Be sure to check out The Girl Next Door Grows Up
Before I get started, take a look around. I changed up a few things and (gulp) put up some ads. I figured I might as well give it a try. If I don’t like it or it’s not working out, for whatever reason, I can take them off. Anyway –
So this was the first week of 4 year old preschool and even though I love having a schedule, my brain is a little mushy from getting up so early. Please, cut me a little slack with this post!
So yesterday, as tired as I was, I dragged my ass to the gym to try Zumba. I am not sure if this was a true Zumba class since the teacher had us do a watered-down version of Michael Jackson’s Thriller (all I could think of was that scene from Thirteen Going on Thirty when Jennifer Garner’s character got everyone to do Thriller dance at her work party), but it was fun.
I don’t usually go to this class but wanted to give it a try, and who do I see there, but my friend Nan. To give a bit of background on Nan, she was my eighth grade English teacher. I will never forget the writing assignment she had us do that asked us to describe fall with our five senses. I remember feeling excited about using the thesaurus to learn new words to use in this paper. I felt alive when I was writing it. (In retrospect, another clue that I was a future blogger, right?) She was also my mentor when I started teaching at that very same school. Nan became my friend.
Never in a million years would I think that I, a former English teacher, turned stay-at-home mom who is now a blogger/aspiring writer, would be doing Zumba with her eighth grade English teacher. (And the English teacher in me hates that that sentence is incorrect, but learning to deal with the fact that style and voice do not always go hand-in-hand with correct grammar). Nan just retired and started talking about her feelings revolving around this huge change. We talked about how you never know where life is going to take you.
All I ever wanted to be was a mom and a teacher. Well, I checked those two things off my list, and I thought I was done. I felt a bit disappointed when I discovered that the teacher thing wasn’t for me. The Mom Thing is great, but I felt that I needed a little something just for me. I felt a majorly despondent tad bit depressed when I thought, at thirty-two, my life had already been lived and this. was. it.
And then blogging came along. I used to think that when people said that you needed to follow what you love in order to be happy was a bunch of crap. I have reconsidered my position on this statement, and I do think it’s true. More true than I ever thought. I have always loved writing, and by doing it, not only am I becoming a better version of myself, I am meeting a whole new community of people who get me. I am also learning of different opportunities that have to do with writing and blogging.
It’s easy to get stuck in your life and not even be aware of all that is out there. For me, it has taken a lot of guts to break out of that rut and make new choices for the life that I want to have. And it’s slowly coming along. Big-time life changes don’t happen overnight. But I am just happy to see things going in the right direction, you know?
Are you in the middle of a transforming anything? Your life? Your closet? Your morning routine? Do tell!
Have a great weekend!
13 comments:
I couldn't relate to this more - I am a mother and wedding gown consultant (just one in a series of wedding-related jobs!) who is turning 40 in a few short months. I suddenly lost my Dad, and after recovering from the initial shock I found myself looking at what I had Accomplished. With a big A. And that's when I decided to share some of my wedding knowledge with the world, in the form of a book. But to get my feet wet before setting out to be published, I decided to try blogging. And here I am. And you know, based on your "voice", which sounds so familiar to me, if you were my next door neighbor, and I wasn't so concerned about keeping my identity a secret, I bet you'd be my friend!
Fiorellea, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I can't imagine.
As for blogging/writing a book, you should check out BlogHer 10 notes about Evolving Ecosystem of Publishing. If you want, contact me through my email address, and I can send you the link. Also check out shewrites.com. Lots of good tips! (And I think the way you write about your experiences - it would make a great book)!
I am 100% sure we are not neighbors. Unfortunatly. I think we would be great friends!
All I wanted to be was a 1st grade teacher. That's it. And find true love and be married and live happily ever after.
Teaching now isn't the way it was when I was a kid, so that was out. I got married, had a baby and was in and abusive loveless marriage.
I broke out, got a divorce and was never happier in my life. Then I met Tyler a few years later and we had Sarah and i finally got my dream.
However... even though I cook every night and can do same day service on laundry and keep a neat house, I had a brain and blogging is just the thing for me. It is SO wonderful and even though now laundry is an afterthought, I wouldn't change it ever.
WHen I hurt my back and didn't blog this summer, I was so sad. I love using my brain and connecting with people and sharing vomiting on the nurse and have people laugh. I just can't explain it. But you understand.
I love being a stay at home mom and doing all of the stuff, but blogging just gives me that extra spring in my step even though I already had a spring! You know?!
I'm sure there were women with brains before us... what did they do? Vodka? Insane asylum? I'm so glad there is blogging, and readers to keep me sane and sober!
MOTS, thanks for the tip!
When my knee heels I might try Zuumba again. I applied for a new job today...and still trying to heal. That's pretty transforming...oh and thinking about painting my living room blue!
The Girl - you are awesome! I totally get what you are saying.
Fiorella, I think both. Have you ever read the short story "The Yellow Wallpaper?" That too.
Moonspung - healing and applying for a new job - I would say that's really transforming! And blue is a great color. . . but I am biased since that is the color of Thomas's room, a bathroom, and our bedspread.
"And then blogging came along..." I love this!! And it is so so true. I told a friend the other day who asked what I got out of blogging: Well, first of all, I never would have imagined that I'd have lots of people reading my writing all the time without having to actually publish a book! But secondly, the women I have met. Precious gold, the friendships and connections I've made. Some I've met by now, some I haven't, but they're all important to me. I'm delighted to hear it's the same for you.
Keep up the good work! I will if you will! xoxo
Jennifer
These Are Days
How cool that you were an English teacher! But yes, there's a big transformation that happens when your kids finally start needing you less and they get into school.
Good for you on the Zumba--I'm a little scared of that one.
Good for you that you are figuring some things out! This is not it. There is always a second act. Then a third. Etc. Etc.
Let me know how the ads work out-I've had a few companies inquire about advertising but have NO clue how to go about it, if I want to, what to charge, etc.
Don't transformations happen every day? I mean, just when you think you've got it down, things change. UGH. I feel like I'm constantly transforming...but right now I'm just trying to get back into our school routine. It's tough after a great summer.
I am 41 and have been blogging for 6.5 years. It has given me far more than I can possibly list. I am very grateful for it as I have learned a lot about myself and had a great time making friends and recording stories about my children.
I enjoy being a witness to the transformation you are undergoing. It really does take guts to branch out and focus on a dream!
Go, Erin, Go! I'm a supporter;)
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