I think I am, I think I am ...

I'll never forget the day an old boss told me that I didn't 'look' like a writer, or creative type. I was just a few years out of college, and thrilled to be working in a major ad agency. I was so excited and finally got up my nerve to ask my boss if I could take the writing test to be a copywriter. However, by the time I left her office she had me convinced that I was an idiot for even thinking I could do that. Looking back, it seems, I was more upset with myself for not speaking up for and believing in myself and what I wanted to do. Her words ring in my ears to this day. Ever since then, I have always questioned whether or not I really was creative. I feel like I am. I may not 'look' like a creative person....but what does that person really look like? Why can't it be me? I feel like it can be. I think I am? I think I am...

It's been one year since my divorce, and some days it feels longer than that. Other days it feels like it was last week. But, because of my divorce, I feel that I'm getting a second chance at a new life. A life I create. A life that is fulfilling and purposeful. One where I'm not swept up with what comes easy and what other people want me to do. Not one where I take a job because it's there. I want to step outside of my comfort zone, and find my passion, and go for it and live my dreams! What better example to set for my children! I don't want my divorce to define me. I want to look back on it and think that because of my divorce, all of 'this' would not have happened. Instead of it being a negative, I want to turn it into a positive. Now, it's taken me a long time to believe that divorce can be a positive...but slowly, I'm beginning to believe. Believe in myself. And because of that, I'm trying to do new things. Things that I never would have thought of before.

My first leap: I'm taking flying lessons! Not in an airplane...but 'inner' flying lessons! Check out the button on the side. Maybe you'll join me? Get ready, because we're about to take off! Wheeeeeeeeeee!

The Beginning...or is it?

For those that know me, they may think I chose this blog title to explain how I'm feeling...what I am. I see it another way, though. Now, don't get me wrong...these last few years have been challenging, to say the least. But, one thing is a constant. My love of baking! Whenever I feel stressed out, anxious or depressed...I can always turn to the batter & bowls! There's just something about baking that seems to calm me down. Maybe it's the return on investment that I get when I personally enjoy my sweet treat. Or, the joy I get from sharing it with others! It's comforting. It's fun. It brings family & friends together. And in times like this, what could be better?

After many months of soul searching, I decided to take some risks. Try something new. OK, well, I was pried out of my comfort zone, and I'm not good with change. So, of course, I turn to sweets. I did, after all, grow up in the Sweetest Town on Earth...Hershey, PA! So, I guess it's just in my blood. That, and the radioactive toxins from Three Mile Island...but that's another story for another day. This is a place to share of my adventures in the kitchen, and maybe even out.

I'm not sure how often I'll post, or how long this blog will last. I'm not even sure anyone will read it. But, that's ok with me. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone. Life is too short to not try new things and step out of yours. If you keep an open mind, and an open heart...you just never know where it will lead you! That's what this blog is about. Navigating through life with (mixer) beater's blazing!

And, in honor of National Reading Month, I'll end it with a wonderful quote from Dr. Seuss: (Which also inspired my blog title.)

"You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that...Life’s A Great Balancing Act."