A View From The Lakefront

This is a view of Seneca Lake I got this morning. Notice the ice caps. Seneca Lake hasn't totally frozen over since 1912, but there's blankets of ice washing up onshore. (Further out, however, there was still water.) They were predicting warm weather today, so I decided to go and take a walk down at the lakefront, which I hadn't since the end of October. Except that the Lakefront was cold, and I wish I had brought gloves with me. Later on, I went to the Outlet Mall, where I bought a pair of Converse All Stars (aka "Chucks") that were owed to me from Christmas.

Last fall, I began researching for an article that I hope to pitch to a local magazine. I was inspired by a trip I took to this particular place back in September. Earlier this morning, I read through the stuff I copied when I visited The History Center in November. I also checked out some back issues of the magazine from the library, to get a feel for tone and content. A year ago, I would've wanted to wait to do this before I got a better job, but now I'm thinking, "Money's Money." I'm looking into anything that's not only NOT customer service, but something I could actually look forward to doing.

I Don't Put Out

Mid-last week, I sent a letter to a married couple who played on the soundtrack to Are You From Bingo?, asking if they could take me in. I got an e-mail response this morning saying they could not. Oh well. My Craigslist endeavors haven't fared much better. Most of the responses I've gotten have pointed me toward certain resources, but no direct offers. And then there's this gem:

Hi Erin my name is _____, I mean you no disrespect by asking this but wondered if you might into fulfilling my fantasy. I own several nice rental properties around the college. I have always wanted to give a woman like you an apartment of her own for free. Meaning the only thing you would have to pay for is cable if you wanted it. In return she takes care of me physically and I am sure you know what I mean. It is my fantasy. I am mid forties ,single,clean,safe and discreet. If your interested send me an email or call me anytime at 315-XXX-XXXX

THANKS ____

Uh, no thank you.

Maybe I should look into other options. I'm not that comfortable staying with people I don't know, unless I come to them through someone else, like this person. I've had some luck looking for Carpools, but I'd have to get up an extra hour early. Still, better than nothing.

I'll doing some work this week. From the Shooting People I placement I made last week, I was able to snare one person who was looking for updates. I'll also be watching my 90 year old Grandmother while my father goes away.

Finally, the Mayor of Ithaca got a shoe chucked at her last week. I think the guy who did it used to host a show on Public Access.

I'm going to work on finishing the "Ithaca Travel Guide" for the zine, then get ready for the week.

What Does Erin's Horoscope Say?

Thursday I was at a bookstore in Ithaca, browsing through books when I came across Rick Levine & Jeff Jawer's Your Personal Astrology Planner for 2009 (Cancer Edition). Flipping through the book, I came across passages that are incredibly relevant to my life right now.

Deep cosmic waves rattle your home, shake your foundations, and open your future to previously unseen possibilities. As great as these changes may be, they will not happen overnight; in fact, it may well be into next year before you fully understand where your life is leading you."

And later:

You are attracted to visions of a more inspiring life that strongly contrasts with the seemingly endless demands put on you everyday. The gap between the two may be disconcerting, but the message is one of hope rather than despair."

And this particular passage, which forecasted this past week, describes my disposition perfectly:

Responsibilities that were acceptable only a short time ago now stop you from being true to yourself."

Soon, I will be returning to Ithaca to work with the woman I've been staying with to update her business' website. This is a great step forward, but at the same time, it's not consistent work. On one hand, I really think better things are ahead for me. At the same time, I feel burdened--not because of what others expect of me, but the realities of everyday life.

I need something steady while I wait for things to take off. The freelance gigs are a step forward, but they're not consistent enough for me to continue as I'm going.