Category Archives: Change

New Normal

First, let me apologize for not posting for the last ten days or so. I went on vacation and am just now getting back into the swing of things. Well, really, moving forward into a new normal.

I saw this Christmas display on my run this morning. And I thought it was a great analogy for where I’m at right now.

Life in Florida is my new normal. It’s not the same as Pennsylvania. It doesn’t have the same feel. But it’s good. Just a little awkward still, and downright silly at times.

I’m still not really settled. I’m not acclimated to my new life and new role yet. To be fair, this is a transition period still so I guess I shouldn’t be expecting too much.

I start my new waitressing job in full force tomorrow. I’m looking forward to that. I can remember being so ready to be done working nights, weekends, and holidays. Sixteen years later, and I’m loving the idea of sleeping in until it’s actually light out and am impartial to working nights and weekends. By the way, why is it so hard to find a long sleeved button down collared black shirt?! Whatever happened to stores that had mens dress shirts aplenty?!

Anyway, with change comes discomfort, uneasiness, awkwardness, and difficulty. With change also comes excitement, opportunity, and growth. I’m doing my best to stay optimistic and not too hard on myself about acclimating to my new normal. I mean, Santa on a jet ski is pretty fun even if it’s not necessarily traditional, right?!

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:12-15 (NIV)

16 years

After people hear that I quit my very good job and moved to Florida, their next question usually is, “so what are you going to do next?” Well, my plan is to finish my dissertation this spring and wait tables to make some money while I do that. I would also like to continue to explore the job market and see what else is out there that might be a good fit.

Once my dissertation is complete, the plan is to explore teaching at a college/university. My pie-in-the-sky dream right now involves writing a book, being a motivational speaker, and supporting public educators everywhere.

But let’s take things one step at a time. Waiting tables… It has been 16 years since I waited tables. I’ve eaten plenty of food and drank plenty of spirits since then so I would consider myself still in the (relative) know about food and beverage service. However, sixteen years is a lot. Last time I waited tables I was 25. I’m 41 now.

This makes me think of the first time I played in the teacher vs student volleyball tournament as a teacher. In my mind, I could still play as well as I did the last time I played (when I was 17). But the looks of dismay and concern as I screeched across the gym floor, as I unnecessarily dove for a ball, said otherwise. My body also said otherwise. And that was after only an 8-year gap. This is twice as much.

I applied for my first server job tonight, in person. Given the 16-year gap on my food service resume, I felt it was important to go in and talk face-to-face with someone. I was pretty much offered the job on the spot. My serving history probably had something to do with that, my professional history may have as well, but mostly I think it’s because they’re so desperate for help.

I’m not sure this place is the right fit for me. I’m also not sure I can actually do this. But I guess I’m going to give them a few hours Friday night to give it a try and maybe find out. In the meantime I’m going to apply at a few other places and see how it all shakes out.

I’m really missing everyone today. I love you all so much and I miss you. I miss being there for you and with you. I’m trying to embrace the quiet and the new space and what it means for me. I’m trying for me and for you. ❤️