Separation!

I'm so sad!

Michael left today for California to take the P.O.S.T. for a job with the Sacramento Sheriff's office. He'll be gone until Tuesday night, making this the first time we've been separated for more than a day since we've been married. It's so lonely! I can't believe how quickly I became used to his constant, comforting presence. I feel a strange emptiness and keep looking around like I've lost something. I'll just have to try to keep myself busy until he get's back!

January has been and will be a busy month for both of us as we try to land employment by graduation in April. In addition to working for a professor who is getting together her 3rd-year review packet (very important, very time-consuming, and very tedious) and settling into my last semester in the program, I've been busy with job applications, interviews, and job exams. Which leads me to me most recent harrowing experience...

Last Wednesday I woke up at 4 am to catch a flight to Denver (which I almost missed!), rented my very first car (which took an HOUR), and navigated the roads of Denver to the exam site, with nothing more than prayer and the dinky map the rental company provides on their shuttle (about 6x8 inches, and not entirely inclusive of the city I was traveling to). Although it was only about 30 miles away and my flight got in 2 hours before the exam (plenty of time, I thought), I arrived at the library with only 7 minutes to spare, thanks to the directions of a friendly gas station employee. I only had to make one U-turn, if you can believe it. While I was proud of my ability to navigate AND avoid all toll roads, I can't say I brought my A-game to the test (for the Presidential Management Fellowship). Limited sleep, combined with no food and a stressful traveling experience, combined for less than a stellar mentality. Meh. I'm looking for jobs in California anyway.

Speaking of which, I leave this Friday for about 10 days for California for a career trip to Sacramento and San Francisco. While I'm excited at the prospect of seeing family and friends in the area, I don't know how I'll go so long with my Michael! At least I'll be busy, though. I feel guilty leaving him alone for so long!

The trip will be busy. While there, I'll be taking an exam for the Department of Finance and then will undergo a 2 1/2 hour panel interview with the Bureau of State Audits. The same day. Yay!

The hiring process for state jobs is sooooo long. I think I applied for the performance auditor job back in October, and the Finance position in in November. And I probably won't find out about either one until March or April. I understand that they have strict procedures to follow, and I'm just glad I'm in school waiting, not graduated and waiting to hear back from potential employers.

It is so stressful looking for a decent job in today's economy. Michael and I want so desperately to live in the Sacramento area, but who knows if we'll be able to manage to find jobs there. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

California, here I come!