Ok, so I've broken up with my last boyfriend for a little over two months. I haven't gotten far in this whole "getting over" process. Yet, I can't even totally blame him for it, since the rest of my life crumbled around me shortly afterwards. I'm sure he planned it to make it worse. Or perhaps since he knew that I was going to go through crap soon, then how bad could it be if I took on more?

So, here's the deal, after we broke up, thirteen days later I moved out of the apartment and moved back to my parents home. That in itself is a total downer, which I knew already. This is an extremely complicated process in itself, but since this is my webspace to spare, I'll use it. To make it short, my grandmother (mother's side) lives with my parents. She does not have medicare here in New Jersey, but does in California (just accept it, that would be an entire new arc that doesn't need to be explained). Of course, due to her age and such her body doesn't do well during the winter here (especially after an extremely cold one this year). My mother managed to get a job transfer to the California branch, and can move whenever she sells the house. I agreed to help make the house more marketable. So far, I have done both interior and exterior painting, changed wallpaper, moved furniture, numerous trips to the recycling center, and of course tons of cleaning. Although the house isn't on the market yet, it will be next week.

On June 17, exactly one month after our breakup, was also my last day at work. It was a contract assignment to fill in for someone on Maternity leave. The job ended earlier than expected, but whatever, bottom line was that I was out. It was easily the best job I had in every aspect other than decision making and respect. But I didn't mind, I enjoyed what I did. Since then, I have been pretty much unemployed. I've had two interviews so far (very good considering it's only been 5 weeks), but that is it. I have sent out very easily over 50 resumes (I lost count after 10). But I understand that the market is tight and the economy is lagging. Because of this, I have stopped looking for the jobs that I SHOULD be doing and looking for stuff that I'm probably overqualified for. I should have more luck there, but who knows. I only started this "strategy" a few days ago.

I filed for unemployment the moment I was out of work to maximize my claim. However, to start recieving these benefits, I must participate in an interview. Normally the wait time is about 2 or 3 weeks for an interview. Yet, I have to wait 9 weeks for mine, and I have to assume that it is because the Department of Labor is so backed up. Perhaps they are underhanded as well.

Of course with the move to California, my family wants me to move with them. I have been bribed that I can go there, be given a used car (only 3 years old), and have vacations covered around the area. In all honesty, I still don't want to go, but there's no reason to stay unless I found a good job here. Friends are simply put, a good reason, but not good enough for me to stay. Of course this makes is incredibly more difficult when your mom doesn't want you to go job hunting.

I was became an internet junkie for a while, but a large part was spent on job hunting. However, that was lost to me as well, since my mother cancelled broadband, and I am back down to using narrowband. Not a huge factor, but it did change my quality of life down a notch.

In short? My life came crashing down hard and fast. I guess it could have been worse, like the things you see on TV or read in the paper. I could get into drugs, could have dependents (unwanted children), carelessly spend money, get robbed, and a countless of other things. Of course it doesn't make me feel any better.

My life is filled with the Sunday Classifieds, Cover Letters and Resumes. During my free time, I read and I write. In fact, one huge reason I don't update this often is because I have been keeping a paper and pen diary now. But I'm writing this, not to complain, but to commemorate yesterday.. it was a good day. I essentially took a "day off" instead of hardcore job hunting, I just browsed. I didn't send out a single resume, and only made two phone calls. Most importantly, I cooked today as well. I was quite busy with it, in fact, it kept me busy for 4 hours. Coincidentally, my father borrowed a digital camera from work today (for me to take pictures of furniture to perhaps sell online). So, I took advantage of it and took a picture of my dinner. I'm quite proud of it, since it is the first tangible result of my labors outside of furnishings. Enjoy!

-Manhattan Clam Chowder with Saltine Crackers
-Broiled Lamb Chops
-Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Juice
-Baked Potato Wedges
-Fresh Strawberries