Back to plan A

… In an attempt to burn vacation time, I took two mini vacations.

If you remember from the last time, I took my dad to Las Vegas. He learned Las Vegas was much more than just gambling. I also did my best to take him around the world. On the first day we went to New York, Paris and Rome. On the final day we went to Venice, Medieval England and Egypt. In between we went to Hoover Dam.

While it was in the 100s, my father kept up with me. For two days, we were able to do a lot. We even went downtown, a trip that really didn’t impress him. He was impressed with the water show at the Bellagio; so much so that we went twice that first night.

Hoover Dam was impressive. It took a while to get to, but I recommend it. It’ll be a lot easier to get to once they finish the bypass that will help reduce traffic. This trip to the dam also allowed me to cross Arizona off the list of states I’ve never been to. I do wish they still kept the board drawn on the street. I also wished Arizona would follow daylight savings since the clock on that side was the same on the Nevada side.

After the trip to the dam, we visited family in Las Vegas – my cousin and her family. My dad had been looking forward to that part of the trip since he had not seen them in years, if not longer.

All in all, my dad had a great time and that was the most important thing. He said he’d be willing to go again. I’m willing to make it more of a family event next time.

… The second mini vacation involved less travel. I spent time with friends for the most part. I went golfing to with a group of strangers and I learned a valuable lesson – only golf with friends on a standard course.

I also saw a local independent wrestling company called Pro Wrestling Guerilla. My friend James had introduced me to it more than a year ago and I had always wanted to go back.

I took a friend of mine and we were packed into an American Legion Hall in Reseda. I gave my friend the same warning I got from James: If you see the crowd running, you run with that crowd. With the ring less than six feet away from the front row, there were plenty of times the fans were indirectly a part of the action. (And yes, there is a good chance I’ll be in the DVD.)

On the final night, I saw comedian Demetri Martin perform at the Grove of Anaheim. It was an excellent show and he is an excellent performer not afraid of taking chances. It was also a good time with a group of friends.

… The job hunt is still slow. Although this past week I got a reply to an application I had made just saying they had received it. That’s a first; however, I just know it is a courtesy letter. At least these people are nice about it.

In May, I jumped off of the original plan of finding work first, a new place to live second and love third and took a chance. Here I am, a day away from September back on Plan A.

As I’ve learned before, happiness is a fleeting thing. I’m grateful for the chance but know that there is nothing more to do.

This isn’t the: be all, end all either. I just have to refocus myself on getting off of the lifeboat I’m on at work. Once I get settled there, then I can work on the rest of me.

However, as I thought about it, do I really want to find someone then?

The premise behind that question is this: everyone likes a winner. Now I’m not saying I’m a loser by any means, but what I am saying is externally I’m not that impressive. And if I can’t find someone that will accept me now, how do I know they truly accept me after I’m able to land a new job with normal hours?

Well that question is something I’m going to have to answer when the time comes. I’ve been told to put up a wall, but I just can’t because that is not me so I anticipate more pain later.

No matter how bad it is, however, I’m still glad and I am doing a lot better than the beginning of the year. I’m internally stronger than most people think.

Again, it’s what you can’t see.