1.3: Same Old, Same Old

I can’t believe I’ve already been living in this little tent for three weeks. And guess what? The most exciting thing that’s happened to me is still crashing that dinky little party. Kinda pathetic, right?

Anyway, I did get a job, which I guess it a good thing. I’m working down in the mailroom at one of the offices in the city. And… I’ll be honest. I pretty much hate it. But it’ll be good for paying the bills, at least (not that I have too many of those). And the boss’ secretary is pretty cute, so the eye candy’s a nice bonus. But besides that… Yeah. It blows.

And as for my social life, well… it’s pretty much nonexistent. I barely even have any time to just relax.

I’ve been spending a lot of time down at the library after work. It’s a big old building in the heart of the city. That whole plaza’s just amazing – The buildings are so tall, and beautiful too. I could just stand there and stare at them all day… I think I almost have, a few times.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading when I’m down there. The library’s got a decent number of English books, thankfully. I don’t know what I’d do to keep myself busy otherwise. I never knew how much I’d miss having a TV. But I’ve always liked reading, so I don’t mind too much, really. They even have a few of my great-grandmother’s old mystery novels. Maybe I’ll finally get around to reading them while I’m here. Not like I have much better to do.

It kinda sucks not having anyone to hang out with… I guess I didn’t realize how bad the language barrier was gonna be until I got here. The closest thing I have to a ‘friend’ is this guy who always hangs out at the chess table when I visit the library. Doesn’t speak a word of English, but I managed to tell him my name’s Alex, at least. His name starts with a B… Bjorn? I don’t think German’s his first language either, but it’s the closest thing we have to common ground right about now. Too bad I only know a handful of words…

Anyway, he seems pretty cool, I guess. A lot older than me, and kinda serious… But it’s always fun to play a few rounds of chess with him. He even taught me a couple of tricks… Well, as best as he could. I think I got the gist of it. I guess we’ll see next time we play.

So that’s pretty much become my routine… Go to work, head down to the library, play a round of chess with Bjorn, check my email, and head home. Rinse and repeat.

I try to stay positive every time I call mom and dad, but… It’s hard. I’m kinda lonely, I guess. And I’m sick of eating cereal and granola every day… I’m sick of sleeping in a tent, and pissing in a bush.

My sister and Evelyn are the only ones who know how much I’m struggling here. And they both keep telling me the same thing – ‘Just be patient. Things will get better.’

Easier said than done.