Inaugural Post

Welome ladies and gents, boys and girls, dogs and cats, ghosts and spirits. My name is Derek and this is bound to become your virtual three-ring circus very shortly. I intend for this blog to open the flood gates to any and all issues on our minds. As I am a sports journalist, please be advised my nature leads to an athletic slant. But have no fear, no topic is out of bounds.

Just as I am sitting there watching the Cowboys game on my couch this past Sunday, yet another piece on Tony Romo's fat, new, $67-million contract comes on the tube. I hear the line from Tony, "I definitely think I'm a better person because I have more money." The entire gallery of reporters at the press conference cracks up, but you know what I think about? I wonder how many people actually think that about themselves.

It was clear Tony's facetious remark had a light-hearted feel to it. That's Tony for ya. He's satisfied with whatever is laid in front of him. More people ought to emulate that characteristic. I see too many people that chase the almighty dollar thinking it will improve their lives. The key to self-improvement is to work on what you can and accept that which cannot be changed.

During a bad period in my life, someone told me I'm going to be OK. I didn't want to believe her. I felt down about my situation, my income, myself. That negative focus put a ball and chain on my life that made it impossible for me to enjoy life.
Tony Romo is an outstanding example of a person that looked on the bright side of the road, pursued what made him happy and eventually earned lots of money. And now he's a better person, but not because of the money.

Let's end this first blog by stating, if you keep a light heart life's riches will flow. Sentiments on life, sports, traffic, morals, brands of soap, whatever is on your mind are welcome here. If you read something that strikes your fancy and takes you off on a new tangent, bring it on! You think I'm wrong? Let's hear it. Life's too short to leave things unsaid.