Desperate Housewife of Houston: No Kids + Self-Employed

When I moved back to Houston, I thought I'd be spending more time with friends. It's funny how bi-polar friendship advice seems to be. On the one hand you see the obligatory suicide prevention posts that say "if you need to talk I'm here" then on the other hand you see "people grow out of friendships" "some people are in your life for a season", and etc...Which one is it? Are people supposed to ever be there for you or are we really just all on our own?

None of my friends have/had time for me even when I offered to meet then when or wherever they were...so now I don't try and I'm sure that none of them have noticed. Most days, I'm fine with that...other days it's discouraging because I feel like something must be wrong with me.

I thought by this stage in my life that I'd have a core group of friends but I don't. Well...my best friends are my husband, my mom, and my grandfather. I love spending time with them...but you know what I mean. I feel like I've been a good friend. I kept in contact, I remember/recognize special occasions, I show up when invited, etc...I don't have any kids so it's not like I can make "parent friends". I'm self employed so I don't have co-workers.

IDK

Office Space

As a self-employed person just starting out, I call the cafes and libraries of Houston my offices. When I'm not on location I return emails, edit video, and design graphics among my neighbors. These neighbors can serve as inspiration or distractions. When the later is true, it helps to have a good office. A place with enough room to disengage without having to cram yourself into a corner goes a long way. Good lighting, a pleasant aroma, sufficient research material, and CLEAN BATHROOMS [with good soap and no touch hand dryers] all ameliorate productivity. I have found quite a few good spots like Looscan Library.

Located at 2510 Willowick near Westheimer Road, Looscan provides an excellent venue to work. The beautiful edifice complete with a bell tower sets the scene for a pleasant experience. Looscan provides ample parking and handicap wide accessible doors. So whether you have a physical disability or full hands you will have no problems entering the building.

Once you enter the library there is a cafe style sitting area where you can have a snack before you dive into work or take a lunch break once you start. The large window makes this an ideal seating area for anyone waiting on a ride.

The library itself provides 3 distinct areas in addition to it's computer lab, which has over 25 computers available for pateons to use. The chidren have a "tree house" area; as your little one explores, he/she will enter a forest complete with carved squirrels and fun stuffed animals. There is a teen reading area with comfy bright red and white pods. Finally, Looscan provides an adult reading room with stylish club chairs; you will think that you sit in the posh study of an old house.

Along the walls in front of each large window is a table near an electrical outlet that has 4 sockets. There is sufficient room for your Mac, your iPad, your iPhone, all of your notes, your research materials, your study/business partner, and ladies your purse!

Needless to say, I had a pleasantly productive day at Looscan. I cleared my to-do list and the time flew by! If you are looking for a surrogate office try out this great locale!

-- Jeniro is on the go, follow me on twitter @orinej