Things are about to get interesting

It’s been a while since I posted. There has been a lot going on. There is much to update.

Well… more than usual.

For the first time since I began participating, I did not win NaNoWriMo this year. I ran into some personal issues which prevented me from reaching 50,000 words. I’m bummed, but the issue far overdue to be addressed. It has been addressed, and I’m very happy for it. The lingering effects of November will continue to affect me for a while to come I am sure, but I came out of that month better for having survived it.

Two major changes came about as a result. The first is, I’ve cut way down on my caffeine intake. I’m down to one 20oz Mt. Dew a day, or at the most, two 12oz cans. I’m sticking with these regimen because the last time I quit cold turkey, not only did I go through terrible withdrawal, I went back to it in a big way. Not cool.

The second big change came after much consideration and a visit to my doctor. I am now on the same ADHD medication as my son, Strattera. I can’t begin to communicate the difference this medicine has made in my life, but those closest to me certainly can see the change. I’m smiling more, I’m anxious less, and I’m generally a nicer person to be around. I only wish someone had suggested it sooner.

The family went skiing for the first time the week of Christmas. Well, Tanya had skied as a teenager, but that was… um, several years ago. We both went into lessons, and after lunch she was on the mountain. The kids picked it up pretty quick, of course, and had a blast. I was lucky not to kill myself and managed a few good turns by the end of the day. It wasn’t until I tried to take off my boots that I realize how badly I had overworked my legs. Yeowch! I had a lot of fun, though.

The kids have taken up Tae Kwon Do. They are both orange belts now (two belts up from white) and loving it. Tanya has taken up Combat Hapkido at the same place and is testing for her orange belt next week. I travel too much to learn effectively, and I worry that I may end up as a practice dummy very soon.

Speaking of work and traveling…

I can now announce this officially. I have accepted an offer for a new position inside EMC. I’m still in technical presales, but I’m on the team that supports presales activities for EMC’s partnership with VMware. I have been working for two years to find a position in this area, and this team was my absolute first choice. I worked hard to prepare, and the stars aligned, and a spot opened up on the team that would allow me to stay in Denver. I just received and accepted the offer letter today. The move is lateral, but I’m very excited to be joining this team. I’m a very happy camper. The only downside is that my current manager has been absolutely fantastic. I will very much miss having her as my boss.

So that’s all the fun and joy that’s been going around lately. I head into 2010 as a new person and a new horizon at work. My hard work has paid off, and now I look forward to enjoying working with my new team and to a great new year.