Hard to believe that 2 weeks ago, I was taking stock of Day #3 of Job #4. I had to count, recount, and consult the calendar to confirm that this is, in fact, a truth hardly believed.

In new environments and unfamiliar places, time moves in slowest motion. That may be the only explanation that could make sense of how many things and thoughts have thrown themselves into the very nooky crannies of my two week existence here in North Port. And I think that living life in slowest motion has a tendency to age a person.

I got angry today. Angry enough that I had to reason with myself and verbalize aloud my need to calm down. Angry enough that my steering wheel serves as a quick stop for the heel of my hand a half-dozen times while a half-growl, half-scream rumbled from my throat. Angry, and I didn’t know why. It could be because I’m tired. It could be because Florida drivers – pardon the pun – drive me insane. It could be because my phone map led me onto the wrong turn and a 8 mile detour. But it was probably because I’m lonesome.

I’m lonesome for familiarity.

I’m lonesome for knowing where I am, where I’m going. For knowing what’s expected of me, and whether I’m meeting that expectation. For knowing how to do the ins and outs of a job, and doing it well. I’m lonesome for feeling comfortable.

But then, I get to go for a walk over lunch in 72° and sunshine. A new coworker claps me on the shoulder and shares a joke. Patients thank me for the changes they’ve experienced. And I remind myself again that none of us are ever 100% comfortable. We’re all bumbling a bit through life.

And so I continue gathering and cherishing these small tokens of familiarity, and take tally of my progress through this latest adventure (20% finished!). And, as ever, lean on the Everlasting Arms.