I’m not sure if it was a life coach on reality t.v., Dr. Phil or just a friend, but I know I’ve heard the advice to do only do one of the following at a time: get married, move or find a new job. I thought I would mix it up and try to do all three at one time. If I had my choice, I would have spread these things out, but since opportunities knocked on the front door, the back door and the side door at the same time, I decided to just have a party and entertain all of them at once. At the moment I am feeling overwhelmed by the timing, but I am just trying to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. After all, it is the challenges and the fears that remind us we are alive.
Opportunity #1 – The proposal. After dating for almost five years, my boyfriend proposed on a beautiful beach in Panama City, Florida at sunset. He planned an entire day around that big moment, including a trip to the spa for a couples massage and a leisurly boat ride. He finally proposed after the tourists cleared out for dinner and my shock only allowed me to answer “Shut Up!” That is a moment that lives in emphiany to this day. Before I could get over the shock of the proposal, I felt the need to start planning the wedding immediately. Of course we were on a budget. Of course we knew more people than our budget would allow. And of course all the questions were directed to me about the date, location, etc. No pressure.
Opportunity #2 – The big move. After being engaged about four months, my fiance got word that he was up for a better job opportunity. Sounds good, but the only problem was the location - Houston, Texas. A far cry from the only town I’d ever called home, Tallahassee, Florida. It seemed like a great opportunity for him and I was excited by the idea of moving to a big city. I would be sad to leave my family and friends, but knew it was a great choice in the long run. Do I regret it? No. I am just frustrated with the logistical problems like getting a drivers license, car registration and insurance. It seems you can’t do one thing without doing the other and I am just waiting here now to get the ball rolling. I guess government moves at its own pace no matter what state you live in.
Opportunity #3 - The new job. I cannot remember a time when I didn’t have a job. I started working when I was sixteen as a way to support my clothing habit then it became a way to support myself without having to depend on anyone else. Now that I’ve moved to this big new city I’ve decided to take the opportunity to venture out and do something I’ve always wanted to do – writing (or editing or proofreading, anything using the English language to express ideas, feelings and information). Only having my fiance and a small amount of savings to depend on is extremely nerve-wracking.
I have to keep telling myself, even though I am facing the challenge of three huge life-changing events, I can only do one thing at a time. Maybe this afternoon I pick out wedding invitations and tomorrow morning I call back the Department of Motor Vehicles and work on my writing in the afternoon. Whatever order I decide to work in, I have to just remember, one thing at a time.
