As the holiday party circuit works itself up in to annual warp speed, I keep finding myself halfway through the same sentence. “I’m finishing up my Master’s and applying to PhD programs,” I say with a yes-it’s-a-lot-but-I-wouldn’t-have-it-any-other-way smile.
But just in time for my 7.5 year high school reunion (the parenthetical possibilities are endless, and just about as overwhelming/ridiculous/superficial as the event itself promises to be), I’ve lost my sound bite. I mailed my applications last Saturday; I submitted my final paper on Wednesday; I am suddenly adrift in the frequently aimless, heavily romanticized, often paycheck-free world of freelance. Fortunately, I’ve held on to my health benefits from my last teaching job.
So here I am, in the midst of the freedom I’ve been gunning for since last March. And wouldn’t you know it? I’m sick. On this week’s to-do list: get better (or rather, get a doctor to see me so that I can get better), make business cards, and edit sound bite. Jobs, suggestions, and hot tea are welcome.