San Diego
Since there isn't much more I can do for today, I figure I can at least let everybody know what I'm up to considering I left so suddenly and without notice (or at least it seemed that way to me). By the way, a big belated "I'm sorry" to people I didn't come see in Santa Cruz and the East Bay before I took off - I would have, but U-Haul screwed Audra and I big time. Because of that, I wasn't able to do anything for the day preceding the big move. Otherwise, the drive back home was inconsequential and we managed to get all of our stuff from that giant moving fan comfortably situated in Pad II's garage safe and sound. As a comparative side-note: the garage - filled with every single bit of our stuff minus our bedding, clothing, and computers - is much cleaner than the one we just moved out of. I kid, I kid (no, I don't).
While I miss my friends up north, I really don't miss Santa Cruz that much. At all. Every single perk living away from home that might have existed the past four years has been flushed out of memory. I really enjoyed college, don't get me wrong, but I believe Kenny mentioned how crappy it is to try to find a job and/or affordable place to live up north and I want absolutely nothing to do with it. I still believe that the city itself it a beautiful place, but where I grew up isn't that bad, either. The weather down here is right around 75-85 degrees (I know, 85?! What the fuck?) and the water hasn't dipped below 70 since we got here. As a a result, Audra and I have been frequenting the beach - a strange sight to behold for those who might know me. Aside from that, I already have a follow-up interview or referral to at least a half-dozen jobs I've applied to and I have half-heartedly submitted to ten more simply to keep my options open. Each of these jobs has a wage of no less than $13, so I'm pretty happy about that. I'm looking at UCSD for four jobs - two of which I've been further referred to multiple hiring offices - and I have a pretty good shot with an independent property manager. Not doing landscaping duty for a slum lord, but working in an office. For more money. I can't even stress how much better the job market is down here - there are, literally, thousands of opportunities that someone out of college could be easily qualified for and I'm very thankful to have that opportunity.
The only real downfall to moving back home is exactly that: moving back home. I'm living with my parents and I really get the impression that while it's been smooth sailing thus far, it won't be long before I grow tired of it. While I really enjoy the fact that my house isn't giving me some sort of incurable disease stemming from exposure to mold, urine, or feces, I really miss having my own place. I haven't really had an opportunity to enjoy any great deal of socializing due to the stress involved with being unemployed. This will surely be resolved in the near future, but for the moment money and employment are my two biggest concerns.
Aside from the nitty-gritty bullshit all college grads are involved with, I am feeling a lot healthier and active lately. I splurged on a road bike with the last paycheck I earned from Arthur and am riding all over town. Hopefully, I'll be able to accompany Mike and B-Rob on their 30-40 mile round trips by the month's end without too much suffering. I look like an actual Southern California resident because I've gotten some sun and I'm a lot less grumpy. Overall, I think I made the best choice for my own needs.
Audra and Cosette are happy, although both are a bit unsettled due to the move. I'm sure this will resolve itself with a delicate balance of work versus play, but it still makes me feel guilty for dragging them down here into my rich den of comfort. It's also a lot closer (not to mention a safer drive) to Bakersfield - which will undoubtedly help cope with homesickness and loneliness. Hopefully, we'll be better off financially than before so we can afford to take trips to go visit everybody up north or out of state.
That's about all there is to catch up on. Fin
While I miss my friends up north, I really don't miss Santa Cruz that much. At all. Every single perk living away from home that might have existed the past four years has been flushed out of memory. I really enjoyed college, don't get me wrong, but I believe Kenny mentioned how crappy it is to try to find a job and/or affordable place to live up north and I want absolutely nothing to do with it. I still believe that the city itself it a beautiful place, but where I grew up isn't that bad, either. The weather down here is right around 75-85 degrees (I know, 85?! What the fuck?) and the water hasn't dipped below 70 since we got here. As a a result, Audra and I have been frequenting the beach - a strange sight to behold for those who might know me. Aside from that, I already have a follow-up interview or referral to at least a half-dozen jobs I've applied to and I have half-heartedly submitted to ten more simply to keep my options open. Each of these jobs has a wage of no less than $13, so I'm pretty happy about that. I'm looking at UCSD for four jobs - two of which I've been further referred to multiple hiring offices - and I have a pretty good shot with an independent property manager. Not doing landscaping duty for a slum lord, but working in an office. For more money. I can't even stress how much better the job market is down here - there are, literally, thousands of opportunities that someone out of college could be easily qualified for and I'm very thankful to have that opportunity.
The only real downfall to moving back home is exactly that: moving back home. I'm living with my parents and I really get the impression that while it's been smooth sailing thus far, it won't be long before I grow tired of it. While I really enjoy the fact that my house isn't giving me some sort of incurable disease stemming from exposure to mold, urine, or feces, I really miss having my own place. I haven't really had an opportunity to enjoy any great deal of socializing due to the stress involved with being unemployed. This will surely be resolved in the near future, but for the moment money and employment are my two biggest concerns.
Aside from the nitty-gritty bullshit all college grads are involved with, I am feeling a lot healthier and active lately. I splurged on a road bike with the last paycheck I earned from Arthur and am riding all over town. Hopefully, I'll be able to accompany Mike and B-Rob on their 30-40 mile round trips by the month's end without too much suffering. I look like an actual Southern California resident because I've gotten some sun and I'm a lot less grumpy. Overall, I think I made the best choice for my own needs.
Audra and Cosette are happy, although both are a bit unsettled due to the move. I'm sure this will resolve itself with a delicate balance of work versus play, but it still makes me feel guilty for dragging them down here into my rich den of comfort. It's also a lot closer (not to mention a safer drive) to Bakersfield - which will undoubtedly help cope with homesickness and loneliness. Hopefully, we'll be better off financially than before so we can afford to take trips to go visit everybody up north or out of state.
That's about all there is to catch up on. Fin