Where are my sunglasses? The future looks bright…

I’ve finally clawed my way out of the pit I dug myself into, and by that I mean I quit my second job, the one that stole my nights away and demanded more time than I would have liked. It had become more of a hindrance and less of a necessity than it was in the beginning. When I started working it I had no other choice because it was what was required of me as a husband and father to support those that I love. Over the last three years that has changed, through hard work and diligence, and it is no longer a necessity to hold down the second job so I decided it was time to cut myself free from the chains I myself forged.

Words to live by with my new free time. I’ll definitely be enjoying it.photo credit: JoeInSouthernCA via photopin cc 

Burning the candle at both ends had become too much, so I’m glad things worked out that I could stop without worrying about how I’m going to pay the bills or put food on the table. I feel bad that I decided to quit on them. It’s a nice group of people and I have nothing against any of them. I just needed to move on and pursue different things. I needed a change and I shouldn’t feel bad about that, but I do. I’m not the kind of person to just walk out on others so it was hard for me to quit, though I did so with three week notice with the additional promise that at the end of those three weeks I would finish up anything I still had on my plate, so four week notice in all.

That being said, it’s been about seven months since I’ve posted anything on my blog or even really checked out other blogs. To those of you whose blogs I used to frequent, I apologize for not being around. To those of you who don’t remember me, don’t feel bad, I’m not interesting enough to be all that memorable.

So what’s the plan for me now that I’ve got all this extra time on my hands? I plan on easing my way back into this blog-o-sphere thing by getting back into the Friday Fictioneers, assuming they’ll have me back (I’m sure they will, they’re a great bunch of people). Other than that there likely won’t be any other blogs for awhile, though the occasional random post my sneak in there occasionally. I’ve got some projects around the house I’ve been meaning to tackle (I’ve got a list a mile long actually), some projects I’m working on/want to work on just for fun, and some new found time I get to spend with the wife and kid.

This weekend we drove (and drove and drove and drove… it was a 12 hour trip one way) to Michigan’s upper peninsula for my sister’s wedding. A great time was had by all, though we wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the area. Unfortunately, as it turned out, we only got to spend about a day and a half there before having to make the trek back home. Still, it was a great way to celebrate my new found freedom and my sister’s happiness.

If you’re wondering about the future of my writing, that’s still on extended hiatus. I don’t intend to write anything longer than 100 words for the Fictioneers for the foreseeable future, and I’m alright with that. I’m better with 100 words than I am with longer stuff anyway. Right now that kind of thing just isn’t part of my plans, though it will probably work itself back in there eventually.

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Kick it up a notch

I see you’ve come back to find the answer to last week’s prediction.  We didn’t have a winner last week so I’ll have to tell you the meaning behind the prediction in my own words.
 
When you’re surrounded by people doing idiotic things, you will lose your temper. In a moment lacking self control, you will give them the one finger salute.
 
…also known as “flipping the bird”. If you’re anything like me, this will likely occur while you’re driving.
 
Let’s increase the scope of this little game a bit this week. What do you say? Sound like a good idea? This one isn’t a personal experience kind of prediction. This one is a bit wider reaching with far greater implications. That’s your only hint.
 
Inhospitable land grows greedy tendrils
Fostered by scorching warmth
The birthplace of man withers
 
Give it your best guess. I’d love to hear your interpretations of my prognosticating.

Yes. Yes, I am.

An eye is upon you, staring straight down and keenly through,
Seeing all that you are and everything that you can never be.
Yes, an eye is upon you, an eye ready to blink.
So face forward with arms wide open and mind reeling.
Your future has arrived.
Are you ready to go?

– Lyrics from An eye is upon you by Powerman 5000

If you haven’t figured it out, the post title answers that question.

I came into this month more focused on my writing than I’ve ever been. I think it has something to do with turning thirty later this month. I’ve hyped thirty up in my mind as a turning point in my life, not because I’ll be old or because I care about turning thirty. Thirty isn’t old and it’s just another birthday to me. It actually has nothing to do with the age itself, that’s just coincidence. Thirty is when I start to take control of my own destiny. Whether I succeed or fail will be completely upon my shoulders, but there will be no more coasting through life waiting for things to happen. I know I need to make them happen if I want to get anywhere. I’m willing to do that. I’ve no problem with that. I have big plans and goals and deadlines I’ve set for myself on things I want to achieve and all of these glorious ideas floating around begging to be realeased. I’m not sure how long it’ll take to achieve what I want to achieve, but thirty is where the journey begins. Of that I’m certain.

So, what’s the problem?

Time. Time is the problem. Well, not technically time itself, but lack thereof. I’ve barely written anything at all this month. Granted we’re only six days in, but I still feel like I’m slacking. I’m not really, there are just other things that need to come first at this point in my life. That’s what being a responsible adult is all about right? Making hard decisions and sacrificing what is necessary for the good of your family? Unfortunately, at this stage of the game that sacrifice has to be writing time. I don’t much care for that, but for now writing just doesn’t pay the bills. I’m not making excuses, just thinking out loud. Facing the problem head on is the only way to find a solution, so that is what I’m doing. What’s that old saying? Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery? Well, consider this me admitting I have a problem. Now I’ll work on finding a solution, preferably one that doesn’t wear me out physically or mentally.

Don’t worry about me though. I’m a smart cookie. I planned for times like this in my goals and deadlines. I knew things like this would happen so I accounted for it, and I must say I’m glad I did. Going into something with realistic expectations is far superior than blind faith that you can overcome impossible odds. I guess I’m just a realist in that regard, even if I’m a dreamer in most other aspects of life.

Dream big or go home, just keep the expectations in check.