Hodge Podge Update

Biking: I was reading my usual list of blogs today and noticed this particular update that might interest those of you who are concerned with my winter biking. At this point the only thing I am lacking is the wind-resistant outer layer. I also do not intend to bike to work if there is a chance of ice and snow until I am able to practice on side streets AND can be sure that my route has enough room between the parked cars, moving cars and whatever snow bank is going accumulate next to the parked cars so that I will be able to ride safely.

Internet: Today I finally called to have Internet set up at my apartment. I prefer to not bring my computer to work and while I am somewhat indifferent to having it at home, my roommate will need it when she moves in AND it is convenient to be able to pay bills online and so forth, so as a result I am getting Internet.

Cleaning: I have a theory that one of the reasons I don't like cleaning my apartment is because I spend much of my day cleaning up after the little H man. I wash bottles and small plastic bowls throughout the day and I do laundry for the little man at least once a week, twice if he's had to change clothes often. A second theory I have is that throughout the summer it was simply too hot for people to come over so I was less inclined to keep it as clean as I prefer and without a roommate I don't feel the continue the need to be considerate of my roommates space and so forth. So, despite all of these excuses, I still try to keep my house somewhat clean. I feel better when it's clean. But when winter cold came about I unpacked my winter clothes and realized that I did not have anywhere to put them. This has caused huge amounts of frustration as I try to keep my clothing in order. In my dream world I would have a closet designed to serve my organizational needs, however, I live in the real world of awkwardly shaped closets and not enough shelving space. I think as a result of all of this, I will go out and buy another set of shelves for my bedroom. Oh, and thankfully my future roommate enjoys cleaning. So, if I only have to clean the bathroom every other week I'll be less likely to hate the process.

Playdates/Job: So, I have become friends with a girl down the street is a nanny for a year old little girl. I thought this would be grand, having a playmate for the H man and someone for me to talk to. However, she is not nearly as happy with her job as I am and her charge is not a very enjoyable child. In combination with all of that, our charges' napping schedule are completely opposite, making the times we can meet a rare thing. Even so, when I am around them I feel bad that I like my job. Sure I have a few complaints here and there, nothing is ever truly perfect, but when it comes down to the bottom line I have nothing to complain about. So while I may not always enjoy the play dates, at least they help me appreciate how wonderful my job situation truly is.

Pet Peeves: This is sort of continuation of my job paragraph, but in a variation. People often ask me what I plan to do after nannying or why I cannot go for lunch dates during the week. Basically they are asking why I don't have a "real" job. Okay, so I play with a baby all day long and I get to take naps on the clock. That does not make my job any less real. I enjoy what I do, I enjoy going to work, I enjoy the freedom I have to do things such as update my blog while the H man is napping. I also think this is the perfect job to possibly get me through graduate school. I don't enjoy offices. I don't like anything to do with numbers. And I am not sure how working retail is more "real" than working with a live human being each day. But this, right now, is the job for me. I would love to challenge some of these people who are annoyed that I can't to lunch dates to trade with me for a week, or even a day. I don't think they could do it. Those of you with children understand how hard it can be to stay at home every day. Also, this is not a rant at anyone in particular but more of an over all frustration of how society views my profession.

Social happenings: I have had many wonderful chances in the past month to attend art showings around Chicago. The art scene here is very lively and interesting. I am very excited to dive more deeply into it to see where it leads. I also was able to attend the Chicago Civic Symphony last Sunday evening. It was a very enjoyable experience although I do not consider myself a huge concert person, I was able to appreciate the experience.

I believe I am verbally spent for the time being.

ps. Last but not least. Thank you all for you cards on my birthday and for being so encouraging and uplifting.