Rainy Day Blues (Subtitle: But not too blue really, I mean, I still have my health, let's keep some perspective)

It's been a rainy couple of weeks in NYC lately. I haven't minded it too much, actually, and today it was a perfect match for my mood and circumstances.

Today, from the second I left my apartment in the morning, my socks conspired against me. They persisted in sliding down into my shoes with each step I took. They made my feet uncomfortable and anxious all day long. What made this betrayal all the more bitter was that these were my favorite socks - pink yet sporty. I got them on my last trip to Amsterdam. And tonight, when I at last returned home from work, I had the bittersweet task of taking them off (sweet) and throwing them away (bitter). They will be missed. I'm just sorry we had to part on bad terms. Fare thee well, pretty pink socks.

Speaking of goodbyes, I think it's time to write another resignation letter. I started this blog, almost a year ago, with a resignation letter, and it's with much joy mingled with sadness that I prepare to write another one.

Yes - the time has come to leave my job, I think. The events of this week, taken in light of the events of the past 9 months, have propelled me to a point where I just can't remain any longer at this company.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" - perhaps freedom from an annoying work environment is not quite the intent of that verse, but I do want to be free from my job in part to follow Christ better. I'm finding myself bitter and over-tired and unhealthy and self-absorbed in this job - I want to be rid of that version of myself. I want time and energy to focus on God and His infinite mercy; to study His word and write about it. I want to be in an environment which doesn't tear down my spirit, where I'm not constantly on the defensive, where I'm not so unhappy.

That said, I must admit that happiness is fleeting (as we well know), and joy is often a matter of one's inner-attitude. But a change of scenery can help, too, sometimes.

So here I go - to what, I don't know, but I'm pretty sure it's about time. Fare thee well, job.

Folk This!

I have accomplished a long-time goal and finally made it to The Bitter End - New York's "oldest rock club." For those not in the know, the Bitter End, located in the Village, gained fame in the 1960's when it helped launch the careers of Peter, Paul, and Mary (!!!), Bob Dylan, and the like of such folksters & hipsters.

Tonight, my college roommate's childhood friend (who also happens to be my childhood friend's college roommate - long story, small world) was performing as part of a singer/songwriter session at the club. I had previously never met her, but my childhood friend told me she had moved to NYC and had a gig at the Bitter End, so I decided to check it out.

Each time I go to see live music, I always think "Why don't I go to see live music more often?" No exception tonight - the singer/songwriters (oh, how I wish I were a singer/songwriter!) that played were very talented. My friend-of-a-friend did a great job, too.

I didn't feel the Peter-Paul-and-Mary vibe about the place as much as I was hoping, but afterall, a lot can change in 40 years. I hope to get back to the Bitter End sometime soon - not neccesarily for its historic past, but because you never know which of these singer/songwriters you are listening to will be the hipsters of the future.