And so it’s suddenly July, and everything has changed. I’m thoroughly indebted to all of you for your support and sweet words. I tried to keep up with you through e-mail but quickly found myself overwhelmed by everyone (and by the first few days of being gainfully unemployed) so if I didn’t write you personally, thank you.
Last week was a mess of friends, goodbyes, canon fire, wild flowers and cupcakes. My last day at work was Tuesday (my all star manager left while I was in my exit interview, which made me laugh) and Canada Day was Wednesday! We had a non-stop parade of people through the Little House: my Dad, my favourite 5 year old using his “BIG BIKE DO YOU SEE THE TRAINING WHEELS” for the first time, Mister’s parents, and two groups of friends who sipped lemon aid in our south facing back deck that had us all exhausted from the sun in no time. We refreshed drinks and squinted in the sun while celebratory canon fire echoed out over the rivers and over flowing patios. It was a perfect summer day.
The fourth of July weekend was wild- after shouting patriotic messages on the phone to all of our American family, Mister and I made a big drive up to an abandoned hydro dam for a picnic with the puppies, I made an incredibly easy and kinda showstopping strawberry shortcake, and my best friend humored me and went on a massive photoshoot with me that turned out beautifully- and I’ll have all up here this week.
So far, being away from work has been incredibly relaxing. I didn’t realize how braced I was, and over the past week my whole demeanor has changed. Going out on week nights doesn’t seem overwhelming anymore, and I have more than enough energy again. I’ve even stopped frightening Mister by sleeping in eleven hour stretches to “recharge” on the weekends! I’ve had a couple of awkward conversations about my situation with friends of friends who wrinkle their noses at me for leaving and ask “So when do you think you’ll have a career?” as they peer out from behind masters degrees their parents paid for and prepare to look for their first job ever, but more than anything those conversations tell me things about them, not me. And I’m trying to not let my pride get in the way of enjoying the time I know I need.
In the mean time, there are job postings to looks at, my garden to tend to, home projects to work on, minty gin drinks to make, and puppies to wrangle. For now, for a short time, that’s what I need.
House Keeping: I finally got my mixtape streaming, if you need some summer music for your work day try this; I have cleaned up the archives on the site so you can peruse them much more easily now; and I just got a pro flickr account so check it out if you’re on flickr.
{image: kylaroma on flickr}
ria
your picnic sounds amazing!
[Reply]
Marie
Oh please, I can’t believe people are asking you when you’re going to have a career. I think those are the sorts of people who miss out on a lot of things in life and are never able to just stop and smell the proverbial roses.
I hope you keep having an awesome time and always remember to do whatever YOU feel is right for YOU!
[Reply]
AshleyD
Your last few days sound absolutely lovely. I’m so happy for you! Don’t let those silly people get you down; you’re right, you know yourself best and this sounds like something you need. :)
[Reply]
rachel
that sounds like the perfect weekend. i’m so happy you have this time off, lord knows you deserve it. happy summer pretty girl!!
[Reply]
Maggie
your pics on flickr are so cute! I’m glad you’re enjoying “Funemployment” as my friend likes to call it :P
[Reply]
Racquel Valencia
I’m taking this summer off to just write and recharge… I know EXACTLY what you mean about the people who kind of sniff at you without having the grounds to. I mean, really, where do you think that Masters’ in English is going to “get you”?
I hope to always be able to define myself as more than whatever I do as my “career”.
[Reply]
Lily
I get SO heated when people are all “what about your CAREER” when you decide to do things like this. There is NOTHING I’d love more than to be able to sustain some kind of income from home that when I do get married and have kids, I can stay home to raise them.
YOU follow YOUR heart (which you’re doing, and which makes me SO PROUD).
<3 you :)
[Reply]
Nora
Please send a chocolate cupcake. =)
Glad you’re feeling free and relaxed. It’s amazing what just a few days can do to a girl as I had Wed-Friday off last week and by Saturday? I felt like myself again.
Which has me determined to find an alternative job in the next year or so.
Big hugs!
[Reply]
Ev`Yan || apricot tea.
Your weekend sounds lovely! I am especially eyeing that cupcake. That looks so good. :]
I’ve been thinking about getting a pro-flickr account. I’m running out of space on the free account. I’m just wondering if we can afford it…
[Reply]
mandy
I’m incredibly behind on my reader, so I had to go back a few posts. But can I just tell you how proud I am of you Kyla! What you did was incredibly courageous and a total act of liberation. I am so happy for you. You did indeed need to leave that situation. The past few days sound heavenly for you. I am glad that you are no longer on edge and are feeling free. Happiness is priceless my friend. Cheers to you and your summer of starting over!
[Reply]
Amber from Girl with the Red Hair
ENJOY it! Don’t let anybody stop you from enjoying this time!! YOUR time! It sounds amazing and I am jealous and happy for you all at the same time :-)
[Reply]
Sarah
I’m so glad you recognize that weensters who would make comments like that are just working out their own issues, but really, what a thoughtless thing to say!
Anyway, your week sounded lovely.
Happy belated Canada Day!
[Reply]
Lys
i’m so happy that you’re happy! and i’m starting to think that people with a career don’t really get to experience the world or the things around them. they stuff themselves in one little corner and call it success, letting everything else fall by the wayside. i’m not sure that’s something i’m willing to do and i’d much rather have 20 different jobs all over the place to build my repertoire of knowledge than just learn one thing for the rest of my life. even if i’m poor, i’d just rather be happy.
[Reply]
Andrea
huzzah lady face, I’m proud of you. Way to be gainfully living, if not employed. Frankly, I think I’d prefer the former over the latter in the long run. xo
[Reply]
steph anne
YAY for being happy!!! :) Happiness is the keyword to life & success anyways so I have no doubt you’ll succeed no matter what.
[Reply]
hillary
I’m kind of lusting after your life right now. I say that as I’m typing away in cubeland though, and I’m sure I’ll get over it by the time I get home to the puppies. Hopefully.
[Reply]
Elly
Oh! I’m so jealous of all your fabulous time off! It sounds like it’s really good for you :) And oh bah, “career”. You should reply with “professional life-liver” or something clever like that. Careers are overrated, I think. Especially if they aren’t making you happy. Go you for laxing out, and making the most of it. You’re brilliant :)
[Reply]
floreta
glad you can keep perspective and optimistic :)
[Reply]
Erin
You summer sounds lovely so far. I’m glad you are taking time for you!
[Reply]
Jessica
Don’t feel uncomfortable telling people you left your job. That woman treated you like crap, you are investing in your sanity, not their POVs. I’m glad you’re feeling good and enjoying your free time, you’ve earned it.
[Reply]
Russ
i’m glad you’ve got time for yourself
and time to do what you want and too relax :)
looking forward to your pics
and your gardening and cooking seem lovely
wish you a lovely rest of the summer
enjoy it cos this is what you need <3
xoxo
[Reply]
Renee
This post gives me all sorts of warm fuzzies. And, for the record, I hope I never have a “career.”
[Reply]
Amy
I’m so glad you’re getting the rest and relaxation you need and deserve—sounds like things are off to a lovely start!
[Reply]
shannon
I’m so very happy for you!
[Reply]
Megan
Sounds like such a lovely time! Relax & enjoy it. :)
[Reply]
Larissa
you’re going to have a wonderful summer dear! no stressful work situations and all those projects. <3 im glad youre happy.
[Reply]
bodelou
hoorah for great summers! and pro flickr accounts. sounds like the stress has been lifted! happy wishes sent your way :0)
[Reply]
SoMi's Nilsa
Kyla! I’m so sorry I’m only now catching up with my blog reading. While it’s unfortunate that you landed in such a sour work situation, I’m glad to see that you’re able to do something about it. Something that will give you a summer to remember in only the best of ways. Kudos to you for not complaining about it, but fixing it!
[Reply]
andhari
Canada day and 4th of july in the same week? Double fireworks and sparklers sessions? OMG sounds like a perfect week :)
[Reply]
Andrea
“And so it’s suddenly July, and everything has changed.” …I may need to use that on an upcoming blog post. This post makes me feel content. Life changes aren’t so bad.
[Reply]
Habbala
You deserve peaceful weekends!!!! Your summer is going to be so full of wonderful things, can’t wait to read about it. :)
[Reply]
Allie O.
Kyla, your photos are beautiful. Maybe you’ve already found your next career ;)
[Reply]
Abby
–“So when do you think you’ll have a career?” as they peer out from behind masters degrees their parents paid for and prepare to look for their first job ever–
^ that made me smile because SO many of my friends fit that pedigree… although by friends I really mean acquaintances I keep up with via Facebook… but you get what I’m saying. It’s just so typical. :P
I am very glad for you. July has begun a new start for many people I think, myself included.
<3
[Reply]
MinD
Sometimes those breaks come an inopportune times, but occasionally, they’re perfectly situated. Glad you’re taking advantage of it and recharging!
[Reply]
E.P.
I’m so happy for you. A summer of starting over… I think we all need something like that. It sounds like a lovely week and weekend for y’all.
What are you up to during the days?
[Reply]
wishcake
This is truly an amazing time for you, Kyla, and I’m incredibly excited for you – and inspired BY you. I know that you’re strong enough to not let all those people with their masters degrees (and noses pointed in the air) get to you. I genuinely think that people with attitudes like that seriously aren’t happy themselves. They only wish they could break free from the norm or take a chance on something else. Why else would they feel the need to make someone else feel guilty, or like they’re somehow doing something wrong?
I feel the same way when I get the whole, “When are you going to finish college? You have to get that four-year degree, you know. Everyone does.” I’ve reached a point in my life where I have this calm sense of…assurance. I’ve stopped letting those negative words get to me, and I’ve started looking forward to all I have yet to experience. :)
Okay, long comment, I think I need to write a post of my own about this…heehee…in any case, I just wanted to encourage you to follow your heart and your lovely spirit will take you anywhere you want to be. You are a gem.
[Reply]