It’s the Fourth of July, and I’m hearing fireworks in the background. In years past, I would’ve been at a barbecue somewhere and headed out afterwards to catch the fireworks. Let’s just say things have been a bit different this year, like everything else going on in the world. Life has been topsy turvy at times, but there have been very positive changes for me that are allowing me to plan for a better future.

For the past week, my nephews went on a road trip to see their grandparents. Driving from North Carolina to Arkansas, we had a few miles to cover. It was the first time I was able to spend time with them without extra family around with their own agenda. I had a wonderful time with them, and it’s times like those I’ll remember forever. I still remember certain moments that just feel like they were etched in time that make me very thankful we were able to cover some miles on our own terms. I definitely want to do some future road trips like that one in the future.

One event involving family deserves honorable mention. I bought my nephew his first bass guitar and amplifier. He had mentioned to me earlier that he wanted to ask his parents about getting a bass for his birthday. I acted totally oblivious, but afterward I immediately started planning buying one for him. I’ve been playing guitar for years, and recently started learning bass myself. I wanted to be one that gave him his first guitar, so I started shopping around in the music stores, and found the instrument that spoke to me in a local independently owned guitar shop in Atlanta. I kept it hidden from him, and gave it to him with all the family around one night. He loved it, and has been playing it every chance he can get. Moments like these are very special indeed. Not having children of my own, it was a very special moment for me as well. I took care of both nephews for their birthday of course, and after the road trip ended, I’m still thinking of the great times we shared.

I’m currently in Florida, and need to take care of some personal and business matters related to getting relocated here again. It’s just that there is one possible obstacle – Hurricane Elsa. It’s supposed to hit Tampa right when I need to be in that general area. But that’s life, we always have our obstacles. I’m watching the forecast, but it looks like I may have to make alternate plans.

Recent days have really caused me to reflect and think about the good things that have happened in my life. After my previous years that caused me to question why my life was going so wrong, I now see that what was happening then was getting me ready for what is happening now. My previous job that I hated gave me the experience I needed to succeed at my current job. Not being able to sell my house years ago caused me to keep my house, which I’ll now be moving back into years later. It’s interesting how life can be like a movie, with everything working out at the end.

I’ve been getting the indications that I need to be writing in order to document what I want out of life. I’ve been slacking on keeping up with my blog posts, but I’m finally continuing with my writing again in order to do just that. My writing has always been my outlet for getting my thoughts organized, and if there is anytime I really need to get thoughts in order, the time is now.