It’s a pretty hot day here in the mid-west. As I look out my window, all I see is the penetrating sun and the quiet streets as there is not much motion in the summer heat.
I am here still in the mid-west in small town USA. I am grateful for my extended stay with family and earnestly, I am here longer than I expected. This time is undoubtedly a crossroads for me and I am thankful to be able to explore options and choices for my “what’s next.” I have had a few opportunities come my way, but so far nothing that has felt like the right fit for me. So here I am, continuing to pay attention, explore, research, investigate, apply.
In the meantime, I am doing temporary work. At first I felt like a fish out of water back from Thailand working in the mid-western office scene. I practically had to wear a parka in the iced air conditioned offices after my months of Thailand’s deep thick heat. Even the little things caught my attention, like I didn’t know how the use the new fancy coffee machines. Copier technology is WAY cooler than the last time I worked in an office. And filing is now done… electronically. Who knew?
While it has taken some time to get my “American office legs” back, I am grateful for the good things it has brought my way. Of course I appreciate the income, but it has also helped me to regain my confidence back in the American workplace. My first temporary job, intended initially as just a three-day work agreement, extended to nearly six weeks. I was thrown into the hot-seat of a busy title company, something totally foreign to me. I had to keep my eyes on all of the balls coming from all directions and with equal parts hard work and answered questions, I made my way to the other side… now knowing quite a bit about the title business and feeling successful and acknowledged for my efforts.
A new big change for me… I now have wheels! Returning to the US, I was… hesitant to get a car for many reasons. Part of what has kept me flexible and traveling these past years has included keeping things ultra simple and also keeping my personal expenses as low as possible. Abroad there was almost always a way to get around via public transportation. Whether it was riding in the back of a red truck in Thailand, traveling the U-Bahn in Vienna, or catching the regular bus to Seoul, there was always a way. Here in the US it is of course a different story. Public transportation in most cities is just not a priority. Where I am currently staying, it is literally non-existant. And so a few weeks ago… I did it! I got a car. In many ways I am so relieved. What a blessing it is to be mobile again as I continue to explore and make my way.
How are things wherever in the world you are? It is always great to hear from you! Good-bye for now from quiet summer days and life back in the USA.
Gypsy Woman 