I know that I constantly talk about my introverted disposition, but I’ve been out and about with people very much lately.
At my job, for the first time, I am friends with my co-workers. I actually would not mind doing something after-hours with them. My bosses have decided to take me and Abigail, my co-worker, to Atlanta for a work conference.
I have been procrastinating when it comes to getting my insurance license. I’ve been having a case of cold feet. Being an INFJ and a saleswoman seems mutually exclusive. The traveling aspect also vaguely reminds of Gregor Samsa, and that’s terrifying. I’m trying really hard to overcome the natural Bohemian aversion to 9-5 but it’s not working very well.
Anyway, I am EXTREMELY excited about the road trip we’re going to take, mostly because my bosses are paying for it. They were debating about whether or not we would fly, but they seem to enjoy driving. They said I could ride in the car with them, but I am unprepared to spend 12 hours in a car with their four year old son. I usually like children, but this kid has a mild case of “little emperor” syndrome. I’m looking forward to meeting all of their friends down south, and making this “insurance agent” thing official.
I just invested the last three weeks into learning how to drive and manage my car. It has finally payed off. Today was the first day I spent on the highway, and I loved it. There is something so soothing, so… hypnotic… about driving on the freeway. It almost holds a mystic appeal to me.
This car has a sunroof, a fine stereo and a responsive (now that I know how to use it) clutch, but the best thing about this car on the freeway was the fact that it does not shake. My first car was horrible on the freeway. It shook violently, as if it were to come apart at any moment. I actually would get carsick from time-to-time. The tires were always weak and gimpy, and the steering column would shake so much my arms would be sore once I got home. The speakers in the old car were the only thing that is superior. Everybody who knows me remembers my old car, and has been celebrating with me.
Driving a stick is actually a lot of fun on the freeway. I cruised down I-75 at 85 mph, and came to the realization that it felt slowin this car. The speedometer in the old one was dead, which means I must have been going 100+ this whole time. In any case, I spent an hour or two driving to nowhere in particular, enjoying the warm day. It’s been almost eerily warm here in Michigan. Today it was at least 75 degrees. It was beautiful, but it feels like the calm before the storm. This must be what they’re talking about when it comes to climate change.
Lonie and I spent the afternoon together watching one of our favourite silent films— The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.Because it was at the DFT, there was actual live accompaniment, and for some reason seeing it on the big screen gave me an understanding I didn’t have previously. We walked around Wayne State’s campus before coming back to her house and having drinks with her sister Heath.
I haven’t mentioned yet Heath, have I? I like her. She’s different now than she was when we first met. I think that she’s found herself in a way that she couldn’t have in high school. She’s more individualistic now than ever. When I first met Lonie, she was so blindingly unique that Heath looked plain in comparison. Now she’s owns herself, and that means that we now get on swimmingly. We both share a love of medicine, fitness and dub-step. It’s rare that I get to be friends with an entire family; I end up only being close to one or two people.
I am still feeling very, very poor, but also happy. Maybe it’s because winter is finally over and I’m doing more things that I love, but life feels very sweet right now. Today I was taken back to that beautiful place I was my freshman year of college- inhibitions gone, smile plastered on my face, lots of days with friends.
