Independence Day

Via IM earlier today, my good friend Mike asked:

"I thought July 4 was Independence Day?"

I didn't know what the heck he was talking about.

"Just a reference to your new-found freedom," he replied.

Ah, yes, my new-found freedom. Today marks my first day of unemployment since high school. I've basically held a full or part-time gig since the ninth grade, and it feels weird to not have a "job" to go to.

In short, I had quit my job of the past seven years to find something new to do, something that'll both challenge and enable me to start a family and buy a house. Luckily I have a loving and supportive wife who's patient enough to let me do the above. And I don't intend to let her -- or myself -- down.

Oh well, they say "It takes a job to find a job," and thems is the truth.

Anyway, after dropping off Jessica at work and reading the morning paper at the nearby Starbucks, I headed off to the gas station to: 1) fill 'er up, 2) use the gas station's industrial-powered vacuum to clean up the interior of our truck, and 3) go through the car wash to finish the job.

Too bad it started raining on the way home.

Then it was off to the grocery store for tonight's dinner. After arriving home, I ate lunch, cleaned up the bedroom a bit (it'll be a multi-part process), then went online to hit the job sites.

Tomorrow: follow-up phone calls to prospective employers, checking in with the parentals, and a visit to the doctor.