Found My Place

As of recently I have been talking a lot about how much I feel a call to the hospitality industry and certainly even above and beyond that. But at one point this week I was really wondering what I was going to do. Money is tight. REALLY tight. The industry in general doesn't pay much until you get to the top. I have considered changing over to accounting on several occasions. One such occasion was this past week. I mean I could still work for Disney and live where I would like to, just as a behind the scene accountant. Then, when I really needed a pick me up, so to speak, I was blessed so uniquely. Last weekend, one of my guests brought me a $25 Target gift card, just for remembering their names and preferences. I spent 45 minutes having a great conversation with another who is a friend of the Kemmons Wilson family and offered an evening to dine with them (they fund my largest scholarship). One of my extended stays, who knew I was considering a trip to Bonnaroo this upcoming summer, brought me a new Bonneroo t-shirt and offered their home since they would be out of town for the event! Another guest, who always happens to bring them when I am a little stressed, brought me some Muddy's cupcakes. One was the new pumpkin pie, yum! I wrote him a thank you note for always being so thoughtful and put it under his door. Yesterday, on my way to work I only had 10 miles left in my tank and didn't know how I was going to fill it and still pay for my insurance for the month. Not to mention the other bills that have been piling up, due before month-end, before my unpaid scuba trip and new york trip. As I walked up to the desk, there was a card taped to the counter with my name on it. It was such an encouraging note, plus a $25 American Express gift card. I had a ride home! My cupcake guest had left it for me. He always has such great timing. Whenever I get upset, I often feel alone and almost as soon as the feeling start in, there is always someone there to look out for me and encourage me. I'm not a super family oriented person. We have never been that close, especially before the divorce, but I feel like all my life, God has presented some amazing people as mentors and help along the way. I will never cease to be amazed at how many people have made such an effort to see me succeed: from my friend's parents and family to teachers and professors to my wonderful friends in Orlando, I will never be able to tell them thank you enough for the encouragement and support, for the simple faith they have in me. It has meant the world. I would not be the same person without them.



One of those great people is a professor of mine who is helping to host a charity dinner tonight for fayette cares in Oakland, TN. If you would like to volunteer, meet out there at 4 or simply buy a plate, I don't think they are sold out yet!