But in a grander scheme of things, there were other reasons, even then.  While I get paid to write, I rarely write what is of interest to me; for that matter, I rarely get to write what I think, much less what I might feel.  I could, of course, write for myself, but I've found that writing for others imposes a certain discipline that I find helpful.  And, it's just possible that others will find what I say amusing, or helpful (if, for example, you're contemplating graduating with a PhD at 50, my early observations may interest you), or just of some more general interest.

As I get further into this experiment known as Salt Water Cures, I'm finding that it helps me to understand what's happening in my life, when I have to explain it in writing; in explaining it to others, I explain it to myself.  As for the title itself, while I'm not blessed with ready access to the sea, I know that what Isak Dineson says is true: if you can't solve it with sweat, tears, or the sea, then it's not a problem, hower real the troubling situation might be.  I'm convinced of the truth of this.

And finally, the record -- what movies I saw when, what I was feeling as I prepared for a particular event, what my thoughts were in a particular moment -- can only help me identify patterns, and gain insight that no amount of restrospective introspection can offer.

If this journal entertains, informs or otherwise engages others, so much the better.  But I'm already liking doing this for me.

Updated November 7, 1999