During our teenage years, my grandmother used to say, “there sure is a lotta lookin’ at your own belly buttons around here!” Of course, her point was that our self-involvement was driving her crazy. I now understand her meaning even more deeply.

I have been working on this service bay floor for way too long now. My scope is far too small. I am missing out on time with my family & friends and making obscure observations of New London–all because I am too focused on this project. I just know interesting stuff is going on around me and I am missing it.

So I take this pledge: In two days time, I promise to graduate from this naval academy I have myself enrolled in. I cannot wait to do and talk about something new!