The Days Pass Slowly and All at Once

I have a job lead. Assumption College, as Catholic an institution as it gets, about an hour southwest of me. It's an assistant position for the Executive VP/Treasurer. The HR person called and said she was really interested in interviewing me, but before she sets up a time, she needs to run my resume by the VP.

Oh family. Last night was a near thing, indeed. Picture it: Peter and I standing out beneath the stars (fairly clear out in the Hamilton countryside in the midst of woods). A long day spent together. That evening: prayer meeting, then Bible study, and then a frank discussion between the two of us on how I would be his wife but not his Pastor's wife; how I will support him but must be more than merely a footnote to his ministry. The last hours of the day spent cuddling up before the television and finally, beneath the stars. The moment is perfect. "Michelle, will you lean your head on my shoulder?" he asks me. I oblige. He--and this is very Peter--takes my hand and begins to dance with me, out in the woods, beneath the stars. No music.

Minutes pass.

He is very nervous. Several times he takes a deep breath, as if to speak, and then...decides against it. Finally, he stands very still and takes my face in his hands, looks me in the face (I can't see where his eyes are, too dark). He must be holding his breath because I can't hear or feel him breathing. We stay that way as the seconds drip past. Then, finally he exhales, hugs me to him, and says, "We have to go."

But folks, he was THIS close to asking. *makes a symbol of closeness* Oh sure, you say. I can't know that for certain. But I tell you, I know that man well enough to know what was on the brink of his lips at that moment.

But he hadn't a ring. He hadn't planned it out beforehand. And in true Peter fashion, these reasons were enough to dissuade him finally.

I don't think we said more than two words to one another as he walked me to my car. The moment was too full.

BUT GOSH DARN'T.

...

Anyway...this matter doesn't consume my thoughts at all these days, I swear. ;-)

I need to go shopping today. But do you know what it's like shopping here? First of all, they have very few large chains of grocery stores. So you get these indepedent grocers who charge a fortune. I got royally gouged when I went shopping here the first time, so I'm trying another store. It's fifteen minutes away, but there's not really anything else within reach that I know of. Also, few of the brands are the same. I'm trying to figure out the equivalent of brands I'm familiar with back home. Which is the quality cheese? So far, MAYBE cracker barrel, but not every store carries it. What kind of milk should I get? Never heard of the brands. Do they even SELL refried beans in this part of the country? They do? Could have fooled me.

Shopping is such an adventure.

Also, they have self-serve AND full-service gas out here. You really have to be careful when picking a gas station (no huge chains here, either--most are very clearly little independent body shops with gas stations included in them...not fancy or spiffy at all).

I won't even start on the roads, the lights, and the caliber of driver around these parts. Folks, it's not as bad as New York drivers (I hate New York so much), but the roads are twice as bad as any I've seen/driven on in New York. The benefit, however, as that police will really ONLY pull you over for speeding. The problem: the speed limit changes by ten miles every ten feet or so. 25. 35. 30. 35. 25. You tell me. I don't understand it.

I'm off to the day. Laundry and shopping ftw (for the win).