In which Brian takes the bus and gets employed.

Note: These are separate, but related, events.

My car broke over the weekend. Not broke down, where the only sign that something is wrong is smoke or a horrible noise, but broke. You can jiggle the front passenger-side wheel around. I mean, there was a horrible noise, too, but it was accompanied by this very tangible evidence that something was wrong.

Luckily, Marvin's brother's wife's uncle (yep . . . I enjoyed writing it out that way) is a mechanic so he took a look at it but said he wouldn't be able to fix it until Monday. Which was yesterday. The same day I needed to be downtown for an interview.

The solution? Memphis public transportation.

(Cue gunshots and police sirens.)

But really, it wasn't that bad. I actually kinda enjoyed it. There's a certain comraderie amongst public transportation passengers.

Not that I wasn't nervous at first. Which really didn't make any sense. I've ridden buses in cities around the world with no problem, but I was scared to death I would miss the bus or they would want exact change and torture me if I didn't have it. Actually, now that I think about it, the nervousness was probably more connected with the interview than the busride. Anyway, moving on.

What was labeled on the map as the Orleans stop was, in fact, the Dunlap stop. Luckily I knew the landmarks and was able to get off at the next stop to backtrack. Unfortunately, in my hurry to get off the bus, I left my handwritten directions sitting on the seat.

I knew I had to go South, right, left, so I started walking. I got lost (though less lost that I thought I was) so I called Mom at work and she and Stacy (Stacie?) got on Google maps and helped me find my way. I still got there with a few moments to spare.

But where, you might ask, is there?

A good question. The Urban Child Institute (UCI). I was referred there by my advisor because one of the guys there is a professor at U. Memphis and does some research on indigenous movements. Do I get to help with that? No. Not now, anyway. But the guy did hire me as a temp for June, with the possibility of extending it for the next year or so if it works out. I will make decent money and be doing research (even if it isn't on subjects I am particularly interested in). He also mentioned the possibility of the UCI paying for graduate school--if I go to Memphis.

Much better than stocking shelves at Target.

The weirdest thing is that I can't get a read on the boss guy. It's like being a Jedi and coming across someone who doesn't show up in the Force. We just didn't click. Hopefully this will get better.

Well, as usual, this post has grown too long. And I still don't feel like I addressed everything. I'll field questions in the comments.

Also, everyone, I would like to wish you a happy Tennessee Secession Day! Drink some tea or eat a cobbler, or something. I'll probably bake a cake later. I think this marks something ridiculous like the ninth year I've observed the day.

You know it's cool.

Also: kenobiwrites.blogspot.com