Daily Ramblings

This will most likely be a rambling post that will cover almost the past years worth of things that I could have posted given the motivation.

Sometime in December it will be a full year since my last serious full time job (not counting a month in the middle somewhere there).  While it has been a struggle to keep on top of bills, stay sane, and in general stay motivated, there have of course been the bright spots.

Just after my last official day last December, my second son, Ben, was born the next week. While this meant more responsibilities and such long term, the short term timing was great.  I spent the first half of 2009 as a stay at home dad watching my two boys almost every day of the week!!  This was more than enough work to fill the lack of a job, as far as time goes, and also was quiet amazing to watch the boys develop their own interaction, and personalities with each other.

Outside of this part of my life, was the frustration and stress of an ongoing separation, the continual and increasingly frustrating job hunt, and the general depression that goes with not feeling the adequacy to provide for your family (both emotionally and financially).

This year of unemployment has had it bright spots, and that is what I am using to carry me through to whatever end this part of the journey may be.  I have had the opportunity to network (could do more) within the local Portland community.  The ability to attend @beerandblog, enjoy the chatter of Albina Press, and talk with others in some of the same scenarios has been a great boost when needed.

While this may be a bit early for an end of year retrospective, my posting frequency gives me some leway.

As this year draws to a close, I have reaffirmed my close circle of friends, worked to develop some structure to some consulting opportunities, and most importantly, learned to truly cherish the time I have with my boys and my Portland and extended friends and family.