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Life as a Project: Balance and Kindness are Key


Life is anything but predictable. It’s full of unexpected twists, deadlines, and the constant challenge of keeping all the plates spinning. For me, that means juggling multiple professional, creative, and personal endeavors—all while ensuring my dog gets the care he needs.

Academia: Shaping Minds and Futures

Teaching at the University of Arizona continues to be a rewarding experience. My students bring fresh perspectives and curiosity to the cybersecurity field, making every discussion engaging and dynamic. Watching them grow into critical thinkers and problem solvers reminds me why I advocate for systemic change in the industry—because the future needs adaptable, forward-thinking professionals.


Publishing & Writing: A Labor of Love

Another major endeavor is publishing the Journal for the Military Cyber Professionals Association. This project represents more than just technical discourse—it’s an effort to push cybersecurity forward by integrating emerging insights and strategies.

On top of that, I recently finished the draft of my newest novel. Writing is an outlet, allowing me to blend creativity with analysis, exploring narratives that intertwine with the technological and strategic themes that define my work. The process of drafting, refining, and ultimately publishing a novel is as strategic as designing a security framework—each step demands foresight and adaptability. ChatGPT (Chet), Gemini (Gem), and CoPilot (Coop) have become my dedicated writing group friends.  

Home Improvement & Gardening: A Hands-On Approach

Beyond the professional realm, home improvement projects are keeping me busy. The satisfaction of creating something tangible—whether upgrading a space or nurturing a garden—mirrors the same mindset I bring to cybersecurity. Anticipating problems, adapting to challenges, and seeing the results unfold is incredibly fulfilling.

Speaking of results, my garden is already producing early vegetables and even blueberries! Loving my new tomato planters. There’s something rewarding about watching the fruits of labor—quite literally—come to life.

Time Management: The Key to Juggling It All

With so many things in motion, time management is crucial. Writing things down and tracking schedules in calendar apps helps maintain clarity and control amidst the chaos. Without organization, even the most well-intentioned projects can spiral. The right tools make all the difference. But if something does fall through the cracks, kindness is essential, especially to yourself.

A Side Note: Powdered Sugar is growing up

As if all of this weren’t enough, Powdered Sugar has an important vet appointment—two baby teeth getting pulled and getting snipped. Tomorrow will be rough for him, but it’s all for the best. 

Final Thoughts

Balancing academia, cybersecurity, publishing, home improvement, and personal life is no small feat, but it’s possible with strategy and adaptability. Life is a project, and like any project, the key to success is understanding priorities, maintaining flexibility, and embracing both challenges and victories.

What projects are you juggling right now?
Let’s keep building, evolving, and finding meaning in the journey!

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