Lower Expectations

The past year has been a sea-change for me and my family. Recently I had the one year anniversary of my lay-off from my last job. It is an anniversary I view with mixed emotion because on one hand I knew I wasn't going to stay with that company, there was no way that would be tolerated and on the other hand, it represented a zenith in my compensation. I do not believe I will ever make that kind of money again as a staff programmer with the current skill-set I possess. This past year has been a difficult one in many ways and liberating in others. It is the liberation of lower expectations. I now take much more delight in simple things. My son, who is really at heart, kind of an outdoorsy kid, will get to enjoy some camping. Something that I never did as a kid except in the backyard with a pup tent. So, it will be something to try. Also more use of the boat and 'camping' on it. One of my Xmas gifts was a nice twin inflatable mattress that I hope we can use for the cockpit of the boat so the three of us can overnight on it. I'm looking forward to it.