What's Your Favorite Flavor?

I've been unemployed for 20-something days. By the way, what day is it today? I believe God has granted me this time to discover my authentic self so that I truly am a better person who is able to make a real contribuition to the world that means so much more than putting together sales presentations. Don't get me wrong - there is a huge need for these and they are very important...just not my cup of tea.

When I graduated from college, it was easy to hide behind student loans, rent and other bills than taking on the starving artist/volunteer route. I couldn't see myself working 12 hour days logging tapes, barely making enough money to cover much of anything, all the while hating the news. (Broadcast Journalism major)

Why, oh why, do we fight ourselves? Why do we sometimes think we have to do things when we really don't? Why don't we get comfortable with the uncomfortable? Of course we all do things we don't want to do, but wouldn't we rather feel aligned in our lives? I'm sure most people would check off yes. On the other hand, I am sure most people are pretty sick to death of having to decide between a doctor's visit and groceries.

There will always be bills to pay and food to be put on the table, but I guess my wish for people is to feel happy and peaceful in their decisions and how their time is spent.

Now, at 28, this is my chance to create something for myself and take risks that I've been too afraid, too busy, too overwhelmed by. Instead of worrying or over analyzing or...PLANNING....(all of which I normally do) I am exhilerated and free and able to listen to my own thoughts. I told a professor that I was riding the wave of optimism. I meant it.

I had the crazy idea to go on an interview for a part time editorial assistant just a few days after my company cut 10 percent of its staff. Although I had made the decision to breathe into my new role of me, I thought, why not check it out? All along I have wanted to shift my career into editorial. Spend my days in quality content and connect with passionate people who follow a positive purpose.

The interview was um, a little awkward. To sum it up, I was there for over 2 hours and spoke for maybe 10 minutes? I took a couple of tests - copyediting and writing copy for the back cover. I enjoyed this process a lot, although it was comical writing about a merman and mermaid finding each other (romance category) The woman called me twice after I left demanding references. She was leaning towards offering me the position. It was editorial. It was for a publishing company. It was part time. It was....not right for me. The woman was crazy and I restled with my heart and my head. It didn't take a long time for my gut to show up and offer its two cents. I didn't want to narrow down a start date, so there you go. I've worked for crazy people before (we all have) Truth be told, the only crazy person I feel like working for right now is me.

So I want to tell you a little bit about what I've been doing with my time. I managed to attend Randy's work party because it was a) held in the day b) less than 10 minutes from our apartment. I happily observed the bluebird crowd at Stop&Shop and was only slightly mortified when a toothless elderly woman yelled at an employee. She couldn't find the apricots.

After being 5 or 6,000 miles over, I took Aly the Altima in for an oil change. I even mailed the $7 rebate and should be getting a couple of coupons. Hey, a girl's gotta tighten her belt somehow and I'm not giving up my organic veggies anytime soon. (Sorry Randy)

When my check engine light came on and my car conked out on me, I ended up spending 3 extra days in Massachusetts. Rather than feeling pressured to return to CT, I felt fortunate that my car was being fixed and that I still had a car to begin with. It could have been a lot worse. I was happy to have this time with my crazy family and Randy was working long days and finishing up finals. My sister and I ran the lake two days in a row. I can't remember running for an hour straight! Oh yes, in my new life Randy and I wake up at 7, go for a run and have breakfast together. Then later in the early evening, I work out with Jillian in my living room. Why? Because I can and because now is the time for me to get into great shape and feel my best. (Aside from the two bowls of REAL ice-cream I had last night)

I read Body & Soul cover to cover without talking on the phone, breaking something, sitting on a crowded train or having the TV onin the background. I will say that I have enjoyed 90210 reruns at 5pm.

I cooked some bangin' salads, organized our closet and den, donated clothes and shoes to Goodwill and my endless magazine collection to a nearby Nursing Home. I shredded enough paper that will be put to good use once we move again (SOON)

I've taken 1 nap. It was the very first day of my official unemployment.

I waited while the bankteller converted all of my change into "real money,"  and got a couple of smiles and stares from customers as I colored a picture. Yep, I sat there using as many crayola crayons I could and came home to show Randy my art. We recyled it but the right part of my brain thanked me while the left side took a rest.

I've continued with my wedding planning and don't have to feel guilty about checking out TheKnot.com

The highlight of my time has been of course, a time in Stop&Shop. It was a Monday afternoon (that I remember)

An older gentleman was very confused. He swayed a little bit and peered through his thick glasses. Overwhelmed a little and somewhat timid in his movements. “Are you in line?” a lady asked – her accent was thick and she was in a hurry. The man apologized and stepped aside. Aisle 11 was especially chilly given the choices. “I just don't know what to get?” The lady left and this was my opportunity.

I hung up my cell phone and stepped closer to him. I smiled.

“Do you need help picking out a flavor because I love this stuff and I can help you.”

Surrounded by Edy's, Breyers, Brighams, Turkey Hill, Hood, Friendly's, Nature's Promise, Weight Watchers...I mean, how are you supposed to know?!

Together we combed through half gallons, pints and other small treats. We read labels and I taught this man that he should pay attention to the calories first; everything else is secondary really. He ended up picking Edy's Yogurt Blends and later found me in the strawberries to say that he was thankful for my help and that if he sees me again, would I mind if he asked me more questions about this choices.

Absolutely! I beamed.

This was the new me.I am ready and excited to see what God serves up next.