Unforseen bliss.

The day I put in my application to be a USPS mail carrier, I doubted my decision for several days because I knew architecture would always be in my heart. By being a full time mail carrier, I knew this included me pledging my allegiance for USPS for at least a year, or until the architecture industry picks back up because I could never be that disloyal to an employer. I always felt that if someone is going to hire you, they're doing you a favor; they're using time and effort to train you so you can benefit their company. It's just not about man-I-need-some-money-so-I-need-a-job attitude.

The day I started orientation, January 3rd, I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. Normally you'd think orientation and training would be boring because they're usually about the company, safety, regulations, rules, etc aka boring stuff. But the instructors gave such good insight with great personality and enthusiam that I kind of fell in love with the job from day 1. Day 2-12 came along, and I found myself more in love with the job. It's amazing how the people you interact with on a daily basis can just make a day brighter, even if it's dark and gloomy outside (as it has been the last few days). When there were moments of dullness like when Amy would share stories about her daughter's father's uncle's grandmother's thyroid problem, I would daze off and find myself thinking of architecture, like how I can better my architecture portfolio. I almost picked up my pen to sketch sections and plans, but I felt that was cheating on USPS. So I didn't. I made myself listen to Amy's stories and by that time, she'd be talking about her supervision job at HEB and how a customer had tried to steal 10 packs of shrimp in his pants. Yes. Imagine spending 8 hours with this lady who I can only assume is a lesbian talk about herself and her detailed life on a daily basis. Zzz!

Anyway, today was nothing different from any other day other than me signing away $44 to the Union montly. Brenda came off as abrasize and almost bitchy, but I admired her passion and stern speakingn voice. She's the type that won't take shit from anyone. Brenda is the Beaumont Union's president and she is and I quote, "Badass." And she is. After asking several questions for my own knowledge, she lowered her dont-fuck-with-me tone to a very personable, cool, funny woman. She sold me on joining. I don't mind paying $44 a month for a woman who is going to take care of me. I respect this woman.

Today marked the last day of training. It was mostly bitter sans sweet because I came to know all my cotrainees very well, and they are all awesome too minus Amy. We exchanged 411s so we could keep in touch and make sure we don't die by the bite of a rabid dog or gang banger. It's nice to meet people who welcome my sometimes-inappropriate humor. I hope for them the best.

As for me, for now, I know USPS is for me. USPS has had my back when I needed it, and I can only return the favor by giving it my 100%. I enjoy the people and the work. What more is there to ask for? As long as I enjoy it, I'm happy, and that's all that matters. Will I ever go back to architecture? Who knows. I'm kind of mad at architecture right now. It has only given me grief, debt, and unemployment. I know I still enjoy envisioning spaces where people experience. I enjoy design. I enjoy creativity. I do not enjoy the white collar office job where you have to watch your back and suck up to keep your job. I don't like the fake, ungenuinity of people. I used to always think that if you enjoy the job, nothing else should matter. Pay, people, location, anything...it shouldn't matter as long as you love what you do. Sure delivering mail isn't the grandest of all job duties, but it isn't so bad either. I can't complain about the people I work with, the people I meet, being outside, walking in the rain or summer heat, the fact that it's only a minute from my house, or definitely the pay. I guess the only thing that makes it so hard to step away from architecture is the 5 years of blood and tears I put into being an architect. But you know how it goes, not everyone will get to work for what they went to school for. But that's not saying I'll never go back to school and get my masters and become an architect again...I'm just saying I'm done having a calendar of events to keep up with. Go with it. As long as I can wake up and be happy with life, I'm cool with that.