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Rick
Almeida What's New – |
Another new year! I don't know where the time has gone, but it seems to be going faster and faster. I'm mellowing out a bit and because it is a new year, I think it is time for a new start. I've removed all of my previous commentary and decided that it is best in one's life to focus on the issues at hand.
The Company closed last February and I have been out of full time work since then. It was a pretty good run of 33 years in Information Technology, formerly Information Systems, formerly Data Processing, etc. Like Bill Joel said - "It's Still Rock & Roll To Me". Since then, I've had lots of time to reflect. I love "words of wisdom" such as "Desiderata" and others, and I teach these to many of the people I've met along the byways of life.
These are my "truths" and have caused me to make some major life changes and gambles. I've listed a few of my favorites below.
Walt Disney:
"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you".
"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them".
Unknown:
"To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world."
Jimmy Buffett:
"If a hurricane doesn't leave you dead, it will make you strong. Don't try to explain it just nod your head. Breathe in, breathe out, move on".
And last but not least:
George Eliot:
"It is never too late to be what you might have been".
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When the winds of change blow your way, it often becomes time to take inventory of your skills and define who you are and where life probably wants you to go. For me, I have had many years of training in analysis, problem determination, project management, programming, operations, people skills, music, and a desire to help people. All of this started to come together when I took over (my wonderful Daughter) Chris' music job Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Harwinton, CT a dozen years or so ago. From there, it has developed into working with the older population as well as people of special needs.
I went back to school and enrolled in a program called "Therapeutic Recreation Director" certification and am additionally taking a course in "Music Therapy" at local colleges. My passion is Music Therapy, but there are currently no accredited schools in this area that offer MT BC. I have also completed approximately 200 hours of internship at Mulberry Gardens (sincere thanks to all of the staff there).
I also have restarted my music business where I have been focusing on any music work which will bring an income and eventually relieve the State of Connecticut from my weekly check. I do weddings, funerals, assisted living homes, etc. In addition, I still keep a hand on fixing other's PCs, doing software installations, training and support. As one of my old mentor's once said "you have to hit 'em high and hit 'em low". To others in the same boat, keep moving, keep trying. Never stop.
Keep the Faith everyone! God Bless.
Rick