December 16, 2016

Spiderman and I played ping pong for an hour before the official group event began this afternoon. I lost every game to him, getting between nine and 12 points at best. Spiderman may have been holding back on me, but he ran me around and tutored me as I had requested. Betty, the woman who roped me into these games, showed up a little early and played singles with me. She beat me 21-4. I had a great time, and I was the only one who needed a shower and physical therapy when we finished. I told my partners I felt like a fly in their web. They grinned and expressed their hope that I would return to the park in January.

The last time I felt like I was a part of a community was when I worked at Abercrombie & Fitch in Columbus, Ohio in the late 1990s. Although at 32, I was above the average age of the home office employee, the esprit de couer of the age mix suited me. Work and play intermingled. Conversely, my decade in Providence was a social desert. I think people make new friends because they live in a residential neighborhood (I lived in a mixed use one), because their kids go to school together (I have no kids), because they work together (my company was too small), because they belong to a club or association or religion of like-interested people (I’m not a joiner), so I didn’t make any new friends. I felt as though the few acquaintances I made had enough friends and they didn't need any more. Or, maybe they were just too busy with the rest of their lives.

After aqua fitness this morning, I stopped by the park office to inquire about returning in January. The woman with whom I needed to speak wasn't there, so I took her card. I would return depending on availability AND price. I do want to give Melbourne Beach a chance because the people there are also friendly, there are a lot of activities, I can bike to Publix, the site is on the Indian River, and the ocean is across the street.

I mailed 125 postcards this week soliciting employment. Today, I received an email from a man who runs an RV manufacturing company. He wrote, "I was charmed by your postcard, and an A for creativity.” Wow! Heart beep, heart beep, heart beat, that this campaign may actually work. Maybe I am good at marketing? Maybe it’s that Kim and Kate are good at marketing. I had the inspiration, and they helped me take it to the next level. Good for us! I wrote back and told the guy I really want to be his COO! I had a great day!