My first blog on Open Salon...hmmm. What to write? What would someone like you need to know about this overweight misplaced Buckeye in Michigan?

As I near the end of my 33rd year of marriage to my  lovely lady,  I've been forced to refelct on my life. The last two years of this economy and the last three years of being a cancer survivor have caused me to reevaluate what I want out of the rest of the heartbeats I have left including how to add to those heartbeats. Having lived through my father's open heart bypass( which by the way the man is like a machine; at 83 he will probably out live me.), an economic downturn of over 20% of my income, a blip on the cancer radar that fortunately turned out to be just a cyst on my remaining kidney, I come to realize that I have it a lot better than most.

With a former marine son now  safely ensconced in college after three tours overseas, my wife(and me too) rest more comfortly when the phone rings. I have a married daughter that has realized her dream to become an artist(true it's childrens books but her portfolio is getting up there; shameless promo check out www.illustrationsbymegan.com or check her out on Amazon). I'm one of the lucky ones that keeps working in the state of Michigan, though through more shameless self promotion. 

I've really come to realize what makes a good day everyday.

1) If my feet hit the ground when I get out of bed

2) If my friends and business associates still think I know something of value...lol, even if my family sometimes has their doubts.

3) If my Dad is there for me to call each day, even if it's just to talk about the weather and the price of gas.

4) If my wife still thinks I'm her honey.

5) If my kids still need my advice.

6) If a good story can still bring a tear to these old eyes; if a song can still make me remember old friends long gone.

7) If my Buckeyes can still beat Michigan(I'm gonna catch helll for that one!)

There's lots more but it's time for me to get off my soapbox and the rest of you to have your chance. Visit my stumpleupon site.