Optimism

It’s funny. We’re in the midst of a recession, unemployment in the state has reached 9.7%, and I don’t have a permanent job, and yet still I found myself daydreaming of the Good Life today. It wasn’t something out of reach, but actually something waiting for me. Maybe a glimpse into the future.

In spite of the uncertainty around me, I’ve got a pretty good life now. I have to say I’m happy with myself, my family life, and the things I’m doing. Could things be better? Sure, but I’m not one to look past the wonderful things I have now.

Where I’ve worked: Carowinds

Carowinds. To a 16-year-old it was the ideal job: I spent a few hours a day serving guests and in exchange I could ride in my offtime all the roller coasters I could stomach. So what if I had to wear a silly-looking uniform, got paid the minimum wage of $3.35 an hour, and had to fill out an income tax return on that measly amount for both North Carolina and South Carolina because the park straddled the state lines, it sounded like a good deal to me!

The year was 1985: the Eighties were in full swing. We had lived in Charlotte for two years. Mom pointed out an ad in the paper for a Carowinds job fair and my brother and I interviewed. He got hired to work in a restaurant and I got hired as a photographer putting people’s pictures in magazine covers. We carpooled the long way out to Carowinds.
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Where I’ve worked

Tonight I wrote the first of many posts about the places I’ve worked. I’ve worked so many dadgum places that this guarantees I’ll never run out of things to blog about!

I’ll start it off talking about my job at Carowinds – the first job I ever had.

Waah-fi

I was all psyched when I learned Friday that Raleigh is seeking bids to build a free wireless network downtown. Finally, Raleigh puts some effort towards bring some high-tech to downtown, maybe enough to convince more software companies to call downtown home. It would also make downtown Raleigh very visitor-friendly, as our guests would have the ability to make the most of their visit (and, spend their money) while they’re here. Imagine my surprise when I found the comments on the New Raleigh blog had turned into a major whine-fest.

If the city wants to put wireless in the city’s public spaces – for the public to use – I’m all for it. It’s a cheap investment in making our city more tech-savvy as well as friendlier to guests. If you’re just going to whine that Downtowners have all the fun, come on down: we’re happy to share!

Miracles do happen

Amazing, isn’t it? This is one Daylight Saving event where I didn’t post one comment about it.

Light-sport aircraft

300px-ctsw-g-clegThe N&O’s Josh Shaffer took a spin in a light-sport aircraft (LSA) and I’m itching to try one. An LSA is a lighter-weight aircraft that burns automotive gasoline, cruises at 115 MPH, doesn’t require the unbelievably expensive FAA-ordered overhauls, and can be flown with only 20 hours of training. While its true that a heavier aircraft like the Cessna 152 has the potential for IFR flight, it seems to me that most casual pilots would do well to consider a sport aircraft instead.

I’ve always wanted to become a pilot, and while I don’t have spare change to get certified right now, that goal is certainly closer with an LSA than it is with the more expensive planes.

Good business to be in

potholeI watched a pothole on Wade Avenue almost swallow an SUV Monday afternoon. I whipped out my phone and called the city to report it and was amazed to find it patched less than 24 hours later. The city’s Street Division is top notch.

That was one down, many, many more to go, however. The multiple threats of snow and the salted roads that resulted, combined with the municipal budget shortfalls (and the slump in fuel taxes) means that potholes are destined to become a huge problem on our roads.

Now is definitely the time to be in the car repair business, particularly one that does alignments!

Sailing this weekend?

The forecast is shaping up for this to be a beautiful weekend. Winds are looking good (8-12 kts) as are the temperatures (75 Saturday and 77 Sunday). We’re thinking of dusting the boat off for a trip or two around the lake. Should be fun!

Plensa’s “Sleep No More” … yawn

I drove by Durham the other night and saw the beam of light radiating from Spanish artist Jaume Plensa’s “Sleep No More” piece. I consider myself a “patron” of the arts, but this Highbeam To Heaven does nothing for me. I can’t stop thinking it’s just more light pollution blotting out the true beauty of the night sky.