I usually write for myself, but today I’d like to speak to my readers. I feel the need to clear up a few common misconceptions about my life, if I may.
I know you wonder what I do with my free time. I know you wonder why I went back to my old company for a part-time gig. I know you sometimes worry if I am retreating into a world of private complacency.
The answers: expand my mind; for the great hourly rate, the teamwork and great leadership opportunities; and no.
Am I too lazy to change? No. In fact, the past year has seen its share of important changes in the way I view my role in the world. Changes of the mind and soul. Difficult changes—not superficial, but the kind of changes that force you to take long walks alone and ponder.
Not to mention my continuing educations in music, sociology, religion, politics, nature and human relationships. Also a renewed passion for my profession as I learn new technologies and hone my skills with a vengeance. And I know the late nights in my room listening to house music and learning Zope will pay off, even if I’m dreadful tired the next morning.
This type of stuff doesn't really manifest itself in the form of a new hairstyle, or new buddies or new toys. So it makes sense that it looks like I'm just hanging out. You might notice that I seem preoccupied—not really in the moment, but somewhere else. Sorry about that.
I will concede that my social life has fallen victim to my obsessions with self-education. So I gotta work on that. I’ll try to be a better friend, and I know I should share my passions with those around me.
Learning about yourself and your world is great (and there’s so much to learn!), but you need to find a balance or you’ll end up a lonely scholar. That's a concept I need to re-learn every day. I’m trying to get a new handle on it.
So there you go. Suck on it.
Tomorrow: Gotta Dance!