on a new adventure...

So, kind of out of the blue, my life is changing. And going in the direction I've recently hoped it would.

Isn't it kind of amazing how one moment you're just aching for a change - and before you know it, there it is. At this point, I'm still kind of in awe of it all. I guess that I didn't think that the perfect thing would come along at the perfect time. But then, maybe I need to have a bit more faith.

For the record, this has nothing to do with babies. Although, that would kind of make me happy and freaked out and giggly all at once. Whenever I've announced that I have some news lately, people are always, "YOU'RE PREGNANT?!" And then I put on a stinky face and want to say, "And stop taunting me, because it's making my uterus sad."

Anyway, my news isn't about babies. It's about my job. A new job, to be exact.

In the past two weeks, I've gone from one extreme to the other. I started out wallowing in a puddle of self-pity, wondering when I'd be able to dedicate my time to something I actually felt a passion for, whining to myself, "Why not me? Why not now? I have so much to offer, universe! Where is my great big chance? And my Girl Scout cookies? Because I feel rather trapped and kind of hungry, now that I think about it." And by the end of those two weeks, I came out the other end as I was offered an incredible opportunity with a company in an industry I have always dreamed of being involved in. (Arts! Crafts! Writing! Magazines! Creativity! Gahhhh!)

Maybe it will be like The Devil Wears Prada. Except way better. And with more rubber stamps. Kind of like: The Devil Shops at Michaels. (Although, using the word "devil" still has negative connotations, doesn't it? So, never mind. Forget I said anything, because I'm ridiculous right now.)

It is a true testament to my belief that things will happen when they're meant to. And that you should never, ever sell yourself short. I kept second-guessing myself, wondering if I needed to get a four-year degree, or if I should just settle for a job that I know inside-and-out and has great benefits. I kept wondering if there were even jobs out there that I could have a passion for, given the current state of the economy and such.

When I had the chance to apply for this new job, I'll admit that I was scared. I almost didn't feel good enough. I thought, "What if they look at my resume and think I'm ridiculous? What then?" But I couldn't fight that thought that kept nudging me here and there. Poking me in the belly. Tugging at my heartstrings. The one that said, "Stop being silly. You are ridiculously talented. And nice. And passionate. And filled with creativity that is just ready to spill over all your edges. You could do this job. You really could."

And I feel like I've finally convinced myself of those things...all the good things.

I start my new job in a few weeks, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I put in my notice at work today, and beforehand I was ready to have a stroke or something because really. It's scary to go to the people you've worked with for the past five years and be all, "Um, I was offered a new job last week. But it's not you. It's me. Mostly. But I think we should still be friends. On Facebook, probably. Also, you're pretty."

Well, okay. Maybe that wasn't the exact conversation, but when I'm nervous I kind of talk until my mouth goes numb and I think, "Wait, what did I just say? Was that a hallucination or real life?" (Remind me never to be a public speaker.) It's been a completely uplifting experience, though, having talked to the people I work with about moving on. Every single person I talked to broke into a huge smile - a genuine smile. Saying things about how thrilled they are for me, to be going into a job that is in an industry that I truly connect with. I wondered if anyone was going to be bitter or irritated with my choice to move on, but really? I've been overwhelmed by the support. It kind of made me weepy, to be honest.

It feels good to leave on a good note. And to be surrounded by people who are genuinely happy for me.

So, in a matter of a few weeks, I'll be starting a new job. Doing a bunch of new things and probably being a little overwhelmed. And although there is always that nervous anticipation, I'm mostly overflowing with joy and thankfulness. I know that not all of you are religious, but if I can be honest, there is no doubt in my heart that the big guy upstairs had his hand in all of this. (And, no, I'm not talking about Hunky Fireman Landlord. Because he actually lives next door. And could probably care less about my present job situation, as long as he's getting paid every month.) There have been a few fierce prayers I've sent out lately, just asking for a new direction. For a new opportunity to shine. How can I look at this situation and not realize that it's all a part of my perfect story? Happening exactly when it's supposed to? It's kind of amazing, really.

Now, on to the important questions: How will I find a way to rationalize an entire new wardrobe to my husband? Should I have a bonfire specifically to torch all my pantyhose/nylons? Who is going to watch Two Weeks Notice with me several times within the next, well, two weeks? And, most notably, how did I get so lucky?