Excuse Me, But You Were Saying Something About Change?

When I first started reading blogs--especially those written by fellow West Virginians (which are my favorites)-- the one that caught my attention early was The Spinster Girl's Guide To Love. I thought Spinster Girl was humorous, insightful and irreverent --all qualities I find interesting. Sometime in late July, Spinster Girl wrote about needing to make a change in her life. She hasn't written on that specific blog site since. I still check her site often to see if it's updated. As of today, it hasn't been.

I hope she found the change she was craving.

Change doesn't happen easily for me. It's uncomfortable, and causes me stress. I like the same clothes, the same haircut and the same routines. More than the average guy, I suppose. It's a good way to keep one's life less complicated. At least that is always my defense.

But some change can't be avoided. This week, for example, I changed jobs. I've moved from a terrific job with a wonderful group of co-workers to one that has been a dream job of mine for years. It's bittersweet. I miss not seeing my co-workers everyday, but I haven't felt this creative and energized in months.

This change is gonna be good. But, it's also scary.

Yesterday I finally made it to the place at my new gig where they make ID cards for employees. I filled out the form, sat down and practiced smiling while they arranged everything for the picture. Then:

Her: "Are you sure you want to do this today?"

Me: "Yeah. I need to, so I can get my parking pass."

Her: "Ok...[With a "Well, it's up to you..." inflection and verbal fade-out.]

Flash.

A couple minutes passed, and she handed me my bright, shiny new employee ID. I picked it up, took a look and realized my hair made me look, well...Just awful.


Kinda like this guy. In fact, a lot like that.

Except worse. At least this guy's pretty hip, and has a cult following. Me? Not so much of either.

I was embarrassed.

Added to the stress of the job transition, leaving co-workers for whom I care a great deal and learning the bureaucracy of a new job, this embarrassment sent me over the edge.


I took the ID card, mumbled a "Thanks..." to the woman who noticed my hair sucked and walked outside.

Sitting on a bench for awhile, I kept thinking of that damned post Spinster Girl wrote, titled: "A Little Change..."

It started with: "Change is inevitable and it's scary' and concluded with: "So, yeah, I'm looking for a change. A bigger one, anyway, and, maybe, in truth, I'm just too lazy to make one."

That sure sounded familiar. Too lazy to make a change, huh? A challenge.



So, I did.

By the way, if anyone talks to Spinster Girl, tell her I said thanks, and to come back soon.