Well, it's been one hell of a week.
So Saturday we got up early and started getting everything ready to load up the truck. A friend came by a little after noon to help with the big furniture. We began getting everything together and got on the road when it was close to five. We hit the road, as the cats freaked out at once again being put in a carrier with all of our stuff. We stopped at the Michigan City Denny's. We got into Kalamazoo around 8 or so. We hit the Target for some essentials and headed to the apartment to unload. Just as we were getting really exhausted, some friends showed up and saved the day. We got everything from the first load, and went out looking for food. Everything was closed, so we went to Meijer's, which is a new experience for me. Meijer's is an all purpose shop, everything from groceries to shoes to furniture. We headed back to the apartment, had some macaroni and cheese and conked out.
The next day, we took a trip up to Detroit to drop off Rob's cousin. All I wanted to do was drink. It would have been Jennifer's thirty fifth birthday, and Easter festivities were the absolute last thing I wanted to deal with. It was raining, I played Pulp and Current 93 and Psychic TV in the car. I stared at the road, which was filled with even more roadkill than usual.
We made an appearance at Rob's grandmother's house. It was filled with people. We stayed for a little while then got back on the road. By the time we got home, it was late and I was tired, so the commemorative drink never happened. Sigh.
The next day, Rob went back to Chicago for another load. I stayed behind, to wait for the cable guy and maintenance man. He was sore and tired from all the driving and moving. And it was snowing out. It didn't get really bad, however, until the road home. The snow got really bad (it's april for fuck's sake. I guess in this part of the country, it's *May* that comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.) and at one point, I was worried I hadn't heard from him in a few hours and the last time I talked to him, he'd been in Michigan City. (Which is a little over an hour away.) I asked him if he was okay, and he told me no he was going to die and would call me back. Okay, so I was in terror at this point. About half an hour he called again and said that he was okay, and out of the worst of it. I guess he narrowly avoided crashing off the side of the road. When I knew he was okay. I stopped worrying enough to pour myself a drink. Awhile later, he got back. Needless to say, we were both relieved.
Today I had a job interview. We unpacked the truck and I got ready for a job interview. Rob gave me a ride. It was a temp place. I talked to the guy for a few minutes, told him what I'd done. He didn't have any leads on work for me, except a company that he knew about, a tech writing firm that might be hiring. He then looked their phone number up in the phone book and wrote it down for me. I was baffled by this. I asked if I should mention that he sent me. He told me that they probably wouldn't know who he was. Um, okay. So then he had me fill out a job application and sent me on my way. Wow. That was by far the weirdest interview at a temp joint I've ever had.
I stopped for coffee at this cafe near the office. I had passed it before and thought it looked cool, but never been in. I'd since heard good things about it. Since it was close and I could go for coffee before taking the bus home, I figured this would not be a bad thing.
I saw a help wanted sign in the window. As I waited in line, some wacky old guy started talking to me about his old beatnik days in Chicago. When I got to the counter, I ordered a cappucino and asked for a job application. I liked the vibe of the place, it was cool. So I sat down, sipped my cappucino and filled out the application. I turned it in as I left and the guy behind the counter (who looked like the film kid in American Beauty) told me someone would most likely call me. That would be very cool, I'm starting to think that I would really dig a coffeehouse job and that I would rip my fingernails out one by one before sending out another resume for an office job, which I'll only have to trade in for a bullshit job anyways when I start school.
In good spirits, I headed home. My good mood ended when I had to take the bus home, which was a scary experience. It was like riding a moving trailer park. I *have* to get my license. Soon.
So that is life in Kalamazoo. I think I will dig this town. I am looking out at the great view from my apartment, the pond and the trees and all that pretty Kalamazoo stuff. Overall, it's good to get away from Chicago.
God, I need a fucking drink.