I consider myself really fortunate.  I have lead a charmed life.  Don't get me wrong, I have worked really hard for everything that I have, but I was also blessed with a lot of opportunities and positive circumstances.  Even my 2016 layoff was something that, although unpleasant, I found made me stronger.  I was able to realize that I didn't fail at that job, it was the restructuring that caused the layoff.  I used the time off work to ponder where I wanted to take my career next and I did...

I love to take trips!  When I was laid off, I had to curtail all except a few a year, that I could drive to, and during which I could stay with friends and family to save money.  Now I have several trips scheduled:  Las Vegas in June 2017; Venice, Florida in June 2017; Milwaukee in July 2017; Ohio in August 2017; Lakewood, WI in Sept 2017; Nashville in Oct 2017; then Ohio for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It's fun to try new places, go back to well-known places, meet friends and family that I...