Humbled, enlightened & determined

Sadly enough... I feel most myself when I'm starting a romantic relationship.  There's something about learning and sharing with a woman that puts me in 'the zone'.

A close second would be whenever I'm physically active.  Cycling, hiking, sports... they all help me feel alive and centered.

Pretending.  I can't remember the last time I pretended something.  I'm no longer a mountain climber, a dirt bike racer, a fireman, a pirate or an evil scientist.  I no longer live in a cave, a tree, a mansion, a space station or under the sea.  I don't have super powers and I can't perform magic.

I'm just me... a regular adult... and I've forgotten how to pretend.

No, not at all!  Oh, I don't mean to say that there's anything wrong with me.  I'm a nice guy, caring, compassionate and loyal.  I enjoy a clean and interesting home with fun things to do.

However, what I enjoy most about friends and roommates is the fact that they AREN'T me.  They're different in nearly every way and that's what makes them interesting to me.  I use people to expand my horizons.  A friend or roommate like me... would be boring.

Me - And I don't think that's a good thing!

I try a lot of 'stuff' and make too many mistakes... the only positive is that I learn from them!... usually.

I can't think of any one person who has taught me the most... but nearly everyone I've ever been involved with as more than a passing acquaintance, has taught me at least one PROFOUND lesson each.

I want.... more than anything... to retain the fortitude necessary to follow through with the personal and professional changes I've realized I need to make immediately.

It would be way too easy to fall back into the same pit-falls I just climbed out of.

I'd have to say my up-bringing is the most fortunate thing that's ever happened to me.  I was raised to be thankful and respectful; to help whenever & whoever I can without expecting anything in return.  My parents were strict enough to ensure I developed good values, but lenient enough to let my brother & I do anything we wished, thus leading to the best life lessons. 
My up-bringing and subsequent lifestyle has linked me with fantastic people who I can fall back on in times of trouble... you can't be more fortunate than that... can you?

Do you love me?  .... .... asked by a girlfriend who was living with me after 10 months and I had to tell her "No."

The best job in the world..... is a matter of perspective!

A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
 
"Not very long," answered the Mexican.
 
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American.
 
The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
 
The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
 
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs... I have a full life."
 
The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat."
 
"And after that?" asked the Mexican.
 
"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."
 
"How long would that take?" asked the Mexican.
 
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
 
"And after that?"
 
"Afterwards? Well my Friend, That's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"
 
"Millions? Really? And after that?" said the Mexican.
 
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings doing what you like and enjoying your friends."
 
"With all due respect sir, but that's exactly what I am doing now. So what's the point wasting twenty twenty-five years?" asked the Mexican.

Author - Unknown

Know where you're going in life... you may already be there.

It's not enough to get me to buy in... but Religions offer a lot of positive things.  Religion offers safety in numbers, it promotes (mostly) good morals, it provides a sense of belonging - even when you're alone, it provides tradition & a sense of history, it provides a window into the fundamental basics that are important to different cultures around the world.

But, most importantly... religion provides tonnes of chat & argument fodder for cynics like me!!!   ;D