Personal Plan

I don't think anyone is reading this blog, which is fine. I'm just using it as a journal, not to gain a following.

Right now, I am sitting in my grandparents' guest bedroom thinking about what I want to do with my life. I can't see the big picture in my mind, so writing what my plans are is a step in the right direction, and a strategic move to keep myself motivated.

I want to get my B.A. in engineering, but before that, I would like to have a Microsoft certificate. My school wasn't very clear on what classes I needed to take, or what sorts of jobs take this certificate, but since I know the credits build toward a 4 year degree, it's definitely what I want to do. I plan to have this certificate by the end of December

I'm looking for a new job in my hometown. My most recent job was in a 1 hr photo lab, and I enjoyed it for the most part. The hours were flexible, the people I worked with were very nice, and I wasn't doing the exact same thing day in and day out. Some days I worked the front register, other days I ran the photo lab, and some times I just stocked shelves. The big issue for me is transportation. Where I live with my family is on the edge of the city, and getting anywhere without a car is a pain in the butt. I ride my bike, walk, and take the bus to get around (sometimes I can bum rides). Geographical convenience is high on my list of job qualities.

I've been living with my grandparents since mid-December, and they have been really supportive and super awesome! They really taught me how to live while being productive, money savvy, and mentally stable. I am returning in 3 days.

I left for reasons I would rather not disclose (I was going off the deep end). I'm really looking forward to being back home with all my computers, friends, and family! I know they won't  immediately believe that I'm happier and less mental, but I'm sure they will see it soon enough.

(Organized by priority) Among some of the things I plan to start doing upon my return are:

1) Get a job. Preferably one in a small service position or anything that doesn't make me talk to customers ALL DAY. Something with a bit of variety.

2) I need to figure out the state of my education. Throughout the last two years I have really fucked around. I lost plenty of time and progress with nothing to show for it. I could've been half done with my schooling by now, but I barely qualify as a college sophomore! I'll begin by hanging around the school's counseling department, student services, and the like, until I know beyond shadow of a doubt that I'm doing the right thing.

3) Pay the internet bill. (I'm studying to be a network manager, so this only makes sense that I would manage our home network for 4 other people)

4) Pay rent. I was unemployed for over 6 months, and never contributed a damn thing to my family. We aren't exactly wealthy, and I was too much of a financial drag. In addition to paying $??.?? per month for a decent internet connection, I also want to give between 100-200 dollars a month to my parents :)

5) Get a car. This is conditional, I only want my own vehicle if I can afford it. I don't want to drive during winter, because of the snow and ice, I would rather take the bus to be honest. I wonder if there's an insurance plan that only applies to certain months, i.e. March-September.

6) Help my parents clean the garage and consolidate things so that we can actually use that room. Among the things that bother me is my need for space. My bedroom is usually big enough to do whatever I need to do, but sometimes it's not enough. I like to have projects going without disturbing my tidy room. If the garage was half-clear instead of completely in chaos, then I could use that space to my liking (assuming no one else is).

7) Organize my stuff by getting rid of things I have no use for. Organize my desk, computers, games, books, music, pictures, etc.

I don't think it's at all shameful to live with your family into your early twenties, it's smart! Save money for the future! I plan to move out when I'm either finished with my degree, or when I can comfortably support myself while I finish. If I have another 3 years of school to do, then I can expect to live at home until I'm 22. I'm ok with this, I just hope my parents are considering what I was like prior to being sent to live with my grandparents. I think they are willing to give me a second chance, but it's not going to be as simple as just telling them that I'm ready to change, but by showing it! I vow not to become a recluse and to have a life outside of my computer screen, but also to let my family know what I'm doing. I also want to be able to take their constructive criticisms with a grain of salt. I can never really tell when someone is insulting me or complimenting me, it all sounds the same D: