my new chapter

I couldn't leave my last post on such a pessimistic note. Something a friend of mine told me is that when it's meant to happen, it just happens. And that couldn't have been more true for me. Just when I had my ideal cardboard box layout in mind and officially lost all hope of ever finding a "real job," I got the phone call that set me on a new course completely.

The time it took from the first callback and the offer was approximately one week. During that time I went through 2 phone interviews and was flown out to Chicago for an in-office visit/interview. It was crazy how it all happened, but I couldn't have been more relieved when it did (and neither could my bank account).

Two days ago I made the 12 hour drive from upstate NY to Chicago. With my car loaded with nothing more than every piece of clothing and every pair of shoes I've ever owned, I made the drive fueled with coffee and my trusty iPod.

I got my second wind somewhere around Sandusky/Toledo and hit my third when I experienced Lakeshore Dr. for the first time. White knuckling it and praying I would live long enough to make it for my first day of work, I made it my destination... well sort of.

Before even making it to my surrogate uncle's apartment, I parked my car on the street and ventured into a dog-friendly bar for a round or three. I was greasy, I was smelly, I was exhausted but more than anything I was so excited just to be there.

Monday at 8:30 am will be my official birth into adulthood.