February Chill!?!

While the rest of the country attempts to recoil from an Artic blast of winter fury, we in Central Florida merely shiver a bit, bitch and complain that our daytime temps do not delve much into the 60s. Poor, wimpy southerners are we!

During this time, I think about how we as individuals are viewed by others, and how people view themselves. I'm not sure of the precise connection between the weather and these introspective thoughts, but there it is. It does make me look at things more deeply than I do on a regular basis.

Must we define ourselves by our career, job, advancement and success? Are we truly worthless if we are not keeping up with our peers? Yes, we are "lucky" now that we have an excuse (the faltering economy) that in some way provides excuses for personal failure. But is this a proper view? A healthy one? Or are we rushing quickly into a cave of self delusion and frustration?

What kind of a person are you? Are you positive? Do you strive to assist others when you can? Does your rush for the gold keep others at arm's length? When you are old, will you look back and smile at your accomplishments? Will it be with others by your side, or alone in a darkened room?

Succeed, yes, but do not forget to help others and provide support along the way. Beyond being the "right" thing to do, it actually does make you feel much better and gives you purpose in your life. It indeed works both ways!

Cold, yes, but we can still see stones on the beach

Yes, a deep freeze of sorts has been sitting on Florida for the last week or so. Let me clarify- deep freeze here means that the high temperature during the day here is low 50s into the 40s, with evening temps in the 30s. And no, I am no longer wearing shorts at any time (other than at the gym)!

The New Year is just a few days old, and Florida struggles to regain its prosperous footing. From a few years ago when tourism was king and people flocked here, to 2010 when throngs are out of work and think longingly of the north! Yikes!

Personally, moving south over 10 years ago has been a mixture of highs and lows; even in the winter, our weather is the envy of most of the country. However, my ability to remain gainfully employed despite earning yet another degree has been a struggle lately. I now contribute to our family business (consulting) as well as participate in my usual college teaching efforts. Overall, however, I am glad that we made the move; I'd rather be constantly looking for more ways to earn money versus shivering in the north (and probably still be looking for employment opportunities).

I find that maintaining motivation is critical, but many times that is easier said than done. I do know, however, that negativity and feeling sorry for oneself accomplishes nothing beyond keeping one from progressing in life.

Keeping my chin up, and occasionally glancing at the chilly stones on the beach.

E-readers- end of traditional books?

I found this fascinating quote today:

There is a lot of talk these days about the Kindle and other e-book readers. Will they replace the traditional paper book? How will they revolutionize the way we do things? Some early adopters have bought one version or another, but most people seem to be waiting for the price to go down and formats to standardize.wired.com, GeekDad Parents, Kids and the Stuff We Obsess About, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

New story, old stories

I decided recently to return to a fantasy short story (partially autobiographical) that I began nearly 9 years ago and abandoned about 3 years ago. I liked most of it (had about 6 chapters completed) and got distracted when completing a degree.

I figured that it would be easy to reconstruct; no papers to gather, since I have stored my important files electronically for a very long time. However, now working exclusively on laptops for the last several years (and have destroyed 3 hard drives in the the process...don't ask!), I find that I cannot locate several key chapters. Oops!

Anyway, I put most of it together and find that I am no longer motivated to work on it. So what do I do? I decide to begin another one...similar in that it is another fantasy story that is even more rooted in my own life. I'm enjoying writing the first story, but am not sure whether I will again finish it. Sometimes I feel like I am in the audience of Mystery Science Theater 300, harassing the main performer.

When I publish it (oh, yes, I will, hopefully on the web), I'll let you all know!

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call, New Orleans :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call, New Orleans :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews

Travel is Over too quickly!

Returned recently from a long weekend in Costa Brava; my brother-in-law got married there in a converted convent. Lots of beautiful scenery and character- with views to die for of the Mediterranean sea. It gave me some time to think about my own life of teaching and writing and my home business. I am indeed keeping quite busy, but am still floundering a bit, trying to get some focus and more drive. As the years fly past me, I look back a bit with some regret, but try to fortify myself with what I do have- a good life in the southern US with great weather, a wonderful family and challenging work.

Sometimes, however, I do wish that I could change everything and start again, or at least try something else for awhile and see where it leads me. The safest way to do that is to write and create alternate realities...sort of like trying something on for size before handing over your credit card!

Modern Jazz is MOJARadio!

See my Twitter gadget below for songs and artists playing on my favorite radio station- the web-based MojaRadio. Give it a listen for yourself at http://www.mojaradio.com/MOJARadioPlayer.html