TIHL #16 How to make smooth transitions...

I am currently in one of those delightful times in life when you wake up and really have no idea what you are doing that afternoon, let alone the next day. In theory, I relish in the delight of said "free time," but in reality, I find this lack of structure a bit unsettling. Breaks are one thing, there is an end in sight. You can enjoy the free time while knowing that come Monday, you'll back at work, back at school, etc. "Transition times" are another thing entirely, especially when you have only a vague idea of what's next. Sometime within the near future, I need to finish my degree, find a paying job, move into an apartment (or cardboard box), learn how to navigate the adult world of bills, insurance, and budgeting, and most certainly take my disgustingly salty Corolla through the car wash. I'm trying to remain undaunted by all of this, I know that God has a plan for my life. However, days like yesterday are almost enough to drive even the less dramatic side of me over the edge...

Yes, yesterday was one of those days. The kind of day when you call Mr. Jones to fix one problem, who tells you he can't possibly help you until you get permission from Mrs. Smith, who tells you she can't possibly help you until you get an answer from Dr. Johnson, who asks you why you didn't call Mr. Jones. So, you call back Mr. Jones, who then tells you that he's terribly sorry, but he can't help you unless your name is Rhonda and you have blue hair. It was the kind of day when you find out that despite two and a half years of people telling you otherwise, you may not have to write a thesis after all. You do, however, have to complete a extensive special project and an oral examination within the next three months. (Incidentally, you will also have to pay hundreds of dollars in late fees, since no one ever told you had to register during semesters in which you weren't taking any classes...) The kind of day when you go into a store to make a simple return, only to find that you have to come back with a different VISA card. The kind of day when you look down and realize that 4 out of 5 fingers on your right hand are bleeding for no apparent reason. Finally, you decide that since you haven't accomplished anything else you set out to do, you might as well run to Target to pick up a few things. It almost goes without saying that when you arrive at the store, Target is closed for expansion and remodeling. By this time, you are so defeated that you just go home, even though you happen to know how to get to at least two other Target stores. Sometimes it's just better to quit while you're ahead. (Editors note: Just like they used to say on "Mathnet", "The names are made up, but the problems are real." I am not feeling very warm and fuzzy toward the University of Minnesota at the current moment.)

Those of you who know me well know that I tend to have somewhat of a penchant for the over dramatic. I'll admit that sometimes that less rational side of me threatens to take over. Statements like "I'll never get a job!" "I'm going to have to live with my parents for the rest of my life!" "They are not going to let me graduate!" have occasionally escaped from my minorly panicked lips. I loved my father's reaction to a particular episode the other day. I was feeling quite overwhelmed and worked myself into somewhat of a state. "Dad, don't you understand?!" I said. "I am standing at the BRINK of an uncertain future!!!" (Yes, even I realized how ridiculous I sounded) My Dad rolled his eyes. "You'll be fine, Er." And of course I will be. Transition times and all. :-)