July!

Hello July! So many good things happen in July. (hint, hint)

Let's start with the good things that have happened since my last post. Two of my roommates are now my facebook friends which makes it official, we're friends. The three of us had a little tea party tonight while roommate number four washed her dishes (she's not the most social). It's really interesting to chat with the two of them because they are both from far away and exciting places like China and Iran so there are lots of interesting stories and cultural comparisons to be had. July is also bringing fun visitors for the Fourth and I am really excited about seeing friends. Now that it is July I think I have finally figured out my banking situation which has been a big headache. While I am a big fan of online banking, I would not suggest trying to sign up for an account online.

Work continues to be a challenge. A challenge in the sense that there is nothing challenging for me to do. Today we had a post-training conference call with the volunteer organization that I am working through and it made me remember just how wrong a lot of the stuff going on at the office really is. These first few weeks were suppose to include a lot of "hand-holding" according to the organization, though I have generally been left in my office with nothing to do. I am trying to stay positive and doing my very best work on the projects that I do get but I am continually concerned by the organization in some respects. For example, I always arrive promptly at 9, sometimes a little earlier. Today was the second time I was the first one to arrive (at 9) and I had to wait half an hour before someone with keys arrived. Also, I have only had one conversation with the person who is in charge of the "hand-holding" though he continues to promise there will be a meeting in the future. There is a lot of interesting stuff going on in the field of affordable housing, stuff I really care about now, I just have yet to crack into what the organization actually does. And its a difficult toss up between doing nothing and doing menial tasks that aren't what I am supposed to do according to the volunteer organization.

Stress at work, combined with the low pay, has lead me to discover two tasty, and cheap, stress reducers. The first is Mario's. Specializing in Italian ice, Mario's is a Chicago staple that just happens to be located in Little Italy about a half mile from my apartment. One small Italian ice of any flavor is $1. Also for $1, I can get a 16 oz iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts and for another buck I can get two donuts. The $1 deals start after two and on extra frustrating days going to the Dunkin Donuts across the street makes the afternoon go a lot faster.

Happy July to everyone! And I promise if you come visit I'll take you to Mario's or Dunkin Donut so you can get some low cost treats too.