Beautiful

Talk about amazing. The weather here in the Twin Cities has been incredible lately. Cool and breezy - very fall-like weather. Yesterday, my son and I decided to take advantage of the day so we went to Lake Calhoun for lunch and a brisk walk. I love walking around the lakes in Minneapolis. It gives me plenty of time to reflect on life and ponder the ever expanding mysteries of life and the like.

One such pondering I had yesterday was about work. For those of you who don't know it, I'm a stay at home dad. Don't get me wrong, I love it. I love spending time with my son. Watching him learn & explore the big new world is an inspiring experience. But my jaunt around the lake allowed me to consider what I would do for a living if I could choose.

For some reason I began thinking about what I would NOT want to do or the environment where I would NOT to work. The idea of being caged in a cubicle for 40 hours a week does not particularly excite me - even though my lovely wife does exactly that, and I know she doesn't love it either. But she's making the sacrifice right now for the benefit of our family, and I am truly grateful for her willingness to do so. Enough sucking up to my wife (love you, babe). Okay, so cubes are out. What else? Ah yes. I would rather not have to wear a suit and tie to as the official garb of the workplace. I realize that many if not most companies are more relaxed with the dress code these days. Business casual okay, just not a full on suit and tie. I would rather not be in sales. I don't like to push people into to buying something they may not/probably do not need or is more than they can afford. I don't want to just make money for the shareholders. Don't get me wrong, I like money as much as the next person, but I don't want it to be the only focus of my life and labor. So what would I LIKE in a job?

I would like variety in my work. It is the spice of life after all. I would like to make a good living at what I do, but I would also like to make a difference in other people's lives. For some reason the two seem to rarely inhabit the same job description. I would like to use my abilities, skills, and personality in this ideal job - which would include teaching, writing, creativity, interpersonal relationships, laughing, etc. I would love to be outdoors as part of my dream job. Not exclusively outdoors, but a connection with natural would be nice - except in the winter. Hey, I'm imaginative not crazy.

I don't know if such a job exists, but if it does let me know about it. I think my wife would be willing to switch places with me. Ahh the joys of exercise and a wondering mind. What a potent combina...oooh, look a bird...