Real Talk

Let me preface this post by saying that I know I could have it a lot worse. We are thankful for all the help we've gotten, how lucky we've been, and our lives in general. But it's time for some real talk, which may or may not involve a little complaining.

I hate reading blogs that are cheery 100% of the time. The reality is, life isn't always perfect and smiley, and sometimes you just need to be real about the sucky things. By the same token, I hate listening to the same people complain 24/7. But I feel like I've had enough cheery to balance out my complainy, so I'm giving myself this one pass.

As everyone knows, I still don't have a job. I know "it takes time" and that I'll eventually get one, but we're going on two months here, and I've only heard back from one place. I had two phone interviews, an in person interview, and after 3 weeks of waiting, I got an automated e-mail that the position had been filled. Honestly, it wasn't a shock and it didn't break my heart. The longer it goes that I don't hear back, however, it's starting to drive me a little crazy.

I've gotten lots of advice about getting a job--which don't get me wrong, can be good and I do appreciate it. But I have to say, getting a job isn't like it was 20, 15, or even 10 years ago. Typically the applications are online, impersonal, and unless you 'know a guy', you look just like the other hundred (or thousand) applicants, minus the work experience in my case. There's usually no one to call to check on your application, and from what I can tell, getting hired is mostly based on luck and who you know. I have made some great connections here, and I'm glad of that. But a week unemployed feels about the same as 3 weeks employed, so by this point, I'm ready for someone to hire me.

All college kids are on a budget. In Lubbock, we talked about not having a ton of money and trying to eat out less. Now that we're married and living 18 hours away from our parents, being poor has a whole new meaning. I'm not going to say that we're dirt poor, but I will tell you that we've eaten out less than 6 times in the almost two months we've been here (not including all the times our parents took us out while they were here--thanks for that, by the way). Most of our friends and family know that we really like to eat out, so it's saying a lot that we've cut back that much. We do feel proud and happy about our self control, but sometimes we also feel like ordering pizza just because. It's really nice to be able to eat for free at your parents house multiple nights a week (we also enjoyed the company, of course), so if you're still living at or near home...appreciate that.

Now that Thomas works 3 days a week, I spend a lot of time at home by myself. Going out and exploring requires money, and well--see above. It's also oppressively hot in Georgia right about now, which cuts down on park time. I know I'll eventually get a job. I really do genuinely believe that. But going from having friends around to hang out with when you're bored to knowing absolutely no one and not having any 'pressing engagements' is kind of a rude awakening. Bars here are also expensive, and I'm generally used to being able to talk a lot more. I'm surprised Thomas even has ears left, and that we haven't killed each other, but this blog has definitely become an outlet for me as far as communicating with the people I care about (and I'm glad of that).

Finding little things to make me happy has become my goal (see: new blog design). I spend lots of time reading, blogging, surfing the web, playing video games, watching True Blood, and occasionally cleaning. I'm waiting on a promising job lead right now--sounds pretty official doesn't it--and if that doesn't pan out, I may apply for a part time job at a bank, just to give me something to do. As naive and conceited as it sounds, I didn't seriously consider the fact that I might graduate college with a 4 year degree to end up working a part time job (not by choice--that's a whole 'nother thang), but it is a reality of life sometimes.

 Don't get me wrong--I'm really proud of what we've done so far in regards to braving the world and moving here, but I guess I don't feel like we've fully become adults or proven ourselves until we have some flow of income. I put more pressure on myself than anyone has ever put on me. I also put a lot of personal emphasis on productivity, and I tend to set goals for myself that can be hard to reach. Until this one is achieved, I won't feel fully settled or comfortable, but I'm hoping that we're on our way there (SOON!!)

I'll wrap up with some positives. We love the city. We love the people we've met so far. We love our pets. We love the technology that keeps us in touch with people back home. We love being married. And we are happy. Very happy, almost all of the time. In hour 9 of being home all day (and knowing that I'll continue to be home the next day, and the next, and the next), it gets a little lonely. I felt that it was only right for me to share my true feelings with you guys, my family and friends/loyal readers, because other people need to know how it feels to move away. It's important to point out that leaving home can be a fun adventure, but it can also get really hard sometimes, and those are the moments that you wonder if you made the right choice. As of right now, I still feel like we did. I do hope someone decides I would make a good employee soon though, and you can be sure that I am putting out applications and working hard behind the scenes. I mean, I can't just blog alll the time ;]

On another note, later this week/early next week, the wedding posts will begin! I plan to do a series focusing on each of the different events surrounding the wedding, from bridesmaids lunch to honeymoon, so hopefully you like hearing about weddings (males be warned). 

Here are some fun pictures to end with:

 This van was parked at Walmart. The doors were tied closed in a way that was pretty questionable. I couldn't resist sneaking a picture.

 Jack protects his bone from potential thieves while he sleeps.

Puppy and kitty sleeping in the shape of a heart.

Jack rests his head on Charlotte for a nap.

A Lemon Drop cupcake we shared from a cool bakery called Cami Cakes Cupcakes.

Tomorrow will be back to cheery, I promise!

-T, K, J, & C