You know how it is, when you wish and work and wrangle for something you are convinced is your heart’s desire? Your positive thoughts, like an arrow, shoot straight from your heart to that all-consuming objective. Swoosh–miss; swoosh–grazed it! Swoosh–SMACK–bullseye! Snoopy-like dance of joy with ears in the air and a fat grin, whoop of exultation and a rush of adrenaline. On October 30 I got the telephone call that set me to dancing, that is changing my life.
Perhaps you read, a few months ago, about my Dream Job? It’s official; I am moving to Missoula and joining the amazing group of folks at Adventure Cycling Association, as part of the Tours Department team. The company offers more than 80 bicycle tours in 2014. I will join Arlen, Darrah, Lydia and Mike, shepherding these trips from Advertising copy to Zeroing out the last of the invoices. (I know, that was a real stretch…) I have a company email address and some business cards waiting for me–it must be true! I am beyond excited.
But one should always be careful about what one wishes for. Since the reality hit home I have been vacillating between “Wahoo!” and “What was I thinking?” The former is self-explanatory. The latter is a result of saying so long to family and friends-adopted-as-family; of the triage required to select what comes with me right now; of the madcap dash to winterize and button up the house. The over-arching mood is one of joy and excitement, but mixed in with all my hurrahs are the “darn, I’ll miss them” and “wow, I never did climb the Butte” wistfulness. In other words, a mixed bag, just like all of life tends to be. Not unalloyed joy, but joy, nonetheless.
And so I ask you friends to think positive thoughts for our journey of 2500 miles; maybe your concerted will can hold the snow at bay and prevent icy roads or buffalo collisions. No harm in trying, anyway. Wish me luck! Dream job, here I come.
You have always amazed me with your openness to life, your resiliency, and your courage to face difficulties and change with the rising of the wave in life rather than waiting for the wave to drown you and deal with what is left. If I could be like anyone other than myself if/when I grow up, I would be aiming for being like you — if you ever grow up. Perhaps that is your secret — I was born old, not necessarily grown up and you have always been six going on nineteen with scattered wisdom of the ages sprinkled in. As you make this change you and your sweetheart are in my prayers for more good things and good friends and good health and good days ahead than you can count. But remember, you can always count on crissybean. xoxoxoxo
Incredible journey you are on Mandy. Welcome to your dream job. I will help you make it all that and more! – Arlen
Thanks Arlen; like husband Tom said when I asked him how he REALLY felt about us relocating, “It’s another adventure!”
Mandy, you are a rock star. I love that you’re doing this.
You’re right, it’s a mixed-bag filled with a wildly oscillating range of emotions, but the prevailing theme is adventure…and that, is a great and wonderful thing.
Congratulations for daring to dream, and more importantly, for acting on your dreams.
Colleen, thanks. I consider your comment high praise, coming as it does from a person I view as living her life very fully and adventurously. And now that I’m here in Missoula it’s going to be even more nerve-wracking for a while, as I eat this elephant one bite at a time!!
Welcome to Missoula! I’m a recent(ish) transplant here and I just love it. I hope you do, too! Came across your blog and look forward to reading about your adventures in Missoula!