its way cooler than reading a history book!

you know the lyric "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans," (from john lennon's absolutely lovely song "beautiful boy." if for some strange reason you haven't heard it, please take a listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uldu_1-JCJE)

well since graduating i have never understood those lyrics more. i had this idea of what post-grad life would be like and i was doing all i could to make that dream come true. while i was busy being focused on that dream a job fell into my lap, one i wasn't expecting.

i had been applying to jobs at colleges and universities looking to continue working in residence life or student affairs. but an assisted living complex for the elderly wanted to hire me as the assistant activities director. (and i was in no condition to turn down a job offer!) so, naturally i said "yes!"

during my first day at the assisted living complex i quickly learned that it was very much like college for the elderly.

they live in a "dorm-like" setting, they have "class," there are clubs, there's pub-time, and plenty of activities. (any of that sound familiar?) the only difference is the age group.

in the few weeks i've been there i've met many wonderful individuals. and i have learned so much.

its a mutual sort of learning. a give and take if you will. while i'm teaching them an art class or how to e-mail, i'm learning about their personal histories and what the world was like when they were younger. it's way cooler than reading a history book!

i guess what i'm trying to portray here, is that, even though this is not what i had envisioned, i'm appreciating the experience. i'm trying to take in as much as i can. i haven't given up on my dream of one day moving to oregon, but for the mean time and in between time i'm glad this opportunity came my way.

the three biggest lessons that the residents tell me they've learned are: take life one day at a time, grudges really are silly, and to just be happy- you only get one life.

hope everyone's having a lovely tuesday afternoon!

xoxo