it's starting to seem doomsday-ish out there.


• A good friend didn't get a job she needed, should have gotten and would have been so very right for.
  
• Something bizarre is hitting certain "everyday interaction" people, making them behave in strange and not so nice ways. Our neighbor across the street went off the deep end and is taking some actions that are impacting others with totally negative and unnecessary consequences.

I know what you're thinking: stay the hell away from Gropius. It's not me...I swear! The good news is plentiful when you look at things the right way: there are new spots open for two homeless animals, the house didn't burn down and no one was hurt, the thirsty earth is getting watered, a better opportunity is on the way, and patience is building with practice. Plus, karma always wins.

There. I've adjusted my attitude. Now will someone just tell me how long this Mercury in Retrograde crap is going to last?