Reverse Tooth Fairy
Celebrating my first full year in the Merriment Zone
A year ago today
Following three different web meetings with people I liked and appreciated, I scurried off to the dentist because my toothache had become unbearable. Next on the agenda: sending my laptop to that company’s IT department. Finally, I sped to Randolph Oral Surgery in Sparta.
The extraction of a stress-shattered molar seemed fittingly symbolic of the deep sense loss I felt on the day I was jettisoned from my corporate career.
I’m not the only one who has been severed from a situation that enabled (forced?) a moment of reflection and reinvention. Have you been there, too?
Having extra rows of teeth, like a shark, seems way better than needing dental implants.
Photo of me by Matt Davis, taken at the American Dream Mall
Teeth, Tresses and Typing
In the role of Reverse Tooth Fairy, Seidner Dentistry skillfully placed my manufactured molar into my expensive mouth last week. My bite has been restored—and it is no longer in jeopardy because I seem to have stopped clenching my jaw and grinding my teeth.
This afternoon, in celebration of my one-year non-work anniversary, I got my tresses cut, colored, highlighted, and styled at Nicole Fariani. Hearing the rhythmic sound of her scissors provided a relaxing almost ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) experience, plus pretty hair to signal a beautiful life.
I wanted a new look—and Nicole Fariani in Rockaway delivered!
And she took my “modeling” photos. Much merriment!
Do I miss regular interaction with my favorite colleagues? Absolutely. Faces on the video conferencing screen have, however, been replaced by voices in my head.
My imaginary friends are entertaining—and later this year, they’ll be around to engage you, too, when I publish my debut novel, Emerald Eyes. For 17 years, before logging into my day job’s computer, I’d peck away at manuscripts instead of sleeping in. Last April, writing books became my second career.
Living in the Merriment Zone
Before I became the boss of me, I labeled days off as the being in the “Merriment Zone”. It was a phrase I even used to block my work calendar.
Turns out, caring about how I spent my personal time has provided a terrific foundation for being a happy person now that my minutes are mine to spend as I choose.
That’s what inspired me to start this Substack.
It’s a place to discuss my writing journey. Having my own “thing” helped keep me, well, me all those years when I was tempted to limit my self-image by the title on my LinkedIn profile. Many of my friends have creative and athletic outlets that keep them grounded, no matter what life or their so-called superiors throw at them.
I’m also a big believer in having a bit of fun most every day. I’ll write about the more meaningful of these merry experiences.
I’ll regularly prepare free (for now) posts for people who want to say: “Today was a good day because____.” I believe that having at least a few moments of merriment daily enables me to care more about myself, my husband, friends, others and, well, everything. Perhaps you feel the same way? Let’s learn from each other!
Cheers to the start of your Substack and new career!
Love the new hair! YAY!!