The Unbearable Lightness of Being

These "fishbowl" experiences always stretch me so thin. It started at Deer Park Lodge when I was in college where 30 or so college students worked, ate, drank, slept at the resort for 11 weeks. Think "Dirty Dancing" without Patrick Swayze. We called it the "fishbowl". The guests would move through our lives, but we were so wrapped up in the NOW that it really mattered little.
The 8 weeks at Starkey were similar. We were so pushed and pulled by the day to day, it was easy to loose focus on what was really important. Suddenly, the parlor being out of hand-towels was cause for argument. Suddenly, someone sitting on a breakfast stool out of the way of the culinary team was disruptive just because they were there. Suddenly, the fact that the flags were not brought in before 7 p.m. was an example of someone's inability to be effective.
However, as was pointed out to us by our instructors, we persevered as a team. We, mostly, stuck together. Our differences annoying to each of us the way way your kid brother bugs you. You know you love him, but do always have to like him?
At the same time I felt myself getting "thinner". As with my DPL days, I built myself a temporary support team here. I found kindred spirits; people that despite geography and age spoke the same language with the same sarcasm and wit. Like me, these spirits drive forward, never straight. Old friends will know why. I found great joy here meeting friends that I have been chasing around the sun for many years. It is a blessing to finally catch up to them, even for a few weeks.
I miss ma chère and my boys. There are 24 grueling and cruel hours left until I have them in my arms. I am so so home-sick.