Never Say Never

"When will I get to the age when I can do whatever I want?" Bridger asked in exasperation after a challenging day at work.

"I don't know; I'll let you know if I ever get there," I told him.

Oh, the hard lessons we learn about life once we begin our first job. I can't imagine many satisfying jobs available to young people who are without skills or education. Those first jobs teach us valuable lessons about commitment, work ethics, and drive. The biggest lesson my first job as a manual laborer in a large orchard/nursery business is "DON'T QUIT SCHOOL."

Bridger happened to ask this question after a challenging day at his own work, on the very day I had been busy with re-licensing for my teaching certification. Yes, the teacher who glibly gave away all of her teaching possessions, donated her extensive classroom library, and cheerfully chucked all of her professional documentation, has decided it's time to return to work.

NEVER SAY NEVER

Although retirement has been lovely, and probably freed me up to survive this last year better than I ever could have managed if I had been trying to hold down a job, it is now time to get serious about securing some financial security for myself, and obtaining medical coverage for my son. It has been a wonderful year without many obligations, and it freed me up to do those things I've been meaning to do: get organized, start my blog, and take better care of myself.

The realities of life demand that we not do whatever we want. How different the world would be if we all took that attitude. 

Most of my adult life, I have been a collector of the whimsical graphic illustrator, Mary Engelbreit. Several of her designs are included in the treasures I keep in my Happy Box. This morning I pulled out my box, and found my favorite quote of hers on a note card I had saved:

"To be happy, don't do whatever you like; like whatever you do." 

As they say, life begins at the end of your comfort zone. It is certainly where the most learning takes place. Now that I have felt blissfully happy and comfortable for a moment, it's time to shake things up a bit. 

So today, I have my first job interview in 31 years. I'm a little nervous, and more than a little excited. If I am going to be a teacher, you can rest assured I'm going to be happy about it! Wish me luck.