A year and a half

Well, as most of you know, I start a new job tomorrow. After a year and half being unemployed, it'll be nice getting a paycheck again. But, I must admit I had a good run this past year. My life didn't change too much, although I did give up my addiction to shoes and Perrier. I got to do and see things that I couldn't have done with a full-time job. I learned where to find deals, discounts and freebies. Day trips to the Grammy Museum, Olvera Street, a Buddhist Temple, Koreatown, a National Cemetery and San Diego were great ways to spend my time. I got to ride the Goodyear Blimp--definitely a major highlight! I volunteered as a tour guide for grade-school field trips at the wetlands, worked food drives with the Fire Department, and got to play tennis when the courts are empty during the weekdays. As a sports fan, it was a good time to be off work. I saw all of the Olympic curling matches, and learned to love the biathlon. I only missed a few of the 4:30am World Cup soccer games, and I caught all the action of the Masters and Wimbledon, in addition to all the golf and tennis majors. I got to attend town hall meetings, a city memorial service, and be available to friends who needed rides to the doctor or when their car was in the shop. I ate shrimp and crab because I started reading grocery store ads and only bought what was on sale. I learned that Pantene works as well or better than Paul Mitchell, at one-fifth the price. And I can read a ton of books for free from the library instead of wasting money at Barnes and Noble. So, being laid off was a good learning experience--and there is no other way to take that long of a break mid-career. So, I'm looking forward to my new chapter of life, starting tomorrow.