That would be me. It’s been awhile since I posted, so I thought an update might be a good way to jump back in. If anyone remembers, I was going through a pretty significant life transition and it’s well underway:
I am still smoke-free after over five weeks and I feel tremendous! Really, really tremendous. Only the first few days were hard and then I moved. bows and pats self on back
The move from Cincinnati went a little less smoothly than it I thought it would. I ordered the wrong size truck and it couldn’t fit all of our stuff, so we had to put some in storage and came back a week later to drive the rest down. :smack: Moving day was very stressful because there were a lot of people who came to help and apparently also reorganize my stuff.
Now we’re settled down (kind of) in the greater Charlotte, NC metro area with the family. We’ve been here for a month now and staying with my in-laws until we can get on our feet. We finally started seeing our tax refunds come in (stimulus coming any day now, from what I hear), so we could pay off some outstanding bills and pay towards the moving expenses my in-laws fronted since the IRS was taking their sweet time.
Despite intense job hunting, neither of us have landed jobs, which is discouraging. I’ve been using the online job databases as well as reviewing the classifieds and walking into retail establishments right off the street. I’ve got over a dozen lines out and not a single nibble even. Not sure what gives other than the article I read in the paper that unemployment is up 1% in this county from same time last year. That’s reassuring. By the looks of it, Charlotte isn’t the only area feeling the pinch, unfortunately.
So, we’re here, but we’re still living at Mom’s house and looking for work. Did I mention I don’t smoke anymore though?
Qwisp, I was you for a very long time. Is it weird to say I’m actually kind of surprised I’ve lasted this long? I didn’t really even think I could do it. Maybe the Wellbutrin did, maybe it was finally time. Either way, I’m glad. Good luck getting past the thought process.
@Khadaji, thanks! And I owe a bit of gratitude to everyone around here that showed their support from the beginning.
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Southern Yankee**, hiya neighbor! I’m looking forward to the next Charlotte Dopefest, so if I miss the post, drop me a PM. I’m currently looking for clerical or retail, whichever comes first. I’ve done secretarial in various types of offices and did some coffee-slinging (of the trendy cafe persuasion) for awhile, so I’m keeping my options open. But if you hear of any legal secretarial positions open, I’m interested.
I’m still contemplating going to massage therapy school, but only if some nice family member wants to keep supporting me. I’m not really holding my breath at this point. I do miss my autonomy.
Are you North, South, East or West of the Uptown (downtown) area? I work for a relatively large (1000+ employees) company not far from the airport. I can keep an eye on the job postings for you. As of this morning there wasn’t much, but we just started our fiscal year so people will have brand new hiring budgets to use…
We’re actually in Rock Hill for now, but willing drive into south Charlotte or even downtown for a decent wage. Until we’re both working, we haven’t really committed to an area, but we’re hearing that we should stay down in SC for the taxes. Honestly, I’d like to be a bit closer to town.
So downtown is Uptown? Ok, good to know. I thought Uptown would be north of downtown. So people don’t say downtown when they’re going into the business district of Charlotte? Confusing.
Yes… for some reason, they call the center city area Uptown (I’ve heard it’s because it sounds more “positive” than downtown…)
If you read Gourmet magazine, you may have seen that Charlotte is home to the country’s best fried chicken, at Price’s Chicken Coop. It’s in the South end, which is just below Uptown. It’s a takeout only joint, but if you like fried chicken it’s worth the trip.
South Carolina taxes are better, but the school system isn’t great, if that’s a concern. Some areas, like Fort mill, are better than others. Stay out of Mecklenberg County when you’re ready to settle down, if you can.
If you’re into outdoors stuff, definitely try and get to the National Whitewater Center (just north of the airport). It’s pretty impressive. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, bike trails, climbing rocks, hiking, etc.
There’s a great adult (no, not that kind) movie theater in the Ballantyne area (not far from you) that shows grown-up movies and has a bar and restaurants. You can bring your food and drinks into the theater.
Lots more, but not sure what you’re interested in. Just let me know.
