TAPIF has been very helpful when it comes to logistics, so I decided to heed item number one on the pre-departure instructions very carefully. See the picture below.
Now you understand why I decided to live and work at home for the summer.
My job search taught me two things. First, networking is key. Second, it's hard to find an entry-level job when unemployment is 9.whatever%. I finally got a spot as a server in a restaurant, grâce à some hardcore networking, and did that for a while. But despite my best efforts to keep everyone's glasses of iced tea filled to the brim, my hours slowly dwindled. The place got really, really slow so I wasn't surprised to be laid off after about a month (I was the last one hired, so I was the first to go). Last week, I started working for my dad in his machine shop. What does that entail? Turning large pieces of metal into smaller, smoother, more functional pieces of metal. Hundreds of times. It's very tiring, but I'm pretty good at it. There's something very satisfying about getting grease and metal splinters everywhere. You feel like you've accomplished something at the end of the day--soon, my parts will be manufacturing wire for your house. *cue evil laugh*
Besides work, I've been playing sports quite a bit. My parents' church started a softball team, so I am now the starting shortfielder for the Pleasant Hill Holy Rollers (ok, that's not really our name, but I thought it was clever). I'm pretty terrible, but since I was one of two who showed up to every practice (the other being my nephew) the coach decided we could play every inning of every game. The coach is also my dad, but of course there's no favoritism there. We lost our first game 10-2; I recorded a grand total of 0 putouts and 0 hits. I also found out a bunch of guys from my high school play ultimate frisbee pretty regularly, so I've joined them quite a few times. Ultimate is my favorite sport, so I was really happy to find people who played. On an non-athletic note, I've started singing with my church choir. My 13-year streak of being in choir continues. If only I could get string together a 13-game hitting streak in softball...
I've been running a lot of other errands to get ready for my departure--buying my plane ticket, applying for my visa (which I'm still waiting on...), converting my money to euros, etc. There are several other assistants in my town, so I've been trying to get in touch with them too (hey guys if you're reading this!). Hopefully packing won't be terrible. After all, how much can you fit in 3 suitcases? I guess I'll find out soon enough.
Now you understand why I decided to live and work at home for the summer.
My job search taught me two things. First, networking is key. Second, it's hard to find an entry-level job when unemployment is 9.whatever%. I finally got a spot as a server in a restaurant, grâce à some hardcore networking, and did that for a while. But despite my best efforts to keep everyone's glasses of iced tea filled to the brim, my hours slowly dwindled. The place got really, really slow so I wasn't surprised to be laid off after about a month (I was the last one hired, so I was the first to go). Last week, I started working for my dad in his machine shop. What does that entail? Turning large pieces of metal into smaller, smoother, more functional pieces of metal. Hundreds of times. It's very tiring, but I'm pretty good at it. There's something very satisfying about getting grease and metal splinters everywhere. You feel like you've accomplished something at the end of the day--soon, my parts will be manufacturing wire for your house. *cue evil laugh*
Besides work, I've been playing sports quite a bit. My parents' church started a softball team, so I am now the starting shortfielder for the Pleasant Hill Holy Rollers (ok, that's not really our name, but I thought it was clever). I'm pretty terrible, but since I was one of two who showed up to every practice (the other being my nephew) the coach decided we could play every inning of every game. The coach is also my dad, but of course there's no favoritism there. We lost our first game 10-2; I recorded a grand total of 0 putouts and 0 hits. I also found out a bunch of guys from my high school play ultimate frisbee pretty regularly, so I've joined them quite a few times. Ultimate is my favorite sport, so I was really happy to find people who played. On an non-athletic note, I've started singing with my church choir. My 13-year streak of being in choir continues. If only I could get string together a 13-game hitting streak in softball...
I've been running a lot of other errands to get ready for my departure--buying my plane ticket, applying for my visa (which I'm still waiting on...), converting my money to euros, etc. There are several other assistants in my town, so I've been trying to get in touch with them too (hey guys if you're reading this!). Hopefully packing won't be terrible. After all, how much can you fit in 3 suitcases? I guess I'll find out soon enough.
