The DU Lounge

Plus I forgot my username and password after some time away and had to start over. Life got super busy for awhile. I'm pretty sure my current handle is similar to what it used to be…

I have no idea exactly when I found DU but I am tremendously grateful to have it in my life whether I just read or have time to post. You created a wonderful community and now that flaming is under control – mostly – it is a true home. The radical free-speechers back in the day ruined many sites permanently. Manners and consideration go a long way in making for a pleasant community, as do enforcement tools. The jury system is genius, whoever started it.

So glad to hear of all you have done and are doing, your terrific family, and especially kicking the big C. Coincidentally, it wasn't until my last year as a special ed teacher (after 36 years of teaching) that I heard a diagnostician telling a parent that attention deficit looks different in many and described the day-dreamy type with trouble completing tasks. i recognized myself in his description, and apparently his description would fit you too. Explains a lot of struggles I had early in my teaching career. I had a terrible time with large classes. Too easily distracted and frustrated. Once I moved into teaching small groups for shorter periods of time, I was more successful. I empathize.

I am with all those who say you have tremendous gifts already, including creativity, but you may discover others as you reinvent yourself again. I did myself once I retired and decided to get a masters degree in a new field for me, mass communication. It's been a great adventure overall, even the hard times.

There's likely to be a lot of opportunity and even job security in cybersecurity, but I doubt it will be satisfying to your creative soul for long. Best of luck to you in your discerning process and I hope to hear from you as often as you care to post here.