Bring in the Funk...But Don't Keep It Too Long

For months as the media has been all "doom and gloom" about this country, I've been looking around and scratching my head: I don't know anyone who has lost their job (even an acquaintance at Bear Stearns), house prices in my area haven't budged, and my grocery bill has stayed around the same amount each week. Yes, gasoline has skyrocketed, but that's it.

But, as I checked in with a friend today to whom I haven't spoken in awhile, I noticed an exasperated, "What-are-you-gonna-do?" tone to her words. But, then I subsequently noticed that I was speaking with the same tone; I told her my job had plateaued and that the company is in a holding pattern, that I'm OK with what I am doing, but that it doesn't excite me, and that the Burbs are "alright". I know it's not cause for alarm (after all, what are the Burbs if not "alright"?), but I had thought the national funk had skipped me and those I know.

As we are constantly barraged with bad news about everything, it is easy to let it pervade your psyche. But, if I stop and think seriously about my current station, yes, there is plenty to be desired, but if everything is perfect, where is the motivation to ascend and do better? I thrive on the challenges life throws my way. But, I also realize that while I do have a limited amount of control, things generally have a wonderful way of falling into place and working themselves out. Deloitte will probably start expanding again, I am sure that some curveballs are going to be thrown my way and make my job more interesting, and Becky and I will continue to meet interesting people and explore all the wonderful apsects of Lower New England.

There isn't any optimism out there right now, but it's easy to find if you look for it. So in the words of 80's hero Casey Kasem, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.



*In the spirit of today's posting, I will leave you with an amazing 1980 video of the Jerry Garcia Band performing Bob Dylan's "Simple Twist of Fate". This song always helps me through the tough times.