Fall 2010 update

Another year goes by, and what amazing changes! Got tired of working just to pay taxes. Got tired of the headaches. Got tired of the stress, and the effects it was having on my health. And so, I packed it in. Retired, they call it. Escaped I say.

Sold all the toys, the gold claim, nearly everything I own and left the country. Living a life most people only dream about. I gave up a comfortable U.S. lifestyle, but gained so much more. I truly believe I have added years to my life. I wish more people would believe they can chuck it all, and start a new life. It is no more than a decision. I won't say it is without a little fear of the unknown. I asked myself, what is the worst that can happen? I have to go back and get a job, start another business? So what! As it stands, I am getting by on what I have. I live on the ocean, hear the waves, smell the sea. I stay up late if I wish, I sleep in late if I wish. Everyday is Saturday, if you get my meaning. No Mondays, no working for the weekend. Everyday is a great day.

I wish you were here, whoever you are. You are just a decision away.

Oh I know you have bills to pay, so did I. You have kids in college, I have two sons in college. You have people who depend on you, well I did too but they have survived quite well without me.

My family and friends all seem to understand that I needed to do this for myself. I have received nothing but support in my decision. Those that don't get it, probably never understood me anyway.

I have given of myself to many others, willingly, gladly. I raised my sons on my own from the ages of 3 and 5. Not many fathers can say as much. I wouldn't trade those difficult years for anything. My sons have kept me sane, and responsible over all those years. I am rewarded by who they are today. Two of the finest young men walking this earth. Never once in trouble, never any drug problems, never any girls pregnant, no drama at all. God, I am a lucky man!

I have tried to be a good caring son to my parents over the years, to give back a little of what they gave me. I have tried to be there for my friends as well.

Now, as I enter the second half of my life, I am going to be a little selfish, I am going to chase my dreams, create memories for those years when I can only sit and contemplate my life. I will enter those years with great memories, and without the bitterness of knowing I had dreams but did not follow them. That my friends would be truly tragic. What are your dreams? Where do you long to go, where do you long to visit? What is over the next hill, around the next corner? We live on the most beautiful, amazing planet. Get off your butt, and see some of it, before it is too late. The world awaits you. Forget all the excuses why you cannot go. Instead, realize you can and stop procrastinating. You will be so glad you did!