I make good decisions. All the bad things that have screwed me ever have been things over which I had no control. (Divorce, the news industry imploding at a point where ageism makes it more difficult to switch careers, etc.) I could never have predicted that after 15 years of marriage and two children my ex would do the shit he did. I knew the newspaper biz was getting worse, but it’s my true calling. I did start trying to get a different job, but couldn’t manage it. I don’t blow money on anything stupid, and I’ve increased my skills in all different areas. Let’s not suggest there isn’t lots of luck involved in where we all end up.