Hard to believe it has been 2 1/2 years since I last posted. In no way will I attempt that much time and effort. Perhaps bits and pieces as we go along. A few things to note as they will play a big part in future postings. In September 2011, I finally had my knee replaced. It has been a struggle and I am still adjusting. For most of you, when you get cold, you take it for granted that your body will warm up. when you have that much titanium you understand the old "chilled to bone" phrase the older folks talk about. when my knee gets really cold, it hurts like hell and takes a while to warm up to internal body temperature. it most certainly doesn't feel like arthritis pain. During the 2 1/2 years I have been off work, i was afforded the opportunity to think what I was going to do once the insurance company settled with me. As I was already selling on eBay (www.stores.ebay.com/terryhawks, it became obvious that I could be an excellent seller. I have always loved the chase and the rush when you are able to sell something. It fascinates me on why people buy something. It is also amazing to see what people will buy and how much they are willing to pay. I really believe an eskimo will buy ice as long as they are market. As I mentioned, I love the chase. To purchase some items, research pricing, take photos, list it, sell it and then complete the transaction which means get paid. Pack it, print address labels and put it in my mailbox and you have come full circle, start to finish a transaction. I have been humbled along the way and I have become quite efficient. Duplicate the above and when you wake up one morning you will realize you are self employed. I have shipped to most states in the US and over 25 different countries. It still boggles my mind that I can compose an email, click send, and within a few seconds, my email is in someone's inbox in China. Business has been very good and I am adding some new products in a month or so. I am a business owner with access to something like 100,000,000 registered buyers wordwide. Like I say, it is a rush. I made a trip back to Jackson the day after Christmas and spent almost a week with my mom. It breaks my heart to see her struggle just to survive. She is in so much pain when she walks. The tv volume has to be kept up to about 80% volume and I think sometimes my ears bleed. Nevertheless, every second is special. When she is watching tv, she takes the opportunity to also try having conversation with whoever is in the room. It requires me speak louder and when I do, she gets upset at me for "yelling" at her! I know it's not just me with an aging parent. it's 0245 and time to start getting ready to go to bed. Thanks for coming back to read this. I am truly honored blessed. until next time...