I started a new job today. It’s a mentorship program for at-risk youth in the Rochester City School District. I’m still learning what organization does what, which branch represents which function, and who exactly I’m working for (the U of Rochester, I think), but the building, at least, is labeled the Center for Community Health. Specifically, my program is UR BOLD (Building Outstanding Leadership and Distinction).

A startling statistic I heard today is that only 10% of Black males graduate high school in Rochester (9% Latinos). Crazy, eh? If there was ever a job for a skinny, white, redheaded kid from California… I’m not sure this would be it. However, I’m up for the challenge! I couldn’t be more excited.

The past two or three months I’ve been working as a barista in a local grocery store. The job was okay; I had to wear a goofy hat and listen to my coworkers talk about boy problems while making microwaved breakfast sandwiches. Overall, the job weighed empty on my shoulders. I needed something meaningful.

SIDE NOTE: It doesn’t get more meaningful than coffee; however, this grocery chain isn’t what one would call “speciality” or as I like to call, “good.”

So here’s to new beginnings! My wife just started her new job last week, and so far she loves it. I think Rochester has great things in store for us. A bumpy start, for sure. We’ve been missing home (wherever that is) and the weather sucks. But it’s cool. As the kids say, “s’all good.” Do kids still say that? I should probably find out.

Mr. Hungry

In true Kevin fashion, I showed up for my first shift freshly perspired from a last minute bike-ride, wearing jeans and without packing a lunch. Doh! I’m a college student, right? No big deal. Oh, I’m 27. Yeah.

In my defense, they initially asked me to stop by to sign a couple papers. But they showed me to my cubicle (I have a cubicle!?!, interesting…) and told me to stick around. Three hours later I was hit hard by Mr. Hungry.

After an embarrassing explanation of my skinny-man syndrome to my new boss, I raced back home and ate a bag of almonds, goldfish, two bowls of cereal, a pickle, and then some more goldfish. My wife says I’m a fat man trapped in a skinny body, which I agree: “I’m eating for two.”

Any who, next shift I’ll be better prepared, and I’ll be happy to do so. I got a great new job, Spring semester starts tomorrow, and my wife and I have officially began training for a half-marathon.

My New Years ResoWINtions are off to a great start. Now do me a favor and go read my short story from Saturday called, “Training Day.” I’m starting a creative writing class tomorrow, and would like some general feedback on my fiction abilities.

Also, go Seahawks. Denver too! Sorry, Tony, about the Colts.