Today I said goodbye to my car and abandoned it to the cold, cruel world…or, at least to a nearly empty parking lot outside of a car auction site in South Milwaukee. I felt like Meryl Streep in the movie Sophie’s Choice, except that instead of choosing between two children, I was choosing between a car that was perhaps on its last legs and a future that hasn’t yet found its legs. The sense of abandonment felt personal; I don’t remember ever feeling so quite “at sea.”
I also had to say goodbye to a dear viola student. Watching young people fall in love with music, strive to hone their talents and commit to learning an instrument with true dedication is a rare privilege. I’ve had that privilege with some truly wonderful students in Milwaukee and I am very grateful.
Goodbyes…not my favorite thing in the world. But with goodbyes come new beginnings and “hellos.” While I’ll still shed some tears over the goodbyes, I’m embracing them and looking forward to what can only be some very exciting new beginnings.
Joana, you’ll be all right! I feel your pain, but you’ll be fine. You’re going into a restrictive situation, so remember that you do have limitations that others don’t have. And I want you to remember, all work is honorable!
Hi Helen,
I really appreciated this comment! I’ve always been able to land on my feet in a new place (and most times I’ve been really excited about moving.) However, since I’ve been trying to line up work long distance for quite some time now, I’m feeling more apprehensive about whether or not things will work out.
I’m sorry that I’ll miss hearing and seeing you play this weekend since I’m in NH with my parents. Hope you get a great crowd and that you have a lot of fun playing!
🙂 Joana
P.s. Does working at Kinkos still count as honorable in your book;-)?
Yes, working at Kinko’s is honorable!!! It may not be what we want, but it is honorable. Other things we’ve joked about are also honorable, but maybe not so healthy.
I’m on the same page with you, Helen;-)
In the honorable, but maybe not so memorable jobs I’ve had in my life category, I count…
– selling popcorn at the concession stand of the local movie theatre in Oberlin
– waitressing at Howard Johnson’s in White River Junction, VT
and
– working food service at the Eastman Dining Hall
I guess I’d rather not find myself in any food service profession ever again.
🙂 Joana