When I was 21, I decided to move to Los Angeles. Out of the blue. I’d never expressed much interest in permanently relocating out of Ohio before, but following a semester in Washington, D.C., by golly, I felt invincible enough to do just about anything.
My mother, understandably, was flummoxed. She posed every question in the world that a parent could possibly conjure. “Where will you live?” “Where will you work?” “What if something happens to you while you’re out there; you don’t know anyone…?” “What if you hate it there?” “What if you miss home?” “What if your car breaks down on the way?” “What if Gael Garcia Bernal decides he wants to marry you?”
Okay, no, she didn’t ask that last one. Duh. It’s obvious that he does. He responded to me on Twitter once. I still think it was real, no matter what his official account says.
Anyway, the thing is, my mother never once said, “Don’t go, Fayza.” Despite her unanswered questions and despite her personal fears. Do you know why? Because she knew it was good for me. As hard as it was to see her eldest daughter pack up her inconsistent-at-best 1989 Honda Accord with everything she could stuff into it and head off across the country to inhabit a city she’d never even visited, my mom knew it was the right move for me. To date, it was one of the most pivotal life decisions I’ve ever made. In a good way.
Why did I tell you this story? Because. Because I like stories? Well, yes, but there’s a point; I’ve become very sage over the years, dontcha know. The moral is this: Sometimes, it’s hard to let a member of your family fly. But spread their wings they must. Because fly they should.
And taking flight from the family nest I am, again. For today, with both a smile and a sigh, I turn in my Schipulite badge and bid the roost adieu.
“But what now?” you ask. Don’t worry; I’m not dying. Nor am I leaving the city of Houston. I know, right?
If you couldn’t tell, I’m quite passionate about writing. This hunger knows no bounds (and, some would say, no boundaries). I also happen to be a Twitteraholic and a Facebook fiend. And when a position as the Social Media Editor at CultureMap was staring me in the face, I knew it was my time to flap ye olde wings again.
But I don’t do goodbyes, yo. Because the strangers who became my sisters and brothers at this company are people who will remain in my life for years to come. And the knowledge I’ve earned, the skills I’ve learned, and the client experiences that I’ve had will stay with me and fuel my growth ’til my brain can’t hold no more. I’ve been a lucky little person, that’s for sure. And I take that luck with me in my pockets. Like office supplies. Um, did I just say that? Ignore me.
So this is not a goodbye, ’cause HEY! Here I am, loud and clear, still kickin’! And so are you. It’s a see-you-later, at best, and a now-we’re-gonna-have-to-make-lunch-plans at worst. ‘Cause you know where to find me. So please do.
Fayza. Remember when I first started and we sat next to each other and we would laugh and laugh? And we worked too, sure, but there was lots of laughing and WE ARE WINE BOTTTLLESS which Albert just LOVED – don't lie Albert!
In my Schipul story you are at the very beginning. You will be very missed. I'll miss the "kitties" and the cat voice and the decompressing with the Kittens Inspired by Kittens. I may randomly call you and ask you to talk to me in these voices; please do not be alarmed. It's just my way of saying you're loved. 🙂
Oh my…is that a stapler in your pocket? or are you just happy to be writing? Fayza, we will totally miss you and the occasional ruckus, distraction, and much needed candor that you provide. Houston is better off for you landing here and we are totally glad you are staying close.
Houston, look out! Fayza is going to keep describing you in her words! And we can't wait to read them.
Wow! I am really, really going to miss you around here… as long as you will still take AK and The Z-Man to the Zoo I think I will survive!
In all seriousness – I bless you will joy and laughter and Light. May peace always find you and courage always support you. Be free and fun and full – like an explosion of confetti. And don't be a stranger ya hear…
As you rocket out of the nest like the candid* condor that you are, necks will crane, eyes will squint: "Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Fayza, yo!" Off to other aeries and giddy heights and fresh adventures… On #FF, I'm happy to say I'll continue to follow you and the ever-entertaining swath you cut through our fair city, you with your wickedly witty writerly wiles!
*Isn't it rich & right that we got to work with YOU on a blog called CandidOnCameras?? Nobody does candor like you, young condor: You give new meaning to "Keepin' it fresh, keepin' it real!" It's been bracing, it's been fun; and I'm so glad you were part of our Schipul team. Fare thee well, fair & fearless Fayza…
Missing you already… I know you are not far… When I am in the village, we will catch up. Keep being AWESOME. I love ya lady!!!
I know the Schipulino's will miss you terribly, but I'm happy for you and what sounds like an awesomesauce opportunity! Which makes perfect sense as you are awesomesauce incarnate!! 🙂 Best of luck Fayza!
Fly high little birdie!! Will you call every now and then so I can put you on speaker phone and you can shout WODWOD?
Thank you for the bright orange inflatable monkey that you signed the crotch of for me to remember you by. I will cherish it with all my heart. See you later Fayza!
There once was a little monster that ate cheese. Then Fayza picked it up and kept it as her pet or fed it to her cat or something. Anyway … Monkey's and Cheese will never be the same. Miss you already Fayza.
So sorry to see you go. 🙁 I know I unfortunately only knew you for a couple of days, but I must say, your blog post was very inspiring (especially for someone about to leave for college). I wish you best of luck in your future career and hope we will have the chance to meet again!
Remember that time I said you are my little monkey…I meant it.
LET BENJAMIN KNOW WHERE THAT ORANGE MONKEY CAME FROM….yours truly 🙂
Any who, I am going to miss you so much! Congratulations on the new gig….I am very happy that you are happy.
My life wouldn't be the same without a little Fayza in it, and I thank you for that. Kisses!
hughughughughughughughughug.
You are ALREADY sorely missed, and you are still in this darn building lady 🙂
Come visit often, email and IM often, send us hilarious Houston Press articles often, sing us kitten songs often. Much love.
My cube buddy Fayza –
I have learned so much from you – in my job and in my life. You are one amazing WOMAN who is not afraid of ANYTHING or ANY ONE (or any trail, or any bayou, etc.). Lots of love in your new adventures… I'm thrilled that you'll still be on the Houston scene!
Love, love, love.
Won't say I'm gonna miss the baby like enunciated wod-wod every time I walk by your cube but I will miss the grin on your face when you say it. Not to worry, across the country side I know our paths will literally cross and I will once again hear wod-wod! See you on the trails chica.
Who will occupy my left peripheral vision now? Sigh. And all the random Fayza shout outs i hear in my head. You are missed here girl but i'm so happy for you and your new adventures.
xoxoxoxo