The late Dr. Randy Pausch gave this great lecture back in 2007. Take the hour and 15 minutes to watch it or go out and get the book and read it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ji5_MqicxSo
http://www.thelastlecture.com/
Chris,
I've watched that, and read the book while I was laid of from the Big "V". Very inspiring.
I was thinking about you today. You should pick up the new Chickenfoot Cd. Sammy Hagar on vocals, Michael Anthony on Bass, the drummer from RH Chili Peppers and Joe Satriani. It is pretty damn good- I was surprised. Sounded like what I imagine VanHalen should sound like if they didn't have their heads in their asses, and focused on music.