Suburbia.

My good friend Chris prodded me to update my blog again. Here I go.

Mrs. Pickle and I are settling into our suburban jar. I've been busy painting every paintable surface and, or course, try to grow some grass on the mud pit we inherited from the previous owner.

My elementary school did not assign traditional letter-type grades. Instead, we were evaluated using hippie criteria like "Excellent", "Satisfactory," and "Unsatisfactory." I distinctly remember receiving an "Unsatisfactory" in the category "Takes Pride in Work" during my second grade year.

The previous owners of our home did not "Take Pride in Work." Electrical sockets and doorknobs are painted over, sliding doors were riveted in without any forethought that they would need to be replaced someday. Unsatisfactory.

Between replacing all of the flappers in our toilets, I've been looking for a job. Human Resources deparments in the District of Columbia are clearly involved in a consipracy. I've sent hundreds of resumes for jobs which are closed but still active on reputable job search websites. I've gone on interviews but have not received either rejection letters or follow up interviews. I loathe looking for a job, and promise my next employer that I will never, ever, ever leave after I am hired. Ever.

So, in the meantime, I've been working as a contract lawyer. It's really a great way to kill time if you have to pay a mortgage and/or feed a pregnant wife while looking for a permanent gig. The money is decent, even though the work is pretty routine. Most of the other contract attorneys are extremely nice people. Anyone interested in this line of work should watch Haiku Tunnel first.

Mrs. Pickle and I took advantage of the gorgeous weather and took a walk at the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens located (suprisingly) in Anacostia, an area of D.C. not known for its horticulture. Summertime highlights include lotus flowers in full bloom. Highly recommended if you haven't been (see photo below).