Year: 2009

The coffee maker is self cleaning.

I wish everything had a button to self clean. The washer is going, the dryer- even the dishwasher. Twenty minutes ago even the vacuum was running. Yes, it is my night of cleaning. I have cleaned on Friday night for the past two weeks. I like having a clean place to live. So I vacuum, do laundry, clean the kitchen and the bathroom.

This week was somewhat busy. I had an interview with VoiceCurve. I was somewhat skeptical of them because they said you could “work at home” – so approached with caution. I went to the interview the same day our furniture arrived. Lets back up a little and start over.

Monday I went to the pre-screening of “the Hangover” – it was okay. JJ simply loved it, I wasn’t as enamoured about it – but to each their own.

The following day I had two interviews. One with Rose City Personnel (another staffing company who will help look for a job for me) and VoiceCurve. When I started my interview with RoseCity I received a call from the person who would be dropping off our furniture. It was almost 1pm – I couldn’t get home right away, so I called JJ– but he didn’t answer. I told the guy from the office we purchased it from that I would call him when I finished. I got done with my interview with RoseCity and went home to find JJ still asleep. I informed him that our furniture was on it’s way over and that he should get ready so he could help me get it into the apartment.

He agreed. He put on some clothes and wore some sandals, walked outside still half asleep. The first piece of furniture was the couch. It was light (in comparison to the Red couch that I use to have to lug around with a metal frame and reclining chairs attached. No, it wasn’t bad- but JJ couldn’t carry it. He was huffing and puffing, moaning and groaning – unable to get a “handle on it”

We tried to bring it through the front door, but that didn’t work, he told me “I knew it wouldn’t work through the front door” – I was getting aggravated with him, so I told him fine- lets just take it around back. We took it around back and he steps into some mud– not looking where to step to get into the apartment. He slips. The neighbor sees this and tells him that those sandals are not good for moving furniture. He barks back – “they are actually, they are anti slip!” – then she says “I have some extra weight too so I know what its like” and to this he shouts back “its not my extra weight that’s the problem, its how heavy the couch is!”

He was upset- he had mud all along the side of him, up his shirt and caked on his sandals. After getting inside and taking a shower he came back out a little more focused. Now he was telling me that he knew it wouldn’t work in the side door. Well- obviously.

We attempted to get it through the main door and after some effort we got it inside. One of the corners was torn up (from the factory). JJ told me we should just take a black permanent marker and color it, so we wouldn’t have to call the company that built it. I couldn’t believe that.

Anyway, we got the rest of the furniture in with no problem after that.

I had another interview I had to go to- so I left. To VoiceCurve. It was interesting, they told me they needed all these special specs on my computer or I couldn’t work for them. That ultimately became the downfall to it all, because my screen didn’t match the size they needed. So I got a “thank you” letter- all because of my monitor! ugh…

Things are looking up though, next week I have an interview with Providence and Aflac the week after that. Plus I am going for a First Tech Credit Union job on Tuesday.

The small group for LHC has been constantly emailing me, and I feel bad about putting them off- but I don’t want to be committed to something until I know I can follow through.

It should be an productive week.

Now I’ll go finish up my cleaning.

just Pray.

hey

yesterday was Amanda’s wedding.. so from this point forward she is no longer Amanda Shields, but rather Amanda Daniels. I did well, I went to the place and was able to hold my own – on my own, for a good 2+hours. Granted the whole thing lasted 6 hours or so, but I didn’t stay the whole time. After they were married (at a lovely place, everything worked out nicely) they informed everyone to go to their assigned tables. Dun dun dun

There lies the problem, I didn’t have any table to which I was assigned to. I was on my way out (literally just standing at the exit) sending last minute texts to the bride about the whole event, and to Anna who gave me directions and told me when to come). I had just sent out the last text when I heard Amanda’s voice. I was able to go over and congratulate her. She was so cute, she says “Jason! I’m so glad you could make it. Let me introduce you to my husband– MY husband! – its the first time I’ve been able to do that!” He seems like a great guy from what I was able to see and hear. I really do wish them the very best. I ran into Jeniese (who didn’t say anything) haha, and Dayna- who gave the standard polite hug that you give to someone who you haven’t seen in quite some time.

All in all it was nice. I wish I had been able to stay for longer, but I had nobody to sit or eat with. I was already getting people constantly looking at me – trying to figure out where I belonged. I didn’t know that either, so it was something we both were trying to figure out. Anyway, I didn’t want to impose- so when I heard the “assigned tables” I decided that was my time to leave.

Afterwards – because I was parked at the Lloyd Center, I went to grab something to eat on the east side and then went to church at Living Hope. I was probably one of the most dressed up people in the building. That is not typically the case, but it was on that day.

After church I went to the Cascade campus and waited to hear back from Micah – who unfortunately for me was asleep at the time, so after waiting about twenty minutes I left for home. It was beautiful outside despite the warmer than average day.

I haven’t heard much back for jobs as of yet, but I am continuing to apply at more and more places. I am going for an interview with this company that finds people jobs (but it isn’t a temp agency) – hopefully they will be able to find something for me.

JJ recently paid his half of the car rental- I took that as a very good sign. He is also loving this new bar he found, he has been to it three nights in a row- and is making some friends out here too. As for a job? Well, he is trying to network a job from the Bar..

The finals match up is all set. The Orlando Magic vs the Los Angeles Lakers. Hopefully the Magic will win – but who knows. I am quite glad that Cleveland was taken out- quite easily by the Magic.

The Hangover – that movie is coming out on June 5th I believe, anyway I have pre-screening passes that me and JJ are going to use. We have two of them – one on Monday and one on Thursday. I hope to use the one for tomorrow (as I hope to have other plans later on in the week).

I think that is all I have for now.

just Pray

hey,

so they have this workout room in our apartment complex. JJ and I worked out today for an hour – I went about 3 miles. that’s not too bad….

I called management about the parking spots they promised to us- they gave us a few to choose from- but all of them were quite far from where our building was. We are going to pass on them.

Yesterday we went to pre-screen “Away we go” – it was a pretty good movie. It was kind of a trip in the past for me. It was the same movie theatre that Amanda and I went to see “Jesus Camp” back in 2006- this was my first time back.

So while we were walking amongst people downtown JJ was booking it like a rocket, keeping his head ducked down – he looked like someone was chasing him, or as if he were intimidated by someone. I yelled ahead to him to slow down. Then I asked him what was up. He said “I don’t like hippies” so I told him “then you won’t like Portland” – he replied “I know”.. hmm little hints here and there. Also on his myspace he status was: Depressed.

He made an effort tonight, he went out to some local bar and is trying to meet new people. Good.. I’m glad he is. Maybe he will meet some people he likes- or maybe he’ll hate them. At least he is making the effort. Effort.. yes, that’s the word.

I over heard a conversation (because when the TV isn’t on it is pretty dead quiet) and he said to whoever he was talking to- that he does most of the work around here. It was news to me. That he has to get everything done. I found that comment to be quite insulting. I know he could have said it as a defence mechanism, but there is also a chance he really believes that. I do the dishes, I have been keeping the place clean. I’m the one with a bill of $1000 worth of stuff he hasn’t paid for. I don’t know, maybe I don’t get it. Let see, I: called about repairs to be done on the apartment, drive everywhere… even treat him to dinner once in a while. I feel so selfish writing this all out- I just think its unfair. Your response is “life is unfair” yeah I get it.

So speaking of that.. job hunting is going swell. I don’t know where to begin. I’ve sent out anywhere from 75 to 100 applications to different businesses and I have gotten nil responses. Zip, zero, nada. It is rather concerning for me. As much of a career that I don’t have– I at least have made some headway in my responsibilities and pay. I started off at 7/hr and at LifeLock was making 14.20/hr. I started pushing carts- then cashier which led to guest services. Then I went to a call center, and routed calls.. then did technical support. Then at LifeLock I wasn’t on the phones at all. Rather I did special projects for the company, I helped in billing, I did many administrative tasks. Now it looks like I might have to take a job where I will be pushing carts again? I can’t do that to myself…

That’s my dilemma. It has taken me years to get where I’m at- but on the other hand it looks like if I don’t take some crappy low paying job I will have no other alternative but to move back to Arizona and resume life with my old job. I don’t really want to do that either….

I also would like a job that has either Friday, Saturday OR Sunday off so I can go visit Michael…

I have expressed interest in getting involved in a “Life group” at Living Hope Church (like a bible study). My only holdup is that I don’t know where I’ll be working, so I can’t particularly keep driving to Vancouver (45 min away) using gas -spending money just by going when I don’t even have a job yet. Then when I do get a job I’m not sure my schedule will permit it (with the hours being worked).

I am at some sort of crossroads, big or small.. they seem massive. I thought my biggest crossroad would be the act of moving up here. Think again… I was totally wrong.

So I said that JJ left tonight.. and with him out of the apartment, I feel rather lonely. We didn’t talk when he was here, I mean – our conversations have been somewhat limited. I guess it is just the act of someone being here. I look through my phone book and don’t even know who I could tell this to (a friend I mean so they could come, or we could make plans). Nope, it’s just me and this cool dark apartment.

On a lighter note…

I am going to be attending Amanda’s wedding this Saturday. She doesn’t know I am going, but then I don’t want to spring that on her with everything else she has going on. I had originally got a “save the weekend” card, but never heard anything more from that.

I think I feel confident enough to go to the place and sit, or conversate with people I may not know well, or at all. At least, that is what’s going to happen. We’ll see how it turns out.

Bed seems like a good idea about now.

just Pray

Hey

So I went to Living Hope Church on Saturday. It was good… I invited Stacie to go (apparently she had not gone to church in 16 months?) I guess she liked it.. at least she didn’t complain.

What else.. the apartment maintenance department came and took care of our problems. Pretty much all of them (after talking to the assistant manager of the place). The buzzing light in our kitchen will wait for a little longer as they need to order some parts and come back later this week. Otherwise, since then the Washer has ceased to work. That was kind of annoying to learn about but I’ll deal with it… otherwise that’s it. Things have gone a little better. JJ doesn’t like to eat with anyone else unless they pay for him. It is pretty funny. The last meal we ate together was when I paid for him at this pizza place in downtown Portland.

He has been alright, quiet at times- and is def not a morning person. It is pretty funny.. some of the things I over hear him talking about with his friends back in Arizona. How he doesn’t have time to look for a job (because he is getting everything taken care of around here) … bologna. Or how he doesn’t know of any good drinking areas. I found that last part funny, because when he was telling me about moving out here- he told me he wanted to turn a leaf, get into things where he wouldn’t be wasting his life. Doing things productive with his time, blah blah. Oh well. My first hint that he doesn’t like it out here.

“Well.. if it doesn’t work out here, I already know my worst case scenario.”

“Really? I guess I know mine. Living out here alone.”

“Yeah well I wouldn’t want to go back and live with my family, but if it comes to that…”

Pretty funny, we are in our second week of being out here and he is already thinking of what may happen in regards to that. He hasn’t filled out one job application – but no no listen to this.

I was looking at government jobs in the area. One job listing was an IT position for Portland – paid 90K/yr. He’s like, I could do that. I’ll probably go for that. And while talking to his family and friends in Arizona he was telling them all about the job. I thought at times that I was being unrealistic waiting for a 17/hr job, but 90k/yr? That makes me laugh.

Anyway… it seems like he is telling the story that poor him has to do everything in order for it to get done (yet a week and a day later we still don’t have our own internet). Yeah, he’s busy alright. Busy procrastinating.

Meanwhile, I have been applying for lots of jobs. From tellers, to Rite Aide, even call center jobs. I would not expect to hear much from anyone until at least later today or tomorrow (as I applied to these jobs over the weekend and yesterday was Memorial day).

I’ve been pretty bored lately. In fact yesterday I fell asleep at like 9:30 and only woke up once at 11:30 to turn off my light. Next time I looked it was almost 9am this morning.

Alas, things with the apartment have improved – things elsewhere are still to be seen.

just Pray

One week, I can hardly believe it.

My parents just left not more than 20 minutes ago. Quite a sad time, if I do say so myself. Now it is just me and JJ living in this apartment. I can hear him snoring from my room – even with his door closed.

Friday we went to visit Michael. Pretty much spent the whole day doing so. We went to Wal-Mart to return an alarm clock that I picked up earlier on in the week. Michael was good, we talked and caught up on everything that has been happening in the family. The visit ended at 9pm and we didn’t get back to my apartment until a little past 1:30. JJ didn’t come because he has not yet been approved for visits. We left in the morning not seeing him much and then my parents left before he even got up. (even as I type this now its 10:10am)

I have this overwhelming feeling of sadness. I don’t like it at all..

Let’s go over the past week before I end up forgetting it all.

The last week of work was cool, they kept me on all the special projects and I was UAT testing most of the week. They had a pot luck for me on Thursday and on Friday my manager let me go at 2:30 (but because of goodbye’s I didn’t end up leaving until 4:20)

On Friday (one week ago) we went to get the truck at Enterprise. We told them we were going to Oregon and they informed us that we could not take the vehicle outside of any bordering state (Oregon doesn’t border Arizona). We were stuck, not able to do anything. We drove to drop the dogs off (as they were boarded for the week my parents helped me move) and then went home after eating at McDonald’s. I didn’t have much because I didn’t have a good feeling in my stomach and I didn’t like how things were turning out so far.

Later on that night, after my mom calling Avis, Hertz, Enterprise Corporate, we found that Avis is owned by the same company that owns Enterprise. The corporate people told us to go to one of the stores and explain our situation to Avis. So that night we drove down to the airport and asked Avis to match the rate that we had with Enterprise. They did so… and low and behold we had our truck to move. The only problem was – now it was 9pm (and we had plans to leave in the morning).

We got home and loaded up the Truck, we probably didn’t start until 10:15 or so.. and ended up finishing around 11:45. Out of any move I made – packing the truck was by far the quickest. JJ stopped over around 11:15. He and his mom remained for a good twenty minutes packing a few boxes and a mattress pad. JJ left shortly after because he apparently didn’t have enough time to pack everything he had. I found out later that he was up until nearly 3:30am packing and finishing up things. Still to this day JJ says he didn’t get everything he wanted to have packed. He was too rushed…

Finally, Friday night- we went to bed. I had no bed to sleep in so I slept on the chair in the living room. My dad came down and laid on the Couch and went to sleep, my mom slept on the love seat. I thought it was sweet of them.

The next day JJ his mom and her boyfriend came over and gave some last items to pack that JJ couldn’t fit in his car. Then we started our way up into Oregon at 8:25am Saturday morning.

At about noon we stopped in Flagstaff for Lunch at Pizza Hut and to pick up some more secure straps for the load we were taking. We tied everything down with Jute but it kept breaking – so we had to stop more than once to tie everything back down.

That afternoon we stopped for gas and I was still putting in a CD in my car while my parents and JJ left, I was also attempting to charge my phone so VZNavigator could help guide me. By the time I got on the road my parents and JJ were nowhere to be found.

About an hour or so later JJ calls me and tells me that nobody knows where I am. I told him to keep going, that I’m not that far behind them (if at all as I sped to help catch up -upwards of 100mph-). My parents I guess didn’t get that exact message and turned around to go wait for me at a Chevron gas station. I kept going, and a little later on they called again and I once again told them to continue to the next city and we could just meet up in that city.

That night we stopped in Cedar City, UT. It was a nice town. I got into town about an hour or so before everyone else did – due to the miscommunication. I booked a room and my parents booked one as well.

On Sunday we left the hotel at about 8:30 and a little less than an hour into our travel we saw speed limit signs posted of 80mph. It was beautiful. For about 15 miles and then another additional 6 or 7 miles they were testing pushing the speed limit up from 75 to 80. During this stretch me and JJ got up to 106 at one point (I only know because JJ’s speedometer goes up that high, mine tops off at … 95?).

12:30 that day we were in Salt Lake City, and by 3 we were already up into Idaho. During this whole time JJ was getting pretty badly sun burnt. We stopped for the night in La Grande at about 9:15.

Monday morning we got off at about 8:50 and before we knew it (3 hours later) we were looking at Mt Hood. We arrived at the apartment complex at about 2:15. The manager to the apartment complex informed us that we needed insurance papers and our deposit before we could begin to move in. We got the papers and went to the bank where JJ was able to get the money for us. She said she was getting negative vibes from us and wanted to know what was up. We told her our concern with the consistent bad reviews the apartment complex had received. She told us that we did not have to sign the lease if we didn’t want to. We ended up signing, but she was not reassuring in the least bit.

The rest of the day we were moving and unpacking boxes. Comcast set our services up with no problem. Then we stopped to go eat at Burgerville and went to Costco (looking for furniture for the place) and during the process got JJ a membership. We ended up getting to bed at 1:50am.

Tuesday we checked out the apartment and found that our heating didn’t work correctly. When we would switch the circuit breaker to on – the living room’s heat would run constantly and not turn off. The thermostat wouldn’t work for that room. The heat in my room wouldn’t turn on at all, the switch (to turn on a light) didn’t work- and the light in the kitchen buzzed like a swarm of bees. Finally, the bathroom didn’t have a toilet paper holder (it looks like the last person took it with them). We told the apartment complex and they told us it would be fixed either the same day, or at the latest the next day.

This day was mainly used to pick up things we didn’t have. A vacuum cleaner, microwave – pots and pans.. cleaning supplies, basic stuff. By the end of the day Tuesday our problems with the apartment had not been taken care of.

Having already been to Target, Wal-Mart and Costco we were not sure what was left for our options. We stopped at furniture place (a local shop in Beaverton) and looked at some furniture. It was a good price – but he couldn’t get the color we wanted for over two weeks (we tried to get everything big before my parents left, as they had a truck we could use). We explained our situation and the owner said he would drive the couch to our apartment when it came in because we didn’t live far. With that in mind – we bought our furniture at that store.

Then we stopped at Fred Meyer (like Fry’s in Arizona) and picked up a nice kitchen set we had seen at a reasonable price, also picked up our silverware while we were at it.

On Wednesday we registered our cars with the DMV and got our licences. We also returned those straps we had previously purchased in Flagstaff. We washed our cars then went to Shucks to pick up some hardware to attach the licence plate to our cars. We also needed to buy a longer screw to finish the kitchen table set. We went back to the apartment Wednesday evening and nothing in the apartment had yet to be fixed.

On Thursday I went for an interview at ACS. It is a company that takes inbound phone calls for Sprint. I got sick to my stomach when I walked in the building- and everything that I learned about the company grated on me. In addition it took me almost 45 minutes to get to the place. I finished the interview (after telling them what I thought of how things were) and went home. We then took a trip to the coast, went to Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City, also to Tillamook to get some ice cream. On the way home that evening we ate at Shari’s. After the job interview was over my day was good for sure, things went smoothly.

I have already went over Friday, and that brings us to today. My parents left about an hour ago – JJ wasn’t up to say goodbye and now I feel ever so lonely. I guess that’s it..

Things I didn’t mention:
The day before my interview I got a haircut and my mom made two apple pies.
It was surprising to me that JJ had a month or two off from work (in Arizona) yet wasn’t finished until after me and I worked to the last day. I understand procrastination but come on.. – and then to say it was because you didn’t have enough time? I’m not even sure he likes it out here. His most recent myspace status update said “living in my own personal hell”
Our Verizon DSL has not been working, but because we are able to get free Internet from someone else JJ hasn’t really done anything about our DSL (that we are paying for) not working.
The first day we moved in the manager told us that she would check into parking spots for us to have assigned parking (because parking here is Horrible!). She has not gotten back to us.
Last but not least our apartment has not been fixed, nothing has been done.

and now I have to get dinner for myself??
Oh please let things improve from here on out…

Tonight I’ll probably be going to Living Hope Church – if I can stomach it (feels very sick to my stomach).

just Pray.