What Time?

What will you do with all of your time? That's the question that's surfaced. But there is no answer.

The decision to sell the book store (for more, Click Here) has come after trying to cram 336 hours into a normal week. I knew four years ago that working full time, owning a business while being a mom/wife would be no Sunday stroll...no short-sightedness there. But Nomad grew in 3 years to be something I dared dream it would be in 10 years. Huge. A staple in Jackson's fabric of growth and culture. I am so proud of all that we and our staff have built but there came some obvious signs this spring that my pace would kill something I held dear should I keep running. I can press through with a sprained ankle and sore leg but without my heart, the race is done.

I didn't trust (though I was told) that children, 1st grade-5th grade, would require more time and energy than ever...with more of the same to come. From basketball and football to baseball and piano to homework and quite talks and sibling rivalry and tough questions, the kids have changed immensely since I began working. Frankly, I was unprepared for what would be required of me beyond preschool, potty training and car seats. I began to see them growing up with a mom rushing to be late to another game, absent another homework full evening and distracted at home or during a late dinner. Then there's a marriage to tend to. Marilyn Monroe once said, "A career is a wonderful thing but you can't snuggle up to it on a cold night." Nomad has been honored to host Marriage Matters in our building every month for over two years...how true. Marriage should win every time. Over money, over business, over vision and individuality; it wins. I choose my heart. 

So, sometimes the questions are more important than the answers. What will you do with all of your time? Well, we're not there yet. I have no answers except what my experience has brought. Being at home is a full time job. And what I do with my time matters...more than ever.

Please feel free to write me with questions, anytime. 

Comments

[jacksonista]

I was shocked to read about it in the paper; my heart sank, I got a lump in my throat. I remember what happened to the Speedy Burrito...

Nomad and many businesses in downtown are what Jackson needs so desperately. The culture, the thriving downtown feel, we need it. It threw me back to when the Thunderbird closed.

I'm relieved to hear the book store is doing great and that lack of business is not the reason you have decided to sell. My hope now is that whoever buys Nomad is as dedicated to cool spaces and Jackson as you are. Will you still be active in the JXN Local First movement?

[Bridget]

Thanks for the thoughts, jacksonista. I too have a heart for this downtown and building...always will. I trust that there is someone else waiting in the wings with the same love and even more energy to run with it for Jackson.

I will continue to be a co-director of JXN Local First as it is at the core of who I am, store owner or not. It is my personal mission to see our uniqueness thrive and grow.

Thanks for supporting that mission as well!

[F. Berkemeier]

Thanks for everything that you've done for Jackson. I now look forward to stopping downtown every time that I visit from school.

Good luck and God bless on your next nomadic stage.

[T_in_Charlotte]

You've made an indelible mark on Jackson and I am so proud of you for making such a tough call. Praying that the right buyer at the right time comes along.

[Alicia Swanson]

Just wanted to say that I am so proud of you. You made that bookstore into an amazing place. I wish I was closer and could come there more often. I am proud of you for following your dream. And I am proud of you for choosing your heart and making such a hard decision. Now, you can look forward to a new dream. Whatever that may be. You are an amazing lady. You inspire me daily.

[Jim C. Hines]

Hi Bridget,

I just heard about the closing today. I respect your decision, but I'll definitely be sad to see Nomad go. It was a nice store, with some very cool people.

Thanks for the support over the years.

Best,
Jim