More temping

I am getting used to the city skyline. Yesterday I discovered that at 8:45 a.m., the 11th floor lunch room is empty. The 11th floor is high enough to allow a view of the sky over nearby buildings. Morning sunshine streams in. Across the street workmen sit on the roof of a building, holding their morning consultation. And, unlike any other place I’ve found in this city, this room is quiet and solitary. I adopt it until 9 a.m.

I am also getting used to the metro. I’ve learned that it’s no use trying for a seat; I’ll be sitting down all day anyway. In the mornings I lean against a convenient corner and try to memorize Colossians. In the evenings I find a corner and read Gerard Manley Hopkins.

And I am even getting used to scientific journal articles. Of course I don’t intend to make a career of them, but one has to admire people with the drive to investigate everything from subatomic particles to killer influenza. On a comical note, you know you’re a lit major when you’re reading a technical report of medical experiments on mice and the first thought that rushes to your mind is Robert Burns. “Wee, sleeket, cowrin, tim’rous beastie…”

The job hunt continues. I have received and declined two job offers. “That’s a good problem,” my friend told me last night. It was a good reminder. At times the search seems interminable, and I would give almost anything for steady (and interesting!) work. So I try to remind myself that I did want an adventure.

And for those who have asked, the fridge is crispering and prospering nicely. Our milk isn’t going sour any more, which is lovely.

To those of you who are getting back to PHC, welcome back! Now my hauntings can begin…