I got a job.

While interning at Ducks Unlimited, I have put the pedal to the medal as far as job searching is concerned. I have networked like a fool - dinner, drinks, receptions, calling anyone and everyone I have ever worked for or with - man, it was exhausting. I secured an interview a few weeks ago for an LC position on the hill. The interview went great, but I didn't get the job. First blow to my ego here in DC, but hey, I have zero hill experience so I couldn't blame them. They promoted someone already on staff, so good for that person whoever he is. After that, I got off the search saddle for a bit and just enjoyed my internship with DU. It was not a difficult one - it was actually fun, a wonderful break from others I have had in the past. Around 5 p.m. on Thursday as work was winding down, everyone in the office was cracking their beer and not focused on anything work related. As I'm spinning around in my chair, my phone rings. "Hey Casey - would you still be interested in working for us?" Me: "Uh, does it have the word job associated with it, because if it does, I'm your girl." Just kidding, I didn't really say that in the spirit of not sounding desperate, but let's be honest. I am. So naturally, I said yes and she said "You start Monday at 9 a.m." Well alright. I guess I have a job now. I am not exactly sure what my job title will be or even what I will be doing. I am sure that the salary is awwwwfullll and I will be struggling to pay off my student loans, but they say that is what your first few years are like here in DC. I didn't realize that this sort of lifestyle would merit skipping two meals a day and sleeping on my new friend's air mattress, but you've got to do what you've got to do. Now that I know that I am staying, I am hot on the trail of apartment searching. Finding a decent and affordable place to live in DC is like trying to find a straight guy in Dupont. Impossible. Aside from craigslist, I don't have much to go on except word of mouth so I am hoping that something works out soon. Drifting around is not going to work out for much longer, I am ready to unpack!

It is Saturday night and I am staying in. I know that some would consider that lame, but to me, it's ideal. I am sleepy at 9 every night anyways and I don't really like to drink so I'm good. I spent this day reading an amazing financial planning book called Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck. I learned a lot. Namely, you have to have money to make money. Damniittt. I went to DU and packed up my stuff earlier and then met Tike for lunch. Tike is a friend I met during my layover in ORD, He is an amazing man with a career that most people would die for. He makes bank, travels all over the world, and is seemingly very happy. He is engaging and wonderful, and I am so glad that I have him as a friend. I will probably only get to see him once a month or so, but even so, I think this is the beginning of a beauutiful friendship. We went to Taylor's Deli. Him and I share a serious love for food. It is probable that this is why we get along so well. After lunch, I hit up Macy's and a few other stores. Shopping today = not fun and not successful. True story, I didn't buy a single thing. Those who know me well know that this is a feat. I am starting to get nervous about my first day on Monday. I have no idea what I am going to wear. What if I suck at this new job? What if I hate it? What if the people there are insane? All legitimate concerns, but I am promising myself that I won't complain out loud and that I will make friends with each and every person even if I secretly can't stand them. I am going to be an adult and not curse or gossip. I should insert the word try in there somewhere. Baby steps. At DU, I used more cuss words that regular words on a day to day basis. I will miss that :)

I imagine that it is normal to be this nervous about your first day at a new job. Apparently there is a staff meeting at 10 every Monday. I was told that I am going to be speaking to the staff and telling them about myself - freshman year style sort of thing. I hope I don't turn all red like I usually do when I am nervous. It is not cute. I will rock this just like I rock everything else. That will be my mantra. I hope I like it - If I don't, these next few months are going to be rough. Either way, I made a decision on blind faith, packed a few bags, and headed up here alone. I got a job in the toughest economy in decades, and am living on my own two feet. So no matter what happens, I am proud of myself for doing it - living the life I always said I would, and I can't wait to see what happens next.