new thread
Dear longhaired (and aspiring) friends,
I post here to let you all know that the winds of change have begun to blow even stronger in my life. As some of you know I've been going through some personal changes the past year and it just keeps on snowballing....
For years I was a computer geek sitting for hours in front of the computer day after day. All those years of typing and clicking has finally taken it's toll on my hands, wrists and forearms. As a dedicated musician I take the escalating pain I'm experiencing very seriously. At the end of each day my wrists especially are very sore. Sometimes I can't even strum chords they hurt so bad. This is unacceptable to me and change is in order. The interesting thing is last summer I set myself a goal that I would eliminate my computer use in my home completely just like I did with the television seven years ago. I've spent just way too much time online over the years and I've got a wonderful family now that deserves more of my attention. As a husband and father my free time is so limited anyway...so many interesting things in life to experience than sit staring at a screen...for me. I thrive on new experiences and I'm at a point where I want those new experiences to be more in my real world again...not my digital one. Since making that open ended goal last year my business model has changed, my laptop has totally fried and my limbs began to hurt. An obvious sign to me that change is essential. I have started limiting my time on the computer the past few months but I need to continue on until it's no longer something I do anymore. I've also had to make the painful decision to end my glassblowing business/hobby because it has also taken it's toll on my body. But, I'm looking at change as a positive thing. I'm entering a new chapter in life and I'm going into it open minded with much enthusiasm.
So, my time on the MLHH must come to an end and I must bid you all farewell. It's the only board I visit and socialize on occasion...it's been that special to me. You've all been special to me. My hair will continue to grow and one day I will meet my goal of waist length and maybe beyond. So many of you have been an inspiration to me and have helped me through some hard stages of re-growth. I'll forever be in your debt. I wish you all the best and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Keep those manes growin'
namaste
~Gman
Hey, I never knew you but i'm sure you're a great guy.
It must be sad for those of you who have built up friendship....
Gman, I am really sorry to hear about your problems and am gutted to know that you are leaving us. You have been a superb member of the community here, always caring and supportive, and have stood out to me from day one as being a really fantastic human being.
You must take care of yourself and your family of course, but let it be known we have loved having you here and you will be greatly missed.
Goodbye, take care and peace.
Dave
Hey Gman
I'm really sorry to hear that you're leaving. I remember you were one of the first people I noticed on the hyperboard when I joined, I was amazed at your hair length at only 18 months of growth!
It's been great "knowing you" (if you can call it that) and I wish you best of luck with the rest of your life and all the best to you and your family.
Take it easy and keep that hair growing
-Mihnea
Aww dude,
I'm really sorry to hear of your condition. It must be very frustrating especially with your dedication to your music. I completely understand you wanting to cut back your online time but must you really say a total good-bye?
Even if it's just a quick check-in every few months from a public computer, please maintain contact! Of course, we'd all love to see how your hair growth is progressing as well.
I've really enjoyed your contributions to this community.
Jason
Hello Gman! I'm sorry to hear about his, but of course your health and family has to come first. I didn't get to know you that well but i'm certain you're a great guy!
I wish the best in your life, and maybe someday in the future you will post here again, but just remember to keep that great head of hair:)
Take care!
Simon
Hey gman,
I am sorry for us that you will be leaving, you will certainly be missed here.
I am sorry for you that leaving here wasn't entirely a matter of just having more time for your friends and family, but that you were forced away in part due to increasing pain. I don't know whether what happened to you heals if you stay away from the stresses of keyboarding or glassblowing or it this will only prevent if from growing worse. I hope you will heal with rest.
I am glad that you will still be able to grow your hair out an achieve that goal, I hope the work of caring for such long hair won't stress out your hands and wrists too much, it seems like a lot of work and time spent on combing out and detangling with the hair length I have now. I hope your future waist length hair will not be a problem for you.
I have known people who have painful problems with their hands and wrists who have started using voice recognition software to cut down on the amount of typing they have to do. For those times if you really do need a computer maybe that will help. I am sure you have thought of this already but I will risk saying it anyway :)
If you ever do feel like an occasional post here we would love to hear from you, maybe when you reach your goal. If we don't hear from you, best of luck Gman with the next phase of your life and I really hope you get some relief from the pain.
Take care,
ChrisG
Hey gman,
I admire (and support) your reasons for making such a decision, --- and yes, real life is far more important than being on-line all the time (an understement - lol)!!
It's been a pleasure getting to know a little bit about you over this past year or so, watching your wonderful mane grow, and getting a taste of enjoying what an easy-going type of personality you have, --- a true hippy at heart!!! It's also been great to compare notes on Bay Area living, and hearing what it means to you now that you live in Nevada instead of No. Calif. (which gives me an interesting "reality check" on my own situation of still being in SF).
My best to you! And, although I'm sure you already know this, and I might be considered a bit "naughty" in saying it... YOU CAN ALWAYS LURK HERE (and we'll never even know - lol)!!
Maybe when you get to waist-length, you might grace the board with pics of an update? That would only take a few minutes of your time (and we will understand that it will take equally as much, if not more YEARS to hear from you again... when you hit knee-length - lol)?? Just an idea...
Take care. You will be missed!
- Ken in San Francisco
Hey man, I am deeply sorry to hear about this painful condition of yours. You are an outstanding fellow and have contributed so much to this community. You've been of great inspiration to many. It'll be heartbreaking to see you leave us however I am with you 100% on your decision. You must not let any obstacles interfere with your musical career. I honestly wish you wouldn't leave us forever but if it is for the best, then so be it. I wish you happiness and hope you prosper in your musical career. Goodbye G-MAN, You will always be remembered.
-Chris
Hi, Gman! It's good you've decided to dedicate more time to your friends and family as well as improving your condition to play music. We're gonna miss you here at the board but it's good you felt it as a special place full of wonderful people and support. It would be nice to still hear from you! You don't have to say farewell and disappear permanently. You can drop off to say hi from time to time.
Good luck with your new life!
You have just written one of the nicest posting and I applaude you for making the decision that you have. I am very sorry about your hand troubles however as I can well relate to fellow musicians myself.
Yes, life is short, and better to do those things while you are able as life is also without prediction.
I wish you all the best, and of course if time permits and only if you feel like it we will welcome you with open arms should you just stop by to say hello.
Take care and wishing you all the best for a bright and happy new future.
Justin~
Thanks guys...your words really mean a lot. I know this is abrupt but, for me, it's just how I do things. I have a hard time "weening off" something. Like other habits I've had in the past (drinking, smoking, television) I've needed to just quit cold turkey...bam! Ending my internet use (even if it IS just a temporary thing for now) must be conducted the same way, I'm afraid. Just my nature. I reach my goals better this way. And it's going to be easier for me now because my laptop crapped out (don't want to fix it) and my wifes laptop (that I'm using now) will be gone soon due to her losing her job. So, we won't have any working computers in the house for the first time. I'm actually looking forward to it....so do my hands...and my soul. I'm spending the next couple weeks wrapping up things online and then...POOF! I'm gone. But, I'll promise you all this...I WILL make a point to give you all an update sometime in the future from the library or something. But, for now...I just need this hiatus however long it ends up being...I really do. First time in 13 years of full-time computing. I will miss reading posts here and getting to know you all better. I consider you my brothers and sisters and always will.
Be well,
~Gman
I certainly know how obsessive the internet can make a person and every once in a while I have to step back a bit and do a reality check. But that's just me and if going cold turkey is what you have to do then I commend you for your determination. As far as joint pain is concerned I hope you get some relief, but I know that in my case, it's just another sign of getting older, and thats' just something we all have to deal with eventually.
Good luck in your future endeavors and of course,
Keep on Growin'
Bruce
All I can say is this: Power to you!
To do something like this, to get rid of an old addiction takes a lot of balls and determination, so I wish you luck. Someday maybe I can do the same :)
Long hair forever!
Your choice shows great thought and strength, Gman. May your decision allow you to enjoy life in the "real" world to the fullest. You will be missed.
Mouse
Hi Gman,
Thank you for your wonderful post, you are a gentleman of the finest quality for saying these heartfelt words. I have had nothing but the utmost in respect for you ever since the first time I read any of your posts back when I first joined the hyperboard.
I am genuinely distressed to hear of the pain you are currently undergoing in your hands and wrists, and hope that this will be behind you soon. I wanted to wish you all the best in the future, and much happiness to your lovely family.
I am thrilled to hear that you will keep growing your awesome mane. If you feel like popping in to say hi at anytime, rest assured that you will be warmly received. You will be missed.
Take care, and my blessings to you,
David
Hi Gman. Good Luck with the changes in your life. I applaud you for really taking a look at your life and setting your priorities and goals. Family and following your true passions are the most important thing. The board will always be here, so when you reach your goal length, maybe you could take a few minutes to say, "hi" and post a picture. I wish you much happiness.
Del
you want to leave forever? I see that all that typing on the computer keyboard is causing problems. Maybe an alternative would be to just cut way back on computer use. I was so looking forward to seeing you at the next Bay Area longhair meet. I hope you reconsider. Maybe you could drop in just occasionally. I am an aspiring friend and would hate to see you leave forever.
Absalom
Hey Gman...
I'm sorry to hear you're having the physical troubles with your hands and wrists. Furthermore; I admire you for making your decision to terminate your online presence if its been a stumbling block for you. That takes guts and determination.
Like you said, ... Your wife and family should be first. Good Luck and Best Wishes friend..
Be Blessed..
Tristan
Wow Gman
I kinda hate goodbyes aint very good with them what so ever, its a very day that the has come for you not to post the MHLL bulletin board I will miss reading your posts please take care of yourself and PLEASE do POST again if you come by here again
All The Best
Axel
I'm sorry to hear that you will NEVER be back! This is quite disheartening!
I can't say I totally understand where you are coming from by getting rid of technology such as the internet which I think is environmentally beneficial since many things besides just social things can be handled on-line instead of driving all over creation and going places to do them. I do whatever I want in moderation and try to keep a balance, a golden mean if you will, and that applies to the internet or beer or whatever.
I guess for some reason this upsets me to see you leave, but if you really do, then I wish you all the best and hope all goes well with you and your family.
Bragi
these were the lines that drew me in the most. i say to you, congratulations on your realizations and the positivity you have with them! although i do not know you nearly as well as many of the others, i wish you wellness.
peace to you, brother!
nic
gman, Enjoy life in the real world! We will miss you here but you have much better priorities as far as I can see. Enjoy your family!
peace, jonalbear
Wow, I honestly didn't expect these responses since I'm not a big poster or participator here. I didn't realize the impact little ol' me had on this board and with some of you. What a caring bunch you are. And yes, the internet/computing has been another addiction of mine. I've known for years. Unfortunately, addiction is something I battle in this life...on this plane anyway. But, I do what I can to take it head-on. And the best way for me to deal is to snuff it out completely. I have a hard time with moderation when it comes to some things...internet included. I've tried the past 6 months to cut back on my use...I'd do good and then I'd come back worse than before. Same with my battle with alcohol and tobacco in the past. It's horrible. It's time I snuff it out for a while and see how it goes. And my hands, wrists and arms are crying for change as well. I won't say "never again"...there are only a few things that I will say that to. Good people and a good community is not one of those. Believe me...after reading your responses I realized just how tough this is going to be. I may not be online...but that doesn't mean I'm dead. I can still be contacted through telephone. Sheesh, I forgot what communicating on one was like...real exchanging of words. Message me for a number. I'd be up for meeting any of you as well...bay area meet-up? Absolutely. It will just take a little more effort than a quick email to reach me. I'm just done with this technology at least for a while. So please, don't consider me dead or anything. I just won't be here on the board....at least for a while. I hope you understand.
I thought I'd post one more update. Picture on the left is me 4th of July weekend 2005...and me last Friday and 25 pounds lighter. it's been an amazing journey!
Take care,
~Gman
Great pics! Talk about a huge transformation since 2005, and honestly i have to say you do look younger in that right pic, i'm not kiddin!:D
Keep up the good work!
Hi again Gman,
You deserved EVERY ONE of those replies, my friend, never overlook what you have done for our community. Even if you have not posted a great deal, remember that every one of your posts were genuine, meaningful posts, and represent everything that is GOOD about the wonderful community that is the hyperboard.
Thank you for sharing this update picture with us, your hair and beard both look wonderful here, you have come SO far in 2 years! And congratulations on the loss of 25 pounds!
I really am looking forward to meeting you on my road trip in 2009, it should be an AWESOME meetup.
Take care,
David
I'm really touched by your response. I also have an addictive personality and battle my own personal demons. I am very much an all-or-nothing person - a fact I'm not especially proud of. Please stay in touch from time to time. I just feel I can relate to you so much.
What a transformation! You look so awesome now and carry yourself with a confidence that can only come from self-discovery.
Your brother,
Jason
Jason, my brother. I feel you, man. Addiction runs strong with the men on my mothers side. It's something I was born with and something I must live with for the rest of my life. And I sure hope this disease skips my own son. But, I'm prepared to help him deal with it if it doesn't. My mother never informed me so I had to figure it out all on my own which wasn't pretty...or easy. I've had a number of demons that I've dealt with and a few more to take on. The internet is just one in the bunch. But, each one I deal with and overcome the stronger I become...the more in touch I am with my true self...closer to enlightenment. The ironic twist in my life is that I've made the most progress with my addictions while living in a state that thrives on it. It would be so easy for me to go down the street to the casino's and start drinking and smoking heavily again. And while I'm at it...pick up a couple more addiction like gambling and prostitution. Living here has been the ultimate test of my strength and will power. And I must say, I'm proud of myself for beating the darkness...and you can too. Just stay positive, my man...continue loving yourself and take each day at a time...take each demon at a time. All will be good.
Too much of my life is wrapped up in the internet. When I go through internet withdrawals, get cranky when I can't check email...or when I'd rather spend a whole saturday by myself playing on the net instead of with my own flesh and blood in the backyard...there's a problem. I haven't even made one local friend out here in two years because I just don't get out much. And Tahoe (and cool peeps) are just a short drive away! Besides my little family...my world is pixilated. How the hell did I get here? There have been so many positives like meeting wonderful people like you all and helping the environment (I agree, Bragi). But, I've taken it way too far. I have a burning desire to be closer to mother earth...to reach back to my roots...to be free.
You have been an amazing inspiration to me...I've read much content on your website and I, too, feel a connection. We are of the same age and have had the same struggles with attempted hair grow-outs in the past, love nature, travel, etc. I relate to you very much. I promise not to be a stranger. I am naturally drawn to good people and groups like the MLHH. I agree with Dad..."There is no better place on the net today". I just need to drop-out for however long it takes. I just couldn't disappear without an explanation, though. I felt I owe you all that respect as you all have given it to me over the months.
Be well, my friend. You'll be in my thoughts.
Namaste...
~Garth (gman)
Thanks for your heartfelt comments and personal experience Garth. I can relate to the need to want to unplug oneself so to speak and ground oneself in Nature.
I wish you the very best.
Jason
Set up a wireless router connection, take your laptop outide, and surf away underneath the oaken umbrage of nature!!!
In my opinion, you've always been supportive but level-headed. You add a fresh, friendly perspective on things, and your strong ties to your family always shine through your posts. I enjoyed reading what you wrote, so I certainly think you deserve these responses.
I hope you can still at least lurk once in a while in the future, but at the same time, I really respect your decision to remove the computer from your home. Computers aren't all bad, of course--the Internet is a tremendous reservoir of knowledge--but we didn't need computers in the past, and we sure don't need them for the future, contrary to popular belief.
I also hope your condition improves once you've left the computer behind, so you may better enjoy both your music and your family.
Best of luck to you, and good to have known you, man.
Peace....
Hey there Gman!
I know that we have not posted each other directly but I have seen many of yours and I always admired how you presented yourself on this board.I really hate goodbyes but hopefully based on your latest response you'll be like good old Arnold saying "I'LL BE BACK!"LOL As for the internet usage thing I know it can get out of hand but for me without it there would have been so many nice people I never would have communicated with or for that matter met in person.It just opened up my world so much as there is life outside of NJ! Anyway I only wish you the best as I know you are doing whats best for you and your family.Hopefully we'll cross paths again in the future.Oh yea great hair pic BTW, it'll be sensational at waist length so you'll have to stop back here for that at least. Take care my friend!
Mark(Hairball)
You weren't a quantity poster but you were a quality poster, and that shall be missed!
May there be much love for you and your family,
Bruce
Knowing that the impacted you have yourself on this Board ????
Axel
Instead of fawning over you like a bunch of pop star fans losing their pop god whose plans are to forever retire from the lustrous limelight and forever withdraw into the dank darknes of some sepulchral seclusion, we should laude you, Gman, with the kudos you so rightly deserve for choosing family and real fourth dimensional space-time reality and Dame Nature over the (as you yourself dubbed it!) the pixalated psuedo-reality of the net.
Sure, it's a great tool, a virtual library of Alexandria, updated for the third millennium, BUT, it does take its toll, especially on those of us with genetically imprinted addictive personalities. I, too, hail from a creative gene pool, but, as in Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison's excellent study on mood disorders and creative genius in famous artists in history, "Touched By Fire", one must, MUST, must temper their bursts (or flare-ups!) of inspiration and creative output with what they can manifest out in the world.
I wish that I could have devoted my(s)elf to raising a family of mine own. Alas, my destiny lies elsewhere. One of the nicest things about this particular site is that we can always choose the option of communicating with its members off of the board itself. I'm certain that some of us and you shall do so, no matter where life leads you. You most definitely have MY support and well wishes. Keep in touch, Gman.
Yours in life's journeying and unfoldment,
Quenyan (+:-)}
Hi Gman:
I sincerely admire your resolve to first give up the television (a fantastic feat) and now the home pc. This is actually quite inspirational. I think that is truly wonderful to make a goal and stick to it, as you are doing. You seem like a cool and sincere dude, so I'll miss seeing you around here. I wish you the best of luck. Peace to you and your family.
Vince
Hi gman,
I have the highest amount of respect and admiration for what you have done and are about to do. I wish you and your family the best of luck and happiness for your future, and without a doubt you will be missed greatly.
Sincerly
Kevin Carr
Over and Out,
~Gman
Dear Gman,
Hope you can still accss the MLHH from time to time. Congratulations for having to conviction and courage to take this step.
We'll miss you but all the very best.
I should have gone out for a walk and got some fresh air and sunshine but I had to switch on my bloody computer and go online and its getting dark now.
Wish I could do what you did but for now my job demands I still use a computer.
Take care
Charles
Go check this link out.
I liked Gman's post so much that I took the liberty to post it to my blog, with a resized photo.
While eSoapBox Mobile was created for photo blogging from via e-mail from mobile phones but this time I posted it from a PC.
Charles