Monday, July 23, 2012

Winds of change


On Sunday July 22nd, Grey and I landed in scientific Mecca.

Since my childhood, "Boston" has always passed people's lips with a sense of awe when talking about opportunity. For a brief period of time, I dreamt about what it would be like to wander through this town as more than a tourist. Those hopes were dashed, though, as it was very uncommon for anyone to leave the midwest. In high school, many of my classmates attended universities/colleges that were only a few hundred miles from home. Following receiving their degrees, the same crew moved home to begin families. In a way, it makes sense. But, because of this, few break the mold.

Following my college experience, I moved home to live with my parents. Like many, I found work and quickly settled back into a post-college life-style. Though I talked continually about this being a temporary situation, I don't think many believed that was the case. And as the weeks went by, I quickly became comfortable with the security associated with not breaking the pattern established by so many.

On October 3, 2001, I was given a choice to break the mold. A friend-of-a-friend was moving to the Pacific NW to start a new life. I remember looking into graduate school options, wondering if I had a chance to get in. I'll be honest and say that my family was about as supportive as they could be, but I also believe they didn't presume that too much would come from this. In their minds, Pacific NW journey was suppose to be round-trip, with me returning after a year or two. So they patted me on the back and gave me the "we'll see" grins.

Still, I had hope. As we drove towards the setting sun, chasing a dream, I prayed that somehow this would all work out.

Fast forward 11 yrs. And all that has changed.

Neither Grey or I were never suppose to come to Boston seeking employment. The institutions here were suppose to be unreachable. And yet, Grey and I are acclimating quickly to the city. I have an interview and Grey is utilizing his contacts. The heat and the sunshine have been healing to us both. We both can sense an opportunity for change.

It's not about prestige or pomp. It doesn't matter if we simply traveled back to the midwest. What this is about is doing something many, MANY people have told us we could never do. That we shouldn't dare to dream and should simply live with our lot. And it's hard not to wonder, as I prepare for my interview on Wednesday, if we can do this again. That our non-traditional way of life for our careers is also how we are suppose expand our family. All the naysayers are once are trying to talk us out of this simply because they are hiding their own fear or failures.


That maybe this is a sign that we need to be a lot more creative with the adoption process. That we need to try things that aren't as well charted, finding the path that has been less traveled.


Who knows. Because it is very likely that everything can come crashing down. That we could very well walk away from all of this, never to return and with dreams dashed once again.


But there is change in the air. That energy I felt so many years ago as this friend-of-a-friend and I chased the sun across the North Dakota plains. And with that whiff of change comes the promise of hope.  And though desire/hope is the root of despair, it also gives us strength. Because that one time it all works out, especially when it's been worked towards for so long, is like seeing fireworks for the first time. It's like falling in love all over again.


Wish me luck.

27 comments:

  1. I found your post energizing and inspiring. So many of us are afraid of change and settle for our unfulfilling Groundhog Day lives (doing the same things over and over, with minor variations each day). I know that I'm in that place right now and I know that I don't have the courage to change it any time soon. But it makes me so happy that you do. :)

    Wishing you all the luck in the world, Cristy!

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    1. I think it's a balance. Knowing when to push for change vs. when to be where you are. My issue has been being too prone to listen to the naysayers. Not taking the chance simply because others told me that I would fail. It would be one thing if I was happy with my lot, but I'm not. And because of that, I need to push for something different.

      That said, I think you are making chances, Jenny. You show that you are with each of your posts. And I admire your strength because of it.

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  2. Wishing you lots of luck!! I grew up an hour north of the city and went to college in Boston. I loved my time there and miss it often as I am now living 2200 miles away. I look forward to following your new journey. Best of luck!

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  3. I really love reading your posts. They inspire me and really pick me up when I am down. You are such a strong willed beautiful woman Cristy!

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  4. This is the reward for perseverance and strength. I know you'll be prepared for your interview on Wednesday, and I hope, hope, hope that it is an excellent fit.

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  5. A million good lucks!!! On your interview. For Grey and his job search. On decision making. And in finding that baby specifically chosen for you that I know is out there!!

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  6. A million good lucks!!! On the interview. For Grey and his job search. On decision making. And in finding the baby specificially chosen for you that I know is out there!!

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  7. Welcone! And good luck with the interview!!
    (ok, that should read welcome! Stupid phone won't let me back up!)

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  8. I did the same thing when I moved to Boston from California. No one could understand why I would leave CA and everyone thought I would be home within weeks. That was 1998! :) Enjoy the city!

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  9. Wishing you luck! I love the idea of a fresh start, you deserve it.

    Haters gonna hate ;) Best wishes!

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  10. I think that all sounds wonderful - wishing you guys both a lot of luck. I grew up in MA and went to school in the Boston area. I definitely consider it my academic home, even now. It is a pretty special place and don't ever let anyone think you aren't 'good enough' to make a life there if that is what you guys desire. What types of jobs are you looking for?

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  11. Thinking of you this week and hoping for all good things. Thanks for calling and checking up on me. I am impressed by your drive to explore new options and paths. I have hope that something good will come of your effort.

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  12. Best of luck! Sometimes getting a fresh start is just what you need to get reenergized about life. From that, blessings tend to flow.

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  13. Best of luck for your interview! How exciting to seek something new and challenging. Inspiring to read.

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  14. I am glad that you have decided to chart your own course and not listen to others. Good luck to you! I am hoping that Boston brings a happy new chapter in your life.

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  15. Good luck Cristy!
    I'm so jealous that you and Shelley are meeting up; two of my favorite TCOYFers are hanging out and I wish I could somehow be there, too! Have fun! :)

    ~Keisha~

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  16. Go get 'em Tiger! Best of luck on your interview! I know you will kick ass! I've been to Boston a couple of times a while back and I love the city. I personally don't like change very much, but sometimes we need change. This is a good change! Even though the Pacific Northwest is beautiful, I think more sunshine will make you feel better, both physically and mentally. Nothing but well wishes for you and Grey!

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  17. Go get 'em Tiger! Best of luck on your interview! I know you will kick ass! I've been to Boston a couple of times a while back and I love the city. I personally don't like change very much, but sometimes we need change. This is a good change! Even though the Pacific Northwest is beautiful, I think more sunshine will make you feel better, both physically and mentally. Nothing but well wishes for you and Grey!

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  18. Chills. You gave me chills multiple times in this post! Good luck tomorrow. I'm glad you're having a nice trip so far. I think that taking a creative approach to adopting could be a fantastic thing for you. If we adopt, we would probably get very creative because my husband would be a control freak about it. :P

    I'm really excited for you. :)

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  19. I'm so excited for you guys! My hubby went to school in Boston and I've visited once. I immediately fell in love. Good luck on your interview! Change is good.

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  20. Sending all the very very best wishes my dear friend... good on you for daring to dream :) I hope that the winds of change sweap you away and carry you to a beautiful place where wishes come true :)) You deserve every happiness in the world xoxo

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  21. So wonderful to dare to dream... my it be the wind beneath your wings with hope :) xoxo

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  22. Hi Cristy! I just found your blog via multiple links on others' blogs, and I am so glad I did. You are a wonderful, inspiring writer. My husband just got his doctorate, and is just dipping his toe into the crazy process of trying to get a postdoc or tenure track position. This could lead us just about anywhere around the US at this point. His whole family lives in Brookline, so we're there quite often! Enjoy Boston, and the new journey. :)

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  23. Your post made me smile. My husband and I were also one of the few that "broke out" and went our own direction. Ironically I fled from the East Coast (outside Boston) only to return (soon) to progress in both of our careers. It will be an amazing feeling to return as accomplished professionals. You can't buy that.

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  24. Wishing you the very best in your pursuit of your dreams!

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  25. I hope the interview went perfectly and your dream comes true!

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