Due to health issues, Im closing my business and am going back to being just a cake hobbyist. I delivered my last paid cake this weekend.

I have arthritis in my neck and its flaring up more and more. Catering is hot, hard, heavy, stressful work. Much as I love it, I have to cut my load. I cant pay the overhead on half of a workload, so we are closing.

If I stop now, it remains manageable. If I continue, Ill have serious problems the rest of my life. Its pretty much a no-brainer. Ive worn a soft neck collar off and on for 30 years. My daughter has said, Ive only seen two things that make my mom cry because of pain . When she was having a baby (daughter was 14 when my youngest was born, so she heard it all!) and when her neck hurts her.

No condolences, please. Ive gotten some of that from well wishing friends and its irritating. Its been a great ride and many people never even come close to living their dream, and I got to do it for quite a few years. Ive loved every second of it the ups, the downs, the good and the bad. But its time to get off of the fast and exciting roller coaster and walk across the midway to a new ride.

Im experiencing lots of positives already .
I got a full grant (not a student loan, but a grant! Woooo-whooo!) to go back to school and will start next month. Ill be pursuing a teaching degree in History. Being a teacher is something Ive wanted to do since I was 7 years old. And I get to pursue this dream at no cost to me!

Ill have more time for the writing that Im constantly being encouraged to do, more time/opportunity for public speaking (which is a big passion), and consulting. (So . You know anyone looking for a speaker ?)

Ive already found a job in a hotel that is flexible and will work around a full-time school schedule. And its only a 3 minute drive from my home!

As we start dismantling everything (man, that is a BIG job!), I find myself sitting at home with nothing to do. Oh wow is THAT a weird feeling! Almost feel guilty about it! But I told hubby, when I start work at the hotel and going to school, I wont have these days of luxury so Im enjoying them while I can! Ive already spent more time with my 2-year old grandson in these last two weeks than Ive been able to in the last six months!

I will be continuing my blog. Ill be changing my website soon. Primarily Ill be moving the How To Cut A Wedding Cake page to my blog so everyone who has it bookmarked will still have access. The good news is that Ive paid for the website in advance for the next year so I can still use it for informational purposes. (The bad news is Ive paid for the website in advance and there are no refunds!)

I plan to stay in the wedding business somehow, but just havent figured out what avenue yet. Ive had lots of suggestions and one friend even has the office space and name for the company that he wants me to form! (luv him!)

Just for the record, dont expect me to go soft on my stance of licensed vs. unlicensed baking. And Im not shelving my years of business experience so expect my ever so never so humble opinions to continue.

So thats it, gang. Just wanted to share my latest and greatest life adventure as we explore yet another detour down the many exciting side roads of life!

It's a shock, but I wish you the best! What a hole you will leave here! You have become one of the voices in my head, usually warning me not to do something stupid.

It's always best to leave the stage while you are on top. With your brains and heart, I have no doubt that you will be a roaring success at whatever you turn your hand to.

Good luck, no GREAT luck!

How wonderful to be able to pursue your dream of becoming a teacher! I do wish you the best on all of your new endevors!

Good Luck and I still look forward to seeing and smiling at your posts here!

Wow, that is big news Debi! I applaud your insight to know when it is time to quit. It is not worth compromising things that are important to you.

Good luck with the teaching thing! I gave it up for cake decorating! But it has its own rewards....especially weekends, holidays, and summers, when we find ourselves the busiest!

Indy, you're already a teacher to so many of us here! You're going to be an amazing teacher. Congratulations on opening a new chapter in your life!

Hey, for your sore neck, here's something that might help... http://www.salonpas.us/ They sell them at Walmart for $4 for a box of 40 and as long as you don't mind smelling a little like icy hot or bengay ointment, they work great. It's like a little bandage that you put over the sore area and it helps to relieve pain for about 8 hours. They work really well on the arthritis in the leg that I broke last year.

Wow! And as a History major (recent America concentration) I can say that History is exciting!

Best of luck and I know you'll be amazing!

Well, if you ever get a yen to move where the weather is better, I'll hire you to do my sales & marketing. We even have a big ol' University 107 steps from our back door...and did I mention how nice the weather is for arthritis??

Congratulations on beginning the next part of your life and a huge THANK YOU for all the help you have given us so far ... and yes, we DO expect more!! You have been a wonderful teacher for us all. If you have any moments of quiet/down time before you start school, I would suggest you begin a journal - aside from the whole keeping your sanity thing - it could easily turn into a book ... a realistic humorous book on the running of your business, dealing with Bridezillas, a goofy hubby, all of us or facing the "wonders" of aging/career choices....? I had to alter how I worked with kids ( special needs ) after health problems, but there is NOTHING more rewarding than teaching! We have lots of cake designers and that's fantastic, but the world needs great teachers and you are one of them.... okay, now can I go cry into my buttercream?

How exciting to be starting a new adventure. It sounds wonderful to have some many opportunities opening up for you. Thanks for all your advice and help to all of on CC.

Best wishes to you in your new adventure! I don't post much, but I do really enjoy reading yours. I'll continue to look forward to learning from you; I do get quite a kick out of your sometimes spicy perspective!

Well wishes to you too!!

I had to open this to find out who was "retiring", but this was the last thing I expected to find!! Thanks, Debi, for all your help, we still want it to continue. Lucky kids who will have you for a teacher, they will be learning alot about life between all the history lessons! Good luck in all your new adventures!!

Sounds exciting and scary at the same time! Congrats!!

..."so expect my ever so never so humble opinions to continue."

...was hoping to read that along the way!! YEA!!!

Best of luck to you. You've been such a great teacher to us already!

Just prediction, but I'm gonna bet that this will be the longest thread ever.....

Best Wishes and congrats on getting the grant and going back to school. You'll make a great teacher, Debi! I'd sit in the class even though I'm not a history buff. lol

I hope that you're neck problems will ease up with stepping away from the business. You've been a great mentor to all of us wanna-be's and professionals alike.

I do not post much on here, but have to reply to this one. A big THANK YOU! for all the adivse and lessons you have already taught! I follow alot of the threads and always look to see what your response is. You have been and will continue to be an inspiration to me and I know thousands of others... I understand your "why" as I have 2 herniated disc in my neck with arthritis throughout my neck and am possibly facing the surgery to fuse them together. The pain can be unbearable at times and I can definately sympathize with you. Best of Luck in your new adventure.... If your life so far has been a model of what is to come, then you will definately succeed at all you do. I look forward to seeing more great post from you, reading your blog, and could there possibly be a BOOK in there somewhere????

Congrats on taking that next step. Pain management is one of the hardest things to deal with. Nobody likes being in pain. To bad I didn't live closer.

History is exciting, I just love the ancients

Mike

Wow!! Debi, you are the last person I expected to be writing this thread!

I'm sure this was a difficult decision to make and hope that you will be able to heal. Best wishes in your newest endeavors.
I also hope that you will continue to offer your wisdom to us on CC.

Just out of curiousity, what are you doing about the clients you have booked thru 2010?

Good Luck to you with everything! You are already a teacher to all of us here, so you aren't really changing careers much, just shifting your focus to a different subject. I am glad you are not leaving us!

congratulations on your upcoming adventures! Hope it's a great ride!

Debi, the best of luck in your new adventure! For everyone who thinks Debi just helps on the cake boards, she was so helpful for my questions about the different areas of Indy this past summer, her help guided us to where we should (and shouldn't) stay for the 10 days we were out there. I know we didn't get a chance to get together this past July, BUT the nationals will once again be in Indy - I'll be out there (staying in Carmel) from July 9-19, hopefully this time we can get together for a coffee between my son's tournament schedule. Keep us up to date with your new life!!!

Bev

I was shocked to find out who the author of this thread is, but wanted to wish you the best of luck.

I'm glad you'll still be here, though. Wouldn't be the same without ya!

Debi,
My very best wishes to you as you begin this new season in your life and persue interesting and long wished for endeavors.
My bakery, caking career came to an end for the same reason as yours; same disease. But, I waited too long. You are so wise to leave now and be able to still go after those dreams.
Thanks for the buttercream recipe and your help and encouragement to take the leap into "fondant" with my now caking hobby.
Best of luck in all you do.
Foodguy

Oh Debi!!! I am sorry that you are inso much pain. I wih you much luck (like you need it) with your next big adventure. You will be an excellent teacher.

You better not leave us here... we will hunt you down... and make you eat cake balls... that aren't Jill's...

Condolences? No way! This sounds way too exciting for condolences!


Enjoy the ride...I wish you the all the best!

Debi, I wish you all the best!! History is a fav in my life - I'm a (Canadian) History major - and I know you'll make an awesome teacher! Thank you for all of your advice over the years - and don't be a stranger!

Hi, Debi! Just dropping in to say that I hope your new endeavor makes you as happy as this on seemed to. I totally understand your reasoning behind this decision. I will be glad to at least keep seeing you around here for all of your wonderful, witty knowledge of caking! You have been a amazing cake friend and mentor to us all here! Enjoy yourself with everything you do. Besides, God doesn't close a door without opening a window, right? Take care and I wish you all of the best!!!!

Many blessings to you Debi.

Thank you for sharing your insight and experiences here on CC. Unfortunately you are leaving as I am coming in. Thank you for sharing with me "How To Determine How Many Slices You Get From A Cake."

We share a love of history. I was a Black History major in college and I loved every minute of it. You will do well on your new endeavor.

A bouquet of compliments and thank yous to you!

Bless!

I am so sorry to hear that you are in so much pain. I wish you the very best and I know that you will be an excellent teacher. It sounds like you have the makings of an exciting portfolio career and please do keep us updated of your adventures!