Checking In

I've been off the grid (but really back on the grid as I am home with my folks on the mainland) for a few months. I traveled back to my hometown in October and have been here through the holidays. I think I'll head back to the island late February or early March. After the cabin fever and blues of last winter I felt it was in everyone's best interest I winter in the tropical mid-western USA. It has been great!

Right after coming home I fell into a new product line making baby shoes from leather and luxury fabrics. Also, baby leg warmers from recycled sweaters and ear flap hats from recycled sweaters. My part time job picked up exponentially, allowing me to pay down huge payments towards my student loan. I think I will be 100% debt free in the next few months!!! AMAZING! Thank you Dave Ramsey and my dear friend that referred me to your method!

My folks have been grateful to have me around. My retired father enjoys the company and the project assistance. My mother has been managing a team at work short staffed for too many months and needs the domestic help at home - I cook, clean, help with household projects. When I came home my parents had just finished resurfacing their wood floors so the entire main floor was empty. I spent several days moving furniture and stuff back into the space.

It's been nice seeing friends and having a *gulp* social life. Albeit occasional, I get invited to do things with friends and sometimes even convince them to do things with me. Shocking! I even took a road trip to Orlando with my good friend and we went to Universal Studios for the first time in my life - fun! And I will tell you I was still able to throw $700 at my student loan last month and this month and go on a trip! No credit cards and all bills/food/needs are being paid for/met.

Fighting the Lonelies

In my mind this should be a Berenstain Bears story: 'The Berenstain Bears Fight the Lonelies'. Megs and I have been battling this foe for over a year now...the lonelies...

After my very blue, longer then expected winter suckfest, I spent a lot of time reflecting on solutions to fight the lonelies. I still can't say I have any friends here. I know a few people. I have some acquaintances. But I don't think there is anyone I can call up and invite to do something or call when I am having a rough day.

So...I decided a few things I would do to try to meet people. I took a French class, and plan to sign up again in the fall. I started volunteering to teach English as a Second Language classes a couple times a month. And, very recently I found a group of older folks to play string quartets with.

I still am on the hunt for some friends, but for now at least I have increased my social circle, get out of the house, fill my days a little and am getting exposed to new people and places regularly.

I also am trying to fill my day with gardening, yoga, some cooking when motivated and too much internet browsing. I putz with my creative hobbies now and then too. I just made a neat vest out of two thrifted scarves. I think it's pretty neat but still need to wear it out of the house to see how people react.

Any tips for fighting the lonelies? We'd love to hear them in the comments!