Now What?

With the realization that I start nearly every blog that isn't a narrative off with a self-depreciating joke about how bad I am at keeping a weekly blog going (more like a quarterly blog) all I am going to say in my defense is: perhaps the reason why I have difficulties maintaining a regular blog is the fact that I get too wrapped up in life. That...and it takes me a long while of processing my thoughts before I can make them semi-comprehensible to write down on a public blog and the 30-minute time limit at the local public library is by no means long enough to do so.

Alright, now that I've gotten that out of my system...on to the serious matter of actual content...

As I noted the last time I checked in, I have been working as a Seasonal Ranger at Elk Neck State Park in North East, MD. The park is located on a peninsula that forms the northern most border of the Chesapeake Bay. Surrounding the peninsula are the Elk and North East Rivers (the former is the entrance to the C&D Canal) and from the beach area on the west side of the peninsula you have a gourgeous view of the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the Susquehana Flats.

To be succinct, my summer has been fantastic. Many people view the park service as regimented, which it is and to be honest, with the disadvantages come some really good advantages: people come to do a job and to do it well. It is a lesson that I have learned before and one that I am greatful to learn again. Much is to be said for this style. No, it may not be as relaxed as some other places, it does come with its own set of rules and espiri de corps but that being said, it certainly allows one to focus on the core of what 'we' as a service are their to do: promote stewardship and awareness of the natural environment in which visitors have chosen to recreate.

But that's not all that I've had a chance to do this summer. Perhaps, also, I have been able to get back in touch with what I like to call my 'inner outdoorsman' he has been screaming to get out for the last few years and has finally had a chance. Also, I have gotten to spend more time getting to know and falling in love with a wonderful woman (remember from my last post "Madame" was excited that I was moving closer...yeah...me too).

As the season comes to an end rather quickly, I find myself once again scrambling to find some kind of employment and I am once again faced with the prospect of finding that "career" my parents keep telling me about.

My parents have always told me I am the unpredictable child when it comes to jobs and moving through life. I tell them in reply that someone has to keep them on their toes (I also tell them this is good brain exercise to ward off dementia, but I think that's stretching it a little bit). Though, I too am getting ready to have a home base, a place that I can root myself and know that I can always return.

I have felt this summer, more strongly than in the last couple of years, that I have been and am moving in the right direction, that my experience(s) and passion have been leading up to and have been honed and, God willing, I am hopefully ready to begin that career that I have been watching, waiting, seeking for these last, well, decade.

Like everything, it is a slow process, but one that I am positive will turn out to be the right direction that I need to follow in order to find my niche. Do not be mistaken, I don't need this "career" to be happy. I am already happy beyond belief: I have been currently working in a position that I love; I have a fantastic fiance who is way to good for me; I have been able to have four walls and a roof to rest in (and if all else fails, I do have a tent and a sleeping bag :-) ). 

I have been incredibly blessed to live a life that really doesn't have any glitter (okay, only one little speck - an Iphone, but I use it to actually complete work). I make enough money to cover my expenses, with a little left over. Perhaps I am not living a true bohemic lifestyle, however the one that I have lived, and currently live in is the best for me.

I have found that the fewer distractions that I have, the happier I am.

Perhaps this is what I need to focus on for my next venture.