Making a list of the most important 4 or 5 things in my life I want to include meaningful work. I have had a few jobs and the worst to me was factory work where the movements were repetitive and eventually done without thought. While I am not going to get rich at my present job, I like most of the people I work with. I especially like it when someone has a problem and I am able to solve it and make them happy. Nearly every day brings something different and frequently something new to learn. I see changes happen that I might have had a little bit of influence on and that is gratifying.

I think we have to work – not just to make a living, but to live. I need people depending on me, challenges to overcome, physical and mental exercise, and a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. These things make me healthy and sane (well my kids might argue that point!) and keep me moving forward instead of stagnating. I work with some amazing people. Strong, intelligent, funny, and committed. I have learned so much from them. I have also learned a lot from the students. I’m lucky, I’m blessed, I have useful work, good friends, and a great family. My list is growing!