She made me do it.

I don’t really want to be here writing on this blog, but now that I am, let’s see where this goes?

This post has been 18 months in the making. And when I finally succumbed to Caz’s torments and committed to write a weekly feature on Mojito Mother, it took me another 3 weeks to write this introductory post. I’m a procrastinator from hell.

She wanted me to appear on this site in some fashion because, well, ever since we started dating 12 years ago, we’ve done everything together.

I’m as Nervous as Hell. 

Whilst I’m used to writing about my greatest passion travel, baring my sole about personal stuff on a woman’s blog to a female audience is WAY out of my comfort zone. It’s friggin  SCARY!

To be honest, I’m not even sure who reads this blog but there are probably some people who I would rather not know some things about me.

And, I’m naturally shy, particularly when I’m out of my depth and talking about deep and meaningful stuff. Shyness is something I’ve struggled with my whole life.

I get uncomfortable in large group settings when I don’t really know anyone, and I much prefer to keep my personal feelings to myself.

And My Writing Ability Sux.

You don’t have to be a Hemingway to write the type of travel articles that I put together on my travel blog.

My destination pieces and travel tip articles are mostly factual list type posts and considering travel is very visual, being able to use lots of photographs that tell the story help to carry my work.

So my weekly writing feature here feels like I am starting from scratch.

What Will I Write About?

My thoughts and feelings on all things from a male perspective, such as:

• Being a dad. The joys, fears and responsibilities that come with it.

• Being a husband. The ups and downs and challenges of married life from my own experiences. What I want and need in a relationship, what I think my wife wants and needs from me (but probably don’t give). And maybe some soppy shit thrown in every now and then.

• Being male. The things us men think and talk about. What annoys us about woman but why we love you anyway 🙂

And much much more…

A Little About Me

• I’m a Virgo and as anal as hell. I’m a control freak, prefer good order, hate clutter, and over analyse. I’m fussy and a worrier and on the surface can appear emotionally cold.  BUT, sometimes I can be sensible, well spoken, wise and witty with a good understanding of other people’s problems. Like I said, I’m a Virgo!

• I still have baby teeth. Yep, front and centre on the bottom row. Just as well I have a big bottom lip to hide them.

• I wouldn’t usually drink Mojitos. I’m more of a beer man, and the occasional red wine, and usually at the same time.

• I once played professional Rugby League for the North Sydney Bears (1990-96). Seems like another life time ago. Great memories and lessons learned.

• The first time I met Caz I thought she was a dumb blonde who stunk of fish. She was working at the local fisherman’s wharf co-op across from the local pub and she would drop in for a beer after work. Turns out, she’s pretty intelligent, and I hope both our little girls get her brains and not mine!

• Like most dads I adore my kids. It’s what brings me most joy in my life to see them happy and healthy. I’m VERY grateful they chose me as their dad.

• I’m an absolute sports fanatic. If I’m not watching it, I’m reading it or talking about it. Besides our Aussie sports teams, I’m a huge University of North Carolina Tar Heel fan, Chicago Bulls and San Francisco 49ers fan! You will often find me screaming at the television. Caz thinks I have anger management issues. I call it PASSION!

• I also love the beach, getting outdoors in nature, beers with my mates, and listening to music.

Why Listen to Me?

Well, if it’s about financial advice I wouldn’t. Run the other way!

I’m the guy who two years ago lost everything I had ever worked for and gained from my professional sporting career. A real estate deal went sour and I donated many thousands more to the stock market.

It sent us bankrupt, left us with huge credit card debt, me with no real career path, little superannuation, no self-esteem, and at the age of 36 with two young kids having to move back in with my parents.

Ouch.

But Things Are Better Now.

I no longer cry myself to sleep, blame the world and think “poor me”. Through determination, persistence, accepting responsibility, and finding my passion and belief in myself, I’m excited about life again.

We are REAL close now to living our dream of being location independent and having time freedom. More on these lessons later.

I Need Your Help

I need a name for my weekly segment. NO, I don’t want to be called the mojito man, daddy darling, cupcake or any other annoying initials to make me seem secretive or cool.

I would love your suggestions in the comments area below.

Also, if there is any topic you’d like me to touch on from my perspective as a dad/husband/male feel free to suggest that also.

Thanks for listening thus far. I’ll be back in a week with my first article.