Back to the drawing board.

Well.

Let's just say my new "job" didn't work out. After my first day of work, I received a phone call two hours after I got home. I was let go of my position, (the position was given to someone the owner knew). The receptionist told me I could pick up my day's pay whenever I wanted. I returned the next day where I was given $30 in cash. $7 an hour.

I was hired for $13.50 an hour.

To say I am not happy would be an understatement. I was hired for this position two weeks before my first day. That's two whole weeks I could have been looking for real employment elsewhere.

I've decided that while I am still looking in and around my area, I will also be looking at other states to apply for work. Has anyone here ever done this? Any success stories?

I need some positivity right now.

Movin on up! (Not to the East Side, but up just the same)

Oh blog, I have missed you. I feel like I'm neglecting you like a redheaded stepchild. No more, I swear. I can tend to you now.

Want to know why?

It's been difficult to keep this under wraps, since I've needed to for about a week or so, but I can finally say it: I have found employment! Want to know even better news? It's FULL TIME employment! One of the jobs that I had been hoping for did not come through, but another one did just in the nick of time, and I will love this job. I get to be surrounded by my favorite creatures (dogs) all day long, as well as people. My future employer is just lovely, and the business is located in a cute little town. I wouldn't mind getting an apartment in that area at some point, let me tell you. It's adorable.

After endless searching (before and after Hawaii) on Monster, Yahoo Jobs and applying to official websites of large companies, what worked for me was hitting the local wanted ads. It's something I don't think occurs to 20 something job hunters like myself (and I'm including myself in this), but that was the best result.

I have obtained so much knowledge and confidence during my Hawaii journey, I applied it in life at home as well. Be confident. Be self-assured. Be positive. Be yourself. Volunteer if you can, it's so rewarding. Lastly, keep going. Don't give up, there's something out there for you.

House update: Most of the major work is finished. Thanks Ginny, James, Erin, Amanda, Christine and so many others! You guys did things I wasn't able to do or wasn't here for. Just wanted to let you all know how grateful I am. I think there's some cosmetic stuff needed to do left. (refinishing the hardwood floors and such) then I will be on my way.

Gulp.

Remember that whole confidence thing I mentioned just seconds ago? I keep giving that to myself, like a shot. Moving out is a little bit scary. I suspect it will also be rewarding however. It's amazing what perspective distance can give you. If I can travel alone (without parents) 6,000 miles away, I can do this too. I think it's change that spooks me, and yet I love adventure. What I have to do, is tell myself that this is another adventure, rather then that scary word CHANGE. Adventure sounds a lot more cool. It also makes me excited.

Writing update: I have decided I would love to write a whole lot more. I'm going to a Freelance Writing workshop and taking some classes. It's a hybrid class (online so it doesn't affect work) and in NYC on my days off. Looking forward to seeing what new doors I can open for myself.

Computer update: I'm going to be setting aside money for a new laptop, because while Stanley the PC held on for a little while longer when I arrived home, he has finally sputtered and died. My model was the HP Pavilion Dv4, and I'm starting to read other nightmare scenarios online about this computer. Such a shame, but it's time for a new one. The library is a nice place, but I'm sick of spending a lot of time here.

And finally, thanks to all of YOU for reading my blog. You have no idea what world you have opened for me. I love reading your blogs too. It gives me confidence to try even more new things.

Yup. I'm alive.

I'm so sorry to have disappeared on you all. A combination of jet lag, a dead laptop, and being on the job hunt has led me to neglect this blog. I'm returning slowly but surely.

Right now, I'll admit it, I'm having a bit of anxiety. (Not having a job does that to you) I like working. I enjoy being a go getter. I want to build towards my future and get started as fast as time will allow, but I do realize that I have to be patient. I'm grateful that I don't have a family to support. I know that I have my parents support should I need them, but I want to break out on my own and be self-sufficient, as I'm sure any young person does.

On the plus side, I'm getting interviews. There is a position I applied for that I believe is the perfect fit for me, and I would enjoy it. In addition, this position would allow me to build a future, and work toward the goals I need to achieve. I usually do not ask of this, but your prayers (or well wishes) would be appreciated. Stepmom said that whatever is in God's plan will be. Hopefully, we're on the same page.

Also wanted to add that I miss reading your blogs all the time. When I get a new laptop, I'll be back to reading and commenting on all of your blogs regularly.

basic living.

There's lots of exciting things going on that I'm a bit fearful to devulge because I don't want to jinx anything. But I have a wonderful job lead that's fantastic. :)

Meanwhile, the apartment hunt is still on. Yardley is looking less and less likely. The realitor called me and while the apartment I was looking at is pretty, he's concerned that being on the third floor (with the interior made of wood and there's only two windows) is a fire hazard.

So now I'm looking across the river, in a tiny town called Florence. Ever since reading Hayley's blog, I've been thinking about my own OH upbringing, and yearing for more rual living. (It's not the Alaskan wilderness of course, but a quiet area with lots of land surrounding me and trees is what's been needed in my life) I just want a pretty area to walk in with my dog. :) Getting back to basics is a must.