August 30 - September 7
While transitioning out of my typical career-based routine, I made sure to prioritize fulfilling all of the commitments I had made prior to the news of my pending departure. Not wanting to wallow in the harsh feelings of my new reality, I tried not to feel too guilty for having any amount of fun while now looking down the barrel of unemployment.
I’d say it was about a 60/40 mix of fun, social engagement with job search-related events and meet-ups. As the days go by, that scale tips closer to center split, and I can see October being a big month for being “on the grind”, as the hype-beasts say, looking for that next chapter to unfold.
The month started off with a weekend outside: cheering on racers at TriFest for MS, followed by a lazy afternoon at Beaver Lake for Labor Day. On Tuesday, I fought back (most) my tears during a heartfelt and emotional dinner organized by a group of incredible and caring women I’ve come to know over my years at BlakeSt. The first Wednesday in the month calls for a Night at WOW (Wednesdays Over Water), at the Crystal Bridges Great Hall with a group of colorful, wonderful women from the NWA area. Still committed to my invitation to sit as a judge for the year’s first round of presentations from the IGNITE Global Business students, I sat for six groups to present their findings on who would essentially come out on top for sales in 2040: Walmart vs Amazon. The following weekend meant a trip to Joplin for their Pride celebration, and a chance to watch one of my favorite performers from Las Vegas live on the mainstage.
