Sometimes life just gets to be routine. I think we all experience such periods, where time passes but nothing seems to be happening. Hell, some people like it that way, but I don’t. I need change. I need substance. I need life! Typically, I have those things—but not always.
Lately I’ve had one of these periods, almost since the time I finished my master’s degree in 2009. Sure, I stay busy, learning all I can about the things that I hope will be helpful in my career or at least in my hobbies. I’ve designed and helped edit two books. I’ve also been applying for jobs off and on, but believe me, there is nothing in that process that feels like life other than the slight hope of landing that perfect job. And that hope isn’t always there. Sometimes it’s just another chore.
Occasionally, though, there are glimmers of life—or at least reminders that life still happens. The Great Eastern Earthquake was one such reminder. (Is it strange that I found it more exhilarating than frightening?) It wasn’t much, but it was enough to remind me that life can still be random and interesting. The surprise of an early spring this year was another glimmer! Suddenly, I had hiking/exploring weather, when I expected cold and rain! 🙂
If that wasn’t enough, two very old friends got in touch within the last year or so. I am not quite the person I was 5 years ago, much less 10 or 20 years ago, so hearing from old friends is sometimes a real jolt. If nothing else, it makes me reflect on where I’ve been, and perhaps where I’m going, since I often fill them in on my plans—sometimes to the point of boring them so much that they stop keeping in touch. 🙂
I also had a phone interview not long ago, with a great company in the publishing industry. It went pretty well. But you never know exactly what someone expects, and they hired someone else. Just having an interview puts a bit of hope back in the career front, though. All I need is one chance, and much bigger things can follow. So even the slightest glimmer makes the job search feel worth it.
More recently, the day before Saint Patrick’s day in fact, I found two four-leaf clovers just in front of my apartment. I could certainly use a little luck o’ the Irish—not that they’ve had much luck, historically, I guess. But I can dream!
So here’s to the little things that keep life interesting. Here’s to the little things that give us hope. But mostly, here’s to the little reminders of bigger things a bit too far down the road to see just yet. I’m still trying to move forward.