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Time Away’s Been Nice, But Gotta Get Back On The Horse

1 October 2008 6 Comments

Where have you been RTM?

RTM has essentially been shut down for a month. I have been MIA and I apologize. I would love to find the perfect political excuse for why I have abandoned this effort, but there is no excuse – just reasons.

For the good folks who have supported this site in the past and want more manliness drivel, let’s get to it. For those who have relished in my inactivity and would rather see me just go away, go grab some Pepto and hunker down for some serious manliness chatter.

Real estate in Las Vegas

I recently lost my job. I have LOTS of experience and have never been out of work in my adult life – starting at age 14. So, losing my job (which was very closely tied to the Las Vegas real estate market) was a brand new experience to me. I did not know how to act, so I did what I always do when clueless (which happens a lot) – I shifted into my insanely focused mentality of stopping at nothing until I figure it out. It reminds many of Forrest Gump-like intensity of always keeping your eye on the ping-pong ball. Nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, could pull my attention away from the task at hand.

Being so closely tied to the Las Vegas real estate market, it was not a shock that my work would come to an end. However, we all thought we had more time. Things have turned here in Vegas, like so many other places, really, really bad. Housing prices are blowing up here to the tune of 30% decline in just one year. Think about that for a moment.

Responsibility to my family

As many know, I recently adopted an amazing child. My wife and I were recently featured at Discovering Dad and you can see some pictures there. He means the world to me and there is NOTHING that will get in the way of me providing for my wife and my new child.

Responsibility is an interesting subject to me. When it comes to manliness, I am certain that this one word is the cornerstone to finding your way. It is the one thing in our lives we men (and women) need to always be in pursuit. And take it from me, when something like this happens in your life and you have more to think about than just which cocktail you will focus on this Friday at happy hour – your perspective on responsibility changes drastically.

Putting things into perspective

I love writing for this site and learning a brand new skill – blogging. I am in this thing for the next 20 years, not the next 20 days. So, when I needed to focus my attention on providing for my family and making sure that little boy of mine is safe from a financial catastrophe, the site be damned!

Now that I am closing in on a new position and new career, I can spend some time thinking about tickling the subject of manliness again. No doubt, my life will be in high transition as a move out of Vegas is probably forthcoming. My income will most likely be just fine. Our health benefits covering us from catastrophe. My piece of mind coming back from the brink.

Truth is, my family and my ability to provide was never really in danger – which can not be said of so many others out there in the midst of this financial meltdown threatening the American way of life. But it was the thought of not being able to provide – the thought of not being responsible enough to ensure the well being of my son – that got me so worked up. In any event, I’m back in the saddle.

BTW, I want to thank The Common Man for a nice comment recently on his blog. He has been an advent supporter of Return To Manliness. His writing style and his topics are excellent and his frequent participation here has been a phenomenal support. Thanks TCM!!!

6 Comments »

  • Hayden Tompkins said:

    Welcome back!

    Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..How to Survive An Economic Depression

  • Frugal Dad said:

    Nice to see you back at it!

    Frugal Dads last blog post..Why Cash Offers More Flexibility Than Gift Cards

  • Mike Bates said:

    The Common Man (and his alterego) is very pleased to have you back, Kevin. Best of luck to you in your new endeavors and I’m anxious to read what’s up next on RTM. I love a good manly drivel.

    And good on you for tending to your family first.

    Mike Batess last blog post..Quick Hits

  • Felix said:

    Glad you are back! Congratulations on your new son!

  • B. Wilde said:

    Glad you’re going to continue. I think so many of us can relate to what you’ve been going through. Your brutal honest is a sign of “manliness” to me. We manly-men are so tied to what we do for a living and take the responsibility to provide for our family so seriously. I think your response has been completely normal. Your content shows that you have way more to offer the world than the typical 9 to 5. Keep following your passions and keep writing.

    BTW: loved the interview on Discovering Dads.

  • Kevin (author) said:

    Appreciate all your kind thoughts. It puts everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, into perspective when you have a child and they are completely relying on you. Responsibility takes on a whole new meaning and other things in your life become only noise.

    Thanks for the support and hope no one ever faces this in their own lives.

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