Self Appraisal

As I sit here by myself, I think about where I've been and where I'm going. I'm at the point in my life where I realize that each day is certainly a blessing. You never know what tomorrow is going to bring so I know I need to make the best of today. It's this point that causes me significant angst because what I'm doing in my job here in Virginia feels useless and artificial. My insignificant contribution to my company and the Department of the Navy seems worthless when I think of all the other things in our country (not to mention the rest of the world) that need focused attention and effort.

There are so many examples I can think of: Our education system (the lack of pay for good teachers, the lack of books and supplies in our rural and lower income areas); the global environment crisis (global warming, the loss of the glaciers); the energy crisis (the need to create fuel and energy alternatives), health care (making it affordable for all Americans and changing the focus to preventative measures rather than the focus doctors and health companies currently have--just prescribe medication); healthier lifestyles for people as well as the environment (educating people about healthly choices and making those choices affordable, as well as holding community leaders personally responsible to work for a better environment and neighborhood); ensuring local farmers and small businesses can survive (buying local produce and supporting the mom and pop shops). I could go on and on.

I know I can't solve everything, but even working on one small area...focusing my efforts on one thing may give me so much more "job" satisfaction than what I'm currently doing. I need to make a change but admittedly don't know how to. I know what my current pay check has allowed me to do. If I eliminate that now, we will have a dramatic lifestyle change, leading to much more infrequent visits with our families. Plus, selecting a single area to focus on is a challenge for me because I am passionate about all the areas.

So, I continue to read and research things and hope to narrow down my focus real soon. I'm looking forward to Mark coming home in a couple of weeks so we can discuss our near future. And, I'm definitely ready to see Sara and see what Colorado may hold!