At least it ended on a good note...

So, the day went from bad, to worse.

It rains in the bedroom... well, one corner of the bedroom. BAD! Very bad.

They seem to have fixed the hot water. Hooray! Hot Showers!! Good, Very good!

They made a mistake, and told me they wanted me back for a second interview, when in actuality, not everyone had seen my resume, and in reality, it was just a cruel cosmic joke. They don't want me for a second interview. Cause I don't have the exact background on paper that they are looking for. Bad. Horrible even, cause for the first time since I started this search, I was optimistic and thought I had it.

I went out and met some great girls. Girls who could become great friends. There were laughs, cheap drinks, a fun bar. And promises to be in touch and hanging out this weekend. Very good.

And a nice walk on a not too cold night in the city. It was calm and peaceful as I strolled back to the subway.

I know I am meant to be here in this city. There is no place else I want to be right now. I just wish the job gods would agree. Or at least align right so these temp jobs I've been offered are at times that I can accept them and not at points where I have to say no due to other circumstances.

The inconvenience of leaks

I woke up to the sounds of a sawsall this morning. Not the most pleasant alarm clock to say the least.

The saw was shortly followed by a dripping sound. And it sounded like it was coming from not that far away. It wasn't. It was coming from the wall of the bedroom here. I slid out the pocket door to find ribbons of water running down it. Um... thats not right. And the dripping was getting stronger. So I send a quick email to the building manager. And start searching for a phone number. But, why would anyone be there to answer the phone? By this point, there is water running down the wall in the bedroom, and starting to separate the paint from the wall. I get ahold of D, who happens to be in the middle of the load in, and at this point, the water is squiring out of the wall, so I'm freaking out a bit. Turns out the guy with the saw upstairs didn't quite know what he was doing, and cut through the hot water pipe. Seriously? Shouldn't you know where the pipes are and how to avoid them when you are using a saw before you start using said saw on a wall?

So, the ceiling looks like this now....

Guess I'll have to get the paint back out...

And perhaps I'll have a shower that give me hot water all the time by the end of the afternoon, as the plumber, that we've been trying to get in here since umm... September, has finally shown up. Alas I did have to turn down work because it. I could have been at a popular TV music channel for the afternoon making some money. I hate having to keep turning down this company, cause I could need them next week if the second interview doesn't work as well as the first.

Its a boring day of home repairs and issues it seems.

And the follow up....

So the interview went. It wasn't at all what I expected. I was much more nervous than I should have been. That was noticed too.

But alas, I didn't feel it there. Not like I did at the interview from last week. I was interested, but I think I'm not quite suited for the position. There would have been lots of computer research and lots of calls - I'm not good at calls. I actually hate calling people that I don't know and that don't expect me to be calling. I'm a jumbled ball of thoughts right now. I am DESPERATE for a job. I need to make money so I can pay D for the sublet at the end of the month, and be able to get into my own place. I need to be able to start paying off American Express and Visa. I need to be able to not use Visa to pay for my groceries. I need to not be sitting at home every day. I was honest when she asked me the question of when would you be able to start. I want to hear about the other job first. I felt energy there. Energy that wasn't there today. I want to be able to commit to the job, and I can't do that if I haven't heard from the other one. Might have been a mistake to do, but I wanted to be honest.

I did hear from the first interview though. They are setting me up on a second interview for the start of next week. Which makes me feel slightly better. But I'm still questioning if I said too much or if I was too honest. Mom's comment was that everything happens for a reason... so, I'm trying to focus on the good news of the first job wanting to see me again. And not on the fact that I might have lost a job before I even had it.

A bit apprehensive

I've got a few minutes before i have to catch the subway to my interview. I'm thinking too much about it though. And am stressing slightly. The info I have about the woman that is interviewing me has me a bit nervous. I've been told she's very intense. And will want info like my GPA - Hello! I graduated 8 years ago! Is it even still relevant? And seeing as I was premed for two years of college, I'm not all that impressed with it myself. Also, I'm a bit nervous about my suit. I was told to wear my most professional suit. Well, due to the stress diet I've been on since May, my most professional suit doesn't fit me any more. I went with the suit that does fit - figure that is the more professional way to go. Its professional, but with a bit more character as it has a herringbone pattern to it. Black, white, moderate blue shirt. I'm just nervous that its not the classic black suit.

I did book my move this morning. Have to sign some paperwork this afternoon and fax it back. But in one week a truck will be loaded and my stuff will be on its way to the east coast! Now to just check in and make sure that my stuff was packed correctly... and that it is all packed, as I can't afford the flight to Las Vegas these days, as much as I'd like to visit the desert.

Updates later... wish me luck!

Tired

Its tiring settling into a new place. I'm usually much more of a night owl than I am tonight.

I have another interview tomorrow. Its with an executive search firm. Strange that the search firm is sending me to a search firm. But, we'll see. I've been warned that the person I'm meeting with interviews people for a living, so she will grill me good. I hope I don't crack under that. And I'm still waiting to hear from last weeks company. I've got my fingers crossed for that one, cause it sounds like such a good fit. I had to turn down a temp job today cause I am waiting to hear on this job. They wanted me for at least two weeks, starting Monday. And while, I'd love to be able to say yes, with the potential of the full time job looming, I didn't want to mess that up by being unavailable. But it also felt kind of wrong turning down the temp position, as I am so desperate to start making money again.

I had to frog my latest project, again! Its a simple pattern. A basket weave of knit five, purl 5, repeat twice. Reverse. Repeat. Reverse. Repeat. Repeat. Reverse. You get the idea. But for some reason, I just can't focus on it, and keep mixing up my rows. Maybe the next time i start it, all will be good.

I stopped by one of the yarn stores this afternoon. It was fun wandering through and seeing the fun stuff they have. I'd love to have ideas for all the great yarns I saw. And money to afford it. I did pick up something for my cocoa swap partner. I hope she likes my choice. I want to find a couple of other knitting related things. So that is the task for the week.

I also am a day away from booking the last step of my move back east. I have the quote from the moving company. Tomorrow, I hope to schedule the truck. Woo! I can't wait to have my stuff back. And I hope this means an apartment for me isn't far behind.

Back in the City again

My first post from NYC. I returned this afternoon. I've spent the day with bleach wipes - cleaning the place and organizing my stuff. And I think I've finally settled in. I'm back in the city. It is so nice to be sitting here alone. Enjoying a quiet night. Thinking of popping in a DVD and curling up on the couch. What better way to spend a Sunday night? Maybe I'll make a cup of hot chocolate and knit a bit too. I got this great mix yesterday from the part time job. Its chocolate shavings that you melt in warm milk. I can't wait to try some. My swap partner will get to try some too! I was able to get quite the hot chocolate focused bunch of goodies yesterday... Now for the yarn portion.

I have a meeting with yet another staffing agency in the morning. And then plan a trip to a few LYSs and the grocery store. I'm looking forward to having some time in the afternoon to wander the city again. Its been too long since I had a lazy day of that. I just wish it was a bit warmer for the wandering.

Thanks to those swap partners and any others who have been stopping by with comments and well wishes. I really appreciate it. And I love knowing that I have readers out there. Keep the comments coming! :)

Trying to think positive

Its been a long two days. Yesterday went really well. I feel like I spent the entire day running though. The first meeting (a staffing agency)went well - after I found the right entrance to the building. They deal with entertainment based jobs, so it could be a good fit for me. They were running a bit late, and I had to run from there to the next agency. Where they were running impossibly late. I waited for almost an hour to meet with the person who had pulled my resume. Who then decided I wasn't quite right for full time work yet, but here, go meet with my colleague who does more temp style work. And here, take these computer tests. I literally ran out of there with 30 minutes to travel the 20 blocks to the real interview. Luckily the subway station was where I thought it was, and I arrived with a few minutes to spare.

The interview (with what sounds like a great company) went really well. I felt a connection with the interviewer, and we talked for almost an hour. She finished with the statement "Well, we have some other people we are going to meet, but I really like you and that's important, I think you'd fit." I left feel so excited. And optimistic. It was very exciting. So, I've got fingers crossed and prayers being said.

We went out to celebrate D's last night in town before tour. There is this great bar on the UWS he found, and they seem to always have great music. It was a low key night, a few beers, a few laughs, good times.

Today was more running around and a bit of stress. I once again took the standard staffing agency computer tests. I can type 73 words per minute. I can make word and excel do anything you want them too. And there is now multiple copies of proof. I picked up some paperwork for D at his office and then we spent a lazy afternoon at his place, until the adventure of finding Newark Airport. But in the midst of the lazy afternoon, I learned the staffing agency that sent me on the interview felt my approach to a thank you note needed to be more professional than I had. Unfortunately, I had mailed the note already. So, I'm obsessing a bit over that. Cause I stress. Its a talent.

I'm a bit torn here, cause I think I want to share more of my personal feelings on the relationships of my life - the last year has been fraught with challenges and growth in terms of the relationships in my life. I think I'm going to try being more open with things, as that is what I created this blog for - a chance to write about how I was feeling and the challenges and adventures I'm having. So more on relationships, especially as I return to NYC and look to start dating again - that might require a bit of the back story from the last year. Prepare to be entertained - as my friends told me I should write a book with all of my stories, as I constantly keep them entertained with my adventures.

I think its time to curl up and sleep though. There is packing and shopping to be done tomorrow. And a drive to recover from tonight.

The Countdown

I went to the beach today. In my family, we go to the beach in the winter. We rarely went to sit in the sand and enjoy the surf, but on cold winter days, we'd often be near the water. Odd, yes, I know. But today, mom and I went to Plymouth.

Home of the Pilgrim. We bought cranberry wine, we ate fried seafood, we drove by the rock, and I tried to break into the knitting store, as it was closed. Was sad really. I'm craving new yarns. And I wanted to try and fine a unique gift for the swap partners.

Tomorrow I head to NYC! I'm so very excited. I have three interviews tomorrow. Two more staffing agencies, and A REAL INTERVIEW! And another staffing agency on Friday. And then its one more trip north up 95 to the parents house to collect my stuff, and I get to be in the City. The days have been filled with longing for the return. I can hardly believe its finally here. I can't wait to rejoin up with my friends - meeting the girls to knit on Wednesday nights, hanging out with A and searching for a place of our own, meeting more new people and just enjoying the city.

I am so looking forward to the next paragraph in life, and hopefully the next chapter. (that starts when I land the job)

Finished projects!

I finally took the time to weave in the last of the ends on my scarf this weekend. I'm really enjoying it, and thrilled with the colors I choose and how perfectly they match my coat.



I also got the majority of my cocoa swap partners blah buster done. It was my first felting project. It took a bit longer than I anticipated after reading the instructions. I think it took four ten minute agitation cycles. And I was trying to make dinner at the same time. And watch my Patriots win the AFC championship - Superbowl here we come! I'm really happy with how he come out... now to just make a couple of accessories to dress him up, and I'll be done! Now to figure out what else I'm going to put into the package.

Hope weekends have been good. Enjoy the day off tomorrow...

Happy Friday

The weekend officially begins in just a few hours. I'm looking forward to a chic flick with my sister in law tomorrow and dinner with her and my brother before my return to NYC next week. I've set up two meetings for next Thursday - yet another staffing agency called me. That makes a total of FIVE. Hopefully I don't need to make it to lucky 7 before a job appears.

I think I have an online stalker. I decided to attempt a profile on a dating website. A friend has been having success there, and I figured, why not give it a shot. At least I may meet some new people. I have one who seems to not get the lack of reply as a signal of my non-interest. I might be more receptive to replying if there were questions or something of substance in his emails. The "you are appealing to me" or "how do I get a date with you?" on line emails just don't catch my interest. Sorry. But, he persists. It entertains me slightly. Hopefully it stays entertaining and doesn't begin to creep me out.

And now for this weeks cocoa topic of discussion...

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

As its my first winter knitting, I don't think so. I've been working on scarfs for presents before Christmas, and still have one more to go. I'm thinking a bag is next, felted, I think. But not sure. And I did see this great pattern for a tank that I'd like to try out... but I need a job before I can afford to splurge on yarn. Perhaps the change into spring will be the season change in my knitting.

The power of suggestion

I've been reading through various blogs by participants in the Hot Cocoa Swap this evening, and the power of suggestion must be there. I'm back with my cup of cocoa.

I've started on two new projects in the last 24 hours. The blah beating gift for my swap partner is on its way. So far, I think its going to come out really cute. I'm not going to post pictures of it til post swap though, as I think my partner is one of the few that has this as her favorite animal, and I'd hate to ruin the surprise. I love to give surprises to people. Or at least surprises in the sense of perfectly selected gifts. I also restarted my mothers scarf after she choose a new pattern. I'm hoping it will be a quick, easy knit as she choose a simple weave pattern - k5, p5, k5, p5 turn, p5, k5, p5, k5, turn... I know this pattern has a technical name, but it escapes me. The goal is to have the swap gift done in the next week or so, as it requires felting. And I doubt the ability of the laundromat to aide me in that.

I have a moving company going to my old house in Vegas in less than a week to give me a written estimate on getting my stuff out here. This excites me. For the verbal quote is completely in the range that I need it to be in. Hopefully the schedule will work out and the written estimate will fall close to the verbal one, and I can be one step closer to be fully moved.

My day was not without its stresses though. I got a call from the one room agency, with offers of a job interview. GREAT, right? But not so much. I feel like the job counselor isn't listening to what I'm looking for in a position. Its a receptionist position, that isn't looking to pay what I'm looking to earn. I'm not ruling it out, cause I do need to have an income, especially where I want to pay some rent to D, but I put him off on the interview til the end of next week, with hopes that something more lucrative might come through for me. And I don't want to come off sounding like a snob, but with my education, and the fact that I grow easily bored unless constantly challenged, I'd like something a bit higher level than phones and greeting clients or signing for packages. I feel like the counselor only looked at me and saw a pretty face and a girl who could string two sentences together. And didn't bother to listen to the qualities I was looking for in a job. With my funds rapidly dwindling, I don't want to jinx myself by being too close-minded, but I also don't want to land somewhere that doesn't work for me either. Part of me feels stuck in this horrid rut - I spin my wheels with the job search and don't seem to get anywhere. And that part of me doesn't want to make a decision that just makes that rut deeper and harder to get out of. I'm ready for my cycle to start a more upward climb and have some real good luck.

There were also personal life stresses that have me worn down... the recovery process from relationships is tough, and despite knowing what I know, and feeling the way I feel, hearing certain things still have a sting to them. Mostly cause I didn't get to think or say them first.

Time to get back to the knitting... this knitting in the round is going to drive me a bit batty, as its only my second attempt at this technique.

Finish one project, start another

I finished my scarf. Well, almost. I still have about half the ends to weave in. But I've been wearing it because it curls around itself a bit, and you can't really tell that it isn't quite done. I'll post a picture or two once I get all the ends woven in... perhaps before the end of the night.

So, its off to the next project. While shopping with mom before Christmas, she was jealous that I was getting a scarf, and my sister-in-law was getting a scarf. She had no clue I had already finished her scarf. But she picked out yarn colors that she liked, so I could make her something. I thought I'd try an entrelac pattern. Something different, and a bit complicated. I cast on, and away I went. The first row of triangles came out great. No problems at all. It took a few tries to get the second row triangle made though. But after starting over and reading some online tutorials, I had success. I made it to the end of the second row of the pattern, and realized that the yarn was WAY too bulky for the pattern. With 32 stitches cast on - a normal amount one would think for a scarf... or at least the last ones I made... it ended up being an almost 2 foot wide scarf. Seems a bit much. So now to find a different pattern, that can tolerate a thick bulky yarn and not be too wide to wrap around your neck.

In job news, the new agency is forwarding my resume along to two clients. One of the jobs would be perfect for me - so cross your fingers the clients like me on paper and want to meet with me in person. The one room agency is trying to come through for me, but their clients seem to be hiring people before they can send me out on the interviews. And the ever disappearing agency had, yes you guessed it, disappeared again. I sent thank you emails, follow up resume emails, follow up what's going on emails, and no replies to any of them. I just have to keep thinking I will be back in NYC in less than two weeks, I will be back in NYC in less than two weeks (thanks d!). The job is coming... right?

Running out of yarn

So I have 24 rows left to go on my scarf to have the stripped pattern match and be symmetrical. I need abut 10 feet of purple yarn to create 8 rows of that 24. I have only 4 feet left. And at 13 dollars for a hank, plus a trip to SoHo to see if they even have the color left in stock... I'm just not about to spend the money or the time on it. I hate that I came up that short though. Just a slight frustration on this night that I need to be calm and centered.

Comfort Food!

This dreary wintery weather, which is bordering on spring like in temperatures, has me craving comfort foods. Last week I threw together a pot of clam chowder... yesterday pasta carbonara (a mock version as I had no peas and substituted chipped spinach instead), and today its been an adventure in butterscotch pudding. I'm about to start on the next adventure and make some gnocchi. I have a hard time with oven baked potatoes though - due to my lack of patience and always wanting them to be cooked before they are. The last time I tried this recipe, I ended up bending my ricer and having to invest in a new one. The new one is sturdier, so with some patience, I should be all set.

I'm headed back to NYC on Sunday for at least a day or two. I've got at least one meeting set up for Monday. Thanks to everyone who is crossing their fingers for my job search success. I'm feeling positive about it these day, and am completely grateful for all the good thoughts that everyone is sending my way.

Time to get the potatoes into the oven. And attempt to finish my scarf... 128 rows left to go! I'm ready to move onto the next project though, so I'm having issues focusing. But I'm not letting myself start the next project until this one is done. The weaving in of the ends is going to be a pain too - I've changed between the two colors so many times!

Hope the day is less dreary for everyone else. The torrential rain and thunder here has kept me housebound thus far today. I'm hoping that a friend will call and we can go check out Sweeny Todd, which I've been longing to see.

Scavenger Hunt Questionnaire

And now for another questionnaire... for another swap...

1) Do you knit, crochet or both? How long have you been doing it?
I knit... and I'm new to the hobby... its been about 6-8 months since I started
2) What is on your needles/hook right now?
A scarf, a sweater (ok, that ones not really on any needles right now, cause the scarf is on the needles that i need for the next step, but its a WIP)
3) What is the most frequently used tool in your knitting bag?
knitting bag? you assume I have one of those.... And I think it would be the scissors right now, as I'm making a stripped scarf
4) What are your 3 favorite yarns (fiber type or brand)? What are your 3 least favorite?
Favorites: I'm loving the Alpaca I'm working with right now... I'm a tactile person, love soft fibers. I'm looking forward to trying bamboo fiber. I have issues with some acrylics though - they make my hands break out in hives. So I guess that would make them my least favorite.
5) What is your favorite color?
burgundies/wines, deep greens and blues
6) If you had a 5 minute shopping spree in your LYS, how would you plan your attack?
grabbing as much as I could carry?
7) What is your favorite FO and why? (post a pic if you have it!)
hmmm... I think it would have to be my pumpkin. Just cause it is the first FO that I ever had. Its got a few mistakes, but it was fun to make with my knitting group...
8) What are your favorite things to knit/crochet?
Too new to this art to have an answer yet. I'm on my third scarf though. And my mother wants another one. I'm thinking stockings for next christmas, a bag to hold everything...
9) Do you collect anything?
cooking tools.... bookmarked websites.... books
10) What are your five favorite things (not necessarily knitting related)?
Books (Barnes and Nobel - I can get lost there for days!), cooking, being outside and exploring new places, going out with friends, the theater
11) Are you on Ravelry? What is your ID?
yes, SarahKnits28 (but I've done NOTHING with my profile)
12) Do you drink tea/coffee/cocoa?
yes, yes and yes
13) Favorite Sweets?
chocolate covered pretzels, gourmet chocolates, butter cookies with raspberry jam
14) Any allergies?
pine, dates
15) Do you have pets? kids?
no and no

Updates... more to come

So, I think yesterday's rounds of interviews went well. The first agency was a bit odd - older jewish men, no website, small cramped office. But I'm trying to not judge a book by its cover, as they do want to send me out on an interview on Monday. The second agency, I had met with before, but with a different group. I met with four or five people, including the head of the group, which was positive. I definitely am hopeful that they are able to pull something together for me to go out on. The jobs they were talking about hiring for were much more in the salary range I am aiming for and if I were to judge the book, the offices are much more professional and polished. Seems to suit me a bit more. But I'm also slightly nervous that they were just saying what I might want to hear during the meeting process. I really do hope they are able to find some interviews...

I also got a call from the agency that I was meeting with last week to resubmit another resume as they might have a long term temping position for me. So, we'll see about that option too. And there is also the possibility of S's company that she keeps suggesting... I don't think it is where I want to go, but I'm keeping my mind open to find out the details first.

Cross your fingers that the interview for Monday becomes reality. And that SPG is able to send me out on some stuff on Monday or Tuesday too.

And there's another new swap - the Scavenger Hunt Swap - I'll post my questionnaire for that one tomorrow.

Interviews!

It was a good afternoon. I got to come down to NYC yesterday afternoon. Its been a great couple of days lounging around with D. I hit the grocery store this afternoon - I am seriously in love with Fairway - and came home to make some chicken parmesan. While I let the sauce simmer, I sent out a couple of resumes. It had been a bit since I had sent any out, having taken a break for the holidays, but today turned out to be a positive day in terms of resumes submitted. I sent off three resumes, and in a matter of an hour, had two interviews scheduled for tomorrow. Here's hoping that these ones yield more positive results than the last round of experiences. Cross your fingers, and I'll have updates tomorrow.

In other good news, I do get to return to the city for the rest of the winter and the start of the spring. So, If nothing else, I will be in the city!

Hot Chocolate! The Questionnaire...

And the answers....

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug?
Definitely in a big mug. With milk (and some bailey's). I tend to make a homemade version of Droste cocoa powder and sugar. And I'm a fan of the ones they make at Starbucks.
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
Either. Although marshmallows tend to be easier to keep on hand.

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?
I like soft yarn - I tend to go more by feel than type. I'm new to knitting, and exploring all sorts of things. At the moment, I like a bit of a thicker gauge - size 8 or 10 needles. But I'm looking to branch out and try new things. And for colors - I'm open to them all.
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?
knit
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?
Definitely willing to try new things. I've only five needle sets.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?
nope. Not much at all.
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?
stitch markers, a bag to keep things in and not scattered all over the house, row counters, a small tape measure (the 25 foot industrial sized one seems a bit of overkill)
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)
I'm too new to this to have one

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?
ski, walk in the falling snow, curl up by a fire
2. What is your favorite animal?
tiger
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?
YES!!! Especially this year - its my first real winter in 4 years, having been in Vegas - the land of sunshine
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?
going out with friends, a good movie, getting out of the house, wandering Barnes and Nobel, cooking/baking
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?
Hopefully having my first spring in NYC with a new job and new apartment
6. What are your favorite treat?
I have a weakness for chips and salsa, chocolate covered pretzels dipped in peanut butter, and high quality designer chocolates.
7. What is your favorite board game?
Not sure I have a favorite these days - my brother is really into games, and constantly bringing new ones by. He's very into what he calls Euros...
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?
none to speak of yet
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about?
I'm allergic to pine. Although, as its post Christmas tree time, I'm not sure that effects anything.

Decorations

So these had to be my favorite decorations of the Christmas Season. I fell in love with them when I wandered into Columbus Circle and was so glad I had my camera in my bag. They fascinated me, especially against the bleak rainy sky of the night I was there.

Thought I'd go with something a bit more serene than my mood was last night.

If the doors are all closed, where is the open window?

It seems every time I get a slight bit of hope that this new adventure of mine might be moving forward, things turn around and say nope, you don't get this yet. I had a couple of hopeful calls, thoughts of real interviews, as opposed to just ones with staffing agencies. But it seems that I have something missing. That I don't have quite the right words on my resume to get my foot in the door. I have no idea what it is that is missing, or where I'm not looking, but I'm moving beyond impatient these days. I was so hopeful that 2008 would start off on a bit more positive of a note. Personally, it is... Its just professionally that its not. And that is leading to all sorts of other problems... the mounting debt, the living situation, the lack of my stuff...

Someone show me where the open window is?

A night of nights

I think I'm having the closest to perfect night I've had in a long time. I had a fabulous dinner with A here in NYC. It had been way too long since we had seen each other and was so nice to catch up. Especially at this totally cute chinese spot we found - where bowls of steaming noodle soups were cheap and delicious. After eating dinner I got the offer to stay an additional night in the city, which means I get to put off the drive up 95 for a few more hours - always a bonus, cause they've yet to develop auto pilot for my car, despite the fact I think it knows every curve of the road by itself. So I found a cup of hot chocolate and some baileys and curled up with my cheesy WB tv show and my knitting. In the city. AHHHH... so nice. I can't wait til this is my every night. Well, the being in the city and having great nights followed by quiet nights in part.

2007....2008

A new year. Doesn't feel any different just yet, but hopefully it will be.

Looking back, 2007 was full of challenges and great moments. Lots of changes and lots of growth.
I moved - across the street and then across the country.
I tried a new job - and it turned out to not be quite the dream I wished it was. I wish I had tried it when I was younger. But wonder what would have happened with my other adventures had I been able to.
I meet lots of great new people.
I realized I want kids and a family, and freaked out a bit cause I'm no where close and almost 30.
I ended relationships, and started new ones.
I learned more about what I want and what I need in a relationship.
I feel in love.
Which ended with a broken heart. And a lot of learning about me.
I healed from my broken heart.
I saw more of the country, from my drivers seat and from the back of a tour bus.

In 2008, I'd like to see more changes in my life - but not too many. There were enough in 2007 to keep me occupied for quite a while.
I'm going to land a job in New York City. And then find an apartment to make a fabulous home - finally back to my own space!
I'm going to continue to regain my independence and figure out what I want in life.
I'm going to take some cooking classes and work towards figuring out how to use my passion for food to make a living.
I'm going to get out of the debt this move across the country has created. And hopefully save enough to visit K who just moved to Guam.

So there it is, looking back, looking forward. Hoping for changes, but not too many. Longing for a place of my own, and knowing its going to happen (just hopefully sooner rather than later).

What are you reflecting back on and looking forward to?