So, here's the thing about reunions: they're a bittersweet reminder of how much has changed. Last night, CeCe, Raine, and Chuckie – my old night shift buddies from the BPO days – met up. Six years. Six years! Can you believe it? And me? I was stuck at home, because, well, 'broke era' and all that.
They sent me photos. There they were, laughing, catching up, looking all... grown up. They're all in their early 40s now, and doing the whole work-from-home thing. CeCe, with his light pink shirt and ever-present wit, Raine, with her striped top and calm demeanor, and Chuckie, my 'Max' of the group, in his dark blue shirt, always the voice of reason. They were a picture of stability, a testament to how far we'd all come.
Except for me.
I'm still stuck in my Caroline Channing phase, minus the cupcake business and plus a whole lot of 'what am I doing with my life?' Chuckie, bless his soul, was telling them about my 'situation.' Apparently, my tales of side-hustle woes have become a running gag. He keeps saying, 'She's got the talent, just needs the direction.' I just roll my eyes and send him a meme of a confused cat.
It's not that I'm not happy for them. I am. It's just... a stark reminder of how far I haven't come. We were all in the trenches of the night shift together, battling sleep deprivation and demanding clients. Now they're living their best lives, and I'm figuring out how to make tuna and hot sauce taste like a gourmet meal.
They're all settled, they have their lives sorted, and they are all in their early 40s. I am still here. I am still broke.
I know I should be grateful for their support, and I am. But there’s also this little voice in my head saying, 'Get your act together, already!'
I'm trying, I really am. But some days, it feels like I'm running in place.
Anyway, I'm going to try and focus on the positive. At least I have friends who still remember me, even when I'm too broke to join the reunion. And maybe, just maybe, I'll figure this whole 'broke era' thing out.
Until tomorrow,
Still broke, still missing my friends, still hoping for a miracle.