LIFE IS GOOD!

Where do I begin? Life, as of late, had been dangerously close to miserable and routine; however, big changes are on the horizon for this redhead…

Back in January, I applied for two different teaching positions at ASU: one as a regular composition instructor and one as a composition instructor with an emphasis in professional writing. A few weeks later, I received equal opportunity paperwork in the mail—a good sign in the hiring process. And then I was turned down for both positions. Fast forward to my last weekend camping. I had a glorious time with wonderful people. I began to understand that to survive at Anthem, I would have to get past all the negative bullshit and find some way to buy into what I do. I was ready to buckle down and weather the storm. Monday morning, as I’m one eye into putting my mascara on, the phone rings. It’s a woman from ASU not asking me to go interview or turn in more paperwork, but offering me a job! Although my first instinct was to say, “YES, YES, YES!,” I asked her for a few days to decide. After a chatting with my most trustworthy confidants, I knew that saying yes was what I had to do. Here’s the details…

I will be an instructor teaching business writing within the English Department, but only for business students—we’re talking resumes, cover letters, memos, reports, etc. For the fall semester, I’ll be teaching four sections: two online and two once a week night classes. I’m taking a MAJOR pay cut; however, because my contract is over nine months, I’m actually making more in the short-term. I get medical/dental/vision, matching retirement, and a laptop. My textbook and curriculum are set—in fact, the guy who used to teach my sections gave me everything I need: syllabus, assignments, quizzes/exams, etc. Whew! I only have to pay taxes on credits if I want to take grad classes. And I get almost an entire month off for winter break! Basically, I get to return to academia—my favorite place—but with a different set of goals, a different level of stress, and a different take on life.

So, I officially accepted the job on Wednesday. This Saturday, I went apartment hunting and was snagged a gem of a place with a great location (use Google Maps and search “725 W Brown St Tempe, AZ”). I’m within three blocks walking distance of Mill (this is like Main Street in BG—it’s where everyone goes to drink and hang). I’m less than two miles from my office and have a free campus shuttle stop at my corner. I can take the shuttle when it’s gross out and walk when the weather levels out. I have a corner unit with a wraparound bit of grass. My neighborhood is full of trees and sidewalks, which is rare around here. I’m also close to Tempe Beach Park and have a Boys & Girls Club across the street with a free rec center. And, with move in specials and a discount for ASU employees, I’ll be paying exactly what I’m already used to!

You know, my mom has this quote she likes to say: The universe will provide. Every time my life seems to be residing underneath a black cloud, she simply repeats: The universe will provide. And it makes me what to crawl through the phone and punch her in the face. But, the universe WILL provide and it DID. I had all but completely given up hope of ever getting out of this cubicle farm. Now, I think I’ve made it out just in time to save my soul. I’ve been unhappy in Arizona for a couple months—nothing feels right here; nothing feels like it fits. Don’t get me wrong; I love everyone I’ve met here; though, with a new job and a new apartment on the opposite side of town, I have the opportunity to start over and give this place another chance. If I can’t be happy in Tempe, it’s time to leave Arizona for good.

Not much else to report. I have less than a month to move and learn my curriculum. Damon and Pinkelman are both coming through and will be visiting with me in a few weeks. I’m going to Rock the Bells in August, then Manson and Pumpkins (hopefully) in September. I’ve totally reconnected with my love for camping. I look forward to exploring the many lakes of the White Mountains. April has a conference down here in October. Parents and I are considering Vegas for Christmas. I have the job I’ve always wanted and am leaving the company I never really liked. LIFE IS GOOD!