It’s been several weeks since I left Indiana for Florida and it still seems a bit surreal. While things haven’t gone exactly to plan they’ve gone pretty well. I sold most of my possessions, boxed the rest, and pointed my old Dodge southerly.
It was the epitome of mixed emotions to see Indianapolis in my rear view mirror. I’ve experienced so many good times and bad times there. There are loads of good people that I miss dearly, but these are the same people that encouraged me to follow my goal, supported my desire to experience more, and have cheered me on. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of them.
But the past is in the past and I can do nothing to change it, experience, or influence it ever again. Now is the time for living.
On my long, winding route to Florida I was able to spend a few days with my brother Steve and his SEO business in Cincinnati. It was good to learn more about what he does exactly (it’s magic to me), tour his new office building, and visit for a few days. It was also fun to see KJ follow Steve around a bit – just like I used to.
From Cincinnati we trekked down to Chattanooga to visit with my brother Sam and my parents. Mom
and Dad (aka Grandma and Grandpa) were thrilled to visit with KJ and to help celebrate KJ’s 14th birthday. Sam took KJ for a Chattanooga tour and to get a manly haircut while I went for a six-mile run along the Tennessee River. My brother Ben, who reminds me so much of my son I sometimes get them mixed up, came up for KJ’s birthday too.
While it was a good visit with my Chattanooga family it was exciting to ease out of Tennessee, into Georgia, and finally into Florida. My old car held up just fine, kept us cool, and KJ provided entertainment for the trip: music, books on CD, and jokes. It was a tingly feeling when I crossed the line into Florida – not like finishing a marathon, exactly, but a sense that this was finally happening.
We did some house and dog sitting for my good Tampa friends John and Cara while we explored a bit of Florida. I took KJ to St. Petersburg, the Dali Museum, and a small, favorite restaurant there. We walked the bay-front park, watched the yachts come into harbor, and then cooled off in the movies. It’s was a fun, relaxing day with The Boy.
The heat, as everyone promised, was brutal. Want to experience that? Stand in front of your oven, with the door open, while you’re cooking a pot roast. I ran in the morning before the sun was up. Hot. I ran in the evening when the sun was down. Hot. It doesn’t matter – it is hot here. Still, I am enjoying
seeing the palm trees, lizards, sunshine, and the beaches. I’m also taking more photos – like these on this page – everywhere I go now. With all the new scenery, light, and opportunity to explore, I love taking my trusty camera along.
So I am here. A major objective on my Lifelong Project is checked off. And now it’s time to get back to work. I have just finished a new book that will be out soon: The Certified Associate in Business Analysis (CBAP) All-in-One Study Guide. I’m also wrapping an update to my PMP Study Guide and the CAPM/PMP All-in-One Study Guide. Next, I’m to write an update to my favorite project management book: IT Project Management: On Track From Start to Finish.
On my business agenda is a few other book proposals, marketing efforts, and an updated online learning for several project management courses. Of course, I'm still accepting contracts to teach my PMP Boot Camp live at your facility. I’ll keep you in the loop. Thanks for checking in – and thanks for the thoughts and prayers as I’ve made this move.