I woke up, got a text from my friend about the html book I've been bugging him about. He had it and was willing to do a trade at the corner of Chicago and Milwaukee. My job: to ride the bus.
I've never actually ridden the bus by myself. There are things that I feel that I am too good for: A job in service. Sometimes, my apartment. Sitting down at fast food restaurants. Shopping for clothes at Wal-Mart. AND... taking mass transit. Call me a princess or whatever, but I don't care.
I didn't take the bus to Chicago and Milwaukee. Instead, I walked. I walked the entire way from Humboldt Park to Chicago & Milwaukee. It took me 45 minutes.
It was a freaking gorgeous day. I put on my sun dress, flip flops, and headphones and just walked. It was awesome.
My buddy and I had some afternoon drinks. Both unemployed. Both taking online classes at Iowa State next semester. We talked a little about life. His girlfriend is moving in with him after dating a year. I talked about my desperate search for employment, to which he replied.... enjoy it, it's summer, quit fucking whining about it. Touche.
We nerded out at the apple store downtown. I played with the new ipad. (Not impressed.)
AND....
I took the bus home! All by myself. It wasn't that bad, but it made me realize.... I want a new car. But I feel like a full fledged Chicagoan now. I am a girl living in the city sans car! I have to walk to get groceries now!!!!! Yeah!
I told Ryan he should write a "how to enjoy unemployment" book (being unemployed for almost a year). Here are some of our thoughts....
- Take naps and take them often.
- Day drink.
- Make friends with others who are also unemployed.
- Enjoy your unemployment checks.
- Go to the beach.
- Don't watch tv.
- Go shopping.
- Don't whine about being unemployed.
- IT'S SUMMER!!! ENJOY IT!
- Stay out late and sleep in.
Also, I saw my old boss today and I got an email from the receptionist who is now on the axing list. I feel horrible for her. She is going through the same that I did, the mind games, the abuse... but you know what? I had such a great day and I couldn't help but think the universe was trying to tell me to quit feeling all sappy and bad about this... it's my independence. I'm liberated for eff's sakes.