My life has undergone a huge overhaul in the last four months. When I think about the first half of 2012, it almost makes me shudder: I wasn’t happy with my job, was barely sleeping, had a badly battered outlook on my life in Spain.
Whatever isn’t broken shouldn’t be fixed, but when something is so, so badly broken (namely, my confidence in myself and my love affair with Seville), the major overhaul is necessary.
So, I quit my job. In this economy? Being a tenured teacher? You must be crazy, Cat! they all said, but in the end, I was the one with enough guts to do it. I walked out on my last day and didn’t feel any effect, just crazy relief. Camp followed, then a five-week trip home to give me some perspective while I enjoyed central air and a new pup at home.
Since coming back to Iberia two months ago, I’ve started a new job, a master’s in PR, redesigned my blog (which is a longer process than I thought), bought a MacBook Air and have started enjoying, actually savoring, Seville again.
One benefit of working in the afternoon is being able to enjoy the quiet hours in Seville, when the sun paints the city center golden, before Constitución fills with people. I’ve often staked out breakfast spots by less conventional terms, like the way the sunlight spills over the outdoor tables or by quirky decor. But, sitting right in front of the Giralda with a menu boasting poorly translated English, German and French (I’m assuming) was this character.
One of the most lovely feelings of living in Seville is the sense of being transported back to another era. As I listened to the horse carriages behind me and the whirr of a coffee machine, I watched him scribble notes in a small, leather-bound book while sipping a bloody mary.
Let’s face it: I love a man who isn’t afraid to have a drink before noon.
You were very brave Cat and looking back, I’m sure you won’t regret it. Now, ready for another 5 more years here! 🙂
Sandra recently posted..Pabellon de la Navegacion Pictures
Sometimes it’s all about changing life up to appreciate the things we have and our opportunities. Happy for you!
Lauren @ roamingtheworld recently posted..Road tripping to Toulousse
Good to hear you’re savoring more! I could work on that sometimes.
I’d totally go to that festival you mentioned on Facebook if we weren’t heading to Zamora 😉
Kaley [Y Mucho Más] recently posted..¿Cómo está usted?
Congrats on making a change when you weren’t happy that takes a lot of guts! I can see how you could easily fall in love with Seville all over again and happy to hear that you have. Thanks for the great story and wonderful picture!
Erica from LivingIF recently posted..He Said-She Said: Life’s Biggest Decision
Thanks, Erica! I can say that it was the proverbial: if it’s not happy, it’s not the end. My new job isn’t overly stimulating, but it allows me to do all of the other things I like!
Thanks for stopping by!
Lovely photo! Avenida de la Constitucion completely charmed me on my visit there last weekend; strolling down the lane truly felt like going back in time. This writer’s boina certaily adds a bit of that old-timey air, too!
Cassandra recently posted..Sevilla 2012
I completely forgot you were going to be in town. Sorry to have missed you!!
Ah, Sevilla. Warms my heart.