So, I heard back from one job possibility almost immediately. But, last night, after I got the kids into bed, and walked back to my apartment, I realized that I need to stop throwing tantrums about my professional life. I am making good money, I have access to Emory's library, and if I can hold out for a while longer, I can take a course or two here before I take off for France next October. I have a right to be upset about the lack of depth in my professional life, but it's finite upset. It's not my career, it's just my job. And I have dental insurance. I need to stop bitching.

I can do this. I can do this job for a year. It's put me in a great position to save money for a three month Eurail pass, some reasonable French apartment, and the cost of living in an industrialized nation. Working this job means that when I'm abroad in Europe I can do the travel thing. If and when Brigitte and her merry men do the Ireland thing, I will be able to meet them there.

I'm not the most visionary person. While I can imagine my future, I am inclined to maximize my present. I don't do wishlists, and I don't stick to my New Year's resolutions unless they're easy. I am a spender, not a saver. I have a hedonistic streak. I'd rather be happy now and later, thank you. What I mean to say is, I don't have a real perception of the long-term. I've been impatient, and I've been lucky. What I've demanded of life is pretty much what I've gotten.

It's not time for a drastic shift in my perception, but I do need to consider my priorities. I need a good job for a year, and I have one. It pays well. I like my co-workers. After my time at Emory, in France and Africa, I will be a better PhD candidate.

I know I can do this. I've done a couple harder things.