Yesterday I went to the art museum. This morning I read some poetry. I love when I close the book with a sense of flustered awe, almost slamming it down while whispering to myself, “god damn, that’s good!” At the museum, there’s an exhibit, maybe six galleries in all, packed floor to ceiling with the works of over 800 local artists. It is such a wonderful visual assault of color and texture and images. There was so much to take in, at times I felt like I was spinning in sunlight. If I could have, I’d have closed the doors and slammed the entire museum down like a dogeared and well-loved book exclaiming “god damn, that’s good!” It’s a quick-hitting joy (and maybe wonder is the better word). It’s like Pop Rocks in the brain.
This morning I worked on a new poem. I feel like it’s been weeks since I’ve written something creative. It wasn’t very good, but that wasn’t the point.
Yesterday, I had some back and forth with one of the landlord’s who seems willing to work with me. I got an, “I hope everything checks out well and we’re able to get you an answer soon!” Being close to landing a place (or at least I think I’m close) has made me realize how much I’m looking forward to settling in a bit more. Like I’m actually looking forward to tasks I would normally think are bureaucratic bullshit. I can’t wait to spend a day changing over my accounts, going to the DMV to get a new license, unpacking boxes and putting the dishes away.
Last night I woke up and thought… ok, if I get the apartment, the clock really starts ticking. It’s a fixed monthly cost and I need to get some income. Last night I walked past a hardware store with a help wanted sign. The want some one to help with unloading and restocking. I can’t imagine it pays very much, but it’s close by and would mitigate some of the losses.
It’s supposed to rain today – in fact, it may have already started. I’ve planned on staying in – no run, no long walks. Maybe a trip to the market to get more peanut butter and a trip down to the lobby to check back in for a few more days.
I need to buy some things – mostly, some new clothes. While I am not a clothes or wardrobe type of person, I have gotten bored with wearing the same things all the time. I still working with and wearing whatever fit in my duffel bag. But more than that, I’m learning how much more advantageous it is to layer out here. It might feel cool and hoodie like in the morning, but climbing one of the hills mid day has me sweating and in a t-shirt, and then putting the hoodie back on when I’m in the shade. I suppose I need more clothing that I can shed. I also think my body needs to adjust. I see a lot of people walking around in jackets and flannels (some of them climbing the same hills) and I’m wondering how they’re not sweating and panting like I am. I also need to buy some comfortable waterproof shoes with good treads. It hasn’t rained a lot, but on the days it has, my shoes have been inadequate. There are some sidewalks here that are as slick as wet marble (hence the need for good treads). But more than that I need the waterproof stuff. The shoes I have with me are either mesh or wool which doesn’t work well in the rain.
I’ve been avoiding buying new stuff, because I’m waiting to get into a new place. It’s a silly reason to hold off and it may be one of the clearer signals on just how un-rooted I currently feel.
No sooner did I write that sentence, the landlord emailed to let me know I’ve been approved. I’m expecting/hoping to move in this weekend (after almost three months of wandering and living in hotels). Another round of Pop Rocks please.