Starting From The Roots

Where’s the free in freedom?

Today was the first day of waking up knowing I didn’t have to show up to work. Work consisting of fighting morning traffic, sitting shoulder tensed in front of a computer writing scripts, organizing shoots, and brainstorming graphic elements for on-air promotions. Instead, I woke up, made myself some breakfast (a bran muffin I made at midnight last night while savoring the fact I didn’t have to wake up at 6am), coffee and checked my email. No word from either projects but hey it’s only Monday. It’s ONLY Monday. I have to continue reminding myself things don’t happen over night and usually it’s when you’re napping or in a state of blissful oblivion that plans start to happen. At least that’s what I have to tell myself.

So back to the title – free/freedom, sure I’d like to say I feel free in a sense I can now create my own schedule and no longer be micromanaged. However, after spending over $400 in one day I had to consider that money needs to flow and I know that I definitely can’t rest on my laurels for much longer. Where was the money spent you ask? Here’s a breakdown:

- Emissions and State inspection for my Jetta: $59 (including fixing of brake light)

- Tetnus, Yellow Fever & Typhoid Vaccine : $300 (I believe so strongly I’ll be doing work in Africa I went ahead and too the leap and got the shots necessary. That, and well I DO have a wedding to attend in April to in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania .)

- Groceries at Wholefood: $30 (Only 3 items and a tiny salad bar box ..I am going to refrain from any WF/whole paycheck jokes.)

-  Sushi dinner with friend : $30

- Realization that I don’t have to report to work tomorrow: Priceless

Freedom, whether is free or not, is all a state of mind. Although money is how we survive in this world (unless you are a pro at the barter system) it isn’t what inspires us and brings us the most joy. I see how little things like cars, food, socializing, and maintaining good health (you guys need to try out maca!) all require spinach, dough, paper, and simple bling bling to obtain. One thing that IS free is breathing. So breathe baby breathe.

I think that some days I feel like just scheduling a C-section for this birth of a dream to just happen already.

I jumped!

I not only jumped, I feel like I swan dove into the pool of dreams. After working as a television producer for the last year and a half in Washington DC, I finally gathered up enough courage to take a leap. I gave my notice and today marked the last day at my job off Wisconsin avenue. We ate cake, said our last farewells, and excitedly I turned in my ID and parking pass to human resources. I felt a slight tinge of anxiety as I walked away from stability and safety…but I couldn’t be any more positive that this is the right move.

This blog is dedicated to my travels, adventures, and exciting journey of creating opportunities to document parts of life around the world. This is my way of figuring out life through travel and digging up stories…starting from the roots.

First Project:

My first project I am waiting to hear back from is for The Nyumbani Village in Kenya – an orphanage home to children with HIV.  I turned in my proposal to the board for Nyumbani a week ago and am still waiting to hear back from them. Stay tuned because I jumped without a definite OK from this particular project. I have a few other options of what to do and where to do in case this doesn’t turned out as planned. I’m crossing my fingers, toes, and eyes in hopes that this works out! Let’s stay positive and believe it’ll be stories NOT my hair I’ll be pulling out from the roots.