Change is never easy... but sometimes, it's what you need!

Today was a big day for me.  Today, I did what I came to France to do - I handed in my one-month notice and resignation.

I must admit that I have dreamed of this moment for months, and my creativity for saying "Goodbye" to my employer amplified when I got my acceptance to Le Cordon Bleu.  I thought of a hundred different ways I could quit in an unforgettable manner... my mind buzzing with excitement as the day grew nearer. 

As my boss walked-in to my office, this afternoon, I excused myself from the meeting I was in to speak to him.  His time is precious and if he awards you 5 minutes, you must "grab the bull by the horns and run with it" - in a week, the opportunity to see him may not come twice.

As we walked down the long narrow hallway that connects my office to his on the north wing of the building, my excitement translated itself into nervousness and self-doubt and with every step I took, my heart's pounding got stronger until it felt like it was going to rip out of my chest.  "Am I doing the right thing?  I have a great job that I get to do from home, and I make a decent salary at it.  Do I really want to go back to student life and the uncertainty of a career in this economically-challenged time?"  There was no turning back.  My boss knew I had something important to say to him.  It was this or create a marketing-related disaster.

My boss took the news well - and invited himself over to my house in Madrid, for dinner, post-graduation ;)  He is, what they call in France, a "bon vivant".  He deeply appreciates the finer things in life and good food is first on that list. 

Immediately after my big news was out, I became serene.  All I could think of was of lighting a cigarette - the only problem being that I Don't Smoke!  But at that moment, scenes from movies from the 80's where couples layed in bed sharing a smoke after a supposedly intense moment of pleasure, infected my head.  I felt a similar kind of post-pleasure satisfaction.

I became desperate to share my excitement with someone, but am not allowed to share the news with anyone I work with, just yet...  so I found someone on Skype to chat to, and called my husband on his mobile.

My friend Conor, a IESE professor, motivational speaker & writer (and my personal guru), has been a great inspiration these last few months - he published "Killing the cow", today, giving me that last boost of determination I was missing. 

     - Thanks Conor.  It is exactly what people need to do more often.  A feast-like dinner awaits you in Madrid to thank you for your constant inspiration, words of wisdom and challenging questions.

My husband had the best news for me - congratulatory words of amazement and pride for my courage and decidedness in changing my life... and a gift to celebrate - a new "old" car.  Yup!  My very own car all to myself - and in my favourite colour (blue).  My husband is my greatest fan (and I, his) and none of this would be possible without his support, encouragement and appetite.  The pleasure I get from watching him eat what I prepare is all the "wow" and praise I need to feel like I'm following the right path.

      - I love you, Andrew.  You are EVERYTHING to me.

After work, all I could think of was about how I would celebrate this special day.

Wine & Food came to mind.
;)

Tuesday night's Menu