Now that my book project is nearing completion (the new release date is August 29th) I will have time to get back to some other interests that have been on an extended backburner. One of the things that I really want to do is purge all the unnecessary and/or negative things from my life. This is both physical and mental and somewhat spiritual. I am not by any means a packrat and regularly get rid of unneeded physical items, so this part will be fairly easy. On another note, Tressa and I are actively looking for a house. While this means owning a large physical item, it is a necessity if we start a family (and also to own a large dog - something I have desired to do for years). I am also thinking that the increased privacy and reduced noise from where we currently live will help us to relax.

Mentally will be more difficult for me to purge. I have some musical lyrics and half-baked computer side projects that I know I'll never go back to. They've been sitting on a hard drive for years. I revisit these things sporadically, but I believe that just like physical items, it is good to do a mental purging of old ideas and notions from time to time. I'm going to permanently delete this stuff. It is good to not remind oneself of bad memories but to learn how to forgive and forget more. Starting afresh music and project wise will be great.

Timewise, I want to shape the path that I'd like to be on in my day to day living, rather than letting commitments dictate what I am limited to doing. I am looking to improve my health and enjoy nature more. These are all great "new year's resolution" types of ideas, but I do plan on adjusting myself. This simply has not been possible to correct my course the last six months as I have been overwhelmed with work.

Tressa and I are going on vacation starting next week. This is much needed, I will venture to say especially for me - I have not had a legitimate vacation in a long time. We are trying to get a last minute deal if we can (Cuba if possible) so do not know exactly where yet. We are also exercising more these days - getting started from all things a Wii game called Exerbeat which is tricking us into enjoying moving : ) . I'm looking forward to spending the summer with Tressa and hope to take a few weekends off which will be very nice and back to more of the work-life balance that I would like to achieve.