I want to thank everyone who has visited so far; I really appreciate the interest, and I hope you’ll continue to read. Those of you who know me are probably acutely aware that I love to hear myself talk and now, within the constraints of a blog, read myself write.

It’s doubtful that this blog will ever be credited with changing anyone’s life, and if it does yours, what a sad, pathetic loser you are! I do hope, however, that from time to time I am able to share some epiphany that will somehow improve our collective lot in life. So far, nothing earth-shattering has popped up, and don’t hold your breath. Also, if you’re looking to be kept abreast of anything newsworthy, this blog’s probably going to disappoint you. I like breasts as much as anyone, but I usually do not keep them, as they do not belong to me. I am, for the most part, unaware of the events of the day and much happier that way. I like to tell stories, and I love to make people laugh. The cool thing about writing is I can’t tell if you think I’m funny(unless you comment, so if you don’t, don’t), whereas when we’re talking face to face, I can see the “Someone please get this guy away from me” look in your eyes, behind that “I stopped listening to you” smile. My wife, bless her heart, sees those eyes and that smile always, when often I don’t. She loves me, and my failures cause her pain; her threshold is enormously high…

I must give credit for the term “Struggler” where it is due. My children’s youth pastor, let’s call him “Micah”(that’s his name), was the first I’d heard use it. It appealed to me instantly, because unlike “failure”, or “loser”, the implication is that the person so named is still trying, and so there’s still a sense of optimism there. I coach girls basketball(more on that another time), and all my players are used to being called that. Heck, they even made t-shirts once. Everyone is a struggler. I’m a struggler; so are you. Anyone who isn’t struggling with life is dead.

Struggler is also a great word to describe my walk with God. I am a Christian. If you aren’t, I hope that doesn’t prevent you from reading. I’m not the preachy type; that would be  hypocritical, but I will make mention of my faith from time to time, because it’s part of who I am. I struggle every day to live the way He would want me to; every day I fall short. But, as the word struggler implies, I am trying. Some days harder than others.

Finally, I’d like to thank a very nice couple – let’s call them Mr. and Mrs. Smith(snicker) – for suggesting I could do this. In retrospect, they were probably just being kind and I ran with it; thank God they didn’t suggest genital piercings or cross dressing.