Transitions

It's been absolutely wonderful to be home (in general) and back in Madison (more specifically)! While so many people are overwhelmed by the quantity of snow we've already experienced, I love looking around and feeling as if winter is once again winter. Inspires me to get out over the weekend and build a snow family, make some angels, and do some sledding. I don't skate well, but I'd be up for giving it a go, too.

On the less than joyous side, I remain unemployed. It seems I missed the window for securing a holiday job, so I turned to temp agencies (or staffing services as they call themselves) for help. There have been some nibbles, had some interviews set up, but know it will be January before I am working in any capacity. On a positive note, this has enabled me to catch up with friends and reestablish my connections in Madison. Unfortunately, it has pushed off my plans to travel to Guatemala to study and volunteer indefinitely. I cannot afford to go until I earn some money and the longer it takes to get a job, the longer I will have to stay put.

Thankfully, my wonderful friend Jennifer Taylor has granted me squatters rights at her condo in Fitchburg. I've completely taken over one of the rooms and for the most part enjoy me own bathroom. How spoiled could I be!

Lots of people have commented to me about how much they admire my ability to walk away from a secure job to travel and live without much of a plan. Really, I am not all that courageous. I walked away from a job it was time to leave whether or not I was traveling. My parents, took in all my stuff AGAIN and responsibility for my car. Friends have graciously allowed me to live in their homes, first Mary Ann this past summer and now Jennifer, without reaping financial rewards from me. It is because of all the unselfish acts of friends and family that I have been able to do what I have done this year. All I have felt from these individuals is support for the decisions I am making, and I so appreciate their abilities to give of themselves at a time when I need to lean on others. I don't ask for help easily (as many of you point out to me regularly), and I feel very blessed to have been able to do so and know the giving is offered without conditions. Thank you. The only responsibility I feel is to one day pay forward what they have done for me -- something I look forward to doing.