• Reflections

    The Year of Two Weddings

    March 17, 2022 - By 

    I will admit this season has been a tough one for me with ever-changing societal rules and work schedules.  The need for a break in the depths of winter is nothing new.  The plane from Chicago to Tampa was packed and for a moment I almost forgot I was a Florida native.  It is hard to change your identity when you spend 90% of your time inside your house.  I have come to really love the state that I reside, however, this is about my recent trip down to see family and friends.   Arrival  When I was planning my trip,…

  • Reflections

    2021 Review and 2022 Goals 

    December 25, 2021 - By 

    Professional Life:  2021:  My day-to-day work life did not have a dramatic change like it did back in 2020.  I am still under the same larger department, but the product line is more streamlined.  Instead of handling individual’s money, I am working with business owners to offer their employees life insurance.  In my previous role, there were at least five different types of accounts that I had to be familiar with to handle a standard phone call.  Now that I am down to one product, I am able to dig deeper into the subject.  I have a lot of tenure around me now.  My current Team Lead has over 10 years’ experience…

  • Reflections

    First Day of School

    December 11, 2021 - By 

    A slowly rising alarm breaks my restless sleep on my first day.  I go to the window to open the curtain and I am greeted by pure darkness.  Artificial light is my early morning companion.  Following my normal routine of making a large breakfast brings a sense of stability to this rather odd day.  I make my way onto the interstate highway as a few clouds start to expose the pale blue sky.  As I cross the bridge over the small river, sunbeams cut down towards the ground, little rays of hope on this gray morning.  Finding a parking spot at my new location is harder that I…

  • Reflections

    Hidden Hills

    July 31, 2021 - By 

    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 of a cityWill soon surround me