If we were having coffee, I’d start off by saying, no I haven’t seen Finding Dory. It’s on my list, but I’m far too busy trying to figure my life out to go to the movies. That, and I don’t frequent the movies that often as it is. That said, I am just trying to keep swimming right now, so the post title is a pretty accurate portrayal of my life.
If we were having coffee, we’d still be talking about housing. It’s been a stressful week on my end that’s included multiple house tours with no luck in hearing back from people. I’ve primarily been looking to take over a spot in a shared house, as it is sooo muuccchh cheaaaaper to live with others in the DC area. That said, the housing market is crazy competitive out here and spots fill up really quickly. Also, a lot of shared houses are looking for a certain personality to match the dynamic of the house, which also makes the search more difficult–because if I don’t match the dynamic, I’m just not gonna get the spot. I’d probably be able to secure a studio apartment with a lot more ease, but that would also leave a lot more of a dent in my wallet. I’m continuing to scour the internet like crazy but have accepted that, if nothing shows up within the next couple days, I’m going to secure an Airbnb to live in for the time being once the lease in my current place is up. The lease is up, mind you, in one terrifying week from today.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m more stressed because I’m not getting as many hours at work as I’d like to–I’m only working about 10 hours this week. Not only is this a problem because I need the money, but less time working means more time for me to freak out about life. Hence, why this week has been mega stressful. I asked my manager for more hours in the coming weeks, so hopefully that works out for the best. My last coffee shop job was a forty hour a week gig with a schedule that was pretty unchanging–so I’m not used to being in a situation where I’m struggling to get hours. It’s frustrating, but all I can do at this point is request more.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that a ray of sunshine happened on Friday in the form of a meet up with some fellow alumni from my university. Because one of the Morris librarians was in town this weekend, we had an informal lunch gathering at the Library of Congress, where a small group of Morris alumni work. It was great to see some friendly and familiar face, especially since I’ve been so stressed out this entire week. We also got to go out onto the Librarian of Congress’ personal balcony and take a picture, which was pretty neat if I do say so myself.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m stressed and I’m worried about money and housing, but I’m also so happy to be where I am. Sometimes we have to take chances in life to get where we want to be. Life doesn’t look so rosy right now for me, but I’m confident that, with a little patience and a lot of hard work, everything will work out in time.
If we were having coffee, I’d be ready to switch it off to you–and I’d ask if you have anything to share over coffee.
This post is part of the Weekend Coffee Share link up at Part-Time Monster
Boy you do have a stressful situation. Job and finding a house is not fun. Good luck in your search.
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Thanks Betty Louise. It is stressful, but I’m sure something will come up soon. If anything, this experience is only making me more resilient.
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OfTen bad experiences make us stronger.
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Good luck with your job and house search. I’m sure something good will turn up soon.
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Thanks so much! I’m confident something will come up soon–when I least expect it.
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Sounds like a tough week. But then, the Librarian of Congress’ balcony sounds cool!. Good luck with all of those mechanics of living as well as those other questions of life. I hope things turn around soon.
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Well, I was telling a friend the other day that when you move to a new city without a job, it’s not automatically going to be a butterflies and rainbows situations. It’s stressful right now, but a rough week every now and then isn’t the worst thing in the world. It builds character and resilience and allows you to appreciate the good times in life even more. 🙂 I’m sure I’ll look back on this time in the future and be really proud of what I put myself through to make it. I mean, I could easily go back home to the shelter of my parents house in Minnesota…but I don’t plan on doing that anytime soon because I know I can do this. Thank for your support, Trent!
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My big concern for you right now is that I think the city goes on summer break and things might be like this until Autumn. I hope I’m wrong and it gets better sooner than that. 🙂
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In terms of working, yes, I think there are a lot of students at my job. I can always get a second job if need be, but I’m also hoping something from the temp agency or one of my other applications shows up soon. I’m also planning on selling my car once I move into DC, which should bring in a bit more money for me. We will see! Things can turn around rather quickly in this life.
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Oh goodness, what a situation! I do hope that you’re able to find some place this week, but at least you have a plan of contingency! Hope you’re able to get more hours at your job, too. I’m still having that same trouble, so I’m still looking for something else to do along with my nonprofit job.
Glad you had a fun time with the alums!
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Thanks so much, Diana! I have a couple viewings lined up this week already, so I’m hoping for the best.
I also have more hours this week! Checked the schedule today at work and did a little happy dance. Oh, I’m sorry your still having trouble getting hours, but hopefully something else comes a long. too.
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Thank you! Hope your week is starting out well!
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Stay positive Britta. Cheering for you! Come visit my blog soon, k?
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Thanks so much, Jacob. I’m hoping for the best.
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So glad you have more hours this week! Good luck with the housing. Fingers crossed that a great opportunity comes along this week.
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Thanks so much! I have a few viewings and open houses scheduled for the next week already and am hoping for the best!
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I’ll be sending good thoughts!
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Gosh, Britta, this sounds insanely stressful. Keep us updated! Sending you LOTS of love, thoughts, and good vibes from the Minnestoa homeland!! Also, it’s so great to see so many familiar faces in the photo–I hope you enjoy the UMM alumns!
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Thanks so much, Amelia! Some good things have been happening in the realm of house hunting since I published this post and I’ll be sure to share those positive updates in my next coffee share!
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