I was just in Michigan

I went to Michigan this weekend, and I saw all my family on my Mom's side. My parents were even there. It was so special--that hasn't happened in three years. For a few hours, all 29 of us stood in the same room and held hands to pray before the Sunday meal. Grandma cried, overwhelmed with the blessing, and I teared up, and I bet one or two of my aunts felt a little emotional too. It was such a fulfilling meal. There was meat and cheese and vegetables and soup and bread and chips and nuts and candy and cake, and there was great conversation, connection, hilarity, joy, and complete harmony.

In addition to the beauty and blessing of family, I was immersed in the gorgeousness of fall. Again. I know that I've already gone over fall, how I'm actually loving it this year, but Michigan made me feel like I'm practically missing it here in Chicago. There are so many leaves and colors! I couldn't get enough. It was freezing; it even snowed for about 20 minutes, but I wanted to walk in it and photograph it and jump in it. Perfect. This fall is turning out perfectly.

Season settling

Fall started a few weeks ago, I know, I was there. There were a couple of days, though, that were confusing; slightly, slightly breathing these (empty) promises of more sun, more warmish afternoons to wrap up the spent summer. It is officially over now, and it's certain the chilly breezes are staying.

Most of the time, fall just feels like I'm bracing myself for the forever that is winter. This year, I've really started to appreciate it, seeing more positives where I didn't think to look for them before.

Negative; Positive instead!
Cold wind; Crisp air
Wearing sleeves; Cute Coats
Football; Football naps and snacks
Walking in the freezing; Being serious about Chicago
End of beach weather; Varying my activities
Music seems more depressing; Books become more intriguing
End of fruit seasons; Cooking feels like a good idea ( as does tea, coffee, hot
chocolate, oatmeal, soup)

I think much of this change in perspective (which is truly significant for me) comes from dating a Michigan man. Not sure how, or why--some mix of good memories and happy horizons, old times and new experiences. This may be one of the first years I've realized that settling in (for the winter) will be good and not intolerable.

Self discovery hour has been very fulfilling! Time for a football nap.

The New Job

So, I started my job! It is waking very early, putting on high shoes, walking, riding, waaaaalking, and ascending. From there I'm not really sure yet. Then walking, then riding, then walking. It feels really good to get home and sit on a couch after all the motion.

I get so hungry without a candy bowl at arm's length. Guess I have to bring lunch now, or something.

Bed at nine thirty? Sounds delicious.

I have a job, this is news!

I have accepted a position as an Associate Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual downtown. It's basically an assistant to two financial services reps helping them manage their clients and work load, and I'm very excited! I will now take the train from my house, walk through downtown in high heels, and ascend to the 46th floor of a fancy fancy tower (I swear you can't feel the elevator move AT ALL), and walk out onto a marble floor below a giant window with an incredible view. Whaaaaat?

So I'll tell you how it goes!

Blogspot suggested I label this post "Scooters." What?

I wonder if everyone else has decided to kiss summer goodbye yet. I have, except for Labor Day weekend, when I will gladly get in the car after work at five on Friday and join the thousands of Chicagoans traversing to Michigan for the real beaches and one last hurrah of grilled meats and margaritas on the rocks.
After that begins the cringing anticipation we all call autumn...Sigh. Cringe.

New things:
Yellow bedroom
Job interview
Sister-Roommate
Actual Chicago address

Though I recently heard my address in Chicago described as "Mexico" (not referring to demographics, just southern locale), I am very proud of that one. I feel like a real person now, sort of. When I start commuting in on the Metra I'll tell you how Fully Real Person feels. Just wish the boyfriend didn't live in "Canada" on the North side (might as well be Michigan when the Cubs play at home).

Might be time for the annual hair chop.

Quickpost

This 100 calorie yogurt tastes exactly like that, and this why fast food and I have become so familiar.

I've been beating myself up lately, thinking, should've gone to nursing school. I'd have a job. Or, should've been an accounting major. I'd have a job. I hit a wall with this yesterday, when I caught myself thinking as I watched a contractor leave our office, I should've been a roofer. I'd have a job.
Pause. Then,
A roofer? Too far. Too far.

Still no job

That's the short of it, in case you'd rather save yourself some time in reading. I have the same job I had, which is entirely serviceable for now and pretty much not what I'm looking for in the future, plus not really able to sustain my future, so we're even.

I do have a house, which is great news. Now I spend all my time thinking about what color walls I should have, what kind of sheets, or whether I will ever wake up by myself in a room by myself. These are fun distractions, but if I don't take care of the colossal distraction hovering above this paragraph, I will 1) constantly owe my sister money and 2) be health insurance-less and 3) never get new sheets.

If I had been a nurse someone would just tell me what to do. I saw an ad for a copywriter in Careerbuilder, and I think I might love to be a copywriter. Maybe. I might not love it, too.
Aren't you supposed to figure out what things you want to do in college? Missed that class.

Jobs blah blah blah jobs. This is all I talk about in real life, too, so you're not missing much if you haven't seen me.

Sidenote/Closer--Summer of Love is going great. I need to take Brian's camera and download all the pictures he didn't put on facebook to reinforce that in my brain. (Note I spelled Brian and brain right on the first try).