I’m currently flying high above the East Coast, somewhere between Warwick Rhode Island and Orlando Florida. While I’m on my way to Fort Lauderdale to meet with one of my favorite clients, I have a nifty connection in city with mouse ears.

Growing up, I traveled all of the time with my mother. Having owned and managed the same travel agency now for more than twenty years, I had the opportunity to see and experience places that I’m already eager to show to my son Camden. As I’m here hammering away on my keyboard though, I simply can’t help but appreciate the role that family plays in the forming of our lives.

For me, family represents a number of things… There’s the obvious unit of relatives, connected by blood, love and commitment. I’ve really learned a lot in the past few years about families — with most lessons coming from becoming a father, husband, and an independent adult.

For me, I’m committed to what I do professionally. While most people associate their jobs with a paycheck, I really see search marketing as a revolutionary element in my life. The many wonderful people you meet and speak with make it one of the most entertaining industries to be working in.

Hell, sometimes you don’t even have to meet people to feel a connection with them. While there are so many people in the industry I respect and appreciate, there’s an unspoken bond amongst those of us who really appreciate one another.

Specifically, Loren Baker and Lisa Barone are two names that pop into my mind I’ve never met either of them in person (yet), but plan to at SES early in 2008 if not sooner.

Loren is the editor of Search Engine Journal, and has given me the opportunity to get back into writing on industry topics. With his help, I was able to attend SMX Social Media with a Press Pass (Thanks Danny!) and meet literally dozens of true professionals.

With Lisa, she can be appreciated on so many levels. Like other ladies in search (Rebecca, Vanessa, Jane, Tamar, etc.) she’s driven, experienced and genuine. As I write this, I can’t help but think how strange it is that you can identify people on a first name basis when it comes to search marketing.

Lisa’s a hard core Red Sox fan, and along with Brendan Picha we’re representing the Search Marketing version of Red Sox Nation. Aside from that, Lisa’s efforts blogging on industry news, events and topics over on Bruce Clay’s SEO Blog is simply phenomenal.

When it comes to my family — I’ll openly protect anyone. From my wife and son to my many contacts in the search industry and beyond… I love you guys for all that you have done.

It’s taken a while, but I’ve been able to successfully install Pligg, which was a totally new experience for me. Very straightforward, very easy… Just took a while to get my server comfortable with everything.

I’ll drop a link once things are all set up!