True Story

"Must sleep...Why do I stay up so late?" - I unconsciously typed onto my Twitter account. My eleven followers probably needed the reassurance I still had brain function after a few hours of random web searching and procrastination.

I shut down the computer and set aside my headphones. Bed had been ringing and I decided to return the calls.

Entering the room I see my wife of nearly five years peacefully resting. Her gentle form nestled under layers of blankets. It was a bit cold in the house, but only because I had forgotten to turn the heater back on.

Only in Arizona is one afforded such a luxury as a cold house being a mere 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

I tossed my shirt to the floor in preparation for slumber (Trust me, in my mind I looked sexy doing it). Next to the bed are a few covers neatly folded atop my bare pillows. Laundry day strikes again bringing more labor before sleep.

That thought became more true as I heard crying through a nearby baby monitor. My three year old daughter needed help. Like the ever diligent and loving husband I was, I turned to my resting wife whose sixth sense for the slightest child originating sound seemed to have malfunctioned, and narrowly resisted the urge to wake her to take care of our offspring. I needed brownie points after all!

I quickly went to my daughter's need prepared for the absolute worst. Opening her bedroom's door I discovered her standing tippy toes on her step stool looking out the window into the night. Her little pink pajamas made the scene all the sweeter (All of you fathers out there know what I mean).

She jumped back startled as if she was caught with her hand in the cookie jar (That's another story). Immediately she mumbled out "Need go potty." Of which I found simply adorable considering her step stool doubled as her training potty.

Remind your family how much you love them today.

Individuality: Dead Concept or Marketable Product

Okay, to be straight forward, I have no intentions to fill a blog full of one particular subject matter or trend. This is just random gibberish from the average joe you'd see at your local grocery store trying to hold on to two gallons of milk, a carton of eggs, two loafs of bread and a bag of Cheetos because I didn't have the foresight to grab a cart on my way in. Anyone reading this expecting to be wowed and amazed I recommend you begin to hold your breath now because you obviously are wasting precious oxygen.

Hello, I'm Richard. If you are still reading this then you must think my opinion is a good read...I'd put a joke here, but I think I might be insulting myself.

I do not take myself seriously so I ask that favor in return as you read further into my words. I continually search within myself and find a great treasure trove of learning. I've discovered that I am an individual. Now I spend time observing people, trying to understand what makes them individual.

You see we live in a society where everyone has to fit a "norm" a status quo. This is made obvious by clothing styles, body types, political correctness, general consensus, etc.

Does anyone ever question why certain fashion crazes seem to be wide spread across various designers (Yeah I know that makes me sound metro-sexual, but hear me out)?

Can we volunteer or donate to charity without a celebrity asking us to do so?

Why do we hate the rich CEO millionaire but love the sweet Hollywood film maker billionaire?

Can we be individual any more? Or do we need to purchase it? Why do we let this happen?

I see how fast people react to new thoughts. It's instant love or hate...Favorite it or Flame it. We created a divide amongst ourselves. Perhaps this is the way we've always been and the faceless comments we give on the internet are our new found freedom (Much like what I am doing to you and what you will write about me).When I see people hide behind one side it makes me question whether they have taken the time to understand it's full nature.

You may now question "But great and knowledgeable Richard, what does this have to do with individuality?" My answer would be "Everything."

I like to see the whole story; both sides of the debate. That is where I create my opinion and add to my individuality. When I know who I am I don't need public opinion to tell me who I should be.

Everyone is different, don't expect to find the same answers as those you know, love and respect. If we were all the same, none of us would stand out.

That is my challenge to you: Find out who you really are, then speak with your own voice.