A Surprising Journey

I was so surprised...I'm going for a career change!

So, some of you have seen my new blog around--The W(h)ining Army Wives--and are probably wondering what's up with it. You're thinking, "Sure, so Brandi and her army wife friends are having wine nights, big deal." But then you're also wondering, "Why did she put so much work into make that blog look nice, and filming their meeting, and writing up a whole evaluation on the wine?" You're not wondering that? Well, go check out the blog, and then you will!

Well, my curious friend, I did all that work (and, boy, is going through two hours of wine meeting film a lot more work than you'd think!) because I actually am attempting a career in wine.

"A career in wine?" you're shouting. I just ask you to stop shouting at me. It's very rude.

But yes, over Thanksgiving with my in-laws, I expressed to them my disillusionment with the job I had, and how I was unsure that I really wanted to be a teacher anymore, and all that fun, quarter-life crisis stuff. They told me they'd figured out a new job for me: a sommelier! And I laughed, (and what is that?), and we joked that it would be funny to make a switch from teaching to being a wine expert.

And then it hit me: that really did sound like a cool job. Something I might like.

I've always liked wine, and been interested in learning more about it. And how cool would it be to be an expert in a field? Let alone in wine.

So we researched, and I discussed it with my husband and mom, and in-laws, and myself, and I thought, "Why not?" If I can't take risks in my 20s, while my husband has a stable, well-paying job, we have a roof over our heads, no children to support, and my paycheck is all going toward savings anyway, when can I? What if this is a career I would thrive in? What if I could go to work every day, enjoying what I do?

Don't get me wrong--I love children, and I love working with children. If you know me, you know I do. But the things that go into working with children--all the considerations and plans and protocols--it all detracts for the actual interaction with children. The part I like. Besides, I've got plenty of years left to return to teaching if I miss it--or at least to teach my own children (and maybe my friends' children) some things about the world, and play around.

Maybe I need a change. And maybe this is exactly what I've never known I've wanted to do.

Regardless, I'm making the change, and I'm starting small. I'm taking a chance with something different, and hoping I can make it work.

And it's invigorating. I'm very excited about it. And I hope you'll support me along the way, and watch my progress--because something cool could end up coming my way, and I want you all to be my witnesses.

If you're interested in following along, my little "wine club" is meeting weekly (weather and life permitting, of course), and will be posting here: The W(h)ining Army Wives.

I really hope you enjoy watching this journey, and learning some things about wine as I do the same.

I guess life is just full of surprises--and I'm riding this one out. Stay surprised, my friends!