Fireworks

Dear Kate,

Life sounds exciting and a bit nerve wracking for you! Life is moving for you, slowly at times and at the speed of light the other times. I am very excited for your move. Though you have been in Blacksburg for many years, and it feels like home to you, it is good to spread your wings. Of course, this comes from someone who has lived in the same place for the past 10 years (20 if you count my time in Panama City). In my own defense, I did leave the part of town that was centered around the university to be closer to the heart of Pensacola, the place my own heart loves most about this little big town.

Yet, I often feel in that limbo…do I stay or do I move?

As I was walking around my yard the other day, I noticed the irises, which I planted two years ago, are finally blooming. My garden box is re-growing dormant perennials. The strawberries, which didn’t produce last year, are in abundance this year. After a very hard winter, I had to pull many of my plants out of the ground, dead from the cold. But I replaced them with sprouting trees which survived the winter in my sleeping garden box.

I truly felt at home. I often feel lost on my own mental adventure when I’m putting my hands in the dirt of my yard. The other day, the Capt was sick with a migraine. My hopes of going kayaking were partially dashed. Then I realized, I really didn’t need him to hold my hand to go for a paddle. So I tested my ability and shoved my little green kayak in my car – then did a quick jig because it fit perfectly. I went kayaking…by myself…and it was amazing. Again, I was lost in my own little mental adventure on the bayou.

I guess I have been trying to live the metaphor of making lemonade from the lemons (though I think I’d prefer margaritas from the key limes). I have really focused on my own personal change of attitude. And sadly, it has caused me to open my eyes in recognition of the capt’s sour attitude about everything in life. He complains ALL THE TIME!! I won’t digress on this, I’m not ready to delve into his topic today. What I will say is that I do understand we all have our gripes and needs of venting (and I am glad to offer an ear when frustrations need releasing); however, when the topic is constantly bitch, bitch, bitch, about work, work, work…well, it does get old.

At the same time, I understand your feelings about the frustrations with even finding a job. I know there is a terrible market out there. I also know we are of the same mentality, one which will find us dedicated to the task at hand, accepting anything with an income…at least until the better opportunity comes to focus. Folks like my brother will take the first thing across his plate, settle for the income, then complain about how much he hates his job. Reflecting on an earlier conversation with him, I asked why he wasn’t looking for something different. With the flow of excuses that poured from his mouth, I knew he was not out searching…he is of the type that wants the good life to fall in his lap. I think the capt is like this also…the good life has got to nip you in the bud before you realize it was there the whole time.

I’m sorry you are struggling to find a job. But I believe you to have a source of optimism tucked away. I may be completely off, but I don’t think I am. I think J. has helped you open your little treasure cache of good will. I saw it in your last letter. I saw it when we were all last together in North Carolina. And I look forward to seeing it this summer. As for my little relationship…I care very much for the capt, and hope my enthusiasm for life and it’s small daily adventures will soothe his corrupted little heart! (sarcasm…)

So, as for me…I have taken the bull by the horns, so to speak. I want travel back in my life, and will seek any opportunity with or without the capt. We are both truly fine with this, I would hope for him to jump on adventure regardless of my availability. I pray that at times our comings and goings will coincide, and when they don’t, as I said earlier, I don’t need him to hold my hand (though it is a nice additive).

I’m going on a road trip. My two main areas of visit include the newly weds and my parents. My window of opportunity is the 28^th of June through the 7^th ish of July. I would love to help you and J in your move, and I would love to spend an old fashioned Fourth of July either is some small West Virginia town, or along the banks of the Mississippi River. I don’t know why I love fireworks, I hate the noise of them…but I love good ol’ Fourth of July festivities.

So I leave it with this: I am flexible with my car. I can visit mom and dad first, then come your way for the Fouth, or vise versa. Let me know when I would be of most help and of least burden to you.

Paix, ma Cousine!

Leigh

update

Dear Leigh,

I was going to text you to let you know that I had posted over the weekend, but then we got some news that made at least part of my previous post obsolete. A testament to how uncertain the details of my next year were a few days ago.

As I mentioned in my previous note, J was accepted to WVU but hadn't heard about funding. Well, he's heard now, and we're headed to Morgantown in a couple of months. The next big adventure. I'm excited but, at the same time, worried that I won't find my place there. I'm so used to Blacksburg now! Adjusting to a new town can't be that hard... and my family will, at least, be a bit closer (some of them). My parents will be a mere 3 hours away, my grandmother 2, and my friend Laura 8 (instead of the 10 1/2 she is now).

Now I need a job, and a good one, because now I will need to be the breadwinner while J is the struggling graduate student. I've applied to over 15 jobs already, but I know it usually takes at least twice that number of applications before you get a nibble. Not sure the jobs are even out there, but I will make myself annoying to the places that ARE hiring.

Anyway, that's the update. Still read my previous letter, since it responds to yours.

Love,

Kate

Adventure

Dear Leigh,

I'm sorry your adventures have been foiled. If that camping trip doesn't take shape, you should take matters into your own hands and just DO something. Maybe the Captain will come along if he knows you're going no matter what.

Personally, I'm adventured out. Our wedding was just about perfect. I wish your family could have made it, but I'm happier knowing that your Dad didn't put himself through extra stress by traveling so far and that you were together as a family when you needed to be.

Back to the wedding, though... It reawakened whatever piety I possess and confirmed my belief that if you act as though something will go right, it will go right (and if it doesn't, at least you won't be so stressed along the way). There were many opportunities for the day to fall apart (in minor ways), yet it never did. Our B&B was disappointing for how much it cost, but we didn't really care. In fact, we'll probably go back again, just for sentimentality's sake. The water smelled like eggs, the floors were freezing, Jeremiah got champagne all over the kitchen, breakfast was kind of gross, and there was a compost bin under the sink...but it all is dear to me.

Our "honeymoon"...well, if I could take a mulligan, I would. I should've known Jeremiah wouldn't really take to cruising (though he loved dinners) and that going places I'd already been would lead to disappointment. They're not quite so magical when you're older and used to being in charge of how you get where you want to go. We had fun, nonetheless, and Jeremiah still wants to travel (thank goodness)...just to less tourist-centered places, perhaps. He mentioned an alaskan cruise...

So that brings me to the adventures of everyday life, which are many. We currently do not know for sure where we'll be next year (we might find out tomorrow), do not know whether I'll be able to find employment this summer, whether we'll be able to go to the beach... Jeremiah got into WVU's MFA program, but they haven't guaranteed him funding. They also haven't denied it. He's supposed to find out tomorrow where he is on the list of those being considered for funding...

I've applied for nearly 15 jobs already, and have investigated several more. My goal is 4 per week. I can get on the sub list for Floyd county schools but have yet to find opportunities in West Virginia... Our lease runs out July 1st, and I don't know if we'll be moving the week before or sooner or what. If we move, we'll need a new place to live, but I can't line that up when I don't know which town to look in... If we're moving to Morgantown I might just collect unemployment until I find a job there rather than begging someone to hire me for two months around here. I'll be able to pack up our stuff, at least.

Annnnd I defend on May 5th, graduate May 8th...

I'm ready for it all to be settled, and I'm frustrated that the schools I've applied to teach at haven't called me back. People HERE think I'm special...my capstone project has been nominated for a Chermside Award and I've been asked to read at graduation...but to other places I'm just another boring resume. I've called to follow-up on applications and the people who answer act as though I'm doing something completely inappropriate by calling with questions...

Every now and then I think "man, wouldn't it be nice if I could just move back home while I look for a job somewhere...eat my parents' food, live rent-free..." But I know I wouldn't be happy with that. Also, I've taken the adult step of marrying Jeremiah, so wherever I go he goes, and I would not take him to live with my parents. We should be able to make it on our own.

My philosophy right now is the same one I had approaching our wedding: believe it'll all work out. It keeps me from losing my mind. Can't wait until this particular bit of adventure is over, though...

On a completely different note: tomorrow is April 16th, and I have no idea what to do with myself. It's kind of disturbing how little I feel, considering how much I felt then. To go to campus or to not go to campus? To recognize the day or to sit inside and play videogames all afternoon? I've found a balance, I think...I'm heading to campus in the morning and leaving as soon as the insensitive younger folks make me angry enough. Then I'm having lunch with a friend of mine, who is the last remaining person here (apart from Andrew) who was actually with me on that day. Weirdly, I didn't know Jeremiah at all, yet... That's what I've been thinking of most, tonight: how much the landscape of my life has changed since then. That and how much I wish the underclassmen would disappear tomorrow so that we who were here can wander our campus in peace.

Anyway, I'll close for now. I could go on and on.

Love,

Kate

Time

Dear Kate,

It’s been a while. And of course, it is on my side. I am terrible at keeping up our posts. Even my own postings have been neglected for over a year. I was visiting my old site the other day, reminiscing and balking at the elapsed time. Not only between my own personal writing, but also the time between our correspondence.

Much has happened in that time; for you most mentionable. A thousand Congratulations for you and J. I am anxious to hear how you are enjoying life as the lady of the apartment, and how J has adapted to your routines. I want to hear a tale or two of wedding day moments and cruise memories. I find myself jealous at times for the thought of your great adventure.

I am in need of an adventure just now. Since our last posting, I have missed THREE chances at vacation. Once, over Christmas, Capt and I were supposed to go to Jackson, MS to visit with his family. Christmas’s in Jackson are so simple and fun. His dad plays the guitar while his mom orchestrates silly games for gifts of candy bars and $5 bills. The two nephews are there, two fun and wonderful boys. The youngest and I tend to get into mischief …teasing the Capt. or playing cards or plotting silly pranks. Fun times.

Then of course, when mom and dad were down for the month of January, I felt as if the whole month just melted away. There was not much time for going out and playing or bike riding because of dad’s strength. Plus, his trip to the hospital kept us from coming to your wedding. I am thankful for your grace in the matter. I had though of just going on my own, but luckily I didn’t, as dad would have been admitted while I was away. Funny how things work out sometimes.

Finally, I was supposed to see Eric Clapton in New Orleans. My birthday tradition, and only real wish, is to spend a day in the Big Easy. It’s just such an amazing place of art, music, culture, and FOOD!!! Plus, you throw in a couple of tickets to one of the greatest guitarists (in my humble opinion) and WOW! What a trip. Yet, the Thursday before departure, I found myself with the worst kind of stomach bug that did not ease until Sunday.

I feel so cheated.

I don’t look for much in adventure. A simple day trip here or there, or an overnight in a different setting is all I ask to tide me over until a mega, week long excursion gets placed in the books. An escape from reality is a wonderful thing. I have been looking to the Capt for that adventure, but for some reason, we are lacking in our communication skills. I feel him placing too much a priority on his work to make a simple get away. I would have thought we had occasional free days from work. Yet, currently, we are just at odds. We both need a trip. I know I told you I’d be planning a trip up to Virginia. I have plotted several trips that direction, complete with a side stay in Savannah to visit Capt’s friends. But again, we are just at odds. One minute he is on board with travel, the next finds him unwilling to take the time away from his job.

He has suggested a camping trip for the end of this month. He claims to be in need of a vacation. I have been in need of an adventure for much longer. So, I plan to sit tight and wait. If he does not follow through with this trip, or for another reason I get cheated (gosh, sounds like the world revolves around me!)… anyway, if this trip fall through the giant cracks in life, I will be taking this journeying life by the horns and road trip away by my self.

So perhaps you should expect to see me in July!

Paix ma cousine,

Leigh

I lack useful advice

Dear Leigh,

Sorry I didn't respond sooner. Lost my mind for a little while at the end of the semester, but most of it's returned to me now.

I remember you telling me about your dream of owning your own cafe a few years ago when I visited you on the great road-trip of 07. I'd never dream of driving so far on my own now, though I'm glad I made the trip then. Somehow I've become more cautious in the past two years. I think it has something to do with J. It's as though, before I met him, I flailed around asking to be hurt then pitied myself when I was. So selfish. So stupid.

Anyway, what I admired about you then and still admire about you today is your independence. I thought I was being independent by driving hundreds of miles on my own and going out drinking every weekend with my friends and eschewing healthy relationships in favor of non-relationships and applying to a prestigious school I couldn't afford in Boston, but my parents still gave me money every month and I rarely did anything outside of what my friends suggested we do. Jeremiah still has a hard time getting me to say what I want, actually. You, however, had established your own life and had very specific aspirations...

I have a point somewhere. I think it's that you seem to have a real sense of yourself, whereas I've only recently acquired mine (and I'm still fine-tuning it...probably will be until I die). It would be a shame for somebody like you to continue feeling that they're not living life but giving in to it. Then again, it's very easy to say "if you like cooking, then cook!" but very hard to actually do something like that. It's daunting, once you're in a particular path, to even consider leaving it completely. The logistics are nightmarish... Still, I hope that you find a way to do what you love for a living. Maybe research culinary schools in the area and see what kind of classes and funding are available? Or maybe a move would do the trick.

I don't really know. Jeremiah's worried about the same kind of thing. He fears that he won't get into an MFA program and will be stuck in food service. I've pointed out that he's perfectly qualified for freelancing and that freelancing can lead to full time jobs, but it comes back to that rut and the difficulty of breaking out of it. I'm optimistic that both of you can find a bit of adventure, but I don't envy you the task.

Luckily, both you and Jeremiah have supportive significant others to encourage you.

I think I’ve Become Obsessed with Food

Not eating, but creating.

Dear Kate,

I find it hard to get anything done when ambition levels are at an all time low. I laugh at myself and my bursts of inspiring words offered to you when in reality you were not lacking in self esteem. Life truly seems to be going quite well in Virginia, and I am both happy and excited for you! However, I may need to go back and reread some of my own moral boosts for personal reasons.

How about a story to get this letter going:

In the early 70's, my mom traveled from Maine to New Orleans to California and back to Maine (yes, I gave NOLA its own state identification) carrying nothing more than a backpack and equipped with only her thumb. When she returned to Maine, her travelling days were not complete. Instead, she found a job working in an officer’s club on the local air force base. I believe she worked there with one purpose in mind: to meet herself a nice military officer with adventure on his plate. And it worked. A few years later and a young family in tow, the adventures continued to places like Germany, Saudi Arabia, Virginia, and all the great sights surrounding those locations.

So how did I, an offspring of two great travelers, get stuck. I have been in the same place (Northwest Florida) for the past 20 years. Yes, you read right, we moved to Panama City in 1989. The furthest adventure I made from this place was the family cruse a few years back.

There is point here somewhere: I am just not quite sure if I can make it sharp…

Growing up, I always felt like it was expected of me to marry that nice military man and continue my own travels. I felt like, as my young life progressed through high school, there was no real direction for my future. College was an afterthought. My education goals non-existent. I do not feel I had much support. For many reasons, I feel like I missed out on something great. I do have quite a few wonderful memories in this life thus far, but I do not feel I have been able to live up to the potential of what I have to offer. Put simply, I often feel like I’m succumbing to life rather than LIVING it.

I am really burned out in my job. I never pictured myself as a youth director. There are days I love it. More and more, there are days, like today, I loathe it. Last week was a wonderful week: I was sick. I got to stay home the entire week and not deal with the monotony of planning activities which the kids will resist. I feel the only way I can make them happy is by feeding them or numbing them with a movie. And I hate those feelings. I hate thinking that my kids are so unappreciative of what I have to offer. They come here, to this church, seeking what? I don’t know anymore. It can’t be the program I’m running. They prefer to distract and make a game of who can get the best reaction from rude innuendos, jumping all over the couches like a room full of monkeys (only real monkeys are much better behaved). Well, perhaps I am too harsh. The bottom line is, life is just no fun anymore.

Thus my obsession with food. Sometimes I think my calling may have come too late. I love food. I love reading menus, planning flavors, experimenting with meals. I am not that big on the eating part, but I love the preparing and serving part. I love to learn and experiment. There is a Vegan restaurant in town, and I LOVE the place. I want to live there! Well, not really. But I did find inspiration in this little beatnik café. I went to the bookstore the other day and found myself a new Vegan cookbook so I too could experiment with a different food style with which I can somewhat relate.

A last grumble, then I will complete this letter: Capt has a friend with a restaurant on Tybee Island. I have been begging Capt for a relocation! I love Pensacola, but this town has grown quite small. A few weeks ago we went to Gallery Night, basically a downtown street party. And if I did not run into a major handful of people from work! Most may not think it so bad, but I HATE running into people from work. I feel like a hypocrite when I am trying to live a life according to me…not one defined by expectations imposed by my employment!

I know what I want to do with my life. Food is my adventure. I want to travel the human palate with my own café. I want to create comfort foods for others to eat. I want to experiment with new flavors, creating a table of savory, sweet, tart, tangy, spicy, all satisfying to the taste buds. But how does one jump out of this rut, this binding of debt and house payments to make the necessary move away from the familiar to the possibly more satisfying unfamiliar?

Paix, ma cousine.

Leigh

PS. Ideas for a J gift are requested from my brother… if you please.

the lining is quite silver.

My dear cousin:

I find myself reassuring family members of my happiness multiple times today. My next facebook status will go through several stages of review before being published...

Every now and then--and particularly in very busy weeks--the world seems much bigger than usual and I give in to despair for a few moments, convincing myself that it's entirely TOO big and crowded for me (and J) to wiggle in. Last night (two nights ago, now), during one of these moments, I posted my facebook status, and the rest is history. It's all symptomatic of a bit of leftover child in me, a child who says "I don't WANNA!" when made to take out the garbage or clean their room. My adult side recognizes that struggle and uncertainty are just a part of life, particularly young-20s life, but that kid would like it all to just come easily.

Most of the time, however, I feel up to the struggle and vivified by the uncertainty. Questions like "where are we going to be next year?" and "what kind of job will I have?" excite me. Life in general is good; I enjoy my students immensely, even when they're exasperating, and I'm excited about my capstone project (when I have the time to work on it). J and I are getting married in January, my parents offered to send us on a honeymoon as a wedding gift (even though they're paying for the wedding...this feels excessive to me, but I won't complain), and now that he's off salary-schedule I even get to see him some of the time.

All of this made me decide to keep on going...to continue doing what I enjoy and seem to be good at, because when I'm enjoying my work, I don't care so much that I get paid so little. So, with encouragement from J, I decided to apply to PhD programs at the schools he's applying to for his MFA. I could try to do the safe thing and find a job, but chances are I won't find one even remotely related to what I've been studying or one that pays much more than a graduate student stipend anyway...

I guess the child in me came out after this decision (which I made Monday), because I'm choosing to do what I like and am good at, and this means that I'm choosing to struggle. It's intimidating...and I admit I got a little angry that what I like and am good at isn't valued enough in the US today for me to even be guaranteed a good job on the other side of a PhD. I want everything! A cushy job that I like that gives me the flexibility to have a family, a spot for J at a school he feels comfortable at...

Two weeks ago (I swear this is related), I went to a conference at UNC Greensboro to present a paper I wrote last Fall. Four of my classmates went along; two of these were on the same panel as me. The conference ended up being a bust. There were maybe 30 people there, none with papers that interested me, and because our panel was at the end of the day, nobody came. That's right, NOBODY showed up. Not even the two classmates who presented at separate panels. So, my panel-mates and I read our papers to each other (something we could have done back home at VT), and drove three hours through pouring rain back to Blacksburg. The whole experience discouraged me at the time, but there is one thing that one professor said during a plenary session that WAS worth driving three hours to hear. This young professor advised us all to do what we like. Generally, she said, if you write about what you're interested in and do what you're good at rather than what makes you money at the time, you'll end up in a place meant for you. Your unique experiences won't let you end up anywhere else OTHER than that place.

I've learned over the years to trust the advice of people who've lived longer than I have, and, as I'm taking this woman's advice, I certainly hope she's right.

Anyhoo...I guess what I was getting at with all of that is: I'm quite happy. My lining is very silver...gold, even. The doubts just sometimes creep in, as is their wont, and I have trouble ignoring them every time...especially in the wee hours of the morning when I'm alone in the apartment and J is at work.

Love,
Kate