Self-Reflections up in the AMC

Yesterday I saw the wonderful UP IN THE AIR. I don't want to admit this, but I share a lot in common with Ryan Bingham, the character George Clooney plays in the film.

"Well, so who the fuck am I?" These are the first words we hear in this film. Lately, I've been wondering the same question. I'd like to write full-time, am stuck in a dead-end, unstable part-time teaching gig, would like to see more money in my bank account, and thought I would have found a compatible life traveler by now. Both Ryan and I are suffering midlife crises and are trying to claw our way out of them. Without giving away the storyline, let's just say that Ryan's pursuit isn't as successful as it could have been. Right now I feel like I'm drowning in stress.

Ryan and I are survivors, though. Life throws us curve balls, and we've learned to cope when they smack us in the arm. One of these days, we'll get perfect pitches. We know how to swing at the right time and not strike out. When our time comes.