OK, so much for my comfort zone. I'm now unemployed - no more paychecks. A sign of the times has hit and I'm one of its victims. The bright spot is that I no longer have to make the decision to move on. It has been made for me. So be it.

Instead of remaining comfortable in a no-opportunity market, I can -- I must dig in my heels. Hello Writer's Market. Wish me luck.

My last blog post complete with ice storm pictures and thoughtful comments just disappeared. All I really wanted to do was edit it. So, blog posts go the way of my writing goals. Poof!

I really must work harder at this writing gig, although with the weather reaching 70 degrees and lots of ice storm damage to deal with, who feels like pounding on a keyboard? Besides, chain sawing is so much more fun.

Happy New Year! It is now Jan. 13 and I have yet to satisfy my work-related goals. I have, however made some progress. I am a process person. I see this as part of the process, so I'm happy.

I now envision my writing gig back in Illinois as a freelance writing job. I no longer think of it as an extension of my former full time job. I devote sparse amount of time to it these days. No more obligatory writing there for me.

Starting in December, I satisfied my '08 New Year's Resolution to do more reading. While shopping for Christmas presents at the local bookstore, I picked up three second-hand books for myself. Already this year, I have completed the trashy romance novel I started at the end of last year. I have read two novels that just so happened to be first-time novels by, what at the time had been, budding new authors.

I also went to our local library for the first time. I can't remember the last time I had an actual library card. I didn't think it was necessary since I like owning books and I've always thought the Internet had everything I could ever need. But, I just liked being there, surrounded by all those glorious books. I am anxious to go back.

So, with my first blog post being in October, the 11th to be exact, I have made no progress toward my goal. I wanted to begin freelance writing for magazines, work on a book, and generally leave behind my newspaper job.

But, little did I know that Illinois was going to become embroiled in yet another political scandal. Nothing stirs the ink in my veins like a good political scandal. Even more interesting to me than Governor Rod Blagojevich being arrested is the fact that Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. has been implicated in the governor's attempt to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. Jackson is claiming innocence, but knowing him, I have my doubts. This has all been the subject of my blog at http://chblog.ozarkattitude.com I've long had issues with Jackson, who is obsessed with building a new, but unneeded airport on prime and important farmland outside his own congressional district. I've been opposed to and writing about the project for 20 years. So, I guess now isn't really the time to give up news writing.

   I have had a bit of a revelation. I have felt a little guilty about not being an avid reader. Then it occurred to me that just because I'm not reading novels on the best-seller list doesn't mean I've not been reading. Most of the stuff I've been devouring has been about writing, politics, and technical stuff related to my 20-year battle to stop an airport in Illinois. I have been pouring over those reports for decades. And, they are not an easy read.

   I have always considered myself a poor reader, a slow reader. But, the problem is that I haven't been reading for enjoyment. I'm going to change that. In fact, it may become a New Year's Resolution, since that time is nearing and I'm tired of the old standby diet resolution.

   I picked up one of those trashy romance things that I bought years ago for $.50 at a garage sale just for fun. I used to read them when I was younger. But now after writing for so many years, I was surprised to see the quality, or lack thereof contained in the book. I think I'm ready for the best seller list.

   When I decided to walk away from newswriting for a get-no-respect, go-nowhere publication in another state, I thought I would do a little magazine writing. That was my intention when I came to this community. And that is still the plan. But I was surprised to see how many people are writing novels.

   I am happy to report that yesterday, I just started writing. I ended up with 5,555 (according to MS Word) in the book I have been wanting to write. It is a bit of a memoir. I'm certainly writing what I know and enjoying every word as I reminisce with myself. If this never goes anywhere, it will still be a joyful exercise. If it does, well, that would be just wonderful.

   Thanks to all in this community that offer support for such endeavors.