Moving Forward; Catching Up

Hello all.

Read on - an open letter if you will. 'How are things?' 'What's new?' and 'What have you been snapping and writing about lately?'

These are the questions I'm always greeted with in Calgary (and from international outposts via social media), perhaps a testament to my inability to keep up with the hundreds of people I know, my macabre/secretive nature (created by in-interest in talking about myself and never really having much good to say in 'small talk' situations), or my lack of blogging - probably some sort of combination of that and more.

Anyways, lots has been happening.

First. Winding down my undergraduate coursework at school, which has slowly created a scary sense of freedom and insecurity for the future. Plotting an escape to now actually work as a journalist. Harvesting my contacts to find opportunities.

Second. I've been working five nights/week on average at the restaurant, which has been great.  I count myself very fortunate to have worked at such a great place for so long, considering the diverse range of people I get to meet and serve. If all falls through with the journalism thing, I'm sure I could land a job behind the bar somewhere (although there would probably be no ties, suits of bank vault wine cellars).

Five or six years in the restaurant industry has been as good an education as any - trust me on that.

Usually I can only write/blog late on in the evening, but exhaustion from work and especially from commuting has distracted me from doing so as of late. It's actually been nice to relax a bit, catch up on books and movies, and enjoy life at work and the slow pace at university.

Third. I've been involved in a volunteer photography project with the United Way in Calgary called Urban Exposure. Amazing project, and an eye opener to the city I've lived in (on and off) now for almost 12 years.

I'll be sure to send an invite to all for the exhibition and reception for the photographs created from the diverse and creative young photographers involved in UE, set up to connect people and create awareness about wide-ranging poverty in Calgary.

Fourth. I've been playing a bit more hockey this year, so watch out for a comeback bid for the top beer league in a town near you.

A cracker Jack of all trades right?

Sidenote: Hell froze over, and I've now started tweeting about life's random moments and thoughts. Will work on posting more social commentary and creating more discussion around trends and issues in view.

Sidenote B: Life is moving quickly, but there have been no fleeting visions of it all going to nothing. Getting older, perhaps a little wiser (nee cynical) and slowly putting things into perspective. Also, my sister is 26 and my brother 20. What!?

Keep in touch and stay tuned (moving into the radio biz, remember!) for much more soon.

Much love,

DCB