Well I’ve been back in Hayward for two weeks now. It’s been nice, I must say.

I’ve been playing golf with my dad and helping out around the house. We’ve been staining the new front deck with some kind of water repellent/sealant/preservative. We don’t say much, as my father is a man of few words, and yet it’s nice to to just be around him.

My mom is still the greatest mom. She’s a great cook and a good friend. We stay up late and watch Stargate SG-1 and drink decaf coffee and talk about everything.

Dave and I have been playing a lot of golf lately. We’re playing again today, which will make our 2nd time this week together, and my 4th time. My game is improving a bit, slowly but surely. It’s nice to be home.

So I’m home, the weather is outstanding (goodbye Chico, can’t say I miss your 100 degree days all summer long). Hayward is typically in the low 80s this time of year. It’s very cool in the morning and evening and warm in the afternoons. I must say, yet again, that the best thing about the Bay Area is the weather.

So then. Family good. Friends good. Weather good. I’m happy, I’m comfortable, I’m good.

Job, not so good.

Still unemployed, with no call backs or interviews. I’ve been looking for computer jobs, specifically, without luck. Most places want certifications, like CCNA and MCSE, and I have neither. It’s also been a good 4 years since I worked in the tech sector, I’m sure that’s hurting my chances too.

So I’m starting to look for different types of jobs. I applied for a state job as an assistant archaeologist for El Dorado county. I applied to numerous golf courses. I applied to a few hotel/resorts in San Diego. At this point I’m getting desperate.

And now I’m to the point where I’m ready to start looking out of state. I don’t really want to leave California, but if I have to, I will.

I played golf with Dave again yesterday. We drove out to Mission Hills, grabbed a cart, and took along a 12 pack of Coors Light. It looked like it was just going to be me and him, which is just how I like it (I don’t particularly like playing with strangers).

As we’re warming up some jackass comes walking out to the tee box and asks if he can play with us. This poor guy doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into.

The stranger in our threesome was your classic wanna-be PGA tour professional type. He was all decked out in his red Ashton polo shirt (top button buttoned, a la Tiger Woods) with a brand new Calloway monogrammed golf bag, Nike golf balls, and Titleist ball cap. I hate these guys. He lined up every putt and in general took his sweet ass time doing everything. He even took his glove off on the green to putt. He was all serious, all business. Borrrrrrrinnnng. Why play golf if you’re not going to have any fun?

Anyway, Dave and I were boozing it up, talking during each other’s swings, spitting Copenhagen on each other’s golf balls, hitting discarded tees in the grass at each other, putting and hitting when ready and not waiting for our “turn”… Blaine (no bullshit, that was his name) was not very happy with our antics. Anyone who knows me, knows that I like to push buttons. This guy was asking for it. So I fucked with him the whole round, being as obnoxious as possible. And Dave played right along with me.

By the end of our round Blaine wasn’t talking to us any longer. Mission accomplished. We walked off the last green without exchanging pleasantries. See ya later, jackass.

I think we got more enjoyment out of purposely being dorks to piss off Mr. PGA Tour than anything. Of course, it’s always fun to hang out with Dave. But yesterday was exceptional.