An Auspicious Beginning

It is the 9th day of the 9th month in the 9th year of the 3rd millennium. In many cultures and from a numerological perspective it is an auspicious day. From my own perspective it is particularly auspicious because this is my first post on a blog. This is truly amazing when you consider that I have been trying to master the technology of the toaster for many years now. I was also the one who refused every offer of a computer until very determined strong-willed women infiltrated my apartment and set one up in my absence. For the first couple of days I ignored it and mourned the loss of my desk from which I had written so many letters worthy of Jane Austen's approval. Eventually I relented and began my personal journey down the information superhighway to hell. I have recovered from my addiction to solitaire sufficiently enough that I can now bring myself, not without some trepidation, to the portal of the blogosphere.

I have no idea just where I want or expect this to go. I have a great deal to say about a lot of things of no particular importance. Part of me would like this to be a noble experience where I share my insights collected over the years from all the places I've been and the people I've met. Another part of me just wants to have fun and say outrageous things. I have the feeling it will turn out to be both with a bunch of other stuff thrown in. I will warn you ahead of time that this will probably never be one of those fancy-shmancy uber-tech blogs. I haven't the computer savvy to work the pyrotechnics I've seen on other blogs. Then again I might surprise you and myself if and when I get the hang of all this.

In the meantime I'm just going to rabbit-trail about various issues and ideas, thoughts and opinions. If anyone out there should happen upon this and have topic suggestions I would be very pleased to hear them. Perhaps it would be helpful if you knew a little more about me. What follows is just that--a little more to get acquainted--because as I continue to get comfortable with this medium you will learn more of what I'm about.

I live in the western mountains of Maine. Before returning to my home state I lived for 26 years in the Houston area of Texas. I was born and raised Catholic but have found solace in my Celtic/Buddhist journey. I am a huge proponent of nature conservation but not a radical, sign-carrying screamer. I am either a conservative liberal or a liberal conservative. I am pro-choice but my preference is for life. I am against gay marriage but am for civil union. I like democracy when it works but I also believe strongly in meritocracy. I prefer whole milk and non-diet food and drink. I prefer sitting at the kitchen table playing cards or board games to going to the movies or concerts. I enjoy the company of others but I also enjoy being alone in my own company. I like animals more than I like people except I'd rather spend time in a room with a person who bores me than being in a room with a spider. I am a smoker with good manners but no apologies. I am tolerant of ignorance and have no patience for stupidity. I hate people who victimize themselves--there's a subject for a future monologue, I can assure you.

I think that's probably enough for the first installment. I rather like having to think about who I am and what I think. I look forward to sharing more of it in detail as time goes on. I hope others may feel the excitement I'm feeling as I begin this sojourn. Until next time.......