[miiiiiike]

This town, especially among people my age, just has a really pretentious vibe, which I really don't like. Plus, the weather blows. When it's nice out, it's gorgeous... but as you know, that's pretty rare. Although the rain keeps my car looking tops, I like sunshine. Don't get me wrong, Eugene definitely has its pluses — I went hiking at Skinner Butte for my first time yesterday, so I was forced to take my blind hatred down a notch or two — but it's just not me. I've met very few people around here who are just like, "Eh, Eugene; it's fine, I guess." Most people seem to either really love or really hate this place.

As far as a job goes, I don't necessarily need to work at one of the hot spots or on the strip or whatever. I'm sure the money would be way better, but I'm single and young enough (no mortgage, kids, etc.) that I could probably support myself working at, like, Applebee's.

Daveyjones, can I get my health card online so that I have it when I get down there? New York doesn't have anything like that and Oregon does, so when I first got here, I was filling out job applications like, "Food handler's card? OLCC? What the hell are they talking about?"

[Doug17]

The TAM (Tech of Alcohol Mgmt), Health & Sherriff's cards are not big deal. You just have to actually show up for the short class and hand over your money. It really is just a money maker for the state. If you are ok with working at more of a chain-type place I doubt you will have trouble landing a job. While folks have made good points about Henderson/Green Valley vs. Summerlin, I think the classes you are taking will be important, too. If you will be going to UNLV, I would recommend staying in the southeast (Green Valley area) because it is so easy to get to UNLV from there. In that case I would look for places on E. Sunset, Warm Springs, Eastern, etc. If you do end up in that area there are plenty of restaurants in The District at Green Valley Ranch. It is kind of an open air mall with lots of restaurants like PF Changs, Cheescake Factory, The Elephant Bar, Al's Garage (bar), Luceille's BBQ. Hope this helps.

[miiiiiike]

Thanks, Doug! The TAM situation sounds a lot like what goes on here. You don't have to go anywhere for the food handler's license; it's just a test online. But the OLCC (license to serve alcohol, basically), you have to go take a really dumb course for three or four hours.

I'm not actually going to be taking classes. I'm going to be doing my final project in Vegas, but I'm in journalism, so that's more an independent writing thing. I have to do the coursework in Oregon and I'll be done with that in seven weeks.

Roommates.com seems really good (way better than sketchy ass Craigslist, at least) but I think I joined too early — everyone on there is looking for someone to move in, like, now. So hopefully I'll have better luck with that in a few weeks when it's closer to the time I'll be going.