The writer in me

 

I just finished reading Randy Burrows first book, The Top 2%.  It was an enjoyable summary of his family life during the years around Covid and Hurricane Fiona.  I found Randy's writing style to be a lot like mine.  Very casual and laid back with a slight tinge or humour and sarcasm in the background.  It was great to see someone that I know write a book like this.  I have been writing a lot over the years and I am hoping that I after I retire I can get back to it.  I find that when I try to write now, I get pulled into government mode which is more formal and just about the facts.  I am hoping to find my groove again when I am not tied to templates and rules when writing. 

Changing it up

 

When people think about quitting, it’s hard because they’re comparing the rich web of attachments they have now to some mostly blank slate, or, worse, the possibility of disaster. However, what’s more realistic to imagine, if you’re leaving something you’re no longer aligned with, is a future with more to love than you have now. Those things you will be attached to in the future are currently obscured by the impassable barrier of time, but they’re still out there. ~ Cate Hall In praise of quitting - by Cate Hall - Useful Fictions

This quote resonated with me as I near the end of my government career.  It was not what I had originally planned, nor was it something I ever really wanted, but it became ingrained in me as a piece of who I am.  Now that I am thinking about opportunities beyond this career, I have little to compare it to other than the few sporadic jobs I had before my government career.  These were typically unfulfilling and just a means to pay the bills.  Now I have this blank slate in front of me with unlimited options and I am both excited and confused.  Excited by the possibilities, but confused as I have not really fully chosen my own path since high school.  

Momentum

 

I finally cleared out Joe's motorcycle from my barn.  It has been sitting there gathering dust and rust since 2007.  With that gone, I was able to clean and straighten the barn which was very cathartic.  As I began to move the bike inside the barn, it was extremely heavy and I thought it might tip over on me.  The wheels were slow to turn and the body stiff from lack of movement.  But once I hit the small slope of the ramp down to the grass, the momentum and weight of the bike made it lighter and I was able to roll it across the yard and lean it against the woodpile. 

Such is life.  Things can be heavy and stiff, but with momentum the tasks become easier.  I am in a much better place lately now that I am on some anxiety medication.  I am hopeful that I am only on it temporarily, but it has changed my frame of mine significantly over the past 2 months.  I find I have the energy to socialize more, albeit I still prefer small groups to larger groups, but it has been good to catch up with old friends and colleagues.  

Some significant events so far during the summer of 2025:

• Dan & Carly got engaged on the beach.
• Dan travelled to Moncton &  Halifax for work for training in his new role as manager for his work at the airport.
• Vicki is doing well at Red Shores Casino with a steady income and a mentor.  She is starting to see the value  of her time, effort, and education paying off.
• Vicki and her Boyfriend travelled to Montreal for a weekend adventure.  Vicki's first real significant travel on her own.
• Cheryl had a crazy June both teaching and taking classes at UPEI as well as teaching statistics classes for provincial government. 
• I am back at work and doing well.  
• I have taken vacation for 2 weeks, and the weather has been perfect for the entire duration.  
• Cheryl and I went to Moncton for a night to visit with Sean & Kat Nason and Greg Pineo and Sabrina.  Great night of music, telling old stories and remembering where I came from. 
• Cheryl and I biked to Hunter River for ice cream and back.  32KM.  Cheryl's longest bike ride yet. 
• Cheryl and I have been walking most mornings and hitting the beach quite regularly as we adjust into our slower-paced life. 
• I have biked into work 12 times so far this summer (8KM each way) which has been good for my energy levels as well as saving on parking and getting stuck in traffic.
• I have been at the gym regularly doing a consistent workout that is geared more towards maintaining my health, not necessarily trying to become stronger.

Overall, I am in a great place with great momentum right now.  And there is still a few weeks of summer left.