----------------------------------------
And, suddenly...
Jan 5 2022
----------------------------------------

Well, what do you know?  It's a brand-new year and I'm still around to
see it!

As phlogs so often do, I let this one take a backseat to work and
other obligations.  However, the intensity of my newest job paid some
dividends.

Which is to say, I learned quite a lot, but it ended up being a really
raw deal on a personal level and I'm happy it's over.  But in its
place is something much better, a new job where I will be able to flex
my design muscles in engineering and do what I thought would be
several more years in the making.  What an unexpected and tremendous
gift.  I owe much indeed to a friend and colleague who connected me
with the company and vouched for the quality of our work together.


If there is anything to be learned from this, three things stick out the most.

1. Always surround yourself with good people who build you up.
2. Don't be afraid to walk away when you are being poorly treated.
3. Nothing you do or achieve is all yours.


Corny as it might sound, that last one is life-changing.  Learning
deeper gratitude for everything good in my life has given me insight,
even...  dare I say it...  a bit of happiness.

Here's to a hopeful new year.