If a man has his health he has everything--a saying no doubt penned by a wealthy person. That being said, I have managed to dodge AIDS, Mad Cow Disease, Avian Flu, West Nile Virus, Ebola, Swine Flu, and Legionnaire’s Disease. So on to my career. I believe most of what I have done workwise has been retribution for sins committed in a past life. I’m thinking the slate is nearly clean because I do love what I do now. I’ve no plans on retiring, ever.

It was 1971 when I last pointed the nose of my car out of Middleport. Next stop, United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (or the USMCOCS). The Corps, where everyday is a holiday, and every holiday is the Fourth of July. I ended up defending the beaches of Southern California from possible invasion. Having accomplished that mission, the Marine Corps saw fit to release me into the general population of L.A. I spent twenty five years in the heart of L.A. having a totally gnarly time. Right up to where grid-lock, gang warfare, fires, floods, and earthquakes somewhat dampened my enthusiasm. However, in that time I did manage to sire an offspring and marry a good woman. I now live on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. I’d call it God’s Country if I didn’t fear Right Wing Fundamental retaliation.

My favorite quote is by George Barnard Shaw; “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” My two greatest blessings; a wonderful wife and a loving daughter.

See you in July…save me a cold one.