Missed Connections
I have been researching money recently, mainly due to concerns about living to 120 years old (all of my grandparents are in their 80's and kicking it still). As women tend to live longer than men statistically, I figure it is a good idea to plan for the long term now. The money advice I have read (and received from a few good friends; thanks, Daniel and Abby) suggests people have two incomes. One is the side gig and the other the day job. If you are really smart, you learn how to live off the side gig and save all the money from the day job.
Which brings me to my recent jaunt around Craigslist. I am looking for writing gigs. It doesn't feel like work to me, this crafting of ideas and transcription of thought to paper (or computer). So I thought, maybe I would do what smart people like Elise do and start freelancing as my side gig and maybe turn it into my full-time deal one day. Hopefully, I will get to write all about food. But, as fate would have it, the professional sites were down. So I hopped on Craigslist.
I first looked at free stuff. Because who doesn't like something for free? If you're an artist or carpenter, there's a lot of raw materials out there (and even a free pony) on Craigslist for your enjoyment. Then I started looking at jobs. I found a personal chef gig that pays $20 an hour. Can you believe that? Of course, that's not to say there are benefits or it's not under the table. But I would have killed to have that paycheck 2 years ago. Makes me think maybe that should be my side gig...
And then, because I was already there, I indulged in my guilty pleasure. You know the one. Where you go on the Missed Connections site and read it all. Our fascination with one another still amazes me. After all this time, we're still acting on these animalistic instincts, the mating dance as our primary objective. And yet, below there is a real need for connection to encourage and be encouraged. We are constantly asking, "Am I ok?" To hear someone say back, "You are good, all the parts of you" (thank you, Sarah Klatt-Dickerson) becomes a defining moment, one which we would do anything to protect.
Yet sometimes the very person who encouraged us, connected with us in this fashion sees the ugly there too. Decrying the beauty they once proclaimed, we are left to sort it out again, to ask the question again, "Am I ok?" I don't think we ever get a clear answer for this question. There are the moments of pure peace and bliss, where in our limited perception all is right with the world, the moments of gut-wrenching agony when we find ourselves alone and hopeless, and all those kaleidoscoped passages in between. Maybe ok isn't the goal to be achieved. Maybe being is enough.
When I am home, I am with them. Thor and Bentley simply are near me. Last night, they had me chasing them around the parking lot outside my apartment complex begging them to come in. One man passing by commented they were moderately well behaved. (For cats that were not doing what I wanted them to do, I take that as high praise). Tonight, they both found time to curl up in my lap for snuggles. Part of the joy of being with them is my lack of expectations for their behavior. I don't take it personally. I wish I could master this art with humans.
My favorite ad tonight said, "Wow, you are stunning. You don't need to respond, but let this post re-spark your confidence because you're exceptional." I would like to have more connections like this. Maybe I would find I am not missing anything at all.
Which brings me to my recent jaunt around Craigslist. I am looking for writing gigs. It doesn't feel like work to me, this crafting of ideas and transcription of thought to paper (or computer). So I thought, maybe I would do what smart people like Elise do and start freelancing as my side gig and maybe turn it into my full-time deal one day. Hopefully, I will get to write all about food. But, as fate would have it, the professional sites were down. So I hopped on Craigslist.
I first looked at free stuff. Because who doesn't like something for free? If you're an artist or carpenter, there's a lot of raw materials out there (and even a free pony) on Craigslist for your enjoyment. Then I started looking at jobs. I found a personal chef gig that pays $20 an hour. Can you believe that? Of course, that's not to say there are benefits or it's not under the table. But I would have killed to have that paycheck 2 years ago. Makes me think maybe that should be my side gig...
And then, because I was already there, I indulged in my guilty pleasure. You know the one. Where you go on the Missed Connections site and read it all. Our fascination with one another still amazes me. After all this time, we're still acting on these animalistic instincts, the mating dance as our primary objective. And yet, below there is a real need for connection to encourage and be encouraged. We are constantly asking, "Am I ok?" To hear someone say back, "You are good, all the parts of you" (thank you, Sarah Klatt-Dickerson) becomes a defining moment, one which we would do anything to protect.
Yet sometimes the very person who encouraged us, connected with us in this fashion sees the ugly there too. Decrying the beauty they once proclaimed, we are left to sort it out again, to ask the question again, "Am I ok?" I don't think we ever get a clear answer for this question. There are the moments of pure peace and bliss, where in our limited perception all is right with the world, the moments of gut-wrenching agony when we find ourselves alone and hopeless, and all those kaleidoscoped passages in between. Maybe ok isn't the goal to be achieved. Maybe being is enough.
When I am home, I am with them. Thor and Bentley simply are near me. Last night, they had me chasing them around the parking lot outside my apartment complex begging them to come in. One man passing by commented they were moderately well behaved. (For cats that were not doing what I wanted them to do, I take that as high praise). Tonight, they both found time to curl up in my lap for snuggles. Part of the joy of being with them is my lack of expectations for their behavior. I don't take it personally. I wish I could master this art with humans.
My favorite ad tonight said, "Wow, you are stunning. You don't need to respond, but let this post re-spark your confidence because you're exceptional." I would like to have more connections like this. Maybe I would find I am not missing anything at all.
Comments
Post a Comment