WOOHOO!

I finally got my CAT CARD and I've already taken out two books that weren't available at the public library.

GRATITUDE

Since I moved to the Catalina House, my sense of thankfulness has gradually declined and I think this is a good time to note some of the many things I should be greatful for.

First, the state of Arizona for providing food stamps and healthcare coverage. The food stamps have been very helpful.

Second, the Traveler's Aid Society for providing free and greatly discounted monthly bus passes. I don't have a car so I depend on the bus to get around.

Third, Laverne, Marg and Mike at the Catalina House. From what I've heard, the folks who used to run the House were both martinets and drug addicts. These three are friendly and helpful to me.

Fourth, Internet availability. I can use the PCs at the Armory Park Senior Center, the Shot in the Dark Cafe, Access Tucson, the public libraries and the U of A libraries.

I GET A LITTLE NERVOUS

At least two of the jobs I applied for yesterday were advertised by employment agencies and I don't have much hope of getting a job through them.

I do have an appt. with Steve from the League of Conservation voters at 1 P.M. but I have the feeling that the job will involve a lot of walking.

At 3:30, I meet again with Carlos and maybe he'll have found something by then.

(And maybe not)

I'M STARTING TO HAVE DOUBTS

Doubts about the job service Voc Rehab sent me to. Today I went in for what I hoped to be a series of job interviews set up by the service but instead all I got to do was fill out applications at 2 call centers. One of them, APAC, turned me down because I didn't have enough experience.

What I found disturbing was how Carlos approached this. He seemed to just take a glance at the Daily Star and decided that call centers would be a good choice. He also seems about as computer literate as Lee Berendt, the president of LTI who didn't know how to copy & paste.

A NICE TOUCH

A recently got a letter from DES that contained my NYS birth certificate AND a little "thank you" note. I had previously made a point of telling DES that their original form for NYS birth certificates was ONLY applicable to New York City and I think this was DES's way of thanking me for the information.

A PRIMAVERA REUNION

Last night, Phil and Pat ran into me at the Dark Side coffee shop on Broadway. Phil worked at Primavera until a recent dirty urinalysis. Pat was a client and is now on staff. The good news from them is that Aubrey got a full-time job at St. Mary's Hospital and now has a place of his own. I've got both their cell numbers so I'll be able to stay in touch when I finally breakdown and get a cell phone.