Pictures!

I NEED to get my camera fixed before (and if) I move. This blog is so bland looks wise without it. Meanwhile, here's pictures of Yardley I found online:

The town center.

This would be right by my apartment. It's a bike/canoing trail that's been there around 100 years.

More of downtown. :)

 I wish I could post pictures of the house, but I'm afarid it's not mine yet. :) The area reminds me a little of our old town in Ohio, without the square.

Lots going on! :)

I haven't found a job yet (that seems to be my mantra), but I may have found my new hometown. I can't go into too much detail yet (because not every family member knows about my possible new adventure and the deal may fall through) but I can introduce you to Yardley, PA.

Yardley is in Bucks county, not too far from home, but just far enough to begin a new adventure. Surprisingly, the sourroundings are completely different then those in NJ. The town is tiny, with little thrift stores, people sitting out on porches, tiny dirt roads (with one main highway) and plenty of wooded areas to explore. Dad and I went to look at a place for myself on Saturday, with one he had in mind that he just happened to stumble upon online. He's been very supportive of my venturing out and about, but isn't too sure of me being 3,000 miles away. I told him I still might have a go at it, if this doesn't work out, and he understands. But he said: "Just PLEASE look at this first." And so I agreed. The apartment is just before the little downtown square, in a stone house built in 1920. It has a wrap around porch, an adorable red door and friendly neighboors (only 6 units). Across the street is the Delaware River. (I mean RIGHT across the street. I'd wake up in the morning and see sparkling blue right outside my window...the Delaware River is a lot cleaner then I remembered it to be). Up the road is Yardley pond, where the town holds boat races. The house is tucked, but not TOO tucked, into the woods, so there would be plenty of shade. The place allows pets, so my little wonder dog would be able to come with me. Inside, I'd have a washer and dryer, new appliances, and a dishwasher (Yay!)

Now the drawbacks:

The apartment is (drumroll please) 260 sq ft. That's it. It's adorable, but it's a shoebox. Right away I realized that my idea of Noah having a potenal furry sibling to play with would be out the window. Cable is out, because in that area it would be difficult to get. The apartment is on the third floor of the house, and it used to be a 3 bedroom that they split into one studio and a 2 bedroom. I would have to be REALLY thrifty....Any ideas?

In the meantime, have a look at Yardley here, here and here.

I'm excited. :)

Stuck.

I'll admit it, my mind has been feeling a bit stuck lately. I've been trying to fight the pessimism that has been creeping into my brain over the last month, but 16 months (and counting) with no work has really been difficult. A couple of days ago, I realized that it'd probably be best to avoid breaking down in front of your blog. No sir, I will not write negative posts on here. I'll just keep going. So I've avoided my (now broken) laptop when feeling like crap.

Instead, I've been hitting the pavement looking for anything. Ever since a spinal injury, my doctor recommended that I avoid any type of retail work "or work involving physical labor." Well ma'am, no offense, but the economy isn't exactly friendly right now (in case you haven't noticed) and I no longer have the patience to wait for a job that would be the right fit for me. You have to adapt to the world. The world isn't going to adapt to you.

Yesterday, I applied to be a secretary at a hospital, and I'm waiting back from my job advisor to hear about a job in a courthouse.

My mind's been racing over a lot of things:
-Returning to school?
-Trade school?
-What jobs are economically friendly? Medical jobs. Federal Jobs.
-What areas have a better economy then mine? Texas for one. Austin especally.

I've even thought about applying for work in other states and if I find a job, packing up and just leaving NJ with the savings I already have. (My orginal plan was to save up some more and move out in two years) Risky? Hell yes. Especially since my savings consists of about $8,000. Frankly, I'm not even sure if I'm being realistic. I've got a stepmother at home who doesn't want me to go anywhere one minute, and out the next. All I know is that I feel like I've always been the one to watch the world go by, I've always paitently waited for my turn. Well, I'm no longer paitent. I want it to be my turn. I want to get out of here and do something that's just for me. A story that's just mine to tell. Selfish? Perhaps. But I no longer care.

I had a good cry last night. The first in a long time. I'll admit it felt good.

Looking Up!

My generous best friend wanted all of us ladies to pick out our own bridesmaid dresses for her wedding. The only requirement is that the dress needed to be a black cocktail one. After months of searching, I finally found mine...for $20 at Marshalls. I can honestly say that it's the best dress I've ever worn. It hides my "real scoliosis women have curves" look quite nicely.

Excuse the humidity hair. On another note, I got an interview at a doggy day care called Camp Bow Wow. I'm really excited because this may mean my love for humans and canines will collide. :) (The idea of being surrounded by animals all day makes me smile from ear to ear.) It's a part time job, but I feel it'll be wonderful just to get my foot in the door and get out there.

I've also signed up to be...drumroll please...an Avon rep. Yes ladies, I will be going out and about around town (and online) selling makeup to y'all. Orientation is tomorrow, so my website isn't up yet. (nor do I have any clue with what I'm doing) I wonder if I'm able to put it up here on my blog. (if only I had more followers...I don't bite....I swear. ;) ) For the lovely follower I do have, hi there! If you ever need some makeup up in good ol' Alaska, let me know.

Summer Days

I got rejected from a hospital in Princeton. No other calls. Still applying like crazy. Still trying to feel hopeful. I really haven't been back in the grind all that long, but already I can see that this is going to be one of the more difficult things I've ever done.

I took a break on Saturday from my full time job of finding a job by hanging out with a group of friends. (Some I haven't seen in years) We went to Thomson Park, a long sprawling property in Monroe, and tried cooling off in the shade in spite of the sweltering heat. (Sorry, so pictures to speak of, because my camera is as dead as a doornail at the moment.)

I took my Little Sprout with us, despite his protests, and brought him into the dog section where he could burn off some energy. (before you say "But in the heat?" I came well prepared by bringing three bottles of water in a mini cooler, and doggy ice cream) As soon as I unhooked Noah, he was in his glory, bolting from one side of the park to the other, occasionally zooming back to me for his cooling off needs. Us humans got to sit in the shade and talk, until Gus came into the picture.

Gus was a giant, dopey looking dog, with hair covering his face. He actually looked like a springy, breathing carpet. This high energy ball of hair was very friendly to all of us...perhaps a little too friendly. Gus immedately bounced on me, placing muddy paws on my shirt as he did so. I laughed. "Hey buddy! Don't you want to play?" I asked. Like magic, as soon as he noticed Noah, he rushed over and began...to hump. Now, keep in mind I know dogs are dogs. I'm not like some owners at the dog park who hover over little FiFi's every move. I try and restrain myself from stepping in. Gus however, was well over 30 pounds, while Noah was a measly 13. I don't think that's fair do you?

I glanced over at Gus's owner, who was intently talking on her cell phone, so I decided to take matters into my own human paws. "Here Gus!" Gus amazingly had excellent recall, and gallopped over to me. Only Noah's pride was hurt. We petted our new furry friend as Noah went back to rolling in the dirt and relaxed. Until, with no warning...Gus got up...walked over to my friend Jason, lifted his leg...and peed all over Jason's leg. "Whoa! What?" He gasped jumping back. "Are you kidding dog?" Gus didn't look the least bit embarassed as he promptly walked off. I started feeling bad for bringing my friends to the dog park, until Karissa broke out into a fit of laughter. "You got a hose to wash that off Jason?" He made a face in reply, then went off to find a pulley. I made the dogs take water and doggy ice cream breaks to cool off, which the dogs were greatful for. As for Gus's owner? She left the park for 20 minutes (with no warning) while we baby-sat Gus. Gus began jumping on Noah's back, until Noah decided he'd had enough. He snapped at Gus ("Whoaaa now" replied Jason) and jumped in my lap, where he stayed until Gus's "mom" returned.

"Come on Gus!" she said cheerfully, "Let's go!" Gus lay down in the dirt. "Agustussss." I couldn't beleive my eyes. He responded to BOTH names. Just jumped up and took off. We didn't stay in the dog section too much longer and left for the main area of the park, where I set up drinks and snacks. I tied Noah's leash to a picnic table and gave him water and a bone. We sat and chatted till 7pm, then went to an outdoor cafe for dinner.

I tied Noah up again, then sat down on the cafe bench. "OH MY GOD KATIE!" Karissa shreked. I slowly sat up. I had sat down in poop. Leaky diaper poop. (you don't want to know how I drew up that conclusion.) I glanced to my right. Noah's lead had just enough lengenth to reach underneith a grill, and my dog took full advantage. He was covered in soot. I decided to burst out laughing. "I don't think any of us are outdoor people." I said.

"I think you're right." Jason replied.

New Beginnings.

No job yet.

That's okay. I know the economy isn't the greatest right now, and I'm hanging in there. I had a phone interview though and I'm supposed to be going to an in person interview with them soon. I've applied to four more places (three hospitals and a hotel) and am hoping for the phone to ring. My job hunt is going pretty well though. I've noticed that the number of jobs out there has increased in the last few months, and more positions are long term with lots of potential.

In the meantime, I'm pretty...broke. You see, my Little Sprout, (aka Hell on four legs, aka Noah the wonderdog) has been battling quite a lot of crap himself lately. A skin infection ($200 in meds and many aveno baths later, that's now cleared up), a double ear infection (S45), the medication he's on to have him feel like a normal dog (Anti anxiety), and dog training = draining bank. "My god!" said my father. "It's like he's a CHILD." Now of course, before I offend, I know he's far from a baby. But if this is what a small taste of raising children is like, I think I'll just play with my nephews and call it a day....unless I get a windfall...yeah that's it.

I had a breakthrough yesterday though. My vet noted that Noah has finally...come around. He's friendlier, snuggles with you, loves my nephews (still weary around other children, but I'm working on it) and has relaxed. (the doc said he was probably inbred, which can make a dog have an entire host of problems.) His feet are pigeon toed, but so far, he doesn't appear to be in pain with that. I'm actually enjoying him, and can see myself having Noah for the rest of his life. No matter where I go, or how things will change, I can see him coming with me happily and coping with it.

I can't wait to see where things will lead. Good things are finally happening.