Little things, lots of time

I'm not the type of person to enjoy having lots of free time. That's just not me.

In college, I was "that" person. The one involved in everything -- from tennis club to student societies to sororities to optional class projects to part-time jobs. And if there were leadership roles, I usually volunteered my services. When I graduated, I already knew that I was headed down to South America for my next adventure -- hence, no down time.

And now I'm back. With down time. Loooooots of down time. Until I find a job, this seems to be a full-time occupation.

But here's the deal: I have down time!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Loooooooots of down time!!!!!!!!!!

I was a little moody about not having things lined up for the first week or so I was home from Chile. I may have made a few snippy comments here or there.

I was quickly put in my place, however.

Everyone -- and I mean everyone -- was quick to remind just how lucky I was to have a break. Once I enter the working world, there's no looking back. A lot of workers thirty years deep into their careers would give their right arm for a month off.

So I've been taking time to enjoy being free and irresponsible. (By irresponsible, I mean not having a paid job. My 22 years of age belie my non-rebellious ways).

My friends and I decided to go listen to some live music at a local bar last night (Sunday). We were probably 40 years younger on average than the rest of the good 'ol country folk at The Edison. Which drew attention -- typically positive -- except when a 65+ year old volumptious lady with a cane demanded we move out of her line of vision because she couldn't see all those single men she'd been eyeing. We quickly moved to faciliate her prowling.

A little while later, my friend Lani was curious as to how her search was going and asked her so. The lioness whipped out notebook with not one, but three numbers! And had a lunch date for Wednesday. All in a good day's work.

I'm learning to appreciate the little moments like that. If I had a job, I wouldn't be out on a Sunday night. I've gotten to catch up with so many friends I hadn't even been able to catch-up with before I left . I have near daily morning coffee catch-up sessions with my best friends. I go on bike rides and runs around Samish Island's three-mile loop like no one's business. I make jewelry.

I'm going to do this. And be grateful about it. Because I know that when I do get that job, I'll look back on these days and go, "Ohhh the good old days."

Down time isn't so bad after all...
(PHOTO credit: image one - http://sarabarton.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/busy-lady.jpg.)