Sweet Home Chicago?

Hey all,

I'm living the dream: Chicago cafe, Chai Tea, new Macbook, rainy day. Life is good.

As I walked to the cafe and waited to cross the street, I couldn't help but envision myself living here. The energy of the city, the people, places, shops, cars....all something I imagine for my future. Now to find a job, a place to call my own, and rebuild.

did I mention my chai tea was made with soy? I am so cool.

Personal?

"Whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal." You've Got Mail

One of my favorite quotes these days and it has got me thinking about being personal and being professional. I struggle with how these two entities connect to one another. Can you professional and personal at the same time? Can you take things personally in a professional setting? My work life and personal life have mostly been one in the same. My personal cell phone, my work cell phone. My apartment, my office. My friends, my co-workers. I chose this path because I believe in what I do, but when the culture is to be personal, genuine, connect...how to you draw the boundaries with work expectations and personal life? Just got me thinking...

Today I got caught up in thinking about the great times during my high school and college years, specifically performing and the excitement of it all. Once I played a drunken fish mongrel and despite the fact that I had a minor part, something took over, the comic in me came out and there I was ad libbing along the way. Later, I would be reprimanded by the director...oops.

When I teach Zumba, I feel that energy all over again and I feel myself...the confident, happy, honest, genuine girl. I like her and she feels real.

Perhaps there will be presentations and performances in my future. I welcome the chance to prove people wrong.

Sara

And nearly a year later...

Times flies...

A) When you're having fun

B) When you work too much you don't know what day it is

C) Never...especially when the countdown begins before you leave for the next big adventure

D) All of the above

My parents raised me to work hard for what I wanted in life because nothing will ever simply be handed to me. My parents raised me to be humble, responsible, and genuine. What my parents didn't tell me is that somewhere down the road I would encounter the unknown world of politics--people who have an agenda and you are just a obstacle in the way of them getting what they want. People have made me feel less than them and it has stayed with me and lingered. I'm not ever sure what makes them better...maybe it's their fancy cars, pressed suits, fake plastic smiles. Surround yourself will good people and don't let the "mean girls/guys" break your character.

You can still work hard and do everything right and not get what you deserve. This is an unfortunate lesson that I have learned. The take away to this is simply that it's no longer meant to be, it's not the right place anymore and you are ready to move beyond.

"And sometimes you do everything right and something bad just happens. It's as simple, and as scary, as that."
— Anna Quindlen

Saying good-bye has never been easy for me. In fact, I'm more likely to just simply up and go. Not because I'm bitter or resentful, but because it's so hard to say good-bye to people who played such a critical role in my life as a young professional.

This is not how I wanted to leave, but it's the way it is. I'm proud of all I have done and look forward to working in a supportive and challenging environment. Keep you posted.