Friday, April 30, 2010

San Francisco and a new chapter

I have officially left BUNN after 13 years. Although I will continue to work from home during the month of May, I feel like I have made a big step.

Here's a picture of my cousin Katy's family and me with giant redwoods in the background -- a fitting way to start a new chapter.

After I graduated from Iowa State in 1977, I began working, first as a newspaper reporter, then in public relations and finally corporate communications. I took six weeks off after the birth of each of my daughters, then went back. If you recall, the 70s were a time when women were encouraged to be independent and feminism was on the upswing. I bought the whole "she can bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan" line and for the longest time, I couldn't understand why I wasn't happy. I had a career. I had a family. I had pretty much everything. Except for time. Well, it's taken this long and a serious fight with multiple sclerosis (that I feel like I am losing most days) but finally, I have time. And it feels great.

Got back from San Francisco last week-- a wonderful way to begin a momentous change. San Francisco was magical. Now I know why there are so many songs about it. What a beautiful place.

With apologies to Tony Bennett, this song more accurately reflects my memories.