College Town

Monday, August 24, 2009
I wonder if the dynamics of a college town is the same everywhere. Here, the city's population grows anywhere from twenty to fifty percent whenever school's in session. The streets suddenly become busier, traffic more hectic. Stores and restaurants grow crowded. The waiters and check-out clerks turn into hip young students.

Working in a college town (or more specifically AT the college), I've noticed a certain energy in the air when August approaches. Classes started for us today, and all of last week the campus stirred with growing activity. The usually-dead parking lot started accumulating cars and trucks, the grounds crew became busy trimming and perfecting the already stunning lawns. Parents and students strolled the sidewalks between dorm houses.

This morning, all I have to do is look out the window beside my desk and I see a girl walk past with a backpack strapped to her shoulders and a guy riding a bicycle. A couple toting a pile of books. The sound of a lawn mower.

Yes, school has definitely started. Seems like everything is changing... except me. As usual, I'm still waiting. Waiting for a word back from a publisher on one of my submissions. Waiting till noon so I can eat. Waiting until work is over so I can go home. Waiting until bedtime so I can get some blessed sleep. Waiting until my stomach gets big so I can tell there's actually a baby in there. Waiting until my next doctor's appointment so I can hear a heartbeat again. Waiting until the little critter finally starts moving around enough that I can feel him or her. Waiting for my husband's business training trip to be over so he can come home. Waiting for my first book to be released... Just waiting.

7 comments:

  1. I remember living in Lawrence and BEGGING my boss to ship me off anywhere during the month of August. A lot of the students had never driven before and were completely insane! I remember once, a girl cut me off on Iowa Street, and then leaned out the car window (while going about 40 mph) to wave thank you to me with her right hand. The only part of her in the car was from the belly button down!

    And for the waiting thing - don't think about it. Just do something you've been waiting on. Make it happen. It isn't all it's cracked up to be sometimes, but sometimes, it's more!

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  2. I don't think I realized you were pregnant! Congrats. :-)
    College towns are different. The one near me, Gainesville, is crazy with students everywhere walking and biking.
    You sold a book too? LOL I need to look around your site. :-) Waiting is tough to do.

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  3. Okay, I'm a ditz. LOL I did know that you were pubbed with WWRP. Congrats!

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  4. ARGH! UGH! Waiting! I hate it. :) I'm NOT the most patient of folks. Just ask hubby dear. :)

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  5. Yep, it definitely looks like a trend. College towns go crazy come school time. And thanks for the advice, Jackie. I'll try to find something to keep me occupied during all that waiting, though I fear I'm like Robyn. Not the most patient...

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  6. Hi Linda,

    I love the start of college. So exciting... sorry about the waiting. It seems to be how life is most times...hurry up and wait.

    Hope your waiting brings you small joys!

    Cheers!

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  7. Life is full of waiting. Congrats on your coming little one and on your first book to be released.

    I'd love to work at a college. If I had to change jobs, that's my first choice.

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