Crossroads

I’m at a crossroads. My life continues to be well accessorized, but my brain seems to be running on last season's trends. To use a metaphor stitched in fashion - I’m adrift in haute couture while living in a Gap world.

Everyday I experience the same routine: wake up, shower, tease myself with make-up, and select my outfit of choice. This all sounds compelling (um, yeah...), I will boldly admit, the thrill of painting my face is one hell of a good reason to get out of bed. It’s true, I can be thrilled by the simplest of things. So, painted, dressed, and coiffed I meander to the car, and begin the daily journey from Point A to Point B. Do I relish this journey? Well, yes. This is the morning moment when I get to dance in the driver’s seat, with the bass turned up high. Sadly, this trip is mere minutes and my twirl on the dance floor is fleeting.

Work. It slams into my car with the same cruel reality reserved for the 2am ugly lights at the bar. Work. I’m here and it’s time to walk the runway to my desk. No lenses shutter, no flashes snap, but there are enthusiastic fake exchanges made and then I disappear to fake my way through the day.

Now, my crossroads. Is this all there is to life? Shoes, hair, make-up, and fashion can only tease the grey matter so long, when after you've selected your perfect wardrobe, you realise your audience is only your co-workers.

What I find myself craving is a challenge. A career that I can be proud to say I’m a part of. When asked at my next cocktail party, “What do you do for a living?” I want to stand tall and answer proudly. What a cool thing it would be, to be truly enthusiastic about my answer, instead of faking it. And believe you me, faking it is so last season.

So, I’m before you, a retired party girl, a junior career girl, and a girl who’s ready to be intellectually challenged. I’m open to suggestions. I ask you my sweet friends, what should Miss Nina be when she grows up?

Help a girl out. Send Nina O'Keefe your suggestions.