need to happen in my life right now.
First, a push to own my data. For years I have accumulated and generated data at a ridiculous pace and kept ahead of it with “better and better” tools. Or so I thought. I am no longer ahead of it; I am lost in my own information and unable to function. I need to identify and properly name and file all of those files. I need to sort through my address book(s) and put names in their proper places. I need to archive what needs to be archived, listen to my voice mail when it arrives, and to implement organizational regimes to ensure that I own my data, and not the other way around.
Second, a push to find stable work, as opposed to merely teaching work. Time’s a wasting and the push to work needs to have a kind of priority about it. Problem is that my ability to make this happen is tied closely to my data life, so both need to evolve in concert.
Third, a push to catch up on my freelance work. Both of the freelance gigs are paying me some money, but could be paying me a lot more if only I would work at them, if only I would catch up and do what I’m capable of getting done on both ends. No more weekends to relax; weekends are to work.
Fourth, a push to make the degree happen or to find someplace else to go where it can happen. I am not prepared to play politics; that’s just not where I am in life. I need to stop being timid and draw lines in the sand, piss people off, make things happen. Either they come along or I move along. There can be no middle ground. I’m no spring chicken and I’m no beginner at this. I know what I’m doing, I know what has to be done, and I know what I’m willing to do. Now is the time to do it.
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These four things are the driving forces of complexity and worry in my life right now. Sort them out and I sort everything out. Hopefully.
