Laundry’s Last

Lent Day unknown – 30? Perhaps, but a productive one nonetheless

Today has been one of my more productive days recently. I woke up this morning very groggy – had taken allergy meds last night. I knew I had stuff to do so I forced myself up.

After running around the apartment a bit trying to figure out what I needed to do, I made a list. I love my lists. Today's list included: working out, interview, station 2 to print resume, bank to deposit check, and laundry. Today's deal was that if the interview went well and I worked out, I could go tanning.

Thus far, I have completed all the above but the laundry. It's such a task to travel the mile to my parents' house. Pack the laundry into my car. Put the harness and leash on my cat for the ride. Get there. Visit with whoever may be home. Play with the dog. Take food home. Oh yeah, and do the laundry.

And actually today's laundry is more involved. I am going away this weekend and will ask my parents if I can borrow a car, and if they can watch my cat. I don't see why not but it's just the sake of asking. I'd rather be more self-sufficient, but it is really nice and I am thankful to have the support network they provide.

Guess it's time for laundry – can't procrastinate much more!

Focus Folly

As long as I can remember people always asked what I wanted to be when I grow up. Numerous answers and many years later, I am still unsure. I want to do about 15 different jobs. Right now, however, I don't do any of the above. And now is when it counts the most.

I have been unemployed for almost 6 months now. I had worked at the same place for over 8 years. I have my college degree from a reputable school, and can still be considered a 'recent graduate.'

Many things come to mind when I think of my ideal job – but not a job title. I want a job where I don't have to directly deal with people. I'd like a job in which I can be part of a team and work on the computer. I enjoy working in systems and research. I enjoy children and writing.

Previous employment was mostly in aquatics. I was a lifeguard, a swim instructor, a coordinator and director for the department. I've had supervisory and lead trainer experience. I don't want to work in aquatics – it's boring and I am done with that phase. As my mother says, it was my job to get me through school (and that took me 7 years).

And thus the job search continues with no starting point or compass.

Friend and Foe

Family and friends.

Just a minute ago, someone on television said that he no longer considered having his brother as a brother. It made me think.

I hold my family true and dear, but I have friend with whom I am much, much closer. I tell them more and most of what I wouldn't and couldn't tell my blood family.

On the other hand, I was brought up with my family and with knowing the bonds between. We've (as every family) had the siblings turn their backs, disrupt the home, leave the family. Every time, they've been welcomed back. Sometimes not whole-heartedly, but welcome and invited nonetheless.

Friends are not quite the same. It is so easy to walk away from a friend when they've done wrong, and a challenge to welcome back. Have they changed? Do or Can I do this again?? The questions ramble. Trust is disrupted. Now what??

Perhaps it's the peer pressure of family and the matri- or patriarch who makes it easier. Friends are missed; a hole left unfilled. Yet it is easier to make a new connection, instead of a new relative.

What's the line of difference though? Where do you cut your family, versus your friends? Some friends are family and vice-versa. How does all that work??