So…it’s been awhile…a long while…months and months. Working
in the land of auto claims has been wild – a whole new world of offices,
deadlines, angry policy holders, and an unending workload. People, if you get
into a car accident, be nice to your adjuster—they’re people too! It really has
been pretty amazing to observe (in a customer service occupation) what people
will not say to you face to face, and what they have no problem saying to you
over the phone. I understand why cyber-bullying has become such an epidemic—there
are (seemingly) so little consequences to what you say when the person is not
directly in front of you. With all the
stress and frustration that comes with being a claims adjuster, I will miss the
people I work with. I feel like we have been in the trenches together (yes, I
am comparing claims adjusting to a war…yes, it is an accurate comparison), and
there is a sweet bond formed between those heading into “battle” together. In a
few short days I will be leaving the insurance world behind, and I really do
feel like I have learned a ton about myself, about negotiation, and about
confidently approaching confrontation.
Now, you might be thinking to yourself, “Self, Jess is
leaving the insurance world? Does that mean another new job?” Why yes, yes it
does mean a new job folks…3 jobs in 10 months—could I get some more transition
please? I have not had enough transitions since moving across the country in
July. This move, however, is going to be a sweet one. An opportunity has come
my way to begin working on my Masters of Counseling full time while working for
Covenant Seminary. Yep, it’s pretty much a dream come true. Ever since my time
with Young Life ended this past summer, I have been able to evaluate the things
that I really loved about my work. While there is a long, long list of things I
love about Young Life, I have found that the one-on-one time walking through
broken and messy situations with high school folks is the part I missed the
most…the part I always longed to be more equipped for. So, here I am—going back
to school and working at the Seminary. Peter is really excited about this
opportunity for me for many reasons…most of all because he can get 15 minutes
more sleep in the morning while I drive us to school.
In other news…I’m in a band. Yep, a real performing at
venues, recording albums, selling merch band…its sooooo fun. Charlie, our band leader, composer, piano man,
and lead vocalist roped me in after church one Sunday in early January (along
with the two other gals affectionately known as “The Honeys”). We have been rehearsing for months and have
had two successful performances so far. We are slotted to play in the River
Front Times 2013 music Showcase on June 1st in Downtown St. Louis. Should you come if you are in STL? Yes…should
you vote for us no matter what city you live in? Absolutely!
You can find the band, The Educated Guess, in the “Chamber
Pop” section. That is probably a pretty accurate description of our sound
(imagine Billy Joel and the Supremes with a big band – loud and vintage). Being
a part of this group has been a pretty surreal adventure. When I was getting
ready for our first “gig”, I had to keep reminding myself that this is real…I
really am about to sing in a band at a real music venue. Needless to say, being
a part of the Educated Guess has been one of the most fun things that have
happened since moving to STL. Between the band and singing in the choir at
Memorial, I feel like I have rediscovered how much I really love singing. Peter has faithfully been to each performance,
and has rallied others to come with him – he has even mentioned purchasing an “I’m
with the band” shirt. I have been referring to him as my groupie—he likes to
think of himself as more of an artistic consultant who likes to have a beer
while listening to good music.
Peter finishes up finals next week, and our 2nd
STL summer will be filled with Hebrew class, another new job, Les Mis at the
Muny, 107 degree heat, and cleaning out
our guest room closest in preparation for Lindsay’s relocation to Missouri (Missour-a
if you you’re nasty…Janet Jackson? Nobody?...Eh, worth a shot).
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