January-March 2009:

The months of January and February were hard. I began my search for a career type job in earnest. Though I had made stabs at finding a job while working at the groom shop I must admit my heart wasn’t in it. With the search started for real, I applied for at least 50 positions all over the US, never hearing back from a single one (despite my repeated emails and hard work). I needed another job—career position or not, I just needed work. In February began applying to all local preschools, daycares, pet shops, and assisted living facilities.

Sequim, WA, with population of 5,809 (92.2% white) and a median age of 59.3 years of age, didn’t offer me much in the way of support or social life. I tried to get involved with a church. I attended the ‘singles’ group at the largest church in town a couple of times. This group consisted of a 25 year old guy who was separated but not yet divorced, a single gal of about 26, and another gal who attended only sporadically. I found myself an outsider in this tiny, odd group of people who rarely left Washington, let alone the US. After a handful of visits at this group I didn’t go anymore. I ended each meeting feeling more depressed than I started. I began attending Sequim Community Church mostly because the wife of the associate pastor is wonderful. She and her husband had even lived in Albania for a while!! I totally connect with her but not with others at that church.

Mid-March I was called for an interview at a new daycare. I hit it off quickly with the owner, whom we shall call Miss April, and was hired at just above minimum wage. A week after I started with her I got an interview at one of the local assisted living facilities. I went to the interview—if nothing else, practicing interviews is never a bad idea. The interview ended up being a blast. The woman really affirmed me for being willing to live with and care for my grandfather. She was also passionate about animals--the interview was more like a chat with a friend. She could only offer me nights so I didn’t end up working for her but I was encouraged—I had a job playing with kids and a woman telling me she thought I was neat!

This period of life was so full of lethargy. Without much to do I did NOTHING. I was so grateful so start working at the daycare in mid-March.