Autumn Changes

Autumn has always been my favorite season. The chill in the air accompanied by fall colors--I just can't get enough. I haven't written for quite a while since my life has been really stressful lately for lots of reasons.

I moved back to Seattle in early September. To West Seattle bordering Whitecenter. Also known as the ghetto. But hey, if the ghetto has incredible Salvadorean bakeries like the one around the corner from my apartment, then I am happy! I was/am sharing a one bedroom apartment and it did not work out as expected. So I am moving again on Monday! This time to North Renton. Off Exit 2 from 405. I am moving in with Perky (so excited!) and we will be sharing a one bedroom as well. The apartment has wood floors (or something akin to it) and vaulted ceilings! We are both working for non-profits and essentially have the same job within different organizations. Seeing that we have traveled together in Europe twice, I think we will manage living together just fine. =) I calculated the other day that I will have moved 5 times since January this year--and that is not counting time overseas! I love that I have to freedom to do so, and I wouldn't take back anything I have experienced this year, but the transient part is getting a bit old.

I also find myself single again. After thinking I was "off the market" for good, I am unexpectedly single once more. But God is good and life moves forward. It has already been over a month. I am a purger. Immediately following the breakup, gone went the emails, letters, voicemails, etc. I am also a purge crier. I tend to go long stretches without crying and then enough burdens pile up and the tears take over. I have never been through a serious breakup before. It has been good for me to know who I am and how I respond and cope to stressful situations so that I don't compare my processing to a "normal formula."

In the midst of all this, I was starting a new job. I love it! I am the Community Resources Coordinator for the International Rescue Committee branch in Seattle. It is an Americorps VISTA position so I am paid peanuts. Basically I am a volunteer who is paid just enough to survive but is treated like staff. I have been battling welfare to give me food assistance but I think I am about to lose. I hate to admit it but it is true. I hate them. I manage both material resources and people resources. As the donations coordinator, I do my best to provide the refugees with the material goods they need. As the volunteer coordinator, I place volunteers in positions like ESL tutors, Family mentors, etc. And then I support them. Oh, and I am also working with my ex-boyfriend. He has the job because I was loving and supportive. Shoot. We broke up 2 weeks after we started working together. Life is a trip.

I am also currently applying to go back to school. Aiming for a Masters of Public Affairs with either an International Development Certificate or a concurrent degree in International Studies. I will keep you posted.

This was a very wordy post! I will try to be more picture interesting the next time I show up here.