Tampa - Life in the Humid Lane

Ah, Florida. Hot, humid, and flat. I don't think I could live in a place without mountains - or at least big hills. Horizons without 'em just ain't natural.

I think my traveling days may have to end soon. Every time I hit the road, I get sick. Sometimes I just feel lousy, but other times it is full-on illness. This time it's a cold. Fortunately, I'm here with a Certified Instructor - he's doing all the speaking. I was alone for the first day in Ft. Myers and by the time I was done my voice was hoarse and cracking. Very attractive. And I know it is because I don't take care of myself so my body just shuts down on me when faced with travel and bad eating and messed-up sleep schedules (have I told you how much I hate getting up early on the east coast?).

Now, before you jump in, Bruce, and tell me how much better it would be for me in Arizona, you should know that I have been doing my research - that path to a teaching credential that was so attractive to me? Doesn't really exist. Meaning, it exists in theory, but no schools are actually willing to hire someone under that program. So that plan appears to be out. Plus, Jen seems to have realized how much money she actually makes up there in Dubois...

I expressed interest in a different position at the NNA - the department manager interviewed me but I could tell that he wants someone with REAL experience in the exact job - not someone with just a good brain. I understand why he feels the way he does - I just don't know what to do about MY situation. I like my benefits there. I like my 401K and medical and all the time off I have accrued - but seriously, when I am on the road I start to believe that I am cancer-ridden, diseased, and on the brink of death. And there are NOT many positions I would be interested in at the NNA. And I don't know how much credence to put into the rumours of lay-offs and the hints that they are trying to phase out live seminars (apparently they want to move to webinars). It could all just be talk.

I could be all talk.

I probably am all talk.

Maybe I just need more prozac.

I'm going to a tea house lunch type o' thing tomorrow with Ya-Lei and Nicole. That will be very, very nice. But it will remind me how little I like my current co-workers. Well, most of them. Some are good peeps. But there isn't a Nicole or Ya-Lei among them.