Just an average guy, screaming into the void, hoping for an echo in return.

  (Actual photo of nothing. Because that's what I took photo of this weekend. Photo Credit: Me)   I did something I haven't done in awhile this weekend; I disappeared. I mean, like, gone. I spent some time with my nuclear and extended family, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We had our phones and spotty service, but I decided not to pick it up. Yes, I went through some withdrawals for the first 24 hours. I mean, the world might fall apart if I didn't check my notifications, LinkedIn, and Instagram, right? But I didn't give into those instincts. And guess what? It didn't take long for my body to start appreciating the beauty around me, and deep breaths in the place I was at. Today I'm back and incredibly, the world hasn't fallen apart. All my connections and followers are still here. My Social Media didn't fall apart. Wow. I was sure it wouldn't even be here when I came back. There are no photos on my phone from this weekend. T

Be careful. Scammers are creative. The latest scam? Getting you to respond to a text like this. They'll send a generic message in hopes you respond. If you say "who is this?" You've now become a verified target. You go into a database of potential victims to be targeted over and over again. They'll try the "I'm a prince from ----, and have an inheritance I want to share with you." Or, "it's your grandson. I need money." Or, "You're the most beautiful person I've ever seen." They search for people who are vulnerable and create rapport. They're very good at it. They send thousands of messages a day and only have to get one person to fall for it for it to be a good day. Don't be that person. PLEASE, don't respond to any messages you get from numbers you don't know. And if you've got a friend or family member you think might be at risk (using most recent data, widowers and widows, middle-aged

Kudos to President Biden for a warm, heartfelt Columbus Day Congratulations message. I grew up with incredible friends of Italian descent and treasure those relationships to this day. Their parents and extended families treated us Hispanic kids in the neighborhood like their own and I learned many lessons on loyalty and family from them. Italian-Americans have been a part of our great experiment literally since the beginning and I'm thankful for their contributions to our Nation.   "Congratulazioni e felice giorno di Colombo."  President Biden's official proclamation: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/10/11/a-proclamation-on-columbus-day-2024/

When I introduce myself in a friendly social setting I tend to say I'm a recovering people-pleaser. It's my icebreaker. Bear with a little Saturday morning oversharing. I promise there's a point at the end. Other than a mild teenage rebellion stage, for most of my life I did what was expected of me. From my childhood to the day I left the service, I generally toed the line; and to be honest, was greatly rewarded for it. I lived to help others, even if it came at my expense. I saw it as honorable. As noble. Sacrifice for others = selfless and good. Sacrifice for myself = selfish and bad. And since I had done it since childhood, I didn't know or want to know any other way. But since retiring from the military four years ago, I began doing deep self-reflection. With the guidance of great friends and mentors, I went from "we" to "me." This post was inspired by Bruce Thompson, . He wrote an amazing post yesterday about how he lives his life and i

 Happy Fall 2024. What's your favorite part of the Fall Jose? Well, I'm glad you asked. Sweaters, of course. Oh, and when SeriusXM starts their Christmas music mid-Fall.

  You're welcome.