This is making limoncello.
Let me back track a minute. I found myself "on the beach" (an old euphemism from my days in TV news that allowed reporters, anchors and the like to graciously say they were unemployed and available for work) after a corporate restructure eliminated my position. The transition felt like a raw punch that sucked the air out of my lungs, but in retrospect, there was a trail of breadcrumbs that indicated I was destined for this fate. And it's okay. Really. I enjoyed my time and many of the colleagues I worked with, but this unexpected change is forcing something good. I like what's on the horizon. At the risk of saying something that would jinx my future, I'm going to save the juicy details for the future.
As this chaos erupted in my professional life, my new beau was an unexpected source of support and encouragement. "I am the worst date ever," I groaned while sipping a tall Blue Moon at lunch on the day I was let go. My new beau smiled and was generous with his optimism and affection - two things I badly needed as I tried to climb out of a funk. But we had a difficult time finding common ground and connecting, and our relationship fizzled out nearly as quickly as it ignited.
The tricky thing about this relationship, which involved a heavy dose of Let's just go with it, shall we? is that we booked a weekend getaway to Miami/South Beach after our second date. I know, I know. "What were you thinking?" is the general consensus among my friends, but I really leaned in to that caution -> wind thing, and weekend getways with strangers is the kind of thing that happens under those circumstances.
Thankfully I have never had a problem coming up with backup plans.
I have a cute, little Kate Spade coin purse. It's a lemon and has gold lettering that says, "When life gives you lemons, make limoncello." I got it because of my annual springtime tradition of making limoncello when Meyer lemons are in season, but the little purse is a subtle nod to my resilience and fervent thing that we can overcome anything if we put in the work and maintain a positive perspective.
That's what I'm doing. Overcoming.
I'm not sure when I am going to have another stretch of time off like this, and I needed a way to make the Delta flights work in my favor. Lisa from Delta Sky Miles is my savior and the reason I am sipping champagne and awaiting a flight to London and Paris; she was kind enough to help me return the tickets I bought to Miami and figure out how to get them assigned to a flight across the pond.
So here I am. Blogging again. Going to Europe again. Making plans for big things again.
It's nearly time for me to pack up and head to the gate. Another solo adventure brimming with opportunity.
Man, this tastes sweet.
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