A Passion Pinpointed for some Purpose?

It has been a year of transition for me.


I find myself in the middle of some good and bad over this past year.  I logged onto my blog for the first time last week and was shocked it has been over 7 months since my last write.  I love writing but fortunately for me, I love my Significant Other and other factors that have "plagued" or "grown" on me these past months.  I am astonished by the lack of enthusiasm for which to write about, but I have told myself for months that although  a book is in order; alas I shall write to keep fresh.

As I thought about the nature of this post, I wanted to write about something that could help people.  I was thinking about starting with our potential new Brita we are thinking about buying and how it will save me time to fill it because it holds more water.  Then I was thinking about all the restaurants we've been to over the past seven months and implore the masses to find their way to them because of a certain dish or cocktail that tickled my fancy. I realized those things wouldn't be interesting or unique for helping others.  Instead I thought I should write about my research of the Caribbean as Significant Other and I find ourselves wanting to honeymoon for real-real.  Again, these things interesting and a good read.  But are they helpful to people?  Especially the close readers of my blog?

I love football.  In fact, I can definitively say that it is my favorite sport to watch and possibly play (although I can't say no to a pick up game while I drop dimes like Scottie).  I thought more about the blog and what the purpose was and I said, "yes, my passion is football and I can help people by giving fantasy advice and analysis to anyone that cares."

That doesn't provide the meaning I really want. And besides, let's be real:  I've been in my fantasy league for years now (dynasty style), and haven't won a single championship.  What type of insight could I provide that won't be duplicated by the talking heads in sports world?

"Questions? As long as I'm holding this drink, sure."

Finally, as I sat and had a cocktail (Old Fashion extra sweet, something "big and brown" as Mr. Draper would say), I realized that this blog should be more about my readers than anything I can write for you to read.  I want my readers to ask questions and engage in conversation that is important to the NOW and not just things that I feel are important.

I want to be a "Dear Abby" without the feminine touch.  Or a mailbag answer-man without the generic hoopla; (no advice such as "Tom Brady is a great play this week vs. the worst pass defense in the league"). I will answer any and all questions without bias or reserve while injecting personal humor and life experiences that make me a so called "expert at everything."

Ok, no one calls me that but you get the idea.

Blogs (as all mediums) should be a conversation.  A what's interesting now vs. a what about what I think arena; it has no shelf-life or prejudice.  Just real ol' fashion questions that are answered which are discussed.

I forgot what that was called but I think it's called: AMERICA.

So at this point you're probably asking yourself this question: Why in the "F" should I care what you think and why should I write to you?

Great question friend.

Why you should care about what I say: Well for any of you who know me, you know that I care about you. So if you're someone that I know, you know that I think that you probably care about me because I care about you.  I'm loyal and am interested in who you are.  By asking a question, you probably want to know what I think but ALSO WANT ME TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.  And you're SO right I want to know what you think.  Got it?

Why should you care about writing me:  This one is a little tricky to answer but follow me.  You should write to me because you have a burning hole in your soul.  For me it is simple.  Each day I have a question (if not a few or even many) that I want to open up to a forum and say, "What says ye audience for yearning question that hath no bounds?" And as many of you know, I certainly ask questions all the time and it may not come out right or have the proper audience to truly appreciate the meaning (or it makes no sense entirely such as this blog post, possibly).  But what this forum does is eliminate the people that don't understand you or that don't understand me or possibly don't understand the question given to me or the response to that said question.  Basically, I'm going to get the question you write to me.  Whether I answer it fully or not will start a discussion that could last a day, a week, a month, or year(s).

We are all privy to these examples each day.  You like texting yes?  Well, it's sort of like that.  Some conversations last longer than others.

So here is my promise to you.  I will answer any question that you send me as long as it is:

A) Decent.  We're grown up but not grown up enough.  So you know the where the line is drawn, observe and respect.

B) Something that I can somewhat answer or BS my way through.  Ask me about the Nikkei or physics, I won't be able to make that relevant or interesting for you when I answer. So here is a list of some things that I know: playing and watching sports, food, drink (all types and recommendations), life, love, politics, heavy traffic (flow if you will), Settlers of Catan, your parents, my parents, sibling rivalries, travel (US only), history, love of wisdom, movies, TV (including shows such as Breaking Bad), books that I've read, good music (no DMB or Madonna), leadership, office life and culture, long walks on the beach and your conversations while on said walks, technology (mobile and such), irrational fears (including but not limited to flying, snakes, and failure), social situations, New Years Trees (Russian only), Real Housewives of New Jersey, golf courses (both MPLS and Greater Boston), National Historic Landmarks, laundry, and fantasy football.  BUT ASK AWAY, these are just some examples.

Finally, many people are afraid of the internet because of privacy concerns.  I am no different (hence my hesitance to sign up with Facebook after a 3 year absence).  When you email me (coming in a second where to), please write ANONYMOUS OR YOUR NAME as the preference so I can address the question properly.   I'll include it in the blog.  If you wish to stay incognito, I'll respect that.  If you wish to have your name included, let me know.

Otherwise, I include names because I reward thinkers that think.  I'm blessed to be surrounded by people who are intelligent and vocal about their opinions.  

So ask away here: dvosays@gmail.com.  I promise try to answer all questions until we get to the next step.  Not sure what that is but if this becomes something way bigger than I can handle, I'll ask for help in the blog while trying to leave the country to never deal with questions again.  I can only hope it gets to that point.

Can't wait to hear from everyone.