Friday, December 09, 2005

Freedom isn't free

As of January 13th, 2006, I will have my freedom. Freedom from the two-hour-each-way Metro North odyssey that is my commute (and the almost $400 is costs me every month). Freedom from the nearly crushing boredom that has become my day at the office these past few months. Freedom from spending my time trying to herd metaphorical cats and spending my hard-earned graduate degree in International Relations writing cover letters and nagging e-mails. But, like all freedoms, there is a price to be paid for this. In this case, my salary.

Yep, I've been laid off. Budget cuts to the "unrestricted revenue" part of the nonprofit's budget, blah blah blah. At least my boss and everyone seem to feel really bad about it. One colleague even shed a couple tears when I told him, and I've been promised really great references from all the bigwigs around here. Money-wise, of course, it sucks, but it could suck a lot worse. And my family and friends have been unbelievably supportive. Taz even offered to fly home for the weekend. From India. And he was serious. Meanwhile, I'm busy getting in the holiday spirit, while also getting excited about leaving for India in 72 hours.

So, for holiday spirit, I've got this view outside my window right now:


Snowflakes as big as cotton puffs! Looking
northeast across 2nd Ave. at 43rd St.

And a couple days ago, I walked past Rockefeller Center and saw this:


I missed the lighting of the tree, but at least I got to see it!

Tomorrow, I also have a Christmas Tree party to attend, to which I am expected to bring my homemade apple crisp. The host loves it so much, I usually bring an extra one just for him.

Sunday, the whole day will be spent packing and getting the house ready for my absence. A quick peek into my head ought to give you an idea of my current adrenaline levels: ok, um, I have to remember to return those sweaters, and buy those other gifts, and go to PetCo to get pet grass for the cats, and leave a note for the cat sitter, and figure out how to program the stupid thermostat. I hope I don't forget my passport or something stupid like that. Will I have room in my suitcases for all this stuff? Will everyone in India like the gifts I'm bringing? Will they like me? Gee, I hope the security people let me take my knitting on the plane. I hope I can sleep on the plane. What books should I bring? I hope I don't get delhi belly when I'm there. The safari in Kerala sounds so fun. They told me Bangalore is cold. What clothes should I bring? Will all my v-neck tops be too revealing? What color sari should I buy? I wonder if Home Depot has timers for the lights at home? What if it's still snowing when I get home tonight and I don't have time to do all my errands? I can't wait to be on the plane. No, actually, I can't wait to arrive in Bombay. Most of all, I can't wait to see my sweetie.

9 comments:

Jules said...

WEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

take circular needles with short ends, there's no problem carrying those. Or DPNs. As long as it doesn't look as if you could stab someone with it or stake a vampire. Just be careful with scissors to cut yarn. *nail clippers work well for that*

i flew knitting to the US and then Europe last year and had no problem with that.

weee. have an awesome/fantastic/wonderful time.

they'll love you. if they fight with you don't worry, they'll just be treating you as one more of the family :D

Deenz said...

I've heard that nail clippers get taken sometimes also...I'd go with one of those yarn cutter pendants...

Anonymous said...

I'm sure everything will work out for the best in the job area. Good luck getting everything done, and have fun!

Lauren said...

I've never had a problem with nail clippers, but of course I only fly domestic (or have since '98). I checked out idealist.org. It looks pretty cool. Have an awesome trip!!

Zarzuela said...

They will *love* you or Taz should smack them. ;) Have an awesome trip! You totally deserve it! I'll miss you train buddy...

Doris said...

Oh no! I'm sorry for the job loss, but it sounds like a blessing in disguise. Did they have to tell you today, right before Xmas? Wouldn't it have been better in the new year? Who knows who decides these things... Have a wonderful trip to my side of the world!

goodkarma said...

I'm so sorry about your job. Really, what bad timing! Fortunately, you're brilliant, and will find another, better job soon.

And no, your v-neck tops won't be too revealing. You'll be a big hit in India; they'll all love you! You probably will get Delhi Belly, no matter how careful you are; the germs there are just different from the germs you normally live with every day.

Have you ever read Midnight's Children (Rushdie)? That was the book that began my interest in India... I read it ages ago and it still haunts me. I also love A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry). If you haven't read either of those, you must bring one of them with you. If you have read them both, email me, 'cause I have a huge collection from which I can recommend titles.

I've flown international and domestic with knitting needles and have had no problems at all. Now that I think of it, each time I had bamboo or birch needles (odd, since I normally use addi turbos). I don't know if that made a difference or not. No one batted an eye. Whatever projects you bring with you, leave LOTS of empty space in your bag. You're going to bring home LOADS of goodies!! :)

Have a wonderful time and take pictures to show me. I'll be sitting here looking back through my 800 some odd pictures, reminiscing. :)

Jenn said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your job. I can feel your pain, for though I wasn't laid off, I am unemployed. It sucks. No nice way to put it.

Have a great time in India! I can't wait to see all of the pictures you will take and to hear about how much Taz's family loved you!

We'll miss you!

Cathi said...

Oh my gosh, Bryna, I'm so sorry. I'm so behind on stuff, I don't know how I missed this.

I know you will find another great opportunity soon.