I've been on the internet since blogging began, yet I've never really blogged.

I've considered it, but I never felt it important to share any of my own thoughts or opinions publicly.

I remember the modem days, before touch-tone.

I remember dialing up bulletin boards.  I remember hacking and phreaking.

I remember getting on services like CompuServe, Prodigy, Genie and AOL.  I remember hacking those too.

Back then, I had a lot of demons to cast aside and technology was my vehicle.  I'll share more about this too...

But know this... We've all lived through these times.  And now we're living through a period dominated by social media.  It started with bulletin boards for us early adopters, then forums, and then it hit mainstream with MySpace, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok and others.

There's a problem with all of these platforms though...  They own our content.

They also own our ability to speak freely and be heard... I honestly don't care for this.

No matter what your thoughts and opinions are, you should be able to have a voice.  We all need to have a voice.

So here, I'm going to share, on a property that I own.  And I'm doing this to tell my story, and I think everyone should tell theirs as well, no matter how great or shitty it has been...   And if it hasn't been great, there's right now to move from.

We all live unique journeys, challenges, victories and failures.

We all have unique coping mechanisms.

In many ways we are the same, but in many ways we are different.

In some ways, the things that are the same about us make us or keep us connected.  And in some says, these things cause us to disconnect.

In more ways though we are unique, genetically, and as a result of our environment and experiences.

In a perfect world, these things when embraced can make us stronger as individuals, as groups and as a species.  And sadly, there seem to be forces in the universe that are amplifying these differences in ways that bring out the opposites.

I will tell you this though.  These struggles are what create change.  These struggles create an evolution.  Let's just hope that they don't create a revolution.

So this year I turned 50.  And while I've been cursed with many things throughout my life, I can say that I've been equally blessed.

I have an amazing wife who I love, even though it's not always easy.  And we have got two amazing children who we love, even though it's not always easy.

But I feel a call to start writing.  I'm not sure why.

Maybe midlife crisis?  Maybe I just want to relive the journey by documenting it.

I will say this though, like everyone, we never know what day will be our last.

So my first goal is to catch up and chronicle my life and share my stories with them.  I've had a bit of a crazy life, it's been a bushel basket of experiences.

So here goes...

I am writing this as much for my family as I am for myself.  If you find yourself interested, great.  And if you don't, that's great too.

So This is my story, about my journey, from my perspective.  Fasten your seat belt and keep your arms inside the car at all times...