First of all, the reason I've not been posting blogs on here very regularly is a combination of unreliable internet service and the fact that when I do get the internet I've been focused on furiously trying to find a job.

The internet at the house I'm staying at was very reliable until about a week or so ago - then it stopped.  We're still not sure what the problem is, as the computers all seem to recognize it's still there, but we're unable to effectively connect to it.  This led me to spending a few days at the local Panera (thank God for Panera!) and coffee shops trying to get as much done as possible when they weren't in the middle of a lunch rush.  Fortunately, I discovered a few days ago that if I sit at the little table near the front window of the house and position my laptop at just the right angle while wearing aluminum foil on my head, I can actually get a signal from one of the neighbors!  (Actually, I don't have to wear the aluminum foil on my head - but the rest of the particulars are true.)  At it's best, the connection ebbs and flows, but a little connection is better than nothing and it's nice to have something that I don't have to leave home for since I'm checking email regularly throughout the day to see if I get responses from potential employers.

As for the job situation: I'm still unemployed.  I've managed to snag a few job interviews and I have a couple of strong possibilities, but until I hear someone say "You're hired" I'm going to keep plugging away at the search.  In the meantime, I've decided to donate my mouth to science - for money of course.  I'm involved in a study that pays me $180 a month to chew gum and spit into a tube every other week (I spit in the tube every other week - I'll be chewing the gum daily).  The way it was explained to me, they're trying to produce a gum that will increase the number of positive germs in your mouth that will fight tooth decay and bad breath, so I'm going to be chewing said gum so they can see if it works.  It's actually quite a lifestyle change as  I have to use their toothbrush and toothpaste, I can't use mouthwash or mints, and I'll be timed on my gum chewing to make sure I'm chewing four pieces a day for exactly 15 minutes each time.  Did I mention I'm getting paid?  I haven't tasted the gum yet, but I've been assured it doesn't taste like poop...

I don't have a permanent address yet as I'm still waiting to figure out the job situation first, but I do have a temporary address and anyone who wants it can just email me for it... well, anyone I know and who isn't prone to pipe bombs can email me for it... it's a nice temporary solution until I can find my own place.  I can't wait to unpack my stuff and I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on the progress of that situation.

Finally, I just want to thank everyone for their continued support.  It means a lot to get emails and phone calls... I've been thinking about a lot of people during this time of transition and as excited as I am for the new adventures that await, I still miss so many people.

Okay, back to the job search.  Be in touch and keep praying... and I'll try to do a better job of posting on here!