Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The First Day



Have you ever heard it? It’s like this constant knock, not at your front door, but from somewhere inside, telling you you’re meant to do something different. It’s something that makes people tilt their heads in question. It’s something that makes your mom shake her head after supporting you through years of college and graduate school. It’s something that means leaving your cushy teaching job, your opportunity at a career after graduation, your comfy, dry, warm home, your friends, your family, and maybe your dog, too. Hmmm… Adam and I have heard that knock for too long and we got curious as to who was at the door.

I can’t imagine a person out there who doesn't have an obstacle that blocks the road to their dreams.

Adam’s biggest obstacle is gone. For a long time he didn’t answer the knock because he was in grad school, studying to be a school counselor. He’s been in the program for four years, as long as we’ve been together, and for the same reason as so many other people, that took priority over this dream. He was in the program because it’s the “right” thing to do. I mean, everybody should go to college and get a degree and then get a job that has to do with the degree, right? I guess the only flaw there is, what if you're not ready for that? Don’t get me wrong, Adam would be, and still may be, a great school counselor one day. I guess what we’re questioning is the way this path is designed… it’s not one size fits all. It just doesn’t seem to fit us well.

My obstacle, other than my family, friends, and dog, is my job. Tonight, I sent in my letter of resignation.  I say "I'," but it was both my finger and Adam's that pushed the send button together. That was tough.  In a time where many teachers are receiving pink slips, I have decided to leave my job, my salary, and my health insurance.   I informed my principal, my coordinator, and my close colleagues that I would be leaving in the fall to embark on a new journey with my new husband. :)  I was amazed at the support from everyone I told and am excited and nervous about what this will bring. 

Nothing is holding us back anymore, we’ve cleared aside the excuses. So, after hearing the knock for so many years, together, we are finally answering the door.

12 comments:

  1. Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid!

    do it! Have fun, be mello, and love life. So excited for OCT guys!

    C

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  2. You guys rule.

    MG and I answered that knock 12 years ago, and our lives changed forever for the better!

    -Damon

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  3. I am incredibly proud of you both, and I know that your life will lead you to amazing things. your spirit of giving is a gift to the world!!! Oh... and your writing was awesome too, so that college degree in English is paying off.
    love you both

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  4. As a parent I will have questions and concerns out of love, but since there is still a dreamer left in me, you have my blessings that you always find happiness in your endeavors and enrich your lives. I will look forward to you sharing your experiences with us, as you have in such incredible ways. The joy and happiness we experience in life is measured by the enthusiasm and passion we put into it.
    Love you, Dad

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  5. Yay, glad you two are out of the closet about your dreams - now I can start planning the cute biking outfits i can get you for your trip (for christy that is) - Katrina

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  6. way to listen to yourselves, guys. you're awesome. can't wait to hear all about it. xo
    -meaghan

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  7. Awesome. The knock however I believe is actually going to be a burning, achy, chafing sensation in the vicinity of the bike seat. To that I offer my best advice....Gold Bond...applied liberally.

    Sorry, gotta joke, you know me. Now joking aside, I'm very excited for the two of you and your happiness amidst this challenge. From my own experience, my 6 years in a rock band brought me to virtually every club in the Northeast, completely awesome and completely not awesome. I played in front of 15 people and in front of 15,000. There were countless shows at which I felt absolutely connected, there countless shows that scared the shit out of me. We made it up and down the entire east coast twice in a van and laughed the entire way. I had to work on my degree, then stupid day jobs. I had no savings, no insurance. I had to pick a bill each month not to pay, which eventually destroyed my credit until just about 2 years ago. The most conventionally mis-understood, and to some, irresponsible period of my life as a performer was absolutely the most important. It was THE PATH I needed to take to put me in a position today where I can say I have found the focus I need to create and enjoy a rewarding life. It changed me immediately as a musician and joy I derive from music. It then morphed over days and years to affect all the elements of my life positively. I think about those years and that experience daily, even for just a minute, and every single time the thought ends with a smile across my face.

    I apologize for the long-winded trip down memory lane here. But I just wanted to chime-in to tell you that this decision you two are making is going to work. It may not even be the 50 states when you're done. The funny thing is, if this quest is anything like my own, you're not even going to care. The reason? The long-term outcome of this experience will far outweigh whatever final tally you two rack up.

    This will be fun to watch....seriously! You rule!

    John

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  8. Wow! I answered the knock when I did my first 3-day walk. That sounded like a lot then, but it's nothing compared to what you two are taking on:) Can't wait to hear more about your plans and the trip itself.
    Love ya,
    Aunt Mary

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  9. This has been a fantastic blog.One I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying.The only bike riding I've done (other than camp grounds)was spinning class,so I get the sore butt part,but I missed out on all the wonderful sites, smells and experiences.Love you guys, Aunt Ang

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  10. so impressed by the support and comments... thanks so much everyone. I love reading your responses... it's the best part.

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  11. i think you two are awesome and deserve the best life has to offer!! Keep on rollin

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  12. Hello, My name is Bobby Glover, I am presently riding the ACA southern tier, to continue on a perimeter ride of the USA. I salute you and your decision. I refer you to web site downtheroad.org, the story of tim and cindie travis. Great stuff. I will be following your adventure, and invite you to follow mine at crazyguyonabike.com/doc/BRGNomad... Have fun, good luck and happy tailwinds!!!

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