While I’m kickin’ back, enjoy Austin’s “balmy” weather today, 15 years ago, I went back to Chicago for a job interview with Loyola University and to visit all the friends I left behind. I was really excited about the socializing part but the employment matter would’ve cinched it.
As I’ve mentioned many times before, not everything was milk and honey in Austin. Things had soured pretty badly, especially my friendship with Doc. The whole Christmas period had been a huge, depressing mess; Patricia returned to France, I got completely stiffed on the Apple internship (a story for the future), my hours at the dorm were cut, debts were piling up, the list went on. Sonia was a bright spot of hope through it all, for her I will remain grateful. The new year was looking terrible. I had packed up, left Central Illinois only be in a worse sport in Central Texas. The Bryants had me in phone tag with a recruiter around Thanksviging yet nothing panned out.
Then my brother called. Normally, Brian didn’t speak to me unless he needed something during our twenties (our relationship was rocky still). He had a new job and so he recommended me to replace him at Loyola as an internal IT guy. I was pretty flattered and surprised. Brian had the better credentials after his internship and SE gig at Apple. Me? I was just some schmoe who didn’t land an $11/hour internship in a call center. I decided to go into hock for the plane ticket because it was worth the gamble. Nothing was happening in Austin anyway. Maybe I’d have an offer upon my return so I could tell Doc to kiss off. (Not one of my finer moments). Meanwhile, I made a string of phone calls to coordinate my couch-surfing arrangements with the Bryants and Silders.
The day I arrived was cold. How quickly I forgot the crumminess of the Midwestern Winters courtesy of the blistering hot Texas Summers. I’m sure I didn’t pack the appropriate clothing, beyond a suit that didn’t fit well and beer in a duffel bag, thanks to TSA you can’t do squat now.
I spent the first half with the Bryants who were currently living in Chicago’s north side, close to my brother near Wrigleyville. Their dog Chewbacca wasn’t keen on me but I had a great time seeing the cats Copper, Brandy and Lestat again. Lester even made a phone call to say hello since he couldn’t make it down from Wisconsin. Due to the weather, we barely left the apartment unless it involved taking the dog out. I felt Chicago was treating Steve and Patty well. They had decent jobs, Steve’s with FASA was more interesting; they lived in the center of the Midwestern Universe and the apartment was a bitchin’ location. How I envied them…in a good way.
The second half was with the Silders at their South side pad I had crashed in many times. It felt good to be “home” after a year too. I missed out on the recent New Year’s Eve/Day party a couple weeks earlier; I believe there was streaking involved, something about Notre Dame winning. Maybe Helen can clarify. Clothes stayed on for my visit thankfully! Much like the Bryants’ stay, I had a great time eating, drinking, watching TV, telling stories and trying to ignore the awful weather.
Too bad the job interview was a total bust for how much money the trip cost. I spent a whole day with Brian, speaking to his co-workers about what they did, etc. Today I could do it standing on my head. Then? I was easily out of my league. Loyola didn’t want potential, they wanted someone who had years of experience…at entry-level pay. It may have explained why Brian was leaving.
I didn’t regret it though. Seeing all those friends outweighed the disappointment that sank in a week or two after my return to Austin. Brian probably broke the news to me. It did turn out for the best…within a few months surprisingly (again, for the near future). The depression over it lifted by February on an afternoon like today when I went out to my apartment’s front porch, noticed the awesome weather and popped open a Shiner Bock, remembering how this was impossible to do in Chicago.