Certainty
Thursday, October 30th, 2008Overheard in our living room…
(talking about retail)
Jen: Have you ever been to a Filene’s Basement sale?
Me: No.
Jen: Well, you’ll see when you’re in New York next year.
It was one of those moments that I almost–but not quite–missed where the people in my life show a lot more faith in me than I have in myself. In my mind, there’s a long way before I can speak with any kind of confidence about where I’ll be in a year. There are too many variables. I could not get accepted to any schools out there. I could get accepted but not be able to afford it. I could get an offer from a school somewhere else that I can’t refuse.
But in Jen’s mind, because she knows how much I want to go to school in New York, she’s already talking about it like it’s a done deal.
I know that I’m being a little bit illogical about New York, too. I’ve spent more time Washington DC or Chicago, but I have this strong gut attraction based on a 24-hour Manhattan marathon last year and a week last month. My other leading choice is LA and I’ve spent even less time there. But, to be perfectly honest, I’m trying to get my head into a place where I’m considering schools based on their programs and what they have to offer me rather than their locations. In the end, my logical side almost always wins (except when it comes to boys).
Sigh. So the real point of starting today’s blog was because I’m acknowledging how fundamentally cautious I am about things. It’s not just a self-confidence thing, it’s also a part of my personality to make considered and thoughtful decisions instead of indulging wild hope.
Another example, while I want to get excited about the polls, I refuse to get my hopes up until the election results start coming in Tuesday night. (Oh, and I got confirmation today that I am registered to vote, so unless something happens at my polling place, I’m good to go.)
Anyway, the last piece of my first round of applications is done and the only thing holding me back now is money. I should be getting my first paycheck in 3 months on Friday, so the next round of apps will go out this weekend (or maybe a little later, it is Halloween weekend after all).
Jere, I am Gaylen Hatton’s sister, Joyce. I appreciated your kind post on your blog when my brother died, and never got around to telling you thank you.
I am assuming you are Jody’s son, right? Rob and Lugene’s grandson? I see Rob often, and he gets frailer each time. I’ve probably met you before, years ago….Two of my five sons are attorneys–the oldest went to Law School (NYU) and worked as an ADA in Manhattan for several years. The other has his own practice here in SLC. (He went to Lewis & Clark School of Law in Portland, Oregon.) I wish you the best of luck wherever you end up going to school. I will bookmark you, and keep tabs on your progress from time to time! Thanks again for your nice post about Gaylen and his music!
Joyce,
Yes, I’m Jody’s oldest. I visited with Grandpa Rob a few months ago while I was on my way across the country. I do worry about him and Vivianne.
I’d love to get into NYU. It’s a bit of a reach for me, but I’m trying to remain positive and optimistic.
I’m sure we’ve met at some point, although it’s become difficult for me just to keep my first cousins straight, there are so many of them!
Anyway, thanks for introducing yourself and the well-wishes on law school.
Jere