Ed

I can only give you one guarantee, when you first meet me you will make judgments. I am a quiet person which many people confuse with arrogance. Initially I observe and examine your character not to judge, but to understand. I am not very open during the first moments of a conversation. People expect to be friends at a moments notice and I say, what's the rush? Due to this character trait, I have few friends. The friends I do have however will remain friends for life. I try not to get wrapped up in the daily nonsense of life and try to stay focused on what I believe is important: Trust, Loyalty, and Wisdom.
I do not feel that things make people happy. People make people happy. I have no sympathy for people who do not learn from their mistakes. I try to live the most respectful life I can. I believe that if people see me doing something positive, that others will follow. I am distressed in how many people focus on the possessions of life and not the importance of relationships. A simple and powerful fact is if you get a chance to reflect on your life while you are on your deathbed you will not say "I wish I worked more, I wish I got that plasma TV., I wish I got that new car." you will say, "I wish I spent more time with the people I love, I wish I told all the people I love that I love them, and I wish I lived my life with more kindness."
Quotes that I hold dear:
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~Plato
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Emerson