In Love with Macs
In the fall of 1984, while browsing a computer store in Minot, ND, I stumbled upon a sleek new machine that would change my life: the Macintosh. It was an attractive computer with a beautiful, intuitive, graphical user interface. Within minutes, and without any instruction, I was navigating the Mac’s word processing program, Write, and crafting illustrations in Paint. Formatting was a breeze; I simply pointed to choices in the menus at the program’s top and clicked buttons and drop-down menus with the mouse.
This was in stark contrast to other computers in 1984. They had no graphical interface and required users to insert obscure formatting commands. They were based on MS-DOS, an ugly and purely functional operating system. They came with thick instruction manuals so users could figure out how to use them.
That day, I bought my first Mac. It became an indispensable tool for creating brochures, flyers, outlines, and informational sheets for my work in the Air Force. My original 128k Mac sparked a love affair with Apple products that continues to this day. This passion has expanded to the iPhone, iPad, AirPods, HomePods, and more. As I write this on a Mac Studio, M1 Max, I still find joy in the seamless, user-friendly experience that started it all.
My Interests and Blog
When I started this blog, I thought I’d mostly write about Apple tech stuff. I’m still writing a little about that topic, but now I’m more interested in productivity tools and using tech to live a more creative and intentional life. Since my blog follows my interests, it has changed to reflect those areas.
I’ve developed an interest in Stoic philosophy with the goal of living a happy life. For the last several years, I’ve been following David Spark’s life roles-based system, which he describes in his Productivity Field Guide.
I’ve found that I’m also writing much more about “general life advice.” Perhaps it’s because I’ve been alive for 72 years and want to share what I’ve learned with others. Or, I’ve been reading a lot more lately about improving my life and want to pass that on.
As I’ve aged, balance has become more important to me. I want to live more intentionally and proactively, not just react to what happens around me.
My goal is to serve as a guide to:
• Help people to use technology to be more productive.
• Help and encourage people to live more focused, intentional, and balanced lives.
Before writing Original Mac Guy, I wrote a blog focusing on Senior Sexuality. Last year, I rewrote many of those blog posts and combined them into a book about sexuality relevant to all adults, Sex for Life.
Jim’s Bio
I’m lucky to have been married to my best friend and lover, Lanette, since 1972. We raised four children and are now retired and living in Rapid City, South Dakota.
In December of 2022, we celebrated our 50th Anniversary with a trip to Disneyland. It was a blast! Here’s a blog post about my reflections about 50 years of marriage: Reflections About Hot Sex, Love, Friendship, and Productivity On My 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Minister & Chaplain
After attending a religious junior college in Tennessee, I began working as a minister. When I realized I needed more education, I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to receive GI Bill educational benefits. Following Basic Training and Technical School, I served as a Medical Administrative Specialist. I took night classes while stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. After my term of enlistment, I returned to school at Freed-Hardeman University and graduated with a B.S. degree.
Next, I attended Harding School of Theology when it was located in Memphis, TN, where I obtained a three-year Master of Theology degree. I became a chaplain in the Air Force, where I did a lot of counseling, teaching, and visiting. I also got to do many cool things, like go to Air Force Survival School and regularly fly on fighters, bombers, tankers, and transport aircraft.
Lawyer & JAG
After being discharged from active duty in 1993, I attended law school in Oregon at the Lewis and Clark Law School. Following graduation and passing the bar, I began a career focusing on family law and later transitioned to estate planning.
I became a JAG (Judge Advocate General) and practiced law in the Air Force Reserve on inactive and active duty tours. In 2009, I was mandatorily retired from the Air Force after a 33+ year career. I was kicking and screaming as I approached retirement, enjoying what I did in the Air Force and not wanting to quit.
I retired from my sole practitioner law practice in 2015 and moved to the Phoenix, AZ, area with my wife, Lanette. In the summer of 2023, we moved to Rapid City, South Dakota.
What I like to do
I enjoy hiking, backpacking, Mac computers, iPads, and iPhones.
I love learning new things and sharing my knowledge through teaching classes, reading, and writing. I’ve always been interested in several historical periods and like to play WWII historical wargames on my computer.
I volunteer for the National Park Service at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, where I conduct tours and interact with the public. In October of 2024, I was employed as a part-time ranger for the National Park Service.
I still haven’t decided what I want to do when I grow up!