This land is flatLike the place I was bornHome of the orangesNot too much corn These hills, they surprise meRising up from the earthIllinois mountainsIn the time of rebirth Fellow travelers don’t mindWe go up and go downThen the path takes a turnI look all around At once, I’m rewardedJust ahead, I can seeThe skyline…… Continue reading Hidden Hills
Category: Reflections
Peoria Post Pandemic
This post, much like my life right now, is a bit scattered. Please enjoy this stream of consciousness covering my moving and a family visit. 🙂 After 18 months, I can breathe. I can walk into a store without worrying about getting the plague. I can eat at a restaurant without wearing a mask. I…… Continue reading Peoria Post Pandemic
Consolidation and Acceptance
I awoke this morning with a level of calm that I don’t often experience. After a busy two weeks of moving, working, and hosting my family for a few days, my brain was on overdrive. In addition, today was the day I cleaned the old unit and took the last items out of the apartment. There was no…… Continue reading Consolidation and Acceptance
Financial Independence
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. If you need financial advice, please reach out to a person who is certified or licensed in your local area. Use the links below to confirm the person you are speaking with has an Active status on their license/certification. Helpful Links: Financial Planner: https://www.cfp.net/verify-a-cfp-professional Investments: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/selecting-your-investment-professional Investments: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/…… Continue reading Financial Independence
Florida Winter
After a hard week (year) at work, it was time to visit my childhood home. The morning of my travel day started very calmly as I watched some TV and packed the final items for the trip. The first friction I experienced was when my Uber ride never showed up. I assume this is a…… Continue reading Florida Winter
St. Margaret’s
Sitting on a stone bench Memories flood over me The games of tag and ultimate frisbee Sunday school and youth group meetings Merit badges and scoutmaster conferences This beautiful place, once surrounded by trees Broken Progress has taken its toll Houses tower over the wooden fence that borders the cemetery The old chapel almost abandoned…… Continue reading St. Margaret’s
The Magic of Animation: Dragon Prince
Note: This is based on the first three seasons of this show. At time of writing, future seasons are planned, but were delayed for obvious reasons (thanks 2020). I look forward to seeing the rest of the story soon! World Building: The world of the Dragon Prince has a classic fantasy feel baked into the…… Continue reading The Magic of Animation: Dragon Prince
2020 Decade of Hope
I wrote this way back at the beginning of 2020. Remember that? This is some unbridled optimism that I think we all need right now. Enjoy! Looking forward to: Mars 2020Artemis (2024 & 2028)Electric vehiclesAutonomous DrivingRenewable energySmart Homes Personal: Paying off debtSavingMore fulfilling jobVolunteer workFamily The driving force of technology and progress from the Industrial…… Continue reading 2020 Decade of Hope
The West Wing
I first wrote this in mid-October of 2020. It was hiding on my computer and I forgot to share it. This is a brutally honest reaction to a difficult time. We are not out of the woods yet, but I didn’t want let my kind words about the TV show The West Wing to be…… Continue reading The West Wing
“Better Version of Who I Am”
I was listening to a podcast about leadership earlier today and the guest was talking about being yourself. She used this phrase that really struck me. I paused the podcast and wrote it down. I didn’t want to forget this simple, yet profound idea. I spent the better part of my 20s trying to figure…… Continue reading “Better Version of Who I Am”
