Recently I was asked to describe a positive, life-changing event – a “dare to be fabulous” moment. Of all that I’ve experienced (so far), the following anecdote is by far the most memorable.

In mid-December 2003, for the first time in 20+ years of working full time, I decided to quit my job – with no notice! The employer had bounced my last two paychecks so I didn’t feel they deserved the courtesy of a week or two weeks’ notice. I had taken off sick on the Friday we were to receive a paycheck. I figured IF we received a check at all, it’d still be there Monday when I returned. If not, I didn’t want to waste a day there, wondering and hearing lies about when we might get paid. Before the end of the day Friday, I checked in with another employee to see if they got their paychecks. They had, so mine would indeed be there Monday. But by Monday, I had decided I didn’t want to work there anymore with all the uncertainty about getting paid. So by the time I went to work, I had already mapped out my plan: I would go in early, pack up all my personal belongings, retrieve my paycheck and insist on leaving immediately to cash it at the local bank.

Then, I simply would not return to the job. And I did exactly that! Once I was home, I called back and told them I would not be returning; that I was resigning. I sent a confirming email to my boss. And that was that. I felt so FREE! I had taken a stand, stood up for myself, and let my employer know that I would NOT be taken advantage of. To further enforce my stand and my message to them, I spent a month or two writing letters and emails to various government and financial agencies reporting the employer’s underhanded and possibly illegal financial activities. And I received confirmation from them they the matter was being investigated!

In the midst of the letter-writing campaign, I was also preparing to move to a new apartment. At the end of January, I moved to my “Queendom in the Sky” as I call it. A small one-bedroom with a southern view of the city. Standing at the windows, I can see all the way from the Lake Michigan and the smokestacks of Hammond, Indiana to the east, to U.S. Cellular Field (and the fantastic fireworks after a White Sox game) to the south, and as far west as Midway Airport as airplanes approach and depart from every direction). In the year that I’ve lived here, I have seen some of the most vibrant, colorful and magnificent sunsets that Mother Nature ever painted. The view is even more stunning and spectacular as dusk turns to night and the city lights begin to appear. It looks like a carpet of twinkling gems!. It is absolutely breathtaking!