You know when you ask little kids what they want to be when they grow up? And most of them (probably groomed by their parents) give answers like Doctor, Lawyer, Teacher?
Well, when I was little, I wanted to be a Bobby Rubino’s Cocktail Waitress, solely based on their outfits. They wore these little skirts (I think they might have been plaid) with ruffled bloomers that peeked out the bottom. I’m not kidding. Way to aim high, Rachel.
Then, in middle school/high school, I wanted to be a pediatric shrink. But I am severely challenged with Math/Science so med school was not going to happen.
When I realized I love to write and run my mouth and possess a high level of persuasive prowess, it was clear….I majored in Public Relations at the University of Florida and that was that.
I went on to get my masters in mass communication after that and totally thought my first job offer would be like A LOT of money. Cut to me getting a whopping $25K offer from a snobby lady who sat across from me and literally had foils in her hair as she multitasked getting highlights from the salon next door. I wanted to cry. WTF did I get myself into? My parents reminded me that I still lived at home, had barely any of my own bills, and if I wanted to really try to make a go of this, now was the time. So I did. I loved it for 5 mins and then I hated it. I LOVED the writing and working with the media, but there were so many other parts of it that I HATED.
Every time I had a creative writing class or anything similar, I rocked the shit out of it. I think part of it is hereditary since my family is filled with expert storytellers. The stories aren’t necessarily always the most appropriate, but whatever. YOLO.
Over the last almost two decades, I have been navigating the waters as a PR pro, writer, flack, handler, publicist, etc. Whatever you want to call it. Basically anything that will generate exposure falls in my wheelhouse, and I’ve been successful at it. But when it comes to ME, my blog, my “brand”, it’s like I ate my brain for breakfast and get immediately paralyzed with fear. Plus, I’m tired guys. I work a full-time, demanding job; tend to a demanding but amazing 6-yr-old; sometimes struggle to take what’s left and be a good wife to the amazing man who married me; and somehow get my ass on the treadmill every night while I maximize whatever newest cockamamie contraption I scored to boost weight loss – hot pants, a waist trainer, and starting today, a belt and lotion combo that makes you sweat even more to aid in this quest to be skinny (thanks Groupon).
And always, in the back of my head, I have had this dream to be published, like in a legit publication. Because it would be 1) awesome, 2) incredibly fulfilling, 3) completely validating that I can appeal to an audience broader than my friends and family. And then…it FINALLY happened.
I have stared at the page 273 times. And I still can’t believe it’s real.
I feel completely grateful that the publishers/editors liked my stuff. I feel indebted to Jason’s co-worker who just happened to uncover the opportunity for me. I’m thankful to my “entourage” who willingly gives me legal advice (thanks Cara!), awesome photographers like Kevin Royale (www.kevinroyale.com) who take pictures for me (like the headshot on the red chair in the bio below) just to help a sister out, neighbors who come over to take ridiculous pictures of you in a tutu for the sake of illustrating a blog post (Debbie, you’re the best!) my family & my husband who make up the best cheering section for everything I do! And can’t wait to see what’s next! My mom is still kvelling (she legit cried at a gas station as she thumbed through the mag I gave her and saw my face while Bob was pumping gas).
I just feel lucky to be surrounded by people who lift me up and totally believe in me and I hope I can continue to make you proud, because that is honestly one of the best payoffs from this type of stuff. Thank you for being part of my journey and stay tuned….there’s definitely more to come!
***This post can also be found on Baby Brain Memoirs
