There is nothing as important in life as the presence of a loving and supportive family, friendship that lasts decades, and the freedom to explore new avenues of life's enjoyments. I've been fortunate to find all those in my life and, although it's not always easy to balance each of those luxuries, it's well worth the effort.

First among those is my family. I've got a wonderful wife, Janet, of (nearly) 19 years: 23 if you count the 4 years dating. We met while I was in the military and stationed in Puerto Rico. My children, Brittney (10) and Mary Beth (9) are lovely and talented girls who never cease to amaze me at how fast they grow. Just where do they get so much life, spirit and energy?

Next to family, friends are perhaps the most important aspect of my life and I hold each of them close to my heart forever even as miles increase and contact decrease. I'm still in regular contact with friends from high school, my time in the military, and each former state of residence. Mary White, Burt Poley, Doug Wise, John Tagliaferri, Kim Chisholm, Mary Herr, Connie and Rob Riles, Robert and Miriam Elliott and Chelley and Conrad Hartle, I appreciate every moment of friendship and support over the years even if I haven't voiced it in person or have moved on and not been in touch often.

For fun, my family and I all enjoy traveling, and we all started taking Tae Kwon Do together last October. I wanted my girls to learn to defend themselves and get the regular exercise (mental and physical), and I wanted to put fear into their prospective dates as they get older! I do intend to stay with Tae Kwon Do through obtaining my black belt and hopefully beyond since it is so good for the mind, body and soul, although now being 45 years old will obviously limit the degree of belt that I will be able to reach as compared to my girls.