Hintergrundinformation*
Now, this is a story all about how
My life got flipped-turned upside down
And I’d like to take a minute
Just sit right there
I’ll tell you how I became the prin…
Wait, that’s not right.
Our family decision to move to Germany does not involve any trouble in our neighborhood a la The Fresh Prince but things are certainly flipped-turned upside down. Our story is in fact quite boring. We moved for Quin’s job.
What does Quin do you ask? He uh…well. He’s a…um lawyer, I guess technically he is still a lawyer. He jokingly told me he’ll be forever marred by that title. I know what Quin does Quin’s business cards say. He works for Vortex Companies.
I’m just joking. I could give you my elevator pitch about Vortex but that’s not the important part. The important part is that I trust Vortex and the team so much that we moved our family to a foreign country. I’ve never met a more dedicated, loyal and hardworking group of people. The move for me was like a giant trust fall and we haven’t hit the ground.
A few years ago, Quin mentioned a European expansion but it seemed like the moment passed. We focused on our family expansion, our new home and Judy. Judy is the real kicker and would be reason enough to stay in New Orleans but it is actually the foundation of my support.
Every time I wanted to do something in the twists and turns of my career path(s), Quin has said some version of “yes”.
Me: I’d like to wait to find a job that is the perfect fit. Quin: Sure thing.
Me: I’d like to go back to school at night. Quin: Right on.
Me: The baby, working full-time and night school is too much. Quin: It sure is.
Me: I want to quit my job if we can make it work and go to school full-time. Quin: Okie Dokie.
Me: I’m working full-time post grad school. Quin: Whew.
Me: I’m pregnant. AGAIN. Quin: …
Me: I’m going back to work full-time with three kids. Quin: As you wish.
Me: This is hard. Quin: Sure is.
Me: I think I need to stay home. Quin: Alright.
Me: I don’t like being at home. Quin: Take your time.
Me: So…hear me out. Judy is for sale. Quin: Here’s how we make it work.
The conversation about Judy was different. Judy was not only a time, energy and emotional commitment but a significant financial commitment. He still said “yes”.
To be clear, these conversations are not about permission. Quin will absolutely tell you I do not ask for permission, and I’ve heard him say a several times “it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.” That phrase is typically in the context of ordering “one more drink” or staying out “little longer”. The “yes” is more about trust and support. I couldn’t possibly poo-poo the ONE opportunity that would give Quin the career growth he has worked so hard to earn. It was my turn to say “yes”.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
I have a CRINGEY video I took of myself in August 2020. I thought it was going to be the first of many videos documenting our move but it was the first and it is the last. It’s unnatural and it’s bad. I think my natural habitat is on Instagram. Feel free to laugh out loud.
Tschuss,
Martha Claire
*When thinking of a title Quin typed in “Background Information” in to Google translate and it did not disappoint. My German teacher told me that there is NO LIMIT to the number compound words in German. Just slap it all together.
My face is RED just uploading this video LOL.
