On Saturday I took stock of my current list of hobbies, passions, and goals. I’ve been neglecting many of them for far too long. The result of this reflection was a schedule for the next week.

It’s a prototype of a large systemic change. And it’s exciting (to me)!

I start the day by waking up early to exercise and make coffee before getting cleaned up and ready for work. We bought a french press, and I enjoy doing science to it. So there’s that.

• Studying for the GMAT is scheduled.
• Taking the GMAT is scheduled.
• Web design is planned.
• Piano, voice, guitar, and harmonica are sorted.
• Heck, even blogging is arranged.

Other goals (making ties, painting, etc) will filter in and out.

I love the metaphor of plans as gears, and this is a lot of gears working in concert. I am pleased as pi.

Now I have done the same. Booya!

Get out there and donate blood. You never know when someone like me might need a whole bunch of blood due to a gnarly lung tear!

To be honest, I was a little bit sad when the exit interviewer said they would need me to turn in my badge. I think I had gotten used to the look of it, and the routine of wearing it.

Now after being without it for a day I am really starting to like the feeling. I look at my empty badge holder and remember a scene from the 2003 sleeper hit The Matrix Reloaded:

Agent Smith: I’m looking for Neo.
Guy at door: Never heard of him.
Agent Smith: I have something for him, a gift. You see, he set me free…

I’ve given up my earpiece. I am in control of my schedule now. And I like it.

Not once have I stepped foot out of my apartment.  Not even into the hallway.

Fortunately I remembered to grab my laptop before I left work on Monday, and have been able to take care of my duties from home.  Perhaps more effectively than usual, what with my swanky dual 19″ LCDs.  Yum.

Planning to vanquish the foul demons that afflict my system tonight, I find myself thinking strangely about tomorrow.  Thoughts like: oh, yeah, I have a car!  Will it still be out there?  On what part of the street did I park it?

I don’t even remember where I parked my car. 

During the last three days the thought of my car did not even enter my mind.  Out of sight, out of something.

I don’t know what the temperature is like outside.  It has been nice and toasty in here, but it could be 35 degrees outside.  All I am sure of is that when I open the window it is colder out there than it is in here.

Well, I have once more kept myself up much later than I ought.  Time to sleep, and see if I can answer some of these burning questions tomorrow.  I am excited to explore… THE OUTSIDE!