Looking forward...

I have been putting alot of thought into my life as of late, thus the creation of a blog, and a revamping of my priorities and lifestyle choices. But the thing that is standing out with me the most at the moment is my career and my goals for the future.

Ultimately, my dilemma lies in whether or not maintaining a job based solely on compensation is truly worthwhile. I grew up in the school of thought that you do whatever it takes to keep the bills paid regardless of personal gratification, however when looking at my influences for this belief, I see some of the most unhappy people in the world, people that have worked harder and more than most, but who have never done what they wanted to do, never pursued their passions. I look at these loved ones and I see what I don't want. I don't want to possess a resume with 5 pages worth of different jobs and miscellanious accomplishments, I want the solid path of only a few jobs that I have passion for and want to stay with.  I think this desire is creating my current dilemma. First, What do I want to do? and Second, When do I want to do them?

As a graduate of Dunwoody College of Technology, I felt my path was in the trades and industries exclusively, as I possess a certain knack for being a dirt-baller(term for those who actually work hard and get dirty), but as I transitioned I realized I liked the world of quality especially in industry. This prompted me to go back to school at the University of Minnesota for my Technical Education degree(that and tenacity to overcome some that eluded me, my first go around). I felt this degree would allow me to work in an environment where I could improve the realm of industry at it's base units (the workforce).  With this experience, I found myself teaching at Dunwoody College, a rather lucrative starting position in the Student Success Department(of which I worked as a tutor, SI leader, and Adjunct while going through school). While this job allows me the chance to interact with students, I am pidgeon-holed to teaching a vary narrow set of courses, courses that are not technical and that don't feed my desire to experience the gratification of student comprehension, that lightbulb moment that people get when they are indeed learning.  This is where I am now, I wish to teach in an Technical realm, to teach skills, to improve quality, but lack the opportunities to advance in my current capacity.

So what? As I have grown older, I have bought into the adage of "Always Looking for More and Better". While this can be seen as shortsighted, I think it's essential for finding that job you truly love. So I've decided to open my search. I think ultimately I have to look to the future, what presents me with the best opportunity to do what I want to do. Working in an organization that I hold dear because of it's effect on my development as a person, or working towards the golden-ticket that I have always wanted? I think the risk lies in leaving but the gains also lie there, much like any true investment.

Transitions

So as I continue to trudge ahead, I have defined a few things,transitions if you will. First and foremost: I am getting married to the one person who has known me the longest and been there for me through all of life's pitfalls and peaks.

I have also decided to readjust my physical self, long have I found myself living the stereotypical sedentary lifestyle of modern man especially in America. This is not my natural state but a manifestation of some of the emotional stresses, Ive undergone through the past 6 years. Oft have I tried to start a workout and diet(very rarely coinciding), and oft have I failed. Whether a fault of motivation, lack of time, or lack of motivation to make the time to make it work, I've decided to go back to the Old School ways.

The amazing thing is with age, my capacity for physical performance has been increased (a product of good genetics and late blooming, I assume), but the converse of recovery is true, with recovery taking longer as well (hopefully, due to my years of substandard activity level versus actual age).
So where am I starting?
At conception of this reinvention,
My weight was 205 lbs
Height 5' 11"
Waist 36"
Body Fat %: 28.75%

Goals: 185lbs, Waist 33", Body Fat %: 10-15%

So how will this change occur, I have already begun a regiment of total body weight training routines first for two times per week, now up to three. Additionally, I will be adding 2 days of cardiovascular, Budokon and calisthenic exercises. As my gains get to where I want them to be, I will be transitioning to some of the old martial arts training and drills that I did back in the day(with some new tricks).

Another important aspect is the massive change in diet that I have undergone with my fiancee, gone are the days of fast food, pop, snack foods and processed foods in general. Here are the days, of portioned out and balanced meals with fresh, clean nutrition spread out throughout the day. It's truly amazing to think about nutrition and eating things to survive and be efficient versus simply convenience.

I digress, we shall see how this all goes, it's starting with a day, stating my position and my goals, more to come soon.