unlucky seeds

After lunch I took a cigarette break. The building is set right next to a wooded area--a triangle between two highways. The isoceles side, I imagine, is nonexistent, extending into the general forest-ness of northern minnesota. I tramped and stamped, until I found a stump sized to my posterior. Facing the woods, I was almost able to forget the sandlot between me and the office. The air smelled of sweet chlorophyll, and I could feel the chill of autumn for just the second day in a row. Hidden amongst tall grasses I channeled Aldo Leopold and wished for a tree identification guide. When I returned to my office, a cramped windowless space (an affront ameliorated by my good friend Pandora.com), the forest followed me in: scores of bi-barbed seeds clung to my tweed trousers. I spent a few happy minutes plucking them out, regretting they had picked transportation headed out of the woods rather than in.

I can do this

Today was day numero uno at my new job. What a change from my last occupation! From the start, I know exactly what my expectations are. Everyone is excited to be working for the organization. I don't spend a single minute outside.

My first task, as unbelievable as this sounds, is to compile the organization's policy and procedures manual. I don't know the first thing about making manuals, and I certainly have no idea what the organizations policies and procedures are. But by golly, I'm going to be their foremost effort by the time all is said and done.

The best part of my day was, after talking to the Executive Director, my supervisor and the secretary, reading through several sample manuals and trolling websites for how-tos...I felt a moment of clarity. I know how to make this manual. Not page for page of course, but I felt competence wash over me. After ten weeks of unemployment and soul searching, I've hit the ground running.

And how!