Introduction---Why the New Site

For years I've had a longing to write more--to share my thoughts, ideas, and sometimes crazy inner-ramblings with others. The process has started and stopped many times, and the efforts have seemed to focus on the professional aspect of my life and have ranged from books with only a few chapters written to my largest work to-date, my website Gundogdoc.com. Those of you who have recently visited the site have probably noticed that it has fallen a bit by the wayside. It became an unruly master that I no longer enjoyed serving, so I took a break. The longer the break has become, the less I see myself returning to that site with any regular updates, but I still feel that need to write and create.

More recently I have joined the "social networking revolution," and after months of nay-saying have become a bit of a Facebook addict. It has served as a miniature outlet and a place I could talk about more than dogs, hunting and veterinary medicine. In the end, though, it is still just served to whet my appetite for a return to writing and for something without the confines of subject matter or space. So I guess you might say this blog is a bit of a selfish endeavor, and you would be right. I'm hoping it is a selfish endeavor that you will be able enjoy, whether it be through the photography or through the ideas and discussions in the posts.

My plan for this blog is to explore everything from religion to politics, and from crazy pet owners to dogs that I've loved. It will include photography, some soap boxing, my thoughts on life and hopefully a few useful bits as well. A person has a lot of time to think when they're up at 4:30 to get a long run in before work, or sitting on the side of a slough waiting for the perfect combination of birds and lighting, and it's these thoughts that I hope to share within the confines of this blog. At the end of the day, who knows what it will be other than another new adventure, and we'll see where it takes us. I hope you give me a little time to feel this out and that you'll stick around with feedback, both good and bad.

What's in a name? No I didn't name the blog after a Bon Jovi song, and until I came up with the name, I didn't even know that Bon Jovi song existed. It's actually the answer I find myself giving too often when asked how I fit all the things I do into my life. We only get one shot at this dance, and I want to take full advantage of the opportunities I've been given and live with no regrets. There are two quotes that I think sum up this attitude:

"Life's journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well-preserved body, but rather to slide in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, screaming "HOLY $&!T what a ride!"

and from Erma Brombeck

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."

Or, as I like to say...I'll Sleep When I'm Dead.