Life As I Know It

With school now in full swing, my routine has changed a bit. My employers and I take turns with the morning shift (getting the girls fed, dressed, packed, and walked to school). In which case, two or three mornings out of the week, I'm permitted to sleep in until 10:45! Once I scoop up the little one from pre-school, we have four hours just for the two of us. Sometimes we go to the park until she's ready for lunch and then we head back for the house. After she's had her fill of chicken noodle soup, she embarks on an imaginative adventure in her bedroom while I lie around in my room, occasionally eavesdropping. By three o'clock, it's time to pick up the big sister. We stop for icecream on the way home, settle in for homework, and then watch a little TV or play seriously thought out games of make-believe. (I'm often playing the part of a wicked witch or a michevious classmate.) Before I know it, my "work" day has come to an end. Suddenly, five o'clock rolls around and everyone is home, chatting about our day and sharing the interesting details that made it special. It's a rare occasion when I don't join the clan for dinner, but soon after, I'm typically getting ready for a night out with Morgan (my closest gal-pal in Brooklyn), or hopping in my PJs for movie night (which often includes having a beer or two with the adults).

When the weekend rolls around, there seem to be endless opporunities, despite my social cirlce being so small. I've decided to keep an open mind and try whatever comes my way. For instance, last Friday night, a friend called to say, "Hey! It's Fashion Week. There's a party on the lower east side."

"Does this mean I have to take extra care in what I wear?"

He could hear the apprehension in my voice, "Just be yourself."

"Is this the kind of club where they turn girls away at the door if they don't look the part?"

"Well, yes. But don't worry, you're with me," says the socialite.

"I suppose this is going to be an experience. . ."

Six hours later I'm walking slowly through the pouring rain, searching for an entrance to the F train, and pining for my cozy bed. I'm thinking, 'At least I wore boots.'

. . . It was not much of an experience after all.

Nevertheless, I'm game for just about anything. The weather has been incredible and its imperative that I spend as much time outside as possible.

Sunday rolls around and I fight the urge to lie around. Laundry must get done.

Am I getting any writing done? NO - I'm not. As soon as I submitted my payment and registration form for this damn workshop, I lost all drive to think productively. However, my finances are ship-shape. Go figure, eh? Who moves to New York City and manages to pay off old bills? (I have my over-accomodating employers to thank for this.) I had four maxed-out credit cards when I got here. Two have been paid off since then and a third will be paid off at the end of this month.

(Making Momma proud.)

I'm happy and things are good. I have no complaints. However, I can't held but feel an itchy sensation on the soles of my feet. I'm getting anxious, dreaming about the Pacific Northwest, finding myself jealous of friends in Europe, and wishing I had my camping equipment on-hand. Exactly what would I do with it here in New York? Not sure... But the urge is there.

I'm mad about this family and its clear they want me here for a considerate amount of time, but I'm feeling rushed to see the world. I'm not quite sure what the pressure is all about. I keep reminding myself I'm only twenty-three, but I often feel as if everyone else is passing me up. I want to see it all and I want to see it all RIGHT NOW!

My boss just came in to share a cigarette and a night cap with me on my fire escape. . .

You see, we had company this weekend. Aunt, Uncle, and their two boys. The aunt mentioned an old friend here in NY that she'd like to catch up with and my boss, being the considerate hostess that she is, suggested throwing a dinner party. A couple in their early thirties joined us for pasta tonight and as soon as dinner was over, I quickly did my part with clean-up and excused myself for some alone time. Now with everyone gone, the misses and I catch up on the tidbits I missed out on while hiding out in my room. Apparently, the devil was in my living room tonight. One of our guests announced proudly that she is a news writer for none other than FOX News!

I love that she and I can get giggles together over things like that.

Ugh - SEE? Do you see my delimma? I'm attatched. I love these people! How can I ever leave them after they've been so good to me? Obviously I can't stay forever, but even another nine months seems like an eternity when I could be galavanting around the world.

This post is all over the place. My applogies for the lack of structure, but I feel like that's where my mind is at right now, despite my comfortable routine.

Advice?