Hello OSM Faithful! I'm Joe B. First of all, I'd like to thank Janell Carson for loaning me the prestigious One-Square-Mile platform to share my thoughts and opinions. I'll be "fair and balanced" and use data to back up almost everything I say, assert, or spew (depends on your point of view). In the spirit of fun, Janell (my political, conservative, neo-conn soulmate) provided me with a list of topic questions I missed during my August Hiatus. What a great way to get started.

Q: When you were 18, what did you imagine your future would look like? How close is your reality to your vision?
My reality is no where close to my original vision...At 18, I was still in 11th grade. I was a year behind because I flunked. Despite the early setback I always wanted to make a better life for myself and whoever my family was to be. 16 years later, I could never have imagined the life I have today. I have a beautiful wife, great son and job with global responsibility. I've lived in 3 cities and visited 13 countries including Panama, Paris and Buenos Aires.
Q: What is one piece of advice you wish you'd been given as a young person? Have: Self Reliance, Self Accountability and Self Respect, don't ever ever give up on anything you want...
Q: What is the best money you ever spent? 17 Days in Europe with my wife, Time share in Cancun (Went 6 times)
Q: What was your biggest financial mistake-the complete waste of money that haunts you to this day? I sold 500 shares of ORCL 6 months before it went up 50 points in 1999 that may change as I try to sell my house in South Florida.
Q: What has been the best surprise of married life? And the worst?
My wife is my soul mate... First year is the hardest.
Q: What is the best thing about being a woman? And the worst?
Best thing - Not being accountable for anything and relatively little ability to reason... Worst.. having to do dishes (you feminists should have loved that one...hopefully you know I am kidding)
Q: At this point of your life, is there a dream which you will never fulfill? What is it and what makes you so sure it's out of reach? I nearly joined the Marines out of HS, I regret not going. I let friends (who are no longer friends) talk me out of it...I am very happy with the way my life turned out, and would have made the best of it regardless of the path I chose but I regret not answering the call. My overall dream, to serve my country in some capacity, is not out of reach. I will fulfill it... politically perhaps?
Q: What else do you want to share?
I believe compromise is a good thing in business and in marriage, but not on core beliefs. I don't let anyone or anything shake what I believe (some people may consider that close minded)...I believe the USA is the greatest country on the planet and give her the benefit of the doubt as all Americans should