Halloween 2016
In West Hollywood, not far from my home, there’s a massive, annual Halloween carnival. In preparation, the city closes off neighboring streets so that folks in costume can roam around without being hampered by cars. It’s a festive event that brings thousands of people to the area. I’m a Halloween grump. I don’t remember ever finding much thrill in dressing up as someone else (though I must’ve as a kid). My intention for this night is to get parked and settled on the coach before traffic blocks the way. But I appreciate the creativity and esprit that goes into the holiday. What are you wearing?
Illustration by Brian Coldrick
Upside to Being Single, Election Edition
I’m trying to manage my election anxiety. This tweet helped. Have a great weekend.
Revisiting an Ex
This week, I had dinner with an Ex who was passing through town. We hadn’t laid eyes on each other in at least 15 years. It was interesting to see him now. We’re both so much older. Back in the day, our relationship was mostly good. It might have been the closest I’ve ever gotten to getting married. In my memory of it, I was the one who walked away. Looking back after all these years, I have no regrets.
Illustration by Lee Crutchley
Gardening Project
My first paid job was working at a plant store, but I never took to gardening after that. I wasn’t drawn to sticking my hands in dirt. That’s why it’s a surprise to be in charge of transforming my condo building’s parkway (the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street) into a drought tolerant lawn. It’s a small patch, less than 200 square feet, but it’s become a passion. The Condo Board (of which I am the President) instructed our professional gardener to plant dymondia in the parkway. My job is to keep it watered and weeded in between his visits. Given the scorching temps here, and the plant’s fragile roots, it requires daily care. Dymondia is incredibly slow growing, so I water and weed, but barely see a change. I grumbled about the task at first, having to drag out the heavy hose, reel it back in, and take time out of my day with no visible results. But now, I enjoy the effort. It’s meditative. For a city girl, I’m finding it very earthy.
What’s Your Plan?
As a Career change Coach, I come in contact with people who are at a crossroad. They know they need a change, but aren’t sure exactly how to get there. By reaching out to me, they’ve already taken the first step. One of my deepest held values is the importance of having passion in your life. It doesn’t have to be experienced during romantic love or on the job. Maybe it’s running a 10K or baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie, tending the new growth in your garden or volunteering to get out the vote. If you’re wondering whether there’s enough passion in your life, what’s your plan?
If changing careers is on your to-do list, check out my latest blog post on how to improve your resume by answering one simple question.
Illustration by Lisa Congdon
Archive for October, 2016
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