On a roll

I am in business development (sales) in the solar industry. I sell materials that make solar modules for a large chemical company. I have been in solar development and solar module sales since 2005.  I have worked for 3 of the biggest companies in the industry and make good money while enjoying the work. My career has taken me to China, EU and Lat Am countries.  Anyone in sales will tell you there are many ups and downs over the course of each sale and year that make you wonder if you will make your annual quota.  Over my 30 plus years in sales I have mostly made my quotas but have also missed many as well. Companies don't care the reasons why you miss your quota they just want their sales met. 
Anyway, after many years of toil and making decent money I have finally broken through the barrier by closing more deals than ever. For the last two years I have been fortunate to earn beyond my expectations by working harder and smarter. I no longer give advice for free or make intros without earning something for the effort. I realized if you ask people will pay for your expertise.  Hard to believe it took this long to realize, but glad I did even though I'm soon to be 60!

News cycles

I find myself fascinated by the news each day as Pres Trump continues his wild unpredictable behavior. I think the news shows do swing right or left depending on what network you watch. I do believe Trump brings the negative stories on himself by constantly Tweeting and bullying the press with the silly fake news mantra.  Whether you like or don't like Trump there is no denying his message is racist, and his base does not reflect who he is, which is an entitled rich boy who grew up in privilege world of private schools.  Why his "base" is so supportive puzzling given the message of isolationism and America First  at the expense of the rest of the world.  He completely ignores the US role as leader of the free world and since WW2 we have kept the peace in EU.  The idea he would insult Germany, UK, Canada, and other NATO countries is against the previous administrations policy that they should and need to be investigated. Our foreign policy is in shambles and relations that took decades to build are crumbling in the 2 yrs he has been in office. Most concerning is the lack of quality people that will work at WH given the nature of this President. It used to be an honor to work in government to fulfill ones country service if they did not join the military.  Now, sadly, no one of quality will go to work for such an idiot.
Yes, I oppose just able every policy, decision and comment that comes out of Trump's mouth. I hope no one gets hurt over the nonsense he spouts daily about fake news. I hope no gets hurt at one of the rallys where he whips up the group to hurt the Media.  Not once in my lifetime have I seen a sitting president give nothing but inflammatory speeches spouting nothing but nasty, mean, name calling comments without so much as a policy outline.  Is that because he does not have a plan for America?  Is that because there are no policy decisions he can make up that don't include tariffs (not really a policy) or name calling. 
We are in dark times but America is resilient and we will survive this time in history but it will not end well for some people.  Say what you will about Obama, but that man and wife had dignity and represented America in a way that made you feel proud. He could take a punch and get back up to lead again.  I was a McCain supporter but embraced Obama policies and what he did for our country.  This president cannot not be embraced because he is too busy stuffing his pockets with money which is all he ever cared about.  I never wish impeachment on the US, it is too demeaning but this president is bad person and whoever is in his cabinet needs to go too. 

My love affair with Phila Eagles

So proud of my Philadelphia Eagles defeating the NE Patriots to win the Super Bowl.  It was an amazing game to watch as both teams put on an offensive display.  In the end for me over 50 years of being a fan we were rewarded with the greatest gift.  Great bunch of players who had that underdog chip on their shoulders that allowed them to play hungry.  I flew to Boston the next day for business and took a lot of crap from Patriot fans. I have to say it was all in good fun as I think they are spoiled from winning so much.  I was able to have some interesting conversations with cab drivers and locals that where funny.  As I was going through TSA with my Eagles hat on the TSA agent wouldn't take my ID until I asked him if T Brady was okay.  He started laughing and waved me through.
I went to the parade with with my GF and son and had a great day celebrating with all. So happy to see the energy and genuine happiness being shared by all.  It was real emotion coming out of the people and I was so happy to be apart of that amount of love.  Everyone was well behaved and totally enjoyed the moment. Philly fans get a bad rap from years of people repeating tired old stories about Santa Claus and snowballs. But we are a passionate fan base that supports our teams win or lose, we travel well and we are loud all good things you want from fans.
I watched a lot of Eagles games with dad over the years and wish he could have been there to experience it with him.
A legit victory over the best team makes it even sweeter.

Random thoughts

Hi,

I'm a divorced middle aged man living outside of Phila area with two college aged kids, boy/girl.  I am in my late 50s and work for a large corporate company in Wilmington DE.  I work in business development and marketing in the renewable energy industry.  I feel fortunate to have a job with a healthy company and growing industry.
Like most men my age I do worry about the future and staying employed making the kind of money I currently make.  I feel fortunate to have lived a life where I have met fun people who have taught me many things, been able to travel around the US and internationally and live in a loving home. 
When time permits I will share stories and musings about my life. 
Peace to all