Isabel's Journal: 5-31-16 to 8-1-16

May 31, 1916

I have graduated from school!  Now, it shall be much easier for me to get any new job.  I have decided to start my own sewing company, for I have earned enough money from working at Janah Seams.  I also have more experience from working there.  First, I shall buy a tenement.  I shall fix the rooms upstairs so that Da and I shall be able to sleep there.  Abbey and her family shall have more room then.  Even though I will miss them, I shall be glad to have our own tenement.  Of course, I shall still be able to visit them.  Also, I shall use the downstairs rooms as my shop.  We shall be able to earn much more money this way.  I shall name my shop Isabel’s Dresses, for I shall be selling dresses and other clothes.  I hope I will succeed in creating my shop!

June 15, 1916

I finally have my own shop!  I had to sign many papers, but now, business is good.  Da and I have enough money for him to retire, but he still insists on working.  Oh well.  I guess there’s no arguing with him.  And one more thing.  Abbey visited today, and I was so glad to see her!  Her job is going well, and I hope that she will open her own business one day too.

July 4, 1916

Ivyheart has disappeared!  Da and I are so worried.  We have already searched for a hour, but we have not found her.  I can only hope for the best now.

Isabel's Journal: 1-2-16 to 1-4-16

January 2, 1916

Today, I had to say goodbye to Mrs. Brooke and her children.  ‘Twas a very sad moment indeed.  We had our last meal together: an American breakfast.  We drank a bitter drink called “cofe” and ate something called “hotcakes”.   We were so happy we could finally eat all that we wanted!  Secretly, Mrs. Brooke advised me to save some of the food.  She said that the tenements that we shall live in will not provide food like this, and that I would have to work for money to pay for the food.  I reminded her that my Da is already living in America, and that he would have money.  Still, I took some of the delicious hotcakes and wrapped them in my handkerchief.  I can’t believe I have finally walked on American grounds.  When I look outside, I notice that the streets are not paved with gold, and everywhere I look, there are beggars in tattered clothes living by the road.  There isn’t even a drop of honey in sight!  There are people everywhere I look.  The tenements are all beat up.  I can’t imagine living in one of them!  I must stop writing now, for I think I have spotted my Da.

Later...

Da has showed me to our tenement.  It is dark and cramped, and there isn’t a window in sight!  Da says that we are lucky to have three rooms: a kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom.  Most people only have a kitchen and a bedroom.  Da shall prepare a feast of chicken soup.  I shall show him my hotcakes and we shall eat those too.  While we eat, I am sure Da shall tell me about life in America, and I shall give him Ma’s bracelet.  I hope I can find a job soon.  I am already sick of living in the dark, cramped place.

Later...

Da has brought me gifts!  He gave me a hair pin, a bracelet, a room key, and some crystals he found while tending the crops at the plantation he works at.  He believes that they might be worth a little something.  He also gave me an old jade Buddha he traded from a Chinese man at the plantation for doing his work for him.  I couldn’t stop thanking him.  Now, Da is going to take me out to the market to teach me the new type of money here.  He is already calling for me.  I wonder how many more surprises lie in wait...

January 3, 1916

Today I have found a new job!  I saw a sign that said: “We need people that can sew at Janah Seams!”  I found my way there and filled out a couple papers.  Then I talked with Lillian Janah, the boss, about the things I can do.  And suddenly, I had a job!  Da was delighted.  He worked at a farm very near Janah Seams, so he could visit me when he had a break.  He said that he would take out to buy some food today.  I just cannot wait!