-I think I mentioned a while back I got hired for a new job. It pays more. More importantly, the manager is aware the field and career we share usually has people trained from the military or some formal program, while I got into it randomly and have been feeling my way through with lots of on the job training. So essentially in return for a bit less than the total amount they'd usually hire me for - and again, I am still getting paid a good chunk more than my old spot - they'll train me fully on some sub-disciplines they need a go-to guy for, alongside keeping me sharp on other aspects in general. So if it goes well, and I certainly intend it to, I'll be finally secured for a long while.
-For this job I had to move. I'm in Connecticut, but a quieter part of it. The apartment and complex is lovely. I live by greenery, and it'll be enjoyable for my cat to wander around in when I eventually take her in. I live in a nice walkable neighborhood, and only a short distance away is all sorts of shops, restaurants, stuff to do. The same path down to that is also something I can run easy on for exercise without traffic around to get in the way. It's a dream area for someone used to the boonies like me. Especially funny is that I toured so many complexes, and all of them were much shoddier in conditions, or where they were located, or both. And yet were all nearly the same price as this amazing complex/area. Go figure. I'm decorating as we speak and my family has generously requested to give some funds to help me do so, which I appreciate. I want to not have Military Sparseness be my apartment aesthetic, but a genuinely cozy, comfortable little spot. I'm too old for anything else.
-My aunt and uncle I moved in with to get away from the hell of my immediate family (see below for examples) has been supportive. It's an unintentional positive for us all since I needed more space for myself and they usually have to focus on their drama-filled daughters/my cousins and their grandkids (who are delightful, though). I do feel bad since the rent I paid them helped them out, but they insisted I do this so I could live my own life on my own terms, no one else in the way intentional (my immediate family) or not (their grandkids and daughters/my cousins). I think they appreciated me for not being drama-filled like said daughters, while I to them vis-a-vis my parents. Hah.
-My immediate family has all but unraveled. My mom had a stroke in October and is recovering... but dad has still been a fucking twat to her while taking care of her, stress mounting on him. She still, even in stroke conditions, needles him like an idiot even if he deserves it. And without me to be peacemaker (miserable on me in turn) it's been going downhill. One day he smacked her in frustration and got escorted out of the house, recently he kicked one of our family dogs barking at him when protecting mom when he was yelling at her, and my brother - who is still at home and truly stepped up to the plate to help parents and take care of family pets alike - rightfully went nuts on him (and it's the dog he bonded with most). Dad punched Bro and threatened him to be arrested since he's a retired lawyer with connections. Relatives and I have gotten state troopers and nurses aware of his shit with enough evidence, and he's aware in turn since he got escorted out of the house after smacking mom.
Before you all ask - the protective dog is completely fine, is a VERY Good Boy, and I am very proud of him. And this endless drama is a big part of why I moved out in the first place.
-I am, for now, planning to focus entirely on making sure I do my job well and exercise hard - recover my stamina back in terms of running and cardio (I've kept up in weights and calisthenics fine) since I went so long without running and much walking due to needing to drive everywhere at my relatives' area alongside winter weather. I do want to get out and really learn to socialize and get good real-life hobbies (and find a local shelter in THIS place to volunteer at) going all over again, but who knows at my age and Modern Day Dating Culture if I'll find someone for any romance when it comes to that particular front. It is what it is, though. I've got friends, I've got my supportive relatives, I've my family pets and my own cat (also at home for now) to love on.
If it comes to I suppose I can't complain on turning into a grizzled monk-type in old age. Still pushing hard in fitness, living with my cats, enjoying the greenery outside.... and after so long, finally knowing peace.
