I am a survivor of my own self-inflicted upheavals. Although I tried to sabotage myself time and time again, I still managed to rise above my relentless attacks – sometimes more cynical, but most times more hopeful, and always more grateful. I, at once, marvel on all that I have had the opportunity to do, and pine over those things I thought I would have done by now. Sometimes letting life take the driver’s seat will bring you by the scenic route, other times, through the not-so-good side of town, and usually to places you never realized you’d go. So be it with my travels.
Once a young girl with aspirations of a PhD in Music Theory and Composition, my childhood took detours from the norm on a regular basis, making the norm something peculiar to me at best. I never imagined at 8 years old, a straight A student, being told I had a promising future, and an IQ that would undoubtedly keep me from doing anything too stupid, that I would end up 50 years old without the coveted degree, but with a boatload of streetsmarts as a consolation prize. Let me be the first to tell you that streetsmarts do not command the same salary as a PhD! The competition for ‘streetsmarts’ positions is flooded with applicants. We’re a dime a dozen.
So, I didn’t go to any of the prestigious universities I could have had I stayed on the straight and narrow, and secured some scholarships, but I did end up many places I never thought I’d go to. I never thought I’d end up a 21-year-old eating dinner at King George V hotel in Paris with a multi-millionaire, but I still remember the menu nearly 30 years later! I never thought I’d fall asleep on an inflatable raft and end up a mile and a half from shore in the Gulf of Mexico, with the Coast Guard hovering above me, but I did. And until the sound of the helicopter blades woke me up, it was a really nice nap! And I never thought I’d end up in arguably the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere on a mission trip, but rising up from the ashes of my reckless trailblazing helped me realize it was time to focus on those less fortunate than myself, and accept the fact that I have squandered many a blessing many times over.
From Cape Cod to Key West, from a little town called Niceville to a town called Hell, from Paris to Haiti, there are people downtrodden with despair, high on hope, and some just skimming the surface of life. Still, there are a handful of people who are embracing life with arms stretching further than the California coast. That’s who I want to be when I grow up.
11 comments
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March 28, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Karyn
Hey Jill. Nice start! Good job. I also started blogging this month (must be in the air!). I’ll send you the link. Keep it up – it’s pretty fun.
March 28, 2011 at 1:51 pm
jillpeters
Great – Thanks! I’ll follow you!!
March 28, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Gary Davis
Hi Jill,
didn’t realize you were quite so adventurous.
I think you’re right about how tenuous are many people’s lives.
Your site looks very good – lovely pic, crisp and engaging writing.
Well begun = half done!
Best wishes.
March 28, 2011 at 2:32 pm
jillpeters
Gary, you didn’t know I was so adventurous? Actually, this is the tame stuff!
March 28, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Samuelson Mathxp
Hi Jill.
I’m also quite new to blogging but cannot post anything as nice as what you just shared. Thank you for writing that.
Earl
March 28, 2011 at 2:36 pm
jillpeters
Earl,
That’s very sweet of you! I just viewed your page. A poetic mathematician – I’m impressed!! Thanks, and good luck to you.
Jill
March 30, 2011 at 11:44 pm
sherri
Def can relate to some of the read, good stuff. We ‘ve gone far my ol friend, alas without the PhD. But As ive always said Hell is paved with good intentions.
March 31, 2011 at 8:30 am
jillpeters
True that Sherri – but good intentions keep us from feeling like hell!
March 31, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Diane Brodo
Good job Jill can’t wait for more
March 31, 2011 at 6:44 pm
jillpeters
Thanks! I appreciate all the support!
April 5, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Robin Santos
Really enjoyable reading! I think my brain trips along the same verbal obstacle couse as yours. I’ve always found more power in the pen (er..keys)! You go, girl!