I'm adjusting to the new kitchen. Was it silly to think I would just dive right in with my old pots and pans and new countertops? I still don't feel totally welcome, nor inspired, in our new place's cookery. I started with sandwiches, progressed to spaghetti, and last night made Trader Joe's frozen chinese mandarin chicken with rice. I know I will get back into my groove soon. Until then, we're taking it easy.
We went grocery shopping last night to the tune of $150. It still amazes me how long we did grocery shopping via MUNI bus - and the convenience of a real car with a trunk, which doesn't limit us to three bags/whatever Plus One can carry. Once you go automobile, I imagine you never go back to public transportation.
On the employment front, I've essentially resigned myself to a non-working life. I know that paid employment will add stress and further compound my health issues which really should be a priority now. Further, in an attempt to build a life here and resist desperate housewife syndrome, I am seeking out volunteer opportunities. Would you believe that I'm nervous? It's as if these past few months have left me with amnesia about my abilities and intelligence. As if I could truly fail as a volunteer at a nonprofit. I've scaled career and professional mountains compared to this. Yet, memory is short.
I can only try to understand what it must be like for a stay-at-home mom to go back into the workforce after 5, 10, 15 years of unpaid-for-her-work-status. I really have no way to grasp the enormity of it.
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Also remember - volunteering is a marketable skill. You can regain your confidence in your abilities to work by volunteering, and you can sometimes make important connections to finding a job. Now, that doesn't help financially, but this could be a good step.
ReplyDeletealso, my stepmom told me that volunteer opportunities often can turn into paid positions, which may be part-time.
ReplyDeletegood luck!
ella