I returned home from DC, jobless and school-less (not complaining about the second). At first, it was nice to be able to come home and relax. I was able to reunite with my old friend Harry (who also introduced me to Jim Dale...HILARIOUS!!!!!) While searching for jobs, I read HP 1, 2, 3, and 4 and then listened to 5, 6, and 7. While listening to the last three, I worked on a quilt (which I really enjoyed! If you ever want a relaxing activity, I highly recommend it!) Anyway, I enjoyed that. So, while students everywhere were preparing for the beginning of another school year (high schoolers loosing all their extra free time to cause trouble; college students loosing all their hard-earned summer money on books and tuition), I was quilting/running/reading/searching for jobs. It was all very pleasant (except for the searching for jobs).
Anyway, highlights in the job search began to pop up when different agencies called me for interviews. This really made my day; I felt positive about my prospects. I had interviews at a few different IHC locations as well as with Valley Mental Health. All I knew was that I wanted a full-time job doing something that I liked (full-time because I did need money and I really wanted benefits...especially with the piggy pukes--thanks Ben for the name--on the rise and my fun little tradition of getting the flu/food poisoning on Thanksgiving). To my consternation (he he) the majority of my interviews were for part-time/on call positions. Even with the full-time job interviews, the first question I was always asked was "are you applying for the full-time or the part-time position?"
Well, the interviews went well, for the most part. One interview included a Spanish speaking portion. Because I was not prepared with the vocabulary aspect, I scored what my friend Harry would call a D for Dreadful (maybe even a T for Troll!) It was horrible and I am in no way being too hard on myself. I left that job interview (which was the one I really wanted) convinced I would not get the job. When I told my parents, they responded that I should always be hopeful. Interestingly enough, I got the job I wanted with IHC!!!!!! I cannot tell you how excited I was about that. The offer came within 5 minutes of another job offer (which was only part-time). I consider myself very blessed! I also give a shout-out to my parents who put up with a very grumpy son.
Anyway, with the new job came a lot of changes. First of all, I moved (and now I really miss being home!) Second of all, I HAVE INSURANCE!!!!!!! I am so excited. Third, I have a paycheck that allows me to meet my needs (none of this $8/hr business). Fourth, and for the first time, I have my own car insurance! This is all so interesting and new for me. My parents are also experiencing some change. It's like they had a rich uncle die and leave them an inheritance ;). All I can say is that I am a very lucky person to have parents who are willing to help me with my needs. They are willing to sacrifice their own wants to help myself or my siblings!
Other big news...my brother got married! It was an exciting time! He married a fantastic bride and we are all excited to have her as part of our family! (I'm going to see if I can write this entire paragraph with exclamation points!) It was really fun because my sister and her husband came out from back east and my brother and his wife and family came up from down south. The only drawback was my other brother and his family were unable to make it. While we missed them, we still enjoyed being with the rest of the family. I do admit, though, that Sunday morning, after everyone had left and it was just me and my parents, all the excitement and anticipation turned into nostalgia and homesickness (even when I was at home! Interesting, I know!) Frodo said it best when, after going back home to the Shire, he says in his monologue "How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on when in your heart you begin to understand there is no going back?" Even when all of my siblings (minus one) were all here, together with their families (again, minus 4), things will never be like they were when we were all growing up. I guess that's one of the reasons God provided the way for memories. However, as much as I miss life growing up with my siblings, and as much as I would love to go back in time and spend more time with them than I did, I would never take that chance. I've gained two more brothers and three more sisters, along with 12 nieces and nephews (and more on the way). Our family is still not complete! Instead of "pick[ing] up the threads of an old life", I go on weaving those old threads with the threads of a life that is improving and progressing. My biggest support is the knowledge that I will be with my family forever, even if we don't get to be together now. It also helps that my family and I have strong ties that keep us unified no matter how far away we are from each other.
Wow, that was a long, long narrative!
Anyway, the wedding was wonderful!
Well, I do believe this post has gone long enough. I am going to have to write another one to finish everything I wanted to share. I'm sure I've lost the majority of readers at the beginning. Anyway, all I have to say is don't loose time; spend it with those you love! You'll never regret spending time with those you love and those who love you.
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