now is the time

Yup. It's happening. At last, I have gained the courage to step out into the big, scary world all alone. I am equal parts excited and utterly terrified for this new battle.

Three days ago (on 9 August 2014, I am going to mark this date in my memory forever), I decided that I have to set a too-big goal in a too-little times span or I will never accomplish any of my dreams. It only took a few hours to decide what I was going to do – as I have been dreaming of this adventure my entire life. And it took me even less time deciding when to do it, as I realized I have never had a real New Years Resolution. So, at some point between Dec 30 and Jan 1, I am going get on an Amtrak train that will take me to Austin, Texas and never bring me back. And I am going to start a new life there.

So far, I have been hit with two questions. I will address the answer to both.

1. Why Austin, Texas? What is there for you in Austin?
   The two times I have been there have been the only moments in my life where I felt like I fit in. I am weird. The city is weird. It's a perfect match. It also has more opportunity for me than other places that I have considered. I want to go back to school to study either neurology or forensic psychology. I also want to write. There, I can both find a place to study and be in a very media-centric area. The art, music, and television scene in Austin blows my mind. I have considered NYC and LA for similar opportunities, but Austin managed to win out. I feel safer there than in other large cities as people have always been kinder and more respectful toward me. It is also warmer than NYC, and since I will be leaving in winter, I don't want to possibly be stuck outside in the cold. And it is detached from the people I know in California who may either send me back home or allow me to be dependent on them. It is also midway between where I grew up (Pennsylvania) and where I want to end up (California).
2. Are you sure you're doing the right thing? What do your parents think?
   Firstly, my parents don't and aren't going to know about this. I don't need people trying to stop me. I need people who will support me. Secondly, yes. Yes, yes, yes I am absolutely sure this is the right thing to do. I have been in a situation that has left me feeling hopeless for too long. I can't do it anymore. If I continue just drifting by, I will end up killing myself before I reach 25. I know myself well enough to know that I have to take a giant leap to accomplish what I want to accomplish in life. I don't get places unless I completely throw myself out into open water and start swimming toward an island. For the next few months I will be meticulously planning this new start to my life – and in just three days of planning, I realize more and more that this is the right decision. I have mapped out shelters, social service offices, food pantries, churches, etc in the area – and I may even have a part-time job already waiting for me.

So far, since I have only been planning for a few days, I only have the basics worked out. I know where I will go in case of emergency. I know where to find shelters. Where to find food. Where to find trustworthy people. I have asked a friend in Texas if she can find someone who will allow me to use their address so I can be transferred to a new job (and hopefully open a bank account and a P.O. Box). I have read up on Austin's laws in regards to being homeless – panhandling, sleeping, showering, etc. I am developing a support system that includes people from all over – in case I get into any rocky situations. I have found people who will hold onto my most valuable possessions until I have a place to keep them myself. And more.

Things could take two directions upon my arrival in Austin. As I get into the city at 6:22 PM, my first night there I will almost definitely be on the streets all night. After that, it depends on how much support I can gather from other people. - As I said, I may have a part-time job there waiting for me. This will give me income, a place to store my work clothes, and a safe space to 'loiter'. I will immediately begin looking for either a second part-time job or a full-time job. Now, where I will be staying until I get an apartment is still in question. It is possible that I will be living on the streets until I can save enough money and find a cheap apartment with roommates. This is not ideal. I have found though that there is a Bed and Breakfast walking distance from where I may be working that has a $1,000 monthly rate. If I could afford this for one or two months, this would give me a chance to secure another job and find a place to live. I am very much hoping for this option as it will give access to a shower, bathroom, kitchen, washer/dyer, etc, and also provide me with safety that the streets can't give me.

I am reaching out now for help. I am currently working, but I will still need additional money to support myself for the first few months I am in Austin. I am hoping between work and the kindness of other people, I can raise $5,000 before Dec 30. This will cover my train ticket, two months at the bed and breakfast, a bus pass, food, etc. I will be leaving with nothing but a backpack full of essentials (in case I end up on the street, as I don't want anything particularly valuable stolen from me).

If you would like to help, I would be forever grateful.

I have opened a gofundme where donations can be collected for my train ticket, a place for me to stay, food, etc.

I have also created an amazon wishlist with basic items I will need.

And, if you would like to send anything else (ex: gift cards or cheaper versions of items on my wishlist), you can email me at jalyssarussell@gmail.com and I will provide you with an address in which you can send mail. If you know of a cheaper place for me to live (even for just a month or two), please email me at this email address as well.

It would mean so much.

A Few Words About Traveling to ATX and A Brief Review Of The 'Legends' Pilot

Ready for take-off (in about two hours), Captain!

From airtrains being rejuvenated to airport delays, yesterday was one hell of a hectic day! It was pouring when I left the house. I had to cab to a train station a few towns over, take the train to another station, then take a shuttle to the airport where my plane was delayed for about two hours due to the weather. From there, I flew to Austin where I took another shuttle to a few streets away from my hotel. (I gracefully turned down someone asking if I needed help finding where I was going to walk in the wrong direction, of course.) But I'm here in Austin at ATX Festival and I am beyond thrilled! My hands are shaking right now as I type because of how much I love this place.

View from Extended Stay America

I have to point out that I am very fortunate the workers and volunteers at ATX are so kind. After such a long day, I was very tired and frazzled and not thinking straight. Those who were working at the registration desk were patient and made me smile. They listened to my mini rant about the airport delays and got me through registration without so much as even minor confusion. (That's a feat even when I'm wide awake!) I had no questions about where to go or what to do next - which is impressive at a television festival. Imagine a day at Comic Con where everyone is calm and patient and you have a chance to breathe and figure out where you're going and what you're doing next. (A pro to this festival is also the limited amount of tickets that are sold. There are no intense crowds and the festival is very personalized.)

Last night was opening night. I checked into the festival then hit up the airing of the Legends pilot. Make sure to check out Legends when it airs on August 13 on TNT! In the words of my ATX Festival program, “Legends follows deep-cover operative named Martin Odum (Sean Bean), who has an uncanny ability to transform himself into a different person for each job. But his own identity comes into question when a mysterious stranger suggests that Martin isn't who he thinks he is.” 

Legends Premiers August 13 on TNT!

I admit, I'm not that into cop (or in this case FBI) shows. I love murder, grisly deaths, mystery, and everything else that's dark, but I've never gotten into cop shows. (Unless you include Rizzoli & Isles, which, c'mon, you know there are a few other reasons I was dragging into THAT show!) Anyway. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the show within the first fifteen minutes of the pilot episode due to all the FBI focus (that and I was confused as to what was happening due to my own exhaustion), but then they added a psychological twist that hooked me and refused to let go. (Sean Bean being a perfect fit for such a main character also won me over.) I won't go into it too much, because spoilers and all, but if you like psychological thrillers, Legends is worth giving a shot. Not only is it packed with action, but it also includes a character mystery that will make your brain twist itself into knots wondering what is really going on. (If you're planning on watching the premiere when it airs, comment below and let me know so we can fangirl [or, uh, fanboy???] together!) It seems like a show that may drag in a larger male audience than female.

Brad Turner answers fan questions about the pilot episode

After the show, the audience was lucky enough to welcome director Brad Turner to the stage where he answered several questions regarding the show – including one that viewers may have by the end of the pilot (which could turn several away). Despite the main characters 'insanity?', he will not be waking up in an asylum to find out he is just crazy. (It is always good to know right away that the ending will not be a cop out). As of right now, the show is a 10 episode mini-series, but it has the potential to be renewed for multiple seasons to come. From just watching the pilot episode, I have high hopes that potential viewers will give this show the chance it deserves.