vanity~vanity

They call us Generation Jones, stuck between the old-school boomers and Gen X. I have no idea who “they” are or if any of it makes sense, but I fit their timeline: 1955 to 1965. Born in 1957, I grew up in the ’60s, seeing all the fun but being too young to join in. Total bummer.

Most of us didn’t protest or get drafted for Vietnam. Honestly, we didn’t really grasp what was happening in the ‘60s, even though it was a wild time to be alive. We watched it all unfold on our tiny black-and-white TVs. (By the mid-‘60s, some people had color TVs, but we stuck with black-and-white throughout my childhood.)

By the time I turned 18, the world felt like a completely different place compared to a decade earlier. On August 29, 1975, I turned eighteen. At the time I was a United States Air Force Airman. Honestly, everything seemed to go downhill from there—at least for me. Well, not entirely. I met this crazy girl who ended up becoming my wife. Somehow, she’s stuck by my side all these years, which is definitely a good thing. The downside is, she’s had to endure all my misadventures, failures, and screw-ups. But the upside? She still loves me.

The Biography

The older someone gets, the more they realize how fleeting life is. We have such a short time on this planet. Unless those who believe in reincarnation are correct, the “I” within us is here then gone and forgotten. Not even famous people are remembered forever. The vast majority of human beings are forgotten within years after they die. Ordinary people—and I am an ordinary person—are gone and forgotten very quickly. Frankly, I think that sucks.

In order to preserve my history a bit longer I have established this website, from which I hope to write a book if I live long enough. Perhaps it is vanity, or pride (though I don’t have much to be proud about). Maybe so, but I have lived a very unique, if not very successful life. My life is, I think, an interesting story. Some might say absurd or down right cockamamie. OK, whatever.

I always learn my lessons the hard way. I’m sort’ of like a kid who says, “what is this?” just before sticking a fork in an electrical socket. If for no other reason, read my story to discover how not to do things.

Whether or not you appreciate my political or religious views I think you will find my story interesting. At least it might show you how someone who believes as I do came to my conclusions. Let me know what you think.

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The Website

This website is more than just a biography—it’s a space for me to share my thoughts on life, politics, and whatever else comes to mind. While my days as a Crusader are behind me, that doesn’t mean I lack strong views or moral positions. In fact, I hold very strong opinions on politics and ethics. Here, you’ll find plenty of my perspectives. Feel free to appreciate them, ignore them, or even complain about them—whatever works for you.

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Summary

I hope you find my story fascinating, educating or simply a description of how not to live a life. Whichever applies, you’re welcome. If you appreciate my views on life that’s great. Let’s talk more. If not, well, let’s see how that goes.

Ted Gresham – July 2025