Hello!
I have been starting and spinning like a baton.
I had been at a job that had been good to me financially for almost a decade. It was a job with a lengthy commute, and driving 150 miles daily at 56 years old is different than driving 150 miles at 46. Tired. Ready to do something else. I was told by many that it was going to be difficult to pivot – getting older, limited opportunities, Columbia SC not a good place for finding well paying jobs, etc. I have a wife and daughter who are everything to me – and there is God before them and me after everyone else. Glad I remained faithful and spirit filled. The new career pays more than before, with a 17- minute commute. I was told by my new bosses they broke tradition by going external to hire, because they wanted a fresh perspective.
So far, the new career has been exciting, challenging (in a good way) and has benefited from me being a different person at 56 years old than at 46. My earlier mistakes are lessons that have me approaching similar situations (where I bombed) differently. I know when to speak and when to listen (most of the time). And thank the Lord for investments that paid off. Life ain’t no crystal stair, and I feel I have the Air Jordans to keep climbing for as long as I WANT to.
I know it’s early, and things are bound to change, but it’s great to have work as your friend and competitor instead of an arch villain. I’m not naïve enough to think I will never make a mistake, and I understand how building good work relationships, networking and looking at things from a variety of views without judgement makes your life easier. I’m asking questions like crazy, and there is always someone who appears to be willing to assist without bias or gossip. I had to remember (and keep remembering) who I am, identifying my skills and areas of opportunity.
Our newest member of the family is Charlie Boots . Charlie is one of Moo’s puppies, and has bonded with Lisa. Taylor initially called the puppy Charlie, and later decided on Boots, because of the while marking that goes from his paws to his lower legs. I like the name Charlie Boots because it makes him sound like someone in the Mafia. Lisa has developed (to me) a different mentality since Charlie Boots came to the family. She takes Charlie Boots out every morning, bought Charlie Boots dog food (dry AND wet), treats, toys and always says how cute he is. Now each person in the family has their own dog – Charlie Boots for Lisa, Mr. Peanut for Taylor, Moo for Dawn and Marley reports to me. I’m so glad that Charlie Boots makes her happy and cools her out when she may feel like going ham on Taylor and me. Thank You, Charlie Boots.
I’ve got a lot of things to talk about, but wanted to keep it short today. Be back soon.
From the Desk of Daddy D 