Sometimes I look at Becca’s blog title, 25ToFly, and I start laughing.
No, you guys, I’m not laughing at her.
What I meant to say, is that Becca doesn’t know how much I relate to that wonderfully alphanumeric title of hers. She doesn’t even have the slightest idea that just a few years ago I could have written this exact snippet from her About page, word for word.
Up until this point, I have followed the path set out for me that was promised to lead me to success. What I did not do, was take the time to figure out what my definition of success is. Having lived in Louisiana my entire life, I am utterly fixated on my goal of eventually moving somewhere new
Except that part about Louis and Ana. I don’t know who Louis and Ana are, but that’s a pretty sweet power-couple name. They must be really good friends of Becca to let her live inside them like that.
Anyway, I know exactly where she’s coming from. I spent 23 years of my life within the 50 mile diameter of a small New England town. So when people like Becca and I say that we need to leave our comfort zones, it isn’t because we are condescendingly turning our backs on everything we’ve ever known. It’s because when we squint really hard, we can see new experiences on the horizon. And we want to fly towards those experiences and we want to land on our feet, on our own terms. We want to be battle tested 20-somethings.
I know what it’s like “ToFly”.
A few years ago I walked into my workplace and handed in my letter of resignation with this super cool unfurling motion of the wrist. It was so cool. I wish you could’ve seen it. YOU SHOULD’VE SEEN IT. Two weeks later I packed up a single suitcase, bought a one-way ticket, and I moved to Chicago by myself. And the little cherry on top of my HAHA-I’m-bat-shit-crazaay-sundae was that I had never stepped foot inside Chicago.
Becca, you can absolutely reboot your path like a Hollywood movie. You can start by taking a deep breath and repeating after me: I believe I can fly. I believe I can tou..wait, we don’t have any money to buy the rights to that song do we, Le Clown? No? Ok, we’ll have to scrap the R. Kelly motivational montage and just stick with the basic motivational package.
Bex (I’m feeling like we’re at a place where I can nickname your nickname), stay or leave, there will always be “what ifs?” creeping up to make you second guess yourself. You can’t erase them, but I imagine the pursuit of happiness helps keep them out of bold size 64 font. So if you find yourself in a place where everything inside you is screaming that it’s time ToFly, I hope you can find the strength to pack up your finest Long Johns, steal some balloons from a child, and Mary Poppins that shit right into the sunset.
Timmer,
I won’t use magnificent™, as it is used only for moi and La Becca this week, but this is simply sublime.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | December 14, 2012, 07:08I can use it, cause i hope to see le clown in court someday (yes, I’m that desperate to meet him). This was magnificent! No trademark there, nè nè nè nê nè!
Posted by Daan van den Bergh | December 14, 2012, 07:48I’m a honoured. I think I’m spelling that correctly. But my spell-check is pretty clearly shaking its head in disdain. Oh well.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 08:17It doesn’t like the British spelling :p
Posted by ohshecooks | December 14, 2012, 11:22SUBLIME!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 09:34This. This is wonderful. I am moving from Georgia to Alaska next year, alone. Bat-shit-crazy? Yes…but it’s time ToFly.
Posted by SLP_Echo | December 14, 2012, 08:42That is both terrifying and amazingly wonderful at the same time!
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 08:57Katie, that is incredible! I envy you, but you also give me hope. I don’t know where I will end up next year, but one thing is certain. Wherever it is, you will all be the first to know!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 09:29“I hope you can find the strength to pack up your finest Long Johns, steal some balloons from a child, and Mary Poppins that shit right into the sunset.”
What a great conclusion! I read this post at 7:30am, tucked in bed trying to not wake up my boyfriend and ended up desperately trying to muffle my giggles so he wouldn’t hear. Great post.
Marie
Posted by Good Morning, Joe | December 14, 2012, 08:46That is the exact reaction I went for. Muffled laughter.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 09:00I had to! No choice! It sucks when you’re woken up by laughter when there is only 15 minutes until your alarm goes off. My poor boyfriend’s been having a tough time sleeping lately. Inside though…inside I was laughing out loud
Posted by Good Morning, Joe | December 14, 2012, 09:11Marie, I read it the same way (minus the sleeping boyfriend). I was so lucky to start the day off reading this. I have a huge pep in my step!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 09:35Aw, that last line rhyme. How cute!!
Posted by Good Morning, Joe | December 14, 2012, 09:38PS- “The New Battle Tested Becca” image reminds me of the game Munchkin. Ever play that?
Posted by Good Morning, Joe | December 14, 2012, 08:47No. BUT I am intrigued, so tell me more.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 09:02Check this out! (I dont know how to make a proper link in a comment)
https://www.google.ca/search?q=munchkin+cards&sugexp=chrome,mod%3D9&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=oDPLUPizOM-90QGOn4DgDw&biw=1440&bih=781&sei=ojPLUK_HJ4-w0QGky4HgAw
Posted by Good Morning, Joe | December 14, 2012, 09:12Or visit the site:
http://www.worldofmunchkin.com/game/
Posted by Good Morning, Joe | December 14, 2012, 09:13I wish I could have seen it! — this is why I wrote “You Last 24 Hours Experiment” blog yesterday- I honestly have been in high gear lately — and when you pack up your car with a puppy, 2 suitcases and an iron then step foot into a new city- you learn many fun ways to live that you never EVER thought of before. We did that- you did kinda that- there are no excuses! Be brave and live bold!
Posted by Dreamlife Moments | December 14, 2012, 09:31I agree. You learn a lot about yourself when you’re by yourself. That sounds so cliche. BUT I’M ROLLING WITH IT.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 09:38I can hardly wait! Next year is my goal. Congrats on being so brave. Now spread a little of that my way
.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 09:40TIM… TIM…TIM … I love you! This was a flawless post by you. I adore the battle Becca to death. I look up to you in so many ways. When I looked at your About Page for the first time (it is just too damn perfect) I made a special connection with you. We are similar in so many ways, and I believe we will both succeed no matter where we “fly”. Maybe one day we will even bump beaks! That sounded wrong.
Thank you so much for being a part of this week. I am one lucky gal. It wouldn’t have been the same without you. Now, I am off to e-mail you a million questions about Chicago, moving, and how to properly use balloons as transportation.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 09:38Bex, I’m pumped you enjoyed the post. I MEAN, it was crafted for you! I was having a hard time finding a way to write this post on my own blog, so thanks for being the perfect muse (and thanks to Le Clown for being the perfect stage). I felt like I was writing for myself just as much as I was writing it for you.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 10:18That is so good to hear. I am glad you got what you wanted out of it at the same time as you made my day
. Much love Timmer!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 10:20If your feet are itching and is not athlete’s foot, it means is time to move.
Posted by Doggy's Style | December 14, 2012, 09:45And great post by the way, you bought me with”Mary Poppins that shit right into the sunset.”
Posted by Doggy's Style | December 14, 2012, 09:51That’s where he got me too. I lie, he had me at me at hello.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 10:08I’m going to start using it as my “out of office” reply in Outlook.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 10:20LOVE it. Thanks Leo. Man my feet are itchy now…
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 10:08This is great. I was 23 when I finally moved away. I was 24 when I moved back though, but I did move away, and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Posted by Brother Jon | December 14, 2012, 10:05I often get scared about this Jon. I am biting at my collar to get away and experience something different, but with the south, things are a bit different. I will always feel that this is my home. That being said, I am sill determined to move away for a while even if I do end up right back where I came from. I will be able to say I ventured out and learned where I truly wanted to be for myself.
You can’t know if you like apples more than oranges if you have never had an apple.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 10:10Well said, both of you.
Bonus content: Chicago opened up a door to NYC, which opened a window to my current place, Boston (which isn’t too far from where I grew up, So Becca, I hear you on the ‘moving away for awhile/ending up where you came from’). And I have no idea what happens next.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 10:31I have been considering Boston. A LOT.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 10:37Boston. Now THAT would be a change of scenery.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 10:56I visited this summer and LOVED it. The people were a bit difficult to adjust to, but the city is beautiful.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 10:59be prepared for some nasty winters. oh, but you have long-john power. nevermind.
Posted by rich | December 14, 2012, 11:36I will eventually own my own Long John selling business as my friend Maddie suggested a while back. Watch out world.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:37what will you call the store? all things thermal? ther-mall? the waffle house? (because the little indents look like waffles)
Posted by rich | December 14, 2012, 11:38The Waffle House wins, but I think there may be a legal issue with that.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:40howse? haus?
Posted by rich | December 14, 2012, 11:41Waffle Wear
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:47hey, a kid from delaware u. started the underarmour company because he wanted something warmer beneath his uniform. might’ve been maryland. close enough. oh, point is that if he can do it, you can do it.
Posted by rich | December 14, 2012, 11:49I think a cool women’s line is necessary. Long Johns don’t fit well enough under women jeans. Okay, I need to stop talking about this on here. Off to scribble down ideas.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 12:04atta girl. i’ll leave you alone for a while.
.
….
times up.
Posted by rich | December 14, 2012, 12:05Excuse me, Waffle Wear™.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:47bingo
Posted by rich | December 14, 2012, 11:48Exactly….and it is scary. I don’t really live in the “South” but it feels like it, a lot. When I did move I actually moved to the South…to Central Texas. It was awesome, and I’d do it again in a heart beat. Sometimes I wished I would have stayed but I don’t regret a single decision I’ve made. They’ve all brought me to where I am now, and where I am now is pretty great.
Posted by Brother Jon | December 14, 2012, 10:42That’s refreshing to hear Jon. Thanks!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 10:43I moved from my hometown to Colorado after college just to get the F out of my town and broaden my horizons. I didn’t know anyone and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I moved back home a couple years later. A lot of people don’t understand why I want to leave my hometown. Now I know there’s such a big world out there that I don’t want to just experience in vacation snippets. I want to live other places. Settling down in my hometown scares the living daylights out of me.
Posted by Adrienne schmadrienne | December 14, 2012, 10:14I feel you Adrienne. I don’t want to always be just a tourist in all of the amazing places out there. I want to be a part of them. I don’t want Louisianian to be my only title!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 10:50I left Atlanta within a month of graduating from Georgia Tech – to Boston! I had $200 in my pocket. Maybe that would seem crazy to me now, but I LOVED my time there, found a great job at MIT, learned about Physical Therapy from a colleague and the rest is history (well a lot of history, but I wouldn’t be enjoying the life I have here in Colorado, had I not done that.) Sometimes I walked through open doors, sometimes I climbed out the window, but I had to see something other than what I had grown up knowing. Best decision I ever made…
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | December 14, 2012, 10:27That is so encouraging Cathy. Thank you for always offering up something valuable in your comments. I often psyche myself out BECAUSE of lack of money, being scared that I wont find a job, etc. But I am trying to learn to block that out and make it on the hope that the risk is worth it.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 10:52I think those experiences help us frame our upbringings a little better. Plus all the other fun stuff about discovering new surroundings.
Also, wooo Boston! I finally went to the top of the Prudential. It only took 3 years.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 10:54Reblogged this on 25ToFly and commented:
I can never get enough of Timmer. You know you can’t either. He is part of the spark that caught me on fire, so do me a favor and go give his post some love… and maybe a little for me too.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 10:54I quit my job doing important things like researching cancer and looking for SNPs in schizophrenic DNA to write smut. I used to be all, “Oh, I work in lab, you know, genetics and stuff.” Now it’s, “Oh, I work from the couch, you know, stroke books and teh internets.”
Posted by antoinettemsmut | December 14, 2012, 10:57That. Is. Fucking. Awesome.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:23I requested my replacement be informed that I QUIT TO WRITE SMUT (since I can’t wave my arms around, I had to use all caps).
Also, one thing I loved about working in science, is somehow, you could make moving around small volumes of liquid and talking to the centrifuge sound important, I mean I used to run a MALDI-TOF mass spec. Yeah… that’s what I did, that sounds important.
Posted by antoinettemsmut | December 14, 2012, 13:13What? You don’t miss RT-PCR?
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 11:23You mean the magic of science? Creating styrofoam gods of reproducible results and pouring libations of histology grade ethanol at their feet? No, I don’t miss that.
I do miss going out with my co-workers for lunch, getting them all to order a few beers, then heading back for tipsy science (not at all related to me breaking the Hydra).
Posted by antoinettemsmut | December 14, 2012, 13:24I mean, I am sure you could have done great things for the medical field, but smut is important too!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:24That last line has got to be THE best closing sentence to any blog post ever, lol!
Posted by Huong | December 14, 2012, 11:11Right? I think everyone is in agreement about this.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:25Effing do it. THEN be just as confused as you were at the start. Traveling is great but addicting–eventually you won’t call anywhere ‘home’ and that can be great too. Meet me in Thailand.
Posted by Sloan | December 14, 2012, 11:17Oh man, Sloan. You know I want to. I have a friend who is there right now training as a safety kayaker. How cool is that? Hm. Maybe I will have to go visit him.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:26THAT”S SO COOL. Is he single? And fun? And awesome? Come and we’ll all hang!
Posted by Sloan | December 14, 2012, 11:33Single? Check. Fun? Check Awesome? Check. I think we would have a blast! Now if only I could find about $1500 lying around somewhere…
Check out this video he made too:http://vimeo.com/44845117
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:36Ummm. So when am I hanging out with these guys? I don’t wanna do THAT, but I will pay them in beer and laughs if they take me paddling.
Where in Thailand?
Posted by Sloan | December 14, 2012, 20:13Becca really is a treasure, isn’t she?
You’re a generous, clown, my friend. We’re blessed to know you.
And all this kindness is giving me a headache, so I’m signing off before I start feeling things…
Posted by The Hook | December 14, 2012, 11:17I know. The sweet sting of being nice to one another gets the best of us sometimes
.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:27The Hook,
It’s the holidays! Let’s all enjoy this.
I’ll have a special gift for all of you this coming Sunday…
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | December 14, 2012, 12:58I moved from Wisconsin to Texas, on my own, in my twenties. Yes, I do believe I only had one suitcase. I never regretted it either! You can do it Becca!
Posted by JackieP | December 14, 2012, 11:18I am soaking up all of this encouragement like a big Becca sponge. Thank you. I can NOT wait!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:27First of all, I did the same thing! I moved to Chicago to get out of my town! Truth, it was the hotdogs. And the pizza. They were beckoning me.
Excellent post, Timmer. Let’s all raise our glasses to getting out of our comfort zones and MOVING on. What else is life for?
Posted by Emily @ The Waiting | December 14, 2012, 11:20I am so antsy right now. Why am I so antsy?! Y’all inspiring little shits!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:29I lived right by Wrigley. Oh god, I can taste the hot dogs and deep dish pizza…
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 11:34Flying is great…at any age! xoM
Posted by Margarita | December 14, 2012, 11:22Can’t argue there!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:30Timmer!
You’ve got a knack my friend. Inspiring! Funny! Truth!
And you have the BEST About page I’ve ever seen.
Glad to know you!
Red
Posted by SocietyRed | December 14, 2012, 11:26Timmer’s about page sets the bar for all about pages ever. He has really done well for himself. And for me!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:31I’m pretty sure your title should now include “phenomenon”. Better trademark it before Le Clown catches on!
Posted by SocietyRed | December 14, 2012, 11:49I like the way you think!!!!!!!!!! You can tell, because that is a lot of exclaiming I just did.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:52Red! Thank you!
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 11:39Love this post. LOVE it!
The best part about the internet is that when you do finally Mary Poppins that shit right into the sunset, we’ll all be right here waiting for you to land (hoping those balloons don’t pop/take you to outer space to meet aliens without us)
Posted by MissFourEyes | December 14, 2012, 11:27And you know damn well I will be dashing to a computer somewhere as soon as I land to report to you all immediately!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 11:32I’d like both of you to move to Portland. That is all.
Posted by Jen and Tonic | December 14, 2012, 11:48Okay, so seriously, I am taking my money out of savings and packing my shit in my car and doing a road trip all around the US to come meet all of you. You can hop in and join me, as I will stop in Portland first. Somehow we will make money while doing this as well. I still need to figure that part out, but what do you say?
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 12:01Inspiring post, Timmer! Well done. Becca time to get your wings ready! Remember what I said earlier this week…You will soar!!
Posted by The Bumble Files | December 14, 2012, 11:50*applause for Tim* It means a lot to me to have people like you and Tim behind me on this thing! Thanks indefinitely!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 12:02This is why I love Timmer – hilarious drawings and beautiful writing! I sense “motivational speaker” as a past life! And I sense “heart-throb” in your immediate present ~.^
Posted by GiggsMcGill Jill | December 14, 2012, 12:23Internet HIGH FIVE!
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 13:16Internet FIST BUMP!
Posted by GiggsMcGill Jill | December 14, 2012, 15:22If there were a WP magazine, he would be on the cover.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 13:36Surrounded by his characters. All with shirts off and pouty faces.
Posted by GiggsMcGill Jill | December 14, 2012, 15:24YES.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 15:24Apparently we have the same dream about how we want to see Mr. Timmer…
Posted by GiggsMcGill Jill | December 14, 2012, 15:31Like everyone else, I was applauding at the verbing of Mary Poppins. Bravo! This is a fabulous encore to a Becca-fabulous week. You and Becca both deserve your own sound track with so much inspiration. Failing that, a marching band to follow you around to attract random strangers attention.
Posted by iRuniBreathe | December 14, 2012, 12:25I would be open to that. Thanks ma’am.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 13:37So how did Chicago work out for ya…?
Posted by TAE | December 14, 2012, 13:12It was a good experience. An opportunity came up in NYC, so I made my way there. And then I settled into Boston, which is something that wouldn’t have happened if I had stayed in my hometown.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 13:18Good way to think about things; it keeps you from having regrets (I try to do it myself).
Posted by TAE | December 14, 2012, 13:34Wait… you are in Boston now? Were you in Boston in July when I was there? I am going to be very sad. We could have met up for that fountain date thing!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 13:39Yes, I have been there for the past 3 Julys. I live in (on the edge, very few people actually live “in” Boston) Boston. Boom. Mind blown.
Posted by timmer | December 14, 2012, 13:50Yeah, I bet it is super expensive. I am still sad that we were within thirty minutes of one another and never met!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 13:59Yes, sublime. I need to find me some Mary Poppins balloons asap.
Posted by Michelle Gillies | December 14, 2012, 13:15Ditto!
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 13:39I believed I could fly once. I got into a lot of trouble. I consider myself lucky that I can still walk. But good luck, Becca.
(I am just jealous of your optimism and beautiful horizon!)
Posted by UndercoverL | December 14, 2012, 13:56Too funny! Thank you, I hope I can hold on to it.
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 14:28Me, too. If you want to keep that bright and shining image of idealism, I would warn you against reading BlogFestivus. Apparently most of us are war-torn and find no shame in desecrating Santa and his reindeer. Someone even hinted that Santa and Vixen may or may not have had an affair (apparently, Vixen is a Santa-seat-sniffer. Yikes.)
Posted by UndercoverL | December 14, 2012, 14:56I don’t know Timmer, but I like Timmer. Anyone that would start life in a new city is pretty damn cool.
I also want to see Becca fly, but prefer to do so from behind a television only because I’m seriously worried about her spitting on me from high above.
Posted by calahan | December 14, 2012, 15:04I would never do such a thing. Unless you call yourself grotesque again…
Posted by becca3416 | December 14, 2012, 16:24Beautiful and motivational!
Posted by Nicole Marie | December 14, 2012, 17:43I LOVE THIS POST!! That last line is awesome. I’ve always wanted to be like Mary Poppins…
Posted by vyvacious | December 14, 2012, 18:31I think life definitely requires a reboot every few years. Some of us set that into motion ourselves, other have it forced upon them. The unlucky ones never fall into either category. I’ve started over from scratch three times, just like Donald Trump… except without any of the money… (Love the post
)
Posted by Ned's Blog | December 14, 2012, 18:57I loved this post, not just for its wonderful style. At 25 I packed up a small truck and headed north to Oregon. I left the zoo that was Las Vegas and started from scratch. It was a wonderful thing to start new friendships and try new things. I have started over twice since then – both times relocating for work. There is something invigorating about a clean slate.
Posted by artsifrtsy | December 14, 2012, 20:27Love the theme of this post.
I chose to go to grad school in Massachusetts, having lived my entire life in California, and knowing that I would probably also end up living in California for the rest of my life. That was my chance to live somewhere else, to take a chance, to go places. And I would never trade that experience.
Posted by Lyssapants | December 14, 2012, 23:14Definitely agree with this advice. I never did as much growing as I’ve done in the past two years that I’ve been abroad. I was so scared to go but I knew I had to and I can’t ever regret it. I advise it to anyone that wants to travel or live somewhere else. You can always move back if things don’t work out after all. Home version of home or another will still be there.
Posted by Scintillatebrightly | December 15, 2012, 00:01Sometimes you need to leave in order to find your way home.
Posted by acflory | December 15, 2012, 05:28Amazing
Posted by saradraws | December 16, 2012, 10:12Reblogged this on Observations of a Lifetime and commented:
Feeling like you’re stuck in a rut, going backwards and forwards through things you don’t really want to do, yet don’t know what the hell to do?! Read this for some inspiration – it’s funny too = BONUS!
I would follow suit if I had the money… I’d love to just move away. London sounds like a plan for me. Someone give me a house in London for free?
Posted by Joanne Frazer | December 24, 2012, 12:19moving from a little island in the caribbean that nobody has heard of (dominica (and not the republic)) to the big ol US of A. wish me luck *grabs goggles and jumps of building* flyyyyyyyyyyy
Posted by Athenian | January 7, 2013, 17:56