Motovation, Inspiration and Serendipity

So it's been a long time and lots has happened. The Giro is over, Tour de France is in the books, as is the Olympics, Bike Virgina, most of the summer, beach week with Mrs Culimerc's family, and the Democratic Convention. And I'm still waiting for my crankset to complete Project Dream Bike. It's been in the stand in my basement, 90% complete, for 2 weeks. It's been killing me. I've been going down just to look at it. I'll post pics once its complete. Hopefully I'll have a ride to report by this time next week, but probably not.

It's interesting how timing works. I've been becoming less and less satisfied with my job. Beyond the financial rewards there really isnt that much in the way of fulfillment and almost no chance for advancement. The working conditions are pretty good; I dont really feel threatened by layoff, my boss sits in another city, I get a free vehicle (and everything that goes with it gas, insurance, tolls etc), if its slow, I just need to be reachable. But.... its kinda boring after 4 1/2 years. So I've been looking around for another job. What, I dont know, but something.

Monday I found a very interesting prospect. Basically an advocate for climate conservation. Now the thought of me as lobbyist is really ironic for so many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that I think that lobbying in its present form, is one of the biggest problems with government and access to power. But it offers me the chance to do something that matters again. I used to be a chef. Food matters, making peoples lives better, even for 30 mins; matters. Showing people something that they may have not thought of or seen before; matters. It involves passion, and passion in my career has been sorely lacking. Advocating for climate conservation could be something that I could feel good about. I dont know if I would be good at it, and it certainly deserves someone who would be good at it. I also have been the kind of person who enjoys being the #2. A bit protected from the politics, but when it comes time to get things done, the person that the #1 person looks to first. Its also one of those points where you look at yourself, think about what you believe, and all the smack you've talked over the years, and wonder if its now time to actually step to the plate, put all the talk aside and actually do something.

All of this happening during the same week as the democratic convention. This is the first one I've actually watched a good portion of. Mark Warner didnt do himself many favors, too bad I was hoping he'd be better. Eitherway. Hillery and Bill were good I thought and did what they could to smooth over the perceived rift, between the Hillery supporters and Obama and the DNC. Biden was good, not inspirational, but very good. Obama last night I thought was excellent. He was inspirational. He made direct points concerning the shortcomings of the administration and make direct promises and offered solutions. Anyone who says they dont know who this guy is or what he stands for now just isnt paying attention or has no intention of voting for him no matter what.

So is my sudden desire to help save the world a real desire or only a reaction to a moment of political inspiration. Does it matter??

T minus 143 days