Odd coincidence for today.

Although there are other coincidences for today, this one's interesting:

• Today is the day I submitted my final assignment for my Master's program.
• Today is the 9th anniversary of joining Facebook.

Since I deleted almost all of my Facebook photos, posts, and comments a few months ago, this shows nothing of value. pic.twitter.com/onKwLRgTV8

— Jeffrey Nordstrom (@jeffnords) April 25, 2016

And with one click of "Send," it's done. Here's to hoping it's enough. #smallvictory pic.twitter.com/9HCtbqJjP4

— Jeffrey Nordstrom (@jeffnords) April 25, 2016

The "memories" ad on Facebook is funny because all of the photos have been posted by other people. If it had given me an analogous ad a few years ago, it would have shown numerous photos that I've taken myself. But there's Facebook saying "Thanks for being part of the community for 9 years," and none of those images show that I've taken part, myself, at all. 

And by sending that "Comprehensive Exam Paper," I hope to put a cap on one of the last times when I'll do something I'm not very passionate about. I joined that Leadership program largely in order to increase my paycheque, but not really because I "really wanted to." Although I may have built up some grit and resilience in the process, it's certainly come at a price: my marriage is a mess; I've isolated my friends; I'm not as effective in the classroom as I once was; I haven't written a song in years; I'm both numb and miserable at the same time. 

In either case, this is new-leaf-turning-over-time. I have time on my weekends again for the first time in years. I have few friends who have any expectations of me.

And I don't have any more excuses avoid anything.

​This summer will be important. I will read; I will relax; I will try to shape my mind a little. I've been looking into going overseas again, perhaps teaching in China or the Middle East for September of 2017. My Master's degree will be a good marketing tool. But I have no idea where I will be in September 2016.

And that's OK.