In my thoughts and memories the months between my return to the states and mid-February seemed to last forever. However, upon closer inspection, that time is less than the time since February to now. I have a feeling that has a lot to do with both the wibbly-wobbly nature of time and with the variety, and a bit of anxiety that each day held.
Early on in my unemployment I decided to take a trip to visit my fellow adventurer, and recent re-patriate (like expatriate, but we came back...) Becky. It was so good to see her and be able to process, even if only a little bit, together. It was also good to get away, if only for a little.
During and after that trip I commenced the job hunt. It was crazy and strange, and definitely not a little bit annoying. When you've applied to every store in more than one mall/shopping district, you know you've hit some sort of desperation. Even though the only reply I ever heard from the companies I applied to was "Sorry", I fortunately was kept afloat by some freelance work.
I don't think I clarified this before, but from October until February I shared a studio apartment with my brother (properly designated Eric from here on out) and sister-in-law (Alexa). And while that time could have been difficult with all of us being busy and stressed and crammed into this small space, it remains a highlight of my year. I am beyond grateful for their generosity and moral support during that time.
Just prior to me moving in with Eric and Alexa, they had been working on starting a company, alongside their free-lance filmmaking work, and film equipment rental business. Things were always hopping at their place. By the time December rolled around they'd roped me into a few projects. Therefore, December through early February, I was able to add to my resume such experience as on set experience, production assistance, as well as some training in Modo - all of which enabled me to help them out with a few huge projects; ones with deadlines that weren't just looming but galloping full-tilt towards us.
One freelance job, as mentioned above, was
production assistant/behind the scenes still photographer. 
(Pictured above from left to right: Eric the DP, the actress, and Alexa Directing)
All the while, I was looking forward to February.
February was when a bit of Scotland was going to come visit me! Gillian and Calum came to visit! Although I needed a job and the funds, not having one while they were in town was great because I got to be an attentive tour guide and hostess. It was so fun showing them around my favorite state. I wish we'd had more time because California is a BIG place and, having a week prevents going to see some of the iconic Nor Cal sites/sights. But we saw the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Blvd., Beverly Hills, The Getty, Laguna and Santa Monica Beaches (and at the latter G took surfing lessons!), ate at mostly local or California-original eateries, drove around the studios in Burbank and hoped beyond hope to run into Zachary Levi (because of Chuck).
I forgot to warn G&C that coming to So Cal in February meant
the brief So Cal "winter". So here's our chilly afternoon at Laguna Beach.
Fortunately our 2nd beach trip was warmer and sunnier!
A couple of days before G&C arrived I finally heard more than a "Sorry" in response to one of the resumes I sent out. This cute little hipster homewares shop in Anaheim wanted to have me come in for an interview! So on their first full day in the state, I took G&C to Orange County, and they got to wander around the shop street while I interviewed. I was hired on the spot, but unlike the warehouse interview didn't start - thankfully - until after G&C's visit.
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