This House Is NOT A Home!

And so it happens again for like the 18th time it seems in 12 years. Another home left behind...a new one awaiting my arrival. I've learned over the last month or so that getting uncomfortable in necessary in life to achieve certain goals or create a particular result. What confuses me is the comfort part of uncomfortable. How much discomfort should one be subjected? Is comfort even achievable if one subscribes to the theory that destiny is predetermined and little action on our parts can change the outcome, slightly if any? I suppose comfort is never truly achievable. I believe that new beginnings certainly come into one's life at the exact right moments. New beginnings are not a fresh start for me, rather another building block from which to grow. I suppose new beginnings are put in our paths when we've achieved the mission or goal at the current level. It makes me wonder what I've actually achieved at the current level or what insights I've gained that qualify me to move on to the next new beginning. The truth is I don't think I will ever be comfortable knowing that a new beginning is awaiting. Even if one isn't and this is my last, how will I know? I'd be more comfortable knowing this...or would I. The comfort I take to this new beginning is confidence that I will be fine because I've been down this road. I also take peace of mind knowing that each and every roommate situation has been perfect...almost too ideal in a scary way. Each roommate has also helped shape my psyche, give me new frame of mind and a sense of need to accomplish more. Edward's attention to detail, motivation, philanthropy, organization, responsibility and commitment to a particular venture or project have been incredible to watch. I don't know how he manages all he does and keeps trucking along at warp speed. In some ways I've adapted some of his routine or habits. Perhaps that's what I needed to learn to move onto the next part of my life. Brady will be next roommate. He's young, smart, funny, responsible and just an all around good guy. I never even thought that we would end up living together, but I couldn't ask for a better new roommate considering the admiration we each have for one another. So, I believe Brady has some big converse shoes to fill. Although he doesn't know it, my being his roommate is necessary for my progression. He will be my teacher of sorts and all the while not know it. Neither will I. Soon, I will forget about this blog and carry on with life on a different side of town, looking at life at different angles both literally and figuratively. Then, after some unknown amount of time has passed I will move again. I'll examine that next move and remember not just Brady but Edward, Anthony, Gary, Brian, Jeff, Nick, and all the others I have lived with over the years. At some point I will connect the dots and figure out a theme...a pattern that should become clear. I won't worry about that now. It's not meant to be known now. So I will stay uncomfortable because there is some comfort in knowing this is all supposed to lead me to my purpose and what I believe will be the most uncomfortable comfort I could ever imagine. Goodbye Edward (and Macie) I will miss you dearly! Thank you for everything. Greetings Brady, I look forward to...?

Proper Protection

Get your mind out of the gutter...I'm talking insurance. If proper protection were enough to have a home owner's policy and Auto we would have it pretty easy. But let's paint a picture. If Bob and Susan each made $50,000 at their jobs, had two kids, a mortgage, some credit card debt and some other minor expenses they would probably be doing ok and have a retirement account growing. What if Bob or Susan didn't make it home from work one night? What if Bob was in a car accident and killed? Would Susan's $50,000 dollar a year job be able to now cover all of those above expenses? Probably not. Even worse, her husband's life insurance policy through his job is only a one time payment of $50,000. That money will help right now..but it won't last long and funerals are upwards of $15,000. Suddenly, life for Susan has drastically changed, her kids may not be able to have some college money set aside, and Susan may end up retiring later on with not enough money to last. Here's the bottom line! The experts recommend you have 8 to 10 times of your gross salary in life insurance. That means Bob & Susan should've each been insured for $500,000. That kind of money will not heal a broken heart in a terrible accident. It will give Susan one less thing to worry about as she mourns. The bills will be manageable. Employers get no tax incentive for insurance policies for employees about $50,ooo. I'm glad I'm a licensed Life Insurance agent in the State of Nevada. I will get to make sure families are properly protected and have peace of mind! It won't be easy when I have to deliver a death benefit in person. But, at least I won't arrive bearing more bad news. Mike

The Big Gig

If you put a microphone in my hand and put me behind a television camera...I can talk about anything, be witty, in control, authoritative and just plain good...I've been told.
If you put a microphone in my my and my band 90 Proof behind me at a show...I have no idea what the hell to talk about in between songs. There are times it is needed especially to thank a crowed for coming or to stall when the guitarists need to down tune for a song. Perhaps its just something I will be comfortable with as I gain more experience. We've had 5 gigs so far...we are band that still isn't a year old. It just seems odd that with the public speaking experience I have, there's a disconnect when doing it in a show/gig setting. So, Attention More Seasoned Rock Stars: How do I rock out with my mouth out?

I've created a blogster

Well considering my occupations (past and present) it would only seem to make sense that I'd eventually be blogging. Consider this first of many intermittent or more regular. The truth is I don't profess to be someone who needs to be paid attention to or someone who feels like his opinion generally matters. However, since I do have an opinion and a constitution right to free speech it only makes sense that I use it. My blogs will at times be silly, insightful, nonsensical, spiritual, financially related, musical or any other adjective that best describes the noun (blog). Anyway, this is my introduction....stay tuned. Doria