The Premise

A few weeks ago I came up with the idea for a blog. It is based my views of issues currently facing our country that I think are extremely poorly understood by both the general public and in many cases those that have been elected to fix them. This blog would very likely cause some peoples’ heads to nod, others’ eyes to widen and some to get downright annoyed. Because of my generally open attitude and view of the world I think I will be able address the issues I choose in an unbiased way, but have no illusions that I won’t piss off a few people.

However, since the New Year began I have decided to center myself back on a smaller and less controversial stage…me (at least temporarily). Having watched and been inspired by several old friends and family making healthy changes in their lives (Nadia, Jim, Meghan and my wife, Jessica) and watching my own mother once again beating back cancer I decided it was time to make a few changes of my own. I am overweight. 233 pounds as of January 3, and if it wasn’t for my good posture you would all be able to tell. My mother’s constant nagging in my youth is paying dividends these days. I need to do some budgeting and get things paid down (going to school fulltime and having a family isn’t cheap). I also need to feel better about myself, not only physically and financially but, mentally and, dare I say, spiritually.

 I, indeed I think we all, want to start each day with a sense of purpose and end it knowing that we accomplished something and made a difference. So, it occurred to me that if I wanted to write about the issues I see us facing as a country I should address my own before harping at or trying to inform and enlighten anyone else. This process may naturally transition into my original plan as many of the things I would like to fix in myself are also things that I think we need to address nationally.

My purpose in this project is multi-fold. One, I have found over the last few years that I enjoy it and (as my wife points out) I seem to have a certain need to inform, share information and just plain can’t seem to shut up. Two and most importantly, sharing my personal journey of change with others will make it public and obligates me to see it through. But be forewarned, I may be posting some images that will not only be disturbing to some viewers but may indeed be reposted with comments comparing me to the jolly Buddha statues in many Chinese restaurants.  

So, please hold me to it and don’t let me backslide!

Talk to you soon...