About me

Andrew used to be void of powerful emotions. Think like Spock from Star Trek. He doesn’t judge much. What wicked acts others have done, yes. But “turn and become like children.” It is best not to pass superficial judgments the first time you meet someone.

Could you let go of the image you create of others? People are complex. And do not fit into the mold you’ve made of them. We only see a small fraction of people’s lives. Often, a life we know nothing about. We grow together and learn from each other when we accept people for who they are, not how we perceive or judge them. There is peace in that.

In my years, I’ve met many interesting and unique characters, strangers by happenstance—never to see them again. I’ve found that being more welcoming and accepting of others is the way to be, not standoffish or judgmental, if only for personal contentment. Be more open. Embrace more, reject less. You will find happiness there. I’ve met many interesting and kind people in my years. Let people in more and welcome them.

In the 1980s and 1990s, I grew up with a blessed American life. I care for many people. Throughout my life, I have had an ever-evolving circle of individuals I admire and love. Love is abundant in my life. What you give, you receive. I have a good life. In my past, it was not. I had many lessons that I needed to learn. I am grateful to my Earthly mothers and fathers who persisted in getting me here today.

Andrew loves working with his hands. Wash the dishes and clean your car. Take out the trash. “Idle hands are the devil’s playground.” He enjoys doing computer software/hardware and vehicle maintenance. Andrew has built three custom PC desktops over the years. His favorite IT company is ASUS. — “Hey, A Zeus!” — He can do basic car repairs like changing oil, tires, air filters, and coolant. He keeps vehicles running like new with gas treatments and oil flushes. He uses outstanding products like Sea Foam, LIQUI MOLY, and Royal Purple. Doing household chores is also enjoyable. A tidy home is a comfortable home. When the house and car are neat and clean, I am happier. Please keep it clean. Keep it kosher and fit for consumption. Andrew likes to stay busy but also does nothing but rest and relax.

Work and Personal Life

Andrew is happiest spending time with friends and family. The more, the merrier. That wild call for adventure and discovery is a great and noble desire. “To boldly go where no (human) has gone before,” “to infinity and beyond.” To make your path known to those who come to walk it. Driving a vehicle is one of Andrew’s favorite pastimes. That open road, that taste of freedom to go anywhere, do anything. That is the American Dream. He is a Democratic Socialist. A liberal moderate. Supporter of proper funding for education, healthcare, and our effects on the climate. And other social service programs (socialism). Meals on Wheels, Social Security, SNAP, housing/childcare/energy/utility subsidies. He cares much about social justice and the equality of people.

Life Goals

My wanderlust to travel and experience more of the world is considerable. The goal is to get out there, see, talk with others, and share what life offers. Live each day to the fullest. Yes, life can be awful. So, let’s enjoy it. Staying home on the Internet or watching TV all day does not help build relationships or have an impact. Humans need a connection and belonging to others as much as food and drink. Travel is the best thing anyone can do for themselves. It would be astonishing to see the aurora borealis or head west to see the Pacific Coast and the Grand Canyon. If I had more opportunities, I would travel the world for the rest of my life—even the Middle East. Going to these ancient places is intriguing to me, these God-given cradles of civilization.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. Many need it sorely. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of people cannot come by vegetating in one little corner all one’s lifetime.”

—    Mark Twain

One thing in our world is always true. It’s in a constant state of change. Slow down. Be still and quiet. Things in life remain—kindness, honesty, respect, family, and friends. Some things never change. Avoid becoming dormant or complacent; keep moving forward and embracing life’s changes and challenges. Do not give up on life. It would only become more complicated. But rest and relax when and where you can. Take it easy.

To get older is to grow wiser and become more intelligent. As we age, we are not to stay the same. That would be a stagnant life. It is detrimental to our well-being not to mature and change. “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone. A new life has begun!”

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

—    George Bernard Shaw

“Growth is the only evidence of life.”

—    John Henry Newman

Only some people change. And some never change. That is their journey. It’s not yours to fix them. Because when people learn additional facts, grow, and change, it hurts. It is the old life dying and being reborn as new—like the metamorphosis of an insect—a complete transformation. Most will fight change with all they have, resisting with all their energy. To keep things the way they have always been—the status quo. Release and let go of your grip. “Change, yes, we can!”

Speak your truth. But what if your “truth” is wrong? Many are corrupt. That is part of the metamorphosis people must experience now; for example, vaccines save lives, the Earth is not flat, and Trump lost the election. There is a line between what we say as valid and smears and lies. That is wrong.

You would be happier to stop trying to make everyone feel, think, and act how you like. That is no one’s job. Because only you control what you do, speak, think, and feel—as you do not regulate others, and no one governs what you do and say. There is peace in that. No one has to conform to any way of life other than law and order, general respect, and kindness.

My creed

— The future belongs to creators and makers who positively shape the world. Make your efforts and work to change the world positively.

— Being kind, morally upright, and the dangers of hate, ignorance, and arrogance matter. 

— Failing is often life’s best teacher. Life lessons will continue until we grasp their meaning. Embrace the idea that there is always something to learn and pay attention to. But sometimes, there is no lesson to learn; life is tough. There will be events in life that will break you (a job loss, relationship strife, the death of a loved one, or even a natural disaster). Such is life. Loss and failures are often life’s best teachers. Learn that lesson before life teaches it to you. If you expect perfection in life, you will be deeply disappointed. Be adaptable. Be stoic. Be gentle.

— We all hurt and are fighting with much. That never means we should fight others or hurt people. We are all broken, hurting people working to better ourselves and others. Be gentle with yourself and others. So, take nothing for granted and learn from everything. Pay attention. Life is always teaching us lessons.

— Rather than wanting to hurt or punish others, our power move and strength are healing our trauma. Most do this by helping others with what they have learned and been through. End the cycle of suffering.

— We must accept that life is a series of lessons that will be repeated until we learn them. We can only move forward and upward once we embrace these teachings. Pay attention; life is always teaching us. We can create a more harmonious world by fostering compassion, empathy, and understanding. Let go of anger and hate, recognize the humanity in each other, and be open to growth and change.

All my best to you and yours,

Andrew RR