Though I'm kind of intrigued by being an empty essay (and having
someone else fill me out), I guess I should put some things in here
so you have some sort of a clue about who I am...
Seat belts may not be a requirement but it is strongly suggested you keep your hands and feet in the vehicle at all times (where in the vehicle is completely up to you!)
It seems we live in a world where ‘judgment’ is king: people see some pictures – they pass judgment, people read some stats – they pass judgment, people assume they ‘know’ the person based on said pics and stats – and (you guessed it) pass judgment. Where is there room for getting to know who a person is? Or, more importantly, who that person is with you?
I’m 47, a single dad, gainfully employed, and have a wide variety of hobbies and interests. My daughter is 14 and my son is almost 16 so while I do have time to myself, I also do still have parental responsibilities. I was a health care administrator and consultant for many years before I switched fields. I am now an administrator for a manufacturing company handling HR, Operations, and Transportation.
My hobbies are manifold and include: writing, painting, carving, cooking, and bonsai. I also like to cycle, hike and camp – and will often set out on a road trip before having a firm destination in mind. When I was younger, my motto was, "As long as you have the hood ornament to guide you, you always know where you're going - thatta way!" Well, that and, "As you're sliding down the bannister of life, try not to get too many splinters in your ass..."
Of all the things out there, I think the two I value or appreciate the most are passion and communication. It has been my observation over the past several years that passion is leaking out of almost every endeavor and is only referred to nowadays when it applies to sex or love. Passion breeds commitment, excellence, responsibility and accountability. Passion inspires, passion drives – and has even been known to move the immoveable object! And one cannot express one’s passion without communication. The ability to adequately express passion gives it a life of its own –it becomes infectious!
I believe in responsibility and accountability. I believe that one should live responsibly: within their means, contributing equally to offset what they consume, being mindful of their surroundings (community as well as environment), and help when help is needed. I also believe that one should be accountable for one’s actions (as well as inactions) and be prepared to manage the consequences of those choices responsibly.
Someone once asked me, “What kind of love do you want?” It’s not a question that is easily answered – nor should it be. It is a question into which one should invest some thought. Many years ago, my initial answer was “The kind I can’t live without!” This is a perfectly valid answer. Yet, as I’ve grown, I’ve come to realize that – like everything else – love is not permanent and that kind of love (when gone) leaves a crater in one’s life that can be difficult, if not impossible, to fill or repair. Do I mean that one should not love deeply or completely? No, not at all! One should love to the fullest extent that they are capable – love demands it. But I also believe that a love that one can’t live without makes them artificially dependent and may create an environment where choices are made more from fear than what might be best.
I am a very sensual creature; I believe one can have a completely satisfying sensual experience in a non-sexual setting. Granted, the lines between sensual and sexual can become quickly blurred but they do not necessarily overlap (though the points of intersection are definitely worthwhile!). Do not mistake this to mean that I am a hedonist. I believe ‘all things in good measure’. However, I do believe that we were given 5 senses and a completely functional nervous system and should utilize them to their fullest! Taste, touch, scent, sound and sight are each amazing and when properly combined they allow us a freedom of enjoyment that is unmatched! And yes, you can have all that and STILL have your clothes on!
I prefer to consider myself more of a craftsman than an artist. In my mind, a craftsman (someone who is skilled in their chosen craft(s) renders works whose value and appreciation can be seen or used in the short term. On the other hand, Artist is a title bestowed by those who appreciate the craftsman’s work to such a degree that it is noteworthy or exceptional and has value as a legacy. For me to consider myself an artist, I would need far more appreciators than I currently have – though I will deign to accept the designation of ‘artisan’…
I love the outdoors. Any season, any place, any time... If there are trees, if there is water, if there are hills, valleys, or mountains, or even desert scrub. Our geography used to define us as a species - before the days of concrete and steel - and I still respect that. Nature grounds me; it gives me the opportunity (and the inspiration) to put things in perspective and reevaluate things in my life. Without it, I'd likely be a hot mess inside a month...
Seat belts may not be a requirement but it is strongly suggested you keep your hands and feet in the vehicle at all times (where in the vehicle is completely up to you!)
It seems we live in a world where ‘judgment’ is king: people see some pictures – they pass judgment, people read some stats – they pass judgment, people assume they ‘know’ the person based on said pics and stats – and (you guessed it) pass judgment. Where is there room for getting to know who a person is? Or, more importantly, who that person is with you?
I’m 47, a single dad, gainfully employed, and have a wide variety of hobbies and interests. My daughter is 14 and my son is almost 16 so while I do have time to myself, I also do still have parental responsibilities. I was a health care administrator and consultant for many years before I switched fields. I am now an administrator for a manufacturing company handling HR, Operations, and Transportation.
My hobbies are manifold and include: writing, painting, carving, cooking, and bonsai. I also like to cycle, hike and camp – and will often set out on a road trip before having a firm destination in mind. When I was younger, my motto was, "As long as you have the hood ornament to guide you, you always know where you're going - thatta way!" Well, that and, "As you're sliding down the bannister of life, try not to get too many splinters in your ass..."
Of all the things out there, I think the two I value or appreciate the most are passion and communication. It has been my observation over the past several years that passion is leaking out of almost every endeavor and is only referred to nowadays when it applies to sex or love. Passion breeds commitment, excellence, responsibility and accountability. Passion inspires, passion drives – and has even been known to move the immoveable object! And one cannot express one’s passion without communication. The ability to adequately express passion gives it a life of its own –it becomes infectious!
I believe in responsibility and accountability. I believe that one should live responsibly: within their means, contributing equally to offset what they consume, being mindful of their surroundings (community as well as environment), and help when help is needed. I also believe that one should be accountable for one’s actions (as well as inactions) and be prepared to manage the consequences of those choices responsibly.
Someone once asked me, “What kind of love do you want?” It’s not a question that is easily answered – nor should it be. It is a question into which one should invest some thought. Many years ago, my initial answer was “The kind I can’t live without!” This is a perfectly valid answer. Yet, as I’ve grown, I’ve come to realize that – like everything else – love is not permanent and that kind of love (when gone) leaves a crater in one’s life that can be difficult, if not impossible, to fill or repair. Do I mean that one should not love deeply or completely? No, not at all! One should love to the fullest extent that they are capable – love demands it. But I also believe that a love that one can’t live without makes them artificially dependent and may create an environment where choices are made more from fear than what might be best.
I am a very sensual creature; I believe one can have a completely satisfying sensual experience in a non-sexual setting. Granted, the lines between sensual and sexual can become quickly blurred but they do not necessarily overlap (though the points of intersection are definitely worthwhile!). Do not mistake this to mean that I am a hedonist. I believe ‘all things in good measure’. However, I do believe that we were given 5 senses and a completely functional nervous system and should utilize them to their fullest! Taste, touch, scent, sound and sight are each amazing and when properly combined they allow us a freedom of enjoyment that is unmatched! And yes, you can have all that and STILL have your clothes on!
I prefer to consider myself more of a craftsman than an artist. In my mind, a craftsman (someone who is skilled in their chosen craft(s) renders works whose value and appreciation can be seen or used in the short term. On the other hand, Artist is a title bestowed by those who appreciate the craftsman’s work to such a degree that it is noteworthy or exceptional and has value as a legacy. For me to consider myself an artist, I would need far more appreciators than I currently have – though I will deign to accept the designation of ‘artisan’…
I love the outdoors. Any season, any place, any time... If there are trees, if there is water, if there are hills, valleys, or mountains, or even desert scrub. Our geography used to define us as a species - before the days of concrete and steel - and I still respect that. Nature grounds me; it gives me the opportunity (and the inspiration) to put things in perspective and reevaluate things in my life. Without it, I'd likely be a hot mess inside a month...
