PAY THE PIPER

It's taken me eight months, but I finally feel I have found a place and a calling for myself. I live near an economically depressed area, where the store fronts remind me of a third world country, and the drunks sleep if off in their cars all night on main street. What fascinates me about the place is that it's small enough to get to know people and get involved in the vibe of the place. (There is a vibe, but you have to look for it). First of all, there's the community development association, which writes a string of grants to make living there a little easier. Then there's the business community, which is a mixed bag of underfunded and somewhat shabby shops. I guess what I like about the place is that I can jump right in and become a somebody.

My goal is to rent a place in the heart of the community -= a brand new, mixed income housing project called Strength of Place Village. It will house lots of non-whites, iincluding children and pets. I hope I can adapt. And I will continue to stay involved by going to community events, writing articles for the neighborhood blog, and socializing at a bar called "Company". I have met a dynamic young community acitivist who educates me on 'what's happenin" every time we meet.

None of this will happen unless I find some income. I have a very part-time job as a receptionist, which pays not much more than 'mad money'. I hate to have to give up all the fun I've been having in my new life, but reality is fast approaching, and I have to eat and pay rent.

I've always been pretty lucky when it comes to money. Now its time to pay the piper.