19 Comments
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Jane Mundy's avatar

Wow, what a fantastic life you've led, and I would love to read about every job - 80 chapters? Thought I had the most jobs but you got me beat.

Nan Tepper's avatar

It's been an interesting life, that's for sure! Okay, how many on your resumé? 80 chapters is a lot of chapters! xo

Jane Mundy's avatar

I haven't counted -- yet.

sharon laidlaw's avatar

This was really fun to read! So many interesting jobs and you were so industrious at such a young age! Judge Judy smacking you on the back of your head is hilarious. What really gave me pause is the small napping rooms at the country club. I had no idea they existed! The decadence!

Glad you found your perfect jobs!

Nan Tepper's avatar

It’s been quite interesting, I’ll say that!

Marguerite Hinojosa's avatar

Wonderful piece. I envy you all those experiences. My favorite sentence, "I’ve stopped beating myself up about my wandering, and started to celebrate my wondering." Your life is a garden filled with gorgeous flowers.

Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks Marguerite! I love that sentence too! Thanks for reading! xoxo

Dina Alvarez's avatar

Wow Nan, I thought I had a lot of jobs in my life but you definitely have me beat. I'm glad you're now doing what you love because those experiences are what give you these great stories. So much to draw from!

Nan Tepper's avatar

Yes. There were a lot of jobs! Thank you so much for reading. I love telling the stories from my life.

Nan Tepper's avatar

Smacked multiple times. She made me feel special. Would love to swap work stories one day. xoxo

Billie Parker's avatar

Smacked on the head by Judge Judy. Love taps. Love this piece, Nan. My resume is an inventory of willingness, weirdness, and persistence. xoxox

Teresa M Giordano's avatar

I love this Nan! I love what it says about you .. your curiosity and creativity. Great piece.

Amy Cowen's avatar

It's mind-boggling to even consider the realities of all of this shifting and moving and changing, Nan! I love though that it has all brought you to where you are now.... and I hope maybe that includes slowing down and enjoying keeping something the same for a bit -- or at least taking a deep breath. I LOVE the sea glass story. Very cool - and very clever of your parents to outsource the collecting!

Nan Tepper's avatar

Many years of intensity and it definitely wasn't all fun. I moved a lot too, which shouldn't be surprising given my job history. I think I was always looking for the next better thing instead of doing the next right thing. I've been living in the home I own for almost 12 years, and have owned my business for the same almost 12. So I guess I have slowed down. I'm definitely savoring life more these days, and experiencing a more than modicum of peace where before there was an awful lot of inner turmoil. I have to tell you that I look forward to your comments/feedback on my writing the way some people look forward to the next essay or drawing. Your comments are so thoughtful and encouraging and I love your perspective. Thank you, Amy.

Ellen Zerkin's avatar

WOW! Who knew? There must be so many stories behind all those jobs... I await the book. And, yes, so very sweet, Nan!! 👏🏻♥️

Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks Ellen! Yes, there are definitely more stories. I wasn't a circus showgirl like you. You got me beat there! xoxo

Ellen Zerkin's avatar

Just saw this, Nan. Thanks for the nod!! xoxoxox

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Apr 11, 2024
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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Mama! I think I’m doing what’s next, don’t you? So happy to be writing. xoxo