I Finally Got a Job!

I just started my new job working for Department of Human Services, State Operated Community Programs. It is a stabilization home for kids with mental health issues, and my position is a Mental Health Therapy Technician. I am training for the next week and a half, and so far I've really enjoyed meeting all the people I will be working with. I feel very lucky to have a job right now with how the economy is, and especially one through the state. The job is in Salem, but I am living in Woodburn, which is just a 20 minute or less drive. I am excited to be starting my career now, and to see where this new experience will take me!

Chicago and More

So here is a nice blurry picture of the Chicago sign! Unfortunately my timing in Chicago was not great, I was there when it was way below freezing and snowing and the wind made me feel like I was in a giant freezer with huge fans blowing me over. I went in the middle of December, so not the greatest time of the year. It was dark most of the time as well! I had two interviews while I was there, and they were pretty interesting, though they did not pay well at all. I stayed with a friend in St. Louis, so I didn't have to spend much on hotels, because St. Louis is about a 4 1/2 hour drive. That worked out pretty well, besides the fact that the weather was horrible. Anyway I decided to interview at two places in St. Louis as well since I was there. I really liked one of the agencies, but it was only 24 hours a week to start and little benefits so it wasn't enough to get me to move there! I had fun exploring Chicago though, and here are a few pictures of the city at night.

View of Sears Tower from the bottom

Big Christmas tree in the Sears Tower Building

A 5 story Sports Authority!

Of course I don't remember which building this is, but it looked cool lit up.

This is the Chicago Sun Times Building.

And here is a picture off the Navy Pier.

Again, it was a fun experience, but after experiencing the weather there, I'm not so sad the jobs didn't work out! I'd love to go back in better weather though, because I hear the city is really nice in the summers. So now I have decided to only look in Oregon because I really don't have money to move anywhere, especially not anywhere far away. I think it would be fun to experience another city for a few years, but I am focusing on the Portland area mostly, as it has the biggest opportunity job-wise. This is a horrible time to be job hunting, and my measly 10.50 an hour, 16 hours a week is NOT cutting it! I have at least one interview lined up for this week, and I hope to have more soon.

In other news, I got a wii for my graduation/Christmas present combined and it is the MOST AMAZING thing in the world! I love the games of course, but my favorites are the Wii Fit and Guitar Hero. It helps keep me entertained while I'm not working that much and I don't have much money to do anything. I love it! That is all that is happening for me lately. I know I don't post often, but so far I haven't had a whole lot going on! I will post again when something new or exciting happens!