Putting my Ducks in a Row

Little by little I am finding my way back to life in Madison.  On Monday and Tuesday I gathered the items I had stored at friends' homes (thanks to Mary Ann & Jennifer) and moved them into my new place on the east side. Most of my belongings are still in my parents' garage in Iowa, but somehow I really have all I need right now.  Thanks to my brother loaning me an inflatable bed, the kitchen items I inherited from my great aunt, and the things Kate left behind for my use I am set to go.  Clearly a garage sale, postings on freecycle.com and/or a trip to St. Vincent's is in my future before the summer comes to a close.  Being in Guatemala has renewed my "consume less" spirit, and I intend to put it to work.    

Speaking of work...before leaving Guatemala I was able to secure a few hours back at Sundance 608 each week, so I knew I wouldn't be completely without an income.  However, I also tried to line up a few more possibilities for meaningful employment upon my return.  Even though I am returning to the life of a student, I decided I could be a little bit choosy about what I did for a living.  Equating...my nanny days are over.  Instead I joined the team at International Student Services at UW-Madison this morning as the Student Programs Assistant, a very part-time job continuing into the academic year.  I cannot express how wonderful it is to be back in the world of ISS!  Without a doubt lots has changed since 9/11 and the Bush Administrations' ideas of progress, but for the most part the language remains familiar to me and the tasks at hand reflect timeless needs of international students.  

Today I began to do some bus routes research.  While I intend to walk to and from work as much as possible while the weather is good, I know I will need to acclimate myself to the bus system.  Let me put it out there right now, I do not enjoy depending on the bus.  Yep, I am a snotty commuter who prefers the subway any 'ol day.  But in Madison, the bus is a must and so it shall be.  Thankfully, I won't be paying for it long because students get free bus passes in the city.  Yeah!  That makes the bus so much more appealing.