For being unemployed I manage to keep myself rather busy. The most productive time is spent on the farm, helping with the harvest (hard, exhausting, dirty but rewarding work) and bonding with Dakota (fun, interesting, playful and rewarding work). I'm playing lots of tennis with my sister; she and I made a respectable appearance at The Jim O'Brien Classic in the promised land of Sea Girt a few weeks ago. My McAlarney cousins rented a house in Wildwood, NJ last week so this mermaid made a special trip to the shore for a relaxing day on the beach. The water was refreshing, a little seaweed at the shoreline but clear and gentle waves farther out. Maureen, Kathy, Margy, Charita, Timmy and I talked and laughed, read our respective beach books, napped and told stories before returning to the rest of the crew for cocktails on the porch and a delicious dinner. On Thursday Meghan, Steve and I drive to Branford, CT for my first wedding of the year (amazing!) and a weekend filled with old friends and quality boat time on Long Island Sound. Next week there's my first trip to the U.S. Open, a Phillies vs. Padres game, and wedding dress shopping with mom. Yes it's true, I am living the dream.
And yet... it's time. I am ready to start a new job, to be challenged and interested and paid. October 1, 2006, was my last day of work at San Diego Opera and I sincerely hope to be the proud owner of a box of too many new business cards by that time this year. A promising interview with Columbia Business School this month is my best prospect, and it is nothing but my tranquility that keeps me from having more. The sun is setting on my year of abandon and adventure and I plan to enjoy every last minute.
Photo: Sunset in Wildwood, NJ
