A Happy New Year 2005

Happy New Year!

January 1st - the year holds so much promise. I finished compiling a lengthy list of goals for 2005. Reading it over, I realized many items I've listed exist on lists made for 2004, 2003, 2002... Will I ever cross off these items and realize my ambitions?

I'm determined that this year will be different. A blank slate, a clean start.

Only time will tell.

Out of Sync

The temperature outside was bitter, but I had put off going to the post office long enough. I slicked on some lipgloss and applied eyeliner in quick strokes. My black peacoat covered my ensemble of bulky grey sweater and black slacks. I remembered my tunes and shades, but forgot the black leather gloves on top of my coffee table.

I walked in step to American Woman by Lennie Kravitz bellowing in my ears and nearly ran over an older gentleman strolling a few paces in front of me. The line snaked from the long counter, manned by five postal workers, almost out the door. I turned up the volume and waited my turn.

I was waiting on my stamps, when I heard someone call out my name. Startled, I turned around and noticed my friend Kay standing five people back. We last hung out more than a week ago, at a local dive, drinking scotch and talking about her recent vacation in Mexico.

And so next thing I know, we're having lunch. Apparently she never takes lunch. Then again, I rarely went out for lunch when I worked in an office. Why is that? Why do so many of us chain ourselves to our desks, determined to eat lunch in the office?

For the last few days, I've felt out of sync. I was dying to go out on Saturday night, but no one was around - so I resigned myself to a Blockbuster night. Then on Sunday, I had offers for brunch and shopping and exhibit-hopping, but nothing appealed to me so I stayed home. On Monday, I emailed just about everyone I know, determined to wind down over a cocktail or two, only to learn that no one else was up for happy hour.

And a chance meeting today, led to a delightful lunch and plans for ice-skating and drinks tomorrow night.

I hope I hit my stride soon. Lately I've felt like the only rhythm in my life is coming from my Sony earbuds.

One Moment Can Change Your Life

Sometimes all it takes is one moment to completely turn your world upside down.

One month ago, I worked full-time for a prestigious organization that provided me with a steady paycheck, full benefits, and a company-matched-retirement-fund.

I loved my work, but hated my job. After three years with the same organization, I was desperate for more money, more fun and something different.

It only took one moment to change all of that.

I entered my boss's office for our weekly meeting to go over the budget and calendar to establish the priorities for the month. As my eyes scanned the long list of looming deadlines, my head began to throb. I stood up, shut the office door, and informed my supervisor that it was time for me to go.

That's how one moment, I was gainfully employed with a magnificent corner office on the top floor of a fabulous building downtown, and the next moment, I was an entrepreneur standing in the middle of Staples examining the features of color-coordinated fax machines and printers.

One moment.

I gave my two weeks notice and put off telling anyone outside of my work colleagues about the new turn in my career. Of course, I knew I had to inform my friends and family before my last official day at the office because it would be oh-so-awful if they phoned me at work only to be informed that I was no longer employed there.

The call to my parents was the worst. They thought I was mad. And could I reconsider. And what in hell was I thinking. My friends were excited and took me out for an impromptu celebration over expensive cocktails and minimalist decor. My brother was thrilled because he also had an announcement for my parents and my news cushioned his blow. His girlfriend is pregnant.

Another moment.

One second I'm a swinging single thirty-something entrepreneur, daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend. The next moment I'm an AUNTIE!

How thrilling! (I can't wait to spoil my little niece or nephew rotten)

Most times, change occurs in itty bits, so that you don't quite notice how much weight you're gaining from day to day, or the second you become fluent in Portuguese, or how you managed to charge $5,000 to your credit card account.

But sometimes, on rare occasions, your universe can change in one moment.