I saw my first sunrise over the Atlantic this morning. I crashed in a hotel parking lot that had public beach access, and public parking. I made myself get up for an early morning run, and saw the sun coming up over the ocean.
This is a big deal for me. The ocean is a huge part of my life, I've always lived near it. Except it's always been the Pacific, and sunsets. One of my goals of this trip was the sunrise, and now have a little mental checkmark. It was great. Almost abandoned, too; only a couple local joggers and one obvious tourist in a leather jacket taking pictures.
I've been island hopping down the coast, from Hilton Head to St. Simon's yesterday. I liked St. Simon's so much, I planned on staying there to find a job. I got a paper, circled relevant items, broke out the fancy clothes, and headed to the mainland to find a shower. After that, I found myself heading south, and was reluctant to stop. So I continued my hopping, and ended up on Amelie Island, in sunny Florida. I'm a little sad; I have to return to St. Simon's to see the ghost lights in Christ Church Cemetary, and find the rest of the tree spirits (you'll understand when the pictures come), but I am happy to be here. This looks like a cool place.
Since I was still in my fancy duds, I decided to waste no time, and start the job search. The paper had nothing, and I started to doubt my decision. Especially since everyone I talked to said they wouldn't be hiring until February when things start to pick up. I wandered anyway, and filled out applications at every restaurant that would take one.
I start work on Friday.
The trick is to go in everywhere and ask, whether they are advertising or not. Restaurants and hotels always need help. I found a spot at a bed and breakfast with a southern-style family dining room, and a fine dining area opening up very soon. But I'll probably be working in the bar primarily.
I sounded very nonchalant there, didn't I? That was my aim. Really I am jumping up and down (and in a public library, that stands out). I have been wanting to work in the bar ever since I started waitressing. I think 90% of waitresses really want to be the cool chick that supplies your alcohol. And you should see the bar! Old, dark wood, built in 1857, with a zebra skin on the floor. I'm in love. And apparently it's pretty laid back, not too busy. Which means less tips, but more fun, in my head.
Now I am off to find a campground; with a job, I need a reliable place to wash my hair fairly regularly. Adieu to greasy road hair. (Already? too soon, too soon) I think I will have to take many mini-trips to keep me happy here. Luckily, I have lot's of spots nearby highlighted with strange, weird roadside attractions. The underwater Jesus is nearby, and the Museum of Military Mistakes. Very curious about that one.
Congratulations, Bethany! I'll have a cosmopolitan, please. :)
Posted by: alison | January 14, 2004 at 11:22 PM
Yay! Congrats on your job. I'll take a shot of Jager. Just kidding. :)
P.S. I surfed over from Rachael's site. I
Posted by: Carrie | January 15, 2004 at 05:30 AM
Nice work on the job! And congratulations on your first atlantic sunrise. Get some pictures up!
Posted by: Maryse | January 15, 2004 at 08:47 AM
I can completely relate to your joy in the sunrise over the Atlantic. I live on the coast of Massachusetts, and every day am grateful for the beauty of the ocean.
Congratulations on finding that job!!! I guess it pays to persevere! :)
Posted by: Lisa | January 15, 2004 at 08:50 AM
AWESOME!!!! Looking forward to hearing about that part of the world! And I'll have a gin fizz please ;)
Posted by: Amy | January 15, 2004 at 08:58 AM
My addiction to knitting blogs led me to Rachael's site and then to yours. I love reading about your travels. Congrats on the new job!
Posted by: Susan | January 15, 2004 at 09:09 AM
Hey, if you get down toward west central florida and need a place to stop for a bit I could put you in touch with my sister, or slightly further south (tampa bay area) a handful of friends, who would probably happily let you park in their driveway, and in some cases even offer you a spair room.
Posted by: Stonering | January 15, 2004 at 11:43 AM
Wow, you don't let any grass grow under your feet, do you? Congrats on the job, and have fun sight-seeing!
Posted by: Theresa | January 15, 2004 at 06:15 PM
...do you get to slide the drinks along the bar :^)...
Posted by: billy | January 16, 2004 at 04:41 AM
Way to go, Bethany! Congratulations, and please please please take a blog-photo of Underwater Jesus!
Posted by: Lisa, Mike, Jack, and Della | January 16, 2004 at 07:34 AM
i REALLY want to see the underwater jebus.
Posted by: carol | January 19, 2004 at 06:24 PM