The more things change, the more they remain the same.

My father is an entrepreneur and has started and owned several successful companies over the years. I have to give it to him... He has always be thinking of a way to better his situation, or I should say our families situation. Now that I am a father myself I want to be able to give my family the security dad gave us. Don't get me wrong here, we don't live in a million dollar home or drive Audi's. The security I am talking about is knowing that if all else fails, I knew my father would work and do whatever it takes for us to make it. I want to rejuvenate my fathers first endeavor which was a graphic design/ printing company . He merged about 2 years ago with another, bigger commercial printer in Sioux City. I remember when I found out I felt like someone in my family had died. I had more good times with my dad learning about everything, helping him with whatever needed done (most times included sweeping and wet mopping for which I was paid top dollar), and just being there...

Anticipation is great. This Friday I am going down to Omaha to see a friend play a solo show! For some reason every time before I go to a show I get a little nervous. I got to thinking about it and this puzzled me. The musicians are the ones that are performing for everyone, pouring their heart and soul into everything. All I do is show up and watch... It was in Okoboji, IA, about 2 years ago the first time I really heard live music. I had been to quite a few shows, but never felt like this. I was in town for a family reunion, and my pops suggested we go to a bar for some live jams. The bar was Whiskey Dicks and the band was The Nadas . I don't know whether it was the energy in the air, or the combination of multiple shots and mixed drinks, but I felt it. For months after the show I listened to their music religiously. It became a soundtrack to my life. At the time I was on the road 4 days a week working for an art college as the admissions coordinator so I needed a lot of liste...

I know at one time or another everyone has felt this way, but does that mean we have to? The mind (or at least mine) is a funny thing. Last Friday was no different than any other day preceding, except for the fact I felt down. It was a long day reminiscing possible opportunities lost, friendships gone astray and time spent . I have had an interesting last few years; I relocated my dwelling space, was robbed at gun point, took a substantial pay cut, moved again, adopted my son, and met more interesting people than I could've imagined (in no specific order). Still with all that has happened I find myself in the same mind state year after year. I don't know what it is about the start of a new year that irks me. Maybe the realization that for me at least, after all is said and done, there is usually more said than done. In the midst of my self pity I was saved. There I was at a red light when I noticed a woman holding a cardboard sign in her hands. She wasn't asking for money o...