About the Author
I’ve Had a Few Detours (And a Few Potholes)
Life doesn’t always follow the map. Some turns I planned. Others? Let’s just say the GPS was drunk. But every twist — from the Navy Seabees to working underground in a coal mine — helped shape who I am and why I started this site.
I served in the U.S. Navy Seabees from 1972 to 1978 as a builder. It was hands-on, demanding, and a lot of “figure it out with duct tape and a hammer.” It taught me grit, discipline, and how to make stuff work even when half your tools are missing.
When I got out, I traded the hardhat for a helmet lamp and went straight into a coal mine in Illinois. From 1978 to 1988, I spent my days (and nights) underground doing 10-hour shifts in the dark, wet, and dangerous. Not exactly your average office job. It was tough on the body and even tougher on the mind.
Then the mine shut down. Just like that, I was laid off. I had a choice: feel sorry for myself or start over. So I hit the books — at junior college — and earned an associate degree in Computer Information Technology. I did that while working full-time to support my family. It wasn’t easy, but it opened a whole new path.
In 1989, I started a new chapter in IT — tech support, networking, problem-solving — you name it. For decades, I helped people figure out why their computers hated them. In a way, I’ve always been a guy who clears up confusion. Whether it was fixing someone’s glitchy PC or helping build something from the ground up, I liked making things work.
But here’s the truth: After I retired, I realized the biggest confusion wasn’t “out there.” It was in my own head.
I’ve been through three divorces (yep, two with the same woman — long story). I’ve dealt with anxiety, overthinking, and a brand of low self-esteem that wears a smile really well. There were days I felt completely lost — not because I lacked a job or direction, but because I didn’t feel like me anymore.
I’ve tried rebuilding relationships, taken rejection on the chin, and done my best to stay grounded in a world that feels like it’s spinning faster every day.
And the noise? Oh man, it’s everywhere. The news is nonstop and rarely helpful. Social media is a circus of fake perfection, bad advice, and all-caps opinions. Even watching TV feels like your brain’s being shouted at.
So I created CuttingThruTheNoise.com.
I wanted to build a space for people like me — folks who’ve lived a little, taken a few punches, and still want to keep growing. This site isn’t here to sell sunshine or ten-step fixes for happiness. It’s about being real. Slowing down. Asking honest questions. And tuning in to what actually matters.
Here, you’ll find stories, tools, and thoughts about:
Getting unstuck when life feels pointless or heavy
Managing anxiety (and quieting that voice in your head that won’t zip it)
Seeing through media spin and thinking for yourself
Healing after divorce, burnout, or disappointment
Building confidence and direction — even if you’re getting a later start
This site helps me as much as anyone. Writing here gives me purpose. It keeps me sharp. And if something I share helps even one person feel a little less alone, then it’s worth every word.
So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise — welcome. You’re in good company. I hope you find a little peace here, a few tools to move forward, and maybe even a fresh start.
Writing’s not really my thing, so I’ve got some help from AI. (It’s like Clippy’s smarter cousin, but way less annoying.) Thanks for sticking around.
Glad you’re here.