#88 - boise part 1 - the car.

Can't say I thought this plan through entirely. After talking with my family in Boise and finding out what job connections I had through them, I set out for downtown Boise. I knew this: my tasks were to find a job and find an apartment, and I had legs and the whole day. Before I left, I did a quick search of apartments online and took pictures of their addresses on my phone. Obviously, I was well researched and prepared...right. So, I parked my car in a 'pay to park' lot right downtown. I began walking around, enjoying all the small shops and restaurants and of course, found the one record store with in a few minutes. I perused their collection (which was extremely impressive) and bought a little something. I talked to the employees there for a while, telling them of my quest and asked for any Boise wisdom they could impart.

Focus, Vanessa, Focus. Job. Apartment. Okay, so then I head out to search for possible employment places. I ran into a YMCA and, after chatting with their staff, found out that there was an opening for a Wellness Program Director. Done. So with application and brochure in hand, I walked a few more blocks down and found a nice park with safe looking apartments. It was locked up pretty tight, so I took down the phone number and called home to report. A nice looking man was sitting on the bench next to me so we started talking. He had been living in Boise for about 10 years and was helping me navigate the ropes. We got lunch while he opened my eyes to the 'perfect for me' apartments on Craigslist via his blackberry. He set up a few touring appointments for me and offered to look with me. We exchanged numbers but I told him I'd look around here more first and then give him a call. Time to head back to my car. Car... car... dang it! Where did I park again?? I remembered what I had passed and the general roads, but I had been walking all around for about 3 hours by now that I had forgotten where exactly it was. After searching all around for another hour I started to worry... a bit. A lot a bit. I called information and asked them for their advice. Soon after I was transferred to the police and had to explain my situation to Officer Joel.

It's a little embarrassing when you have to respond to, "911 dispatch; what's your emergency?" with, "oh hey... so I've been looking for my car for a while now and can't seem to find where I parked. Do you guys help with that sort of thing?.... sorry....."

He was extremely nice and didn't even make fun of me. He drove around for me while I waited patiently on the phone, trying to give him any guidance I could.

"Where are you now, Ma'am? Okay, can you look down the block and see my flashing lights? Your car is in the lot right next to me."

I knew I was close! I profusely expressed my gratitude, knowing he had better things to do than find a silly girl's misplaced car. Buckled and now air-conditioned, I tried to figure out where to go next.

This was it. If you see this lot - watch out! It moves and disappears... sneaky lot.