Sunday Scribblings - Out of this World

I have a secret...I am a huge fan of Science Fiction. Currently, I am stuck on Doctor Who, a British show about a time traveler and his human, female companion/assistant. And I am on the verge of watching the spin-off series called Torchwood. Starting with super heroes and Star Wars and I have also watched all of the Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis episodes at least once. I have enjoyed many a Star Trek episode and have read Michael Crichton's books and the Wheel of Time series. I love seeing what writers conjure in their minds as a vision for what might be out among the stars, maybe because it is so close to reality and yet whimsical enough to take us away from our day to day problems.

Thanks for reading.

Sunday Scribblings: I Just Don't Get It

The first thing that flows through my mind is very personal in nature but I am not prepared to share that kind of thought with the unknown. Most of my close friends can probably guess what I refer to, so I will leave it at that.

Currently, what I just don't get has to do with my previous post. Why do parents go on a field trip with their kids and think that it is all about them? Yes, they paid the money but isn't the point for the kids to learn and experience in the best manner for them. When was the last time you saw a ten year old enjoy sitting at dinner for over an hour? If you want a leisurely dinner with friends do it at home. I see traveling with your child as the opportunity to see them bloom, not hang out in the back gossiping with other parents about those that aren't there. Don't they get that if they are sitting in the back of the bus talking, it is very difficult for me to concentrate on what I am telling and the kids begin to think that it is okay to talk too. I know that most parents are supportive of their kids and don't behave like this but it just takes a few.

I am sure that writing about the other topic would be much more interesting but I am not sure I am prepared to write about being 36 and perpetually single. :)

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Sunday Scribblings: The Experiment

March 27th will mark the one year anniversary of the commencement of my experiment, that day I stepped away from corporate stability and dived head first into the unknown. A year later, I look back knowing that this was absolutely the right thing to do. Most of us leave college looking for the job that everyone expects them to want; 8-5, hour lunch, 401K, health insurance, set vacation. I found my spot in that world after a short break, it had nothing to do with my history and geography degrees but it was stable and fun compared to other similar options. Twelve years later, after some advancement, a healthy 401K and topping out at 4 weeks vacation, I knew that it was no longer for me. How could I see the world in only 4 weeks a year? Beer is fun but being free is better. I knew what I was leaving behind, I was reminded by many, but I knew that I was no longer the person that started that job in 1995 and it was time to find out who I am now. So I gave myself two years to find out if I can do this, can I live on significantly less money, can I maintain everything that I have grown to cherish and yet spend so much time away from it, can I find enough work? So far, the experiment is a success. I am extremely happy, I made it through my first off-season and still have money in my account and those that I love so much continue to count me as part of the family. The verdict is still out on the enough work. Other then the obvious happiness, it all takes adjustment. A roommate, less eating out, less conspicuous consumption, more e-mailing, hoping that people are reading this blog, quality time over quantity. I am always on the search for new gigs and ways of improving my resume, but now it is fun; learning French, reading, traveling. Instead of a 10x12 office with gray walls without windows and dreading the predictability of each month, the world is now my work space and I don't even know what tomorrow will bring but I look forward to finding out.

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Sunday Scribblings: Time Machine

The smell of burning wood,
the sound of dry oak leaves blowing in a hot afternoon wind,
the feel of dust settling on sun tinged skin,
the sight of a salamander scrambling to hide under a submerged rock,
and the taste of vegetables just picked.
I am ten years old and by my grandmother's side again.

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Sunday Scribblings: Passion

Everyone knows my true passion - cycling, wait no, traveling, but what about France, no, no, my nieces and nephews. I guess I don't even know my true passion, I just know that these four facets have become the ruling points around which my life revolves. I have a new life due to two of the above, my passion for traveling and France "forced" me to make that life decision to quit a steady, good job and put my neck out there. I just couldn't see myself sitting in an office without windows when I could possibly be using the world as my office. Now that I am traveling for work, the next huge goal will be to live in France for some amount of time. (Don't worry you will be hearing more about my new list of goals as the days go on) The cycling seems to be a weird thing for me to list in this post, I am not a die-hard, everyday, all weather rider. I am pretty fair weather, no rain or strong winds please, that is unless it is unavoidable while working. Now we get to one of the two reasons it is a passion; I love cycling so much that I managed to ride for a job and it is my favorite "work." The other reason is that on a good day, (today wasn't one) I feel free and so does my mind. I usually come back more settled then I left with any large questions much closer to being answered. Last but certainly not least on this list are the kids in my life. Not to say that I don't love the rest of my family and friends but the children make me truly happy, watching them grow, learn and change. They are the family that I won't have on my own and though I miss them when I am gone they are a great welcome once I return. I consider myself very lucky to not be able to name my true passion.

Thanks for reading.