Ten years ago (that makes me an official New Yorker now), I moved from Wisconsin to New York City with no job and no expectations. After my second stint of living at home and with my imminent 30th birthday looming in the corner, it was time for a huge change. Nobody wants to be 30 and living in their parents’ basement (or in my case, their apartment above the garage).
After a month of sleeping in like a college kid and freelance blogging, I started waiting tables so I could afford to stay in my Upper East Side apartment. Then, I got hired by one of the 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World. It was fun until the company made massive layoffs and I was one of its casualties. Sign of the times!
The severance life was fun at first (with the exception of the polar vortex of 2014). I passed the time catching up on sleep, filling up my afternoons with lunch engagements and long sessions at the gym, and spending my evenings at happy hours, dinner parties, wine tastings, or relaxing with friends all while earning a paycheck. The life of leisure suited me well, but it got old quickly. My life lacked a sense of purpose and it made me uneasy. Thus, I returned to waiting tables and professional job seeking.
After countless hours of soul searching, research, networking emails, and a few tears, I found my way back to where I started from, teaching middle school English (which I’ve been doing for the last eight years).
I am passionate about many things and will try anything within reason and my price range. These are many things that are constantly on my mind: What should I write next? Could I make it as a food critic? What book should I read next? Should I go swimming today? Has anyone ever gone out for “just one drink”? Why can’t I ever apply the AP chemistry I learned to my real life? How can I incorporate conversational French into my every day life? Why don’t taxis accept Metro Cards? Why can’t I get over the ’90s? Wherever did I put my graphing calculator? Will Manhattan real estate ever become affordable again?
This is a two-way street here, people. I don’t want to do all of the talking (although I will). Feel free to comment anywhere on this blog or drop me a line at sonja.whipp@gmail.com.
Ramblings 
Hello –
Your blog has been nominated by Shepherd Express readers for “Best Personal Blog.” The Shepherd Express will honor nominees and award recipients at the 2011 Best of Milwaukee Web awards party at the Wherehouse on Tuesday, April 19. More information can be found at our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115000098580936#!/event.php?eid=115000098580936. Please feel free to e-mail with any questions.
Please direct guests to register at https://www.meet-meme.com/e/shepex/1. Guests must register in order to receive their free Meet-Meme trading cards which will be used in a contest to win an iPad 2 and various other prizes.
We hope to see you at the event!
Ashley Beyer
Thank you for the info! I will be there!
Thanks for subscribing to Ink & Compass! I ran into Emily at Anthropoligie in December and she said you’re going to be living together. So jealous! Izzy’s in Toronto and I’m in England, so…not so much.
Hope all is well.
Hello,
I am your mom’s former student. I was at Marquette 6 years ago and your mom was my advisor. She has been and always be the greatest teacher in my life. In looking at her facebook today, I found yours and your blog posts. They are all good writings. So here I am sending all the best wishes.
I will be sure to share your comments with my mom. She’ll love to hear them!
Hello,
I saw your post “We are what we’ve been waiting for” on your facebook so I went on reading and looking at your blog. You have really good writings. Fyi, I am your mom’s former student. I was at Marquette 6 years ago and your mom was my advisor. (Dr. Whipp invited me to your family’s Christmas dinner in 2011.) She has been and will always be the greatest teacher in my life.
It’s really interesting to know that you’re also a teacher now. I believe you are a very good one who will make a difference in your students’ lives, just as your mom did for me.
Best wishes.
Thank you so much for reading, commenting, and sharing how my mom has impacted you. That is so incredible to hear. I remember you and I remember you coming to Christmas dinner! My mom has mentioned you over the years. I hope you are doing well!