Hello hello,

I think a message to my dear friends, acquaintences, and people I respect is in order.  I have consciously withdrawn into my own missions, at the expense of contact with many of you.  Sorry about that.  I'll give a quick update on my status.  Meanwhile, ANY OHIO OR PENNSYLVANIA WEEARTH'ERS OUT THERE WANNA KICK IT, LEMME KNOW!

No success yet on the job hunt. Passed the 100-applications-sent mark, had a few interviews, am waiting for a few offers, had many rejections, and many applications that were never responded to.  Very frustrating, for many reasons.  Keeping my head up as much as I can. 

Still focusing on DC (1st choice) and Philly (2nd choice), but certainly have expanded the search along the east coast and ohio.  So a side mission of this message is to ask around - GOT ANY CONNECTIONS IN DC FOR ME? I decided I'm really good at working with kids... young ones. Worked with ones with autism before. And I know how to do research.  I've applied at many hospitals and research institutes.  I considered volunteering or teaching abroad, and haven't ruled that out.  If (God forbid) Obama doesn't win, that option is getting pushed higher up the priority list.

Having some quality time at home with the family.  and bless their hearts for tolerating the periods of funk that I've slipped into periodically.  Usually playing with the nephews pulls me out of those funks, but having a job would be a more permanent solution i think.  

I've watched a bunch of classic movies to catch up on the cultural essentials.  got a lot of knitting done during the movies, and am about halfway through my first afghan.  I recently started a big mission of copied all our family videos to DVD and reliving some amazing trips we've taken.  For some reason, I've gotten pulled over 4 times since I moved and rear ended one dude.  cali was the only place i was a good driver or something. so wish me luck at my upcoming court dates...

Cleveland is getting colder, but there are really nice days mixed in the nasty ones and that makes the nice ones that much better.  but the nasty ones make me miss california and my beautiful friends and the action of the city.  So the point is, and I hate admitting it, I'm a mess until I find some structure and a city that fits me. i don't want to be that kid that moves away and loses touch with everyone completely.  but without some stability here, i miss you guys too much to think about you yet.

i can't wait to give you all good news, and to hear yours, but i'm a little too wrapped up in myself to go there yet.

BUT I STILL LOVE YOU! AND I WISH YOU ALL KINDS OF GOODNESS...