Chasing seagulls at nearby Bodega Bay
I’m supposed to be applying for a job right now. The open tab on my computer — “Children’s Fiction/Non-Fiction Writer” — is just to my right. I think I might actually have a shot at this one. I’ve been a teacher, and I love to write. The position is freelance, so . . . What more could they need?
Well, they’d need my application first.
I guess I forgot to mention that we moved. In all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and of packing and unpacking, and of apartment hunting and job searching, there was no time to blog. On December 1st, Jon and I left Berkeley behind. Today we live in Santa Rosa, about 40 miles north of the bay, and, so far, we’re loving it.
Except . . .
Except I still haven’t found a job. We found Jon’s job first. It is why we moved, actually, and is one reason I’ve considered starting a business writing resumes and cover letters — so far my cover letters have gotten him two positions! It’s funny that it’s easier to boast about others than yourself, though. I also think applying for writing jobs (or graduate school) is about the most difficult thing one can do. Talk about scrutiny!
But things will work out eventually. Those of you who’ve been following me for a while know I’ve talked about my longing to live abroad, my hope for gradate school, and my love for working with kids. Little by little, these things are falling into place (if somewhat differently than planned), even as the world seems to be falling apart: Terrorists, hate crimes, racism, rape, drought, bitter cold . . .
Will it never end?
I promise this blog won’t be all about me. There are far more important things to discuss. But tonight I needed to put out an update, because “Bye, Bye, Bezerkeley!” is coming up!
..
shift 
Yes! you need to write children’s books – I love that idea – and u can always self publish!
Welcome back to ur blog –
Thank you, Hoss! It’s good to be back.
So glad to hear things are falling into place Jess. I wish you both all the happiness and success together.
Oh and just as an aside? Santa Rosa has a decent cycling community as well if you haven’t discovered it yet. Hope you can find time to ride once things settle and you hopefully have time for other things than work. Happy New Years (plural because they just keep coming one after the other and they should ALL be good right?) Best of everything friend.
John
So good to hear from you, John! Yes, I know Santa Rosa has a good cycling community. I ran seven miles today and saw a few cyclists out and about. I am eager to get back on my bike. Time to get training, and we can’t use the weather as an excuse here in California!
I hope you’ve been well, too, and that your new year is off to a great start! Thanks for writing.
Good luck with the job hunt. Something will come along the way for you soon, I know it. Job hunting is frustrating, and it really does test our patience. A little positivity goes a long way. Things will certainly fall into place – usually when we least expect it. The universe is funny that way.
I too should be applying for a job now. I have this Office Coordinator Job tab open to the right…at the same time I really need to write my book :D
I know, Mabel! Life is all about balance, isn’t it? There are the practical day-to-day things we can’t ignore, but also the longer-term items, and then our personal projects . . . All are important, and that is actually why I chose to take a few minutes to write this post. I can’t put off writing for forever if I really want to be a writer!
Thanks for writing, and good luck with your job application! I’ll be working on mine here soon, too. ;)
The idea of balance is there, everywhere we look. I hope you get more time to write soon, Jess. I love your writing, and love how you can cram your message and ideas into a few short paragraphs :)
Thank you! I try!
“I promise this blog won’t be all about me” for what it’s worth I read your blog precisely because you, I care more about persons than about things.
Sometimes it’s good idea to search by other unexplored ways meanwhile we are caring our connections.
Well that is true, Francis. I care more about people than I do things, too, and I’m glad you read my blog because it’s about me. It’s just… I want to have more to say than, “I did this today,” or “We did this.” I care deeply about people and the world at large and want always for that to shine through.
Thank you for your faithful readership. I hope you’ve been well!
I’m well, thanks Jessica, and I’m better knowing you are well too, although English is not my language always is nice to read you. When you write about your daily life it’s redacted in a clean style and in there is passion in your words, I can feel what you’re feeling when you wrote it.
I’m the son of a journalist so I know a bit about good writers ;-)
Thank you, Francis. I know English is not your first language, and if mine is understandable and enjoyable, and if my passion comes through, that means a lot!! :)
Good luck with the move and job hunt. Write yourself a knockout cover letter. Sonoma County’s alright once you can get off the always messy 101.
True that! 101 is a pain! Thank you for the encouragement. I’m working on that cover letter… right… now! ;)
I lived up there for years and watched it change before my eyes.
I can only imagine. I grew up near Sacramento/Lake Tahoe and watched a similar transition.
Good luck with the job hunt, career decisions and all that. You write very well, it seems like it would be a good thing to pursue, but I know there are tons of variables. About the bitter cold thing, you’re in CA and it’s 0 here in CT. Still, the bitter part lies in between where temps are solidly below 0. Enjoy the relative warmth of the west coast as you noodle through the process. We’ll be here when you’re ready to write.
Brrr… That *is* cold! I want more rain here in California, not frigid temperatures. I like exercising outdoors to enjoy sub-zero weather. Thanks for the encouragement in pursuing writing. Long-term I think I actually want to *teach* writing, but it will take me a while to get the credentials I need to get there. Hope you had a wonderful holiday season!
Enjoy Santa Rosa!!! You are so close to some great parts of the California coast. Great bicycling routes there also. I’m envious. Good luck with all of your objectives. You’ll get there.
Thank you, thank you! I am excited to get out on my bike for sure. I hope your new year is off to a great start!
Thank you! I’m making some changes that are all about just that … a great start.
It’s always exciting to be starting a new phase of life, fingers crossed for the perfect job Jess wether it be writing, teaching or both, and I like reading the ‘what I did today’ bits of peoples blogs, it’s very inspirational sometimes!
Thank you, Fraggle! Your encouragement is hitting me at just the right time. Means a lot. Hope your new year is off to a great start!
Congrats to you and Jon on your move! And welcome back to your/our circle of the blogosphere! You’ve been missed. :-)
Slowly but surely, Professor! Does life never slow down so we can just sit and WRITE? Sadly, no. But I won’t let life win!
Hope your new year is off to a great start!
I hear ya Jess. Unless you’re a mean brutal tyrant, a person controls little in life and the world. What they have total control of is their own attitude & perspective. I’ve learned the art of laughing, finding the humor AS WELL AS the beauty in little things. I smile much more because of it. :)
Don’t lose what makes that child inside of you laugh, smile, dance, or hug. “Don’t grow up. It’s a TRAP!” :p
Good luck Jess :-) Hope Santa Rosa goes well for you both and all the best for 2015 :-)
Thank you, Lianne! I’ve been a terrible blogger of late. I am WAY behind in checking out your amazing posts and photos. Hope the rain is giving you a break!!
time to shift gears – I am waiting for the first Jess 2015 poem!
Me too…
Happy new year and best wishes to you and yours for health, happiness, peace & prosperity in 2015!
Thank you, Russell! The same to you and yours! :)
They do fall in place, eventually, all that hard work pays off. And if the universe has ears, it will listen! Hope you can put pen to paper for a living. I know I would pay to read it!
You are so so sweet! Thank you so much for the encouragement. It means more than you know. Hope you’ve been well!!!!
An interesting blog you seem to have. :)
I’ll come back.
Take care
Brian
Thank you, Brian. It’s a terribly neglected blog, sadly. But I’m working on it!
(And I like to contribute to angel wings. In dire need these days!)
How did you come up with that?
Curious.
:)
I agree. Angels need wings! ;)
I was actually inspired by a dear friend and fellow blogger, Vincent. His own comment line goes something like, “If you comment, I will send you an invisible gift,” or something along those lines. I thought it was oh so very clever, and wha-la. Mine was born.
Living abroad… I would like to say I am trying out this idea, but it is much more complicated to make such a statement. Considering the fact that I lived in US most of my short life, moving back to Poland, where the last time I “lived” here was when I was 12, was a dramatic change and struggle, yet much needed. Taking risks might be in my nature, but leaving everything behind in a matter of weeks – irresponsible and fun. The change. I wish you only good changes, and “good” is a broad principle with its own definitions. Good luck!
Thank you! I lived abroad for three years in Asia, and it ignited a fire for more travel. Unfortunately and fortunately, I am no longer single and free to think about only me. Sometimes, life gets in the way… But I do hope to “get out” of the United States again at some point. I would easily be an expat, but my significant other…? Doubtful I could convince him. Still, life is full of the unexpected…
Thank you for reading and commenting! Forgive me for my late response! I hope you’re having a great week. I would LOVE to visit your Poland someday.
Maybe approach your local public library and see if you can start up a little children’s writing group and they blog into 1 central blog that you moderate…. just an idea.
That’s a great idea, Jean. Thank you. I could use all the inspiration I can get. I will think on it… Hope you’ve been well!!!