You know how sometimes you just close your eyes, jump off a cliff and hope for the best? No? Me either. And yet here I am doing exactly that. The day job is fascinating and all, but it really cuts in to my free time, and there’s so much more I want to do. Like write nonsense in my blog every day, and finish editing my book, as I will very presumptuously refer to it. Technically it hasn’t been published, but I never let minor details stand in the way of my rationalizations.
So I say goodbye to my firm on January 31, and move in to the exciting world of…free-falling I guess. There is a fine line between brave and stupid, and I may well have veered in to the wrong lane here. Let’s hope that light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a train.
I’m kind of melancholy. What child didn’t yearn to become a legal administrator one day? I couldn’t wait for the glamour and excitement of a fast paced (read: everything on fire at the same time), busy (read: 14 hour days) and challenging (read: politics and personalities) career. While it’s been more guts than glory, it’s certainly been, well, a good paying job and stuff. And of course completely rewarding and satisfying.
So I know what it’s like to chase a crazy dream and grab it by the horns. Who ever thought a middle class kid growing up in Northern Virginia could really make something of herself? Running with the rough gangs of 1970s Springfield; cruising around on my Schwinn and looking for trouble; anything could have happened.
But I clawed my way to the upper range of the middle, and then sort of the lower to mid range of the top, and here I find myself, at a crossroads. You know that whole expression “do what you love, and the money will follow?” That sure as hell better be more than a nice turn of phrase. I have passion, I have hidden talents (really well hidden), I have the enthusiasm and energy to start something new…and I have a mortgage.
The good news is I will have lots of time to focus on my blog. The bad news is it might get a little whinier, and I’ll still expect you to read every word. Stay tuned my friends, and remember tipping is much appreciated.
O.K., girlie, put that cape on and fly, fly, fly. It’s meant to be, and what is intended for you is waiting in the wings — go and meet your destiny — you really do have that magic something.
We send our love,
Lorna and Dickie
Thank you so much–the encouragement and support mean so much to me–especially since you know exactly what I’ve been through to get to this point. Much love.
Mazel Tov Jill! You will be great at whatever you do!
Thanks Gerri! And just think, we might even be able to get together more than once a year!
WOW JILL! I am thrilled for you. I am so proud to call you a relative and for having the guts to follow your passion. I look forward to following your journey as I look forward to following your blog each day. Love ya!
Thanks Bonnye! I couldn’t do this without having all my loved ones cheering me on!
I look forward to reading your blog each day but must admit I will miss you and your sense of humor at annual conferences. I have enjoyed getting to know you through ALA and will continue to watch your success in following your passion! Wishing you the best my friend as you step off the cliff and free fall into the next chapter. Stay in touch. : )
Thanks for the good wishes, and I will miss you too! Hopefully you’re coming this year?
Yes all signed up and air and hotel booked. : )
Yay-we can catch up then!
Other than twelve cases of undying admiration (worth a lot on another planet I think), I send you applause, a standing ‘o’ and many ‘atta girls’. I know first hand that you will look back and be amazed at what you accomplished, but be delighted at what you now have the chance to become..xox
Thanks Mimi! I hear the roar of the applause…but I hear that in my head a lot…
One thing you’ve never been is stupid! I wish you the very best life has to offer as you begin the next chapter of your life. The best is yet to come! Mom
Thanks mom-always my biggest fan
Wow! Good luck with your new adventure!
Thanks Betsy! Words of encouragement are great, but remember to hit my tip jar on your way out…