Interesting week

While I am still amazed at waking up next to the mountains everyday, I am slowly realizing how far from everyone I am. Yes, I know I am on the other side of the country, but it is hitting me how alone I am. This week I experienced my first "bad news" from back home: that a family member had passed away. My step-mom's brother hit a deer while riding a motor cycle and wasn't wearing a helmet. I have met Uncle Bud enough times to know that he was a great guy and very much loved by his family. It is a shock to them and I wish that I was there for them to lean on during this time. I have lost quite a few family members and understand the pain and loss. I also know that this is not the last time I will get bad news over the phone and have to make the decision if I need to come back home.

On the other front, I did get the job babysitting for a family in town. It's fairly good pay and they are all sweet kids. I already watched the youngest girl (2 yrs) for a few hours this week, and they want me to watch all 3 for a few more hours Monday. I don't mind as it is more money in my pocket. At the same time, I am still waiting for that first sale, and have some decisions to make as far as how much money out of pocket I am willing to part with without getting any in return. It won't be for much longer, I can bet on that. I did receive a call to refinish someones table (from my ad in the paper), but that is the only response I have gotten so far. Everything was going so smoothly that I am a little (ok a lot) frustrated at not selling stuff. While I am also looking at applying to be a sub teaching, another job may be needed also. Seeing if I can get a roommate to split rent is a possibility too.

My final for class is this next week, so once that is done and out of the way I can focus on some other stuff. Like the midterm, it is open book/note so I am not worried about it. I am reading a lot of books...working my way through the alphabet and watching random foreign films. "The Weeping Camel" was interesting (to the point I was laughing) and "The Namesake" was actually a good one. I also try to walk everywhere I can, though this month has been a little more rainy from the monsoon clouds coming in off the west coast. I am just waiting for things to happen at this point and enjoying my time. I hope that you are having a great summer also!