Almost August 2008: THE J-O-B.

Almost August is the moniker a friend came up for me that I’ve used to showcase my music under. It comes from an e-mail heading I sent to her, and although I don’t remember what that e-mail was about, the title is still important to me. August has always been a month of transition for me, moreso during the school years, but proves to still be true.

- After seven full months, I officially have a job. When I quit my previous job at Geek Squad, I had many reasons. It was a good job, don’t get me wrong, I spent many days cruising in the Geekmobile thinking I had life very easy. (I mean, who gets paid for sitting in traffic, listening to sermons and Jimmy Eat World? I DID.) But my hours were erratic, I missed out on holidays, I had no close community with my coworkers, and one can only get yelled by irate customers for so long. It was a dead end.

My friends and I celebrated my decision to quit and it was one I felt the Lord was calling me to make for awhile. I was convinced God was going to teach me about patience, how to rely on Him to provide, and just give me the rest I wanted. GEEZ! AND HE DID! By April, I still had no job, my friends started buying me meals, and I have taken enough naps for two lifetimes. That’s when I got nervous. You can say this month I have been going a little crazy.

Sony approached me out of the blue a month ago, finding my resume online. I went through their interview process and they offered me a job. A job that I fit snugly into, a job that would’ve sent me to San Diego for a week’s worth of training, a job that I could say I was the first to ever fill in Dallas.

People gave me crazy looks when I said I was considering turning them down. The hamster rolling in my noggin started putting two and two together. I would be working retail hours. I have many weekend and night commitments, most of which I wasn’t willing to give up. Not even for money. Mmm, right?

God must’ve known about my dilemma because, well, here’s the timeline on the day Sony called me to offer the job:

10:42A Sony calls
10:43A TWU calls

An old high school friend that I haven’t talked to in a long, long time happened to send me a myspace message letting me know TWU was hiring. I figured, what the hey, I’ll send in my resume. And they called. A minute after Sony, they called. I happened to have a long night beforehand so I didn’t pick my phone up either time… which you could either chalk it up to my incredible ability to sleep or God’s grace, I’ll let you pick.

So the past two weeks have been interesting — wondering if I would actually turn Sony down, what would happen if TWU didn’t want me, should I go back to Geek Squad (they offered me an awesome schedule but as “luck” would have it, I failed the online application! Thank you, Jesus!), how can I afford another month’s worth of rent…

But I’ve learned. A lot about patience, God’s provisions, humility, and the necessity to not only rest but work. Although TWU gave me a 3-4 week timeline, they called me today - a little over a week later - to offer me a job. A job that not only pays better than my previous job offer but will leave my weekends free and my holidays as well. I start next Monday. It’s the first time I’ve started a job since 2003 so it’ll be fun to transition into things. It’ll also be fun to get a paycheck. And it’ll be fun to finally put myself to good use! To Him be the glory!

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? // Matthew 6:26

A good summer: An update.

- Still jobless.
- Have had a job opportunity arise but it is testing my integrity, judgment, and commitments. No official offer yet.
- Have applied to a few colleges and school districts as well.
- Thinking about getting A+ certified since that seems to appease non-techies.
- I am very thankful for everyone who has helped me out so far, whether it be with finances, job recommendations, or just buying me a meal. It is no doubt God’s grace that I have gotten so far this year without a solid job.
- Although my last day in Dallas is at the end of August, I am starting to pack. This is bittersweet because I can finally minimize my junk but I’ll miss my junk.
- I am going through an application process that will bring me a few steps closer to move overseas next year. It has been a PROCESS.
- I broke down last week and was a bit raw and honest with a patient and kind-hearted friend of mine. It has been a long time coming but confessions of the heart, although a blow to my pride, are exactly what I needed. Sometimes rocks do cry.
- I am still peeling from the lake… SERIOUSLY!
- I had bursitis of the knee and it has healed up just nicely. I even played a game of Ultimate Frisbee yesterday! (I thought of Magen Wesson Roberson and all those late nights at the park!)
- I hope to update regularly but have too many thoughts running around to compose.
- I freakin’ love summer.

Peeling: An update.

- Still jobless.
- I’ve been helping out some friends with a fireworks stand in Prosper so hopefully they will throw some cash my way.
- Best Buy plan is falling through due to problems with the application process.
- Sony called me yesterday, asked me some questions, and set a phone interview for today at 1pm.
- Lewisville move is solid. Moving in August when my lease ends.
- My allergies are running amuck!
- American Gladiators and Last Comic Standing are still entertaining me but I also watched five episodes of Made the other day. So formulaic but dangit, it’s entertaining.
- My birthday is a little over a month away. One of my friends wants to throw an Olympic-themed party, complete with games.
- I am going to sell a lot of things I own (including furniture) so keep your eyes peeled.
- My injured knee almost made me break down the other day. Oh, emotions!
- Gas prices have leveled out. For now.
- I am still peeling from being on the lake two weeks ago.
- Heading to Stephenville for the 4th to hit up a wedding reception and reconnect with a friend I haven’t seen in about five years. And pick up some of my mom’s egg rolls!

Happy patriotic weekend, folks!

Sleeping-related injury.

I went to bed feeling fine and tired last night. I woke up this morning with a limp and my right knee was swollen and warm!

I thought I could stretch it out but it did not help. I had to do some brisk walking this morning and my knee got angrier. I finally took some aspirin, iced my knee, and kept it elevated all night. The swelling has gone done a tiny bit but the pain is still there.

I did some heavy lifting two days prior but felt no pain in my knees so it’s hard to imagine they are related.  According to this website, I either have gout, a fracture, or prepatellar bursitis (no, the swelling doesn’t look as bad as that wiki page!) Whatever the heck it is, I hope it doesn’t require a doctor’s visit soon because this unemployed kiddo has no health insurance. WONK WONK.

Just another update.

- Still jobless.
- Should not be jobless this month as I’ll be heading back to work part-time at the Geek Squad.
- Lewisville move is still in the works.
- Got sore throat last week, haven’t worked on music.
- For summer TV, I’ve been watching American Gladiators and Last Comic Standing. Trying to slim down the programming.
- Next week, my friends and I are heading to ATX to float the river (which I’ve never done!) and celebrate a birthday.
- I have buyers for my 19″ TV and bass POD. Still need to sell printer and little electric piano.
- Since Lewisville is still in the works, ceased thinking about what to do with my junk for now.
- GAS IS STILL EXPENSIVE. STAB. EYE.
- My friend Emily is no longer a manager at Pappadeaux’s. This is bittersweet. Bitter because I won’t get free foods no mo’ but sweet because we’ll actually get to hang out during normal people hours now.
- Death Cab is still on for the 17th but on a whim, I went to see Joe Cocker and Steve Miller Band the other night. I’ve also been listening to the new Weezer album. A few weeks ago, I saw Eve 6, Pat Benetar, and Everclear. I feel like I’m in a magical music time warp.

(insert photo of Steve Miller Band shenanigans here. when i upload ‘em!)

This summer will be great, I can feel it.