New Chapters

Hey all.  Due to several headline events, I did not post last week.  I've been advised to steer clear of controversial topics for several reasons.  One perfectly valid reason is that I happen to know someone involved with a major news event that only occurred one week ago, and don't wish to influence his role in it.  Granted, there are many things I'd like to say, both here and on the Common Man blog.  However, in order to assuage the fears and concerns of one of my faithful readers, and in order not to impact in any way a major undertaking that my friend now has, I'll have to put those opinions to the side.  If anyone wants to hear about them, please e-mail me.

So instead, moving right along to relatively light and fluffy topics, I've seen three families I've known reach major milestones.  First of all, there's a young relative of mine getting married in a few weeks.  This past weekend, I was part of his bachelor party at a local gambling mecca, where a good time was had by all.  There's just something about casinos and dinner at a steak house that reminds us all that we are really men underneath it all!

But besides that, it gives me cause for reflection.  I actually saw this groom when he was only a baby.  I remember his older brother, three years old at the time, demanding that his mother "send him back to the boy store" because he thought he was getting a sister.  Since then, I saw him grow -- I remember that his first word was merely repeating his father's given name over and over again.  He distinguished himself academically, graduating with high honors.  He earned a master's degree and landed a great job, and he is now marrying his college sweetheart.  I guess you really know you're middle aged when you realize you've witnessed someone else's entire life span!  So to the groom, once again, congratulations.  By having met that someone special early in life, without any reliance on Internet dating sites, you are one of the few and proud to have achieved a slice of the American dream.  You make me proud to be your cousin!

Also, a friend of mine and his wife are about to have a baby.  This friend was a newlywed himself, and had always dreamed of becoming a father.  Whenever he was around children, he would always comment that "I want one!"  Well, they recently learned that this "one" is a girl.  I know for sure he'll be an excellent father, and I wish him well on this of many new adventures.

Finally, another friend of mine is about to become a father for the third time.  Since he already has two boys, many of us hoped for a daughter this time.  However, it looks like he'll be the proud papa of "My Three Sons."  I know that his house is a place of joy and fun, the kind of home any child would love to grow up in.  So I know that my friend, his wife, his two sons, and the rest of the extended family will make a happy home for this new arrival as well. 

New chapters for me?  They remain to be seen.  I know my wife and I have a weekend getaway coming up next month, and that I'll be running in the Disney Marathon this January.  Still, I think I need to start writing new chapters soon, literally.  With the help of another friend of mine "in the know," I am learning how to monetize this blog, and to make it a source of remuneration.  Don't get me wrong, I like my job, and the earnings and respect that come with it.  However, there are other ways I wish to contribute to the world and blogosphere out there, and that's by bringing more and more attention to bullying issues in school and elsewhere, as well as providing motivation for men and boys who sorely lack it (and there are more of them than you may think).

I would like to thank someone out there for a little extra inspiration for new chapters -- my sister.  Today she gave me some amazing ideas for this blog, concerning its content at least, and I thank her for it.  For her insight and extra motivation, I officially dub her, "The New Oprah!"

Thanks all -- don't forget to comment, e-mail, and "like" on Facebook!