To start, I'm the son of a Air Force Vet so I grew up moving constantly. I was born in Illinois but don't hold that against me (joking). We lived in many states and even overseas in Turkey until Dad retired in 77.
We moved to the Dallas area where I went to high school. Typical nerd, science geek in school into chemistry and science. Did the typical hobbies as a kids, mostly nerdy stuff - reading, model rocketry, home chemistry sets (don't worry , eyebrows grew back and the explosions weren't that loud). I'm of the generation that played our video games in Arcades. We were the second family in the neighborhood to get PONG. I was also active in Scouting, going all the way through till 18, but didn't get my Eagle.
I worked the traditional high school jobs, something I highly recommend for everyone. It really teaches a person what they DON'T want to do for the rest of their lives. I did lawn care (in Texas summers - I melted), the next year I tried painting home exteriors with my Uncle (in Texas summers - I melted), also worked fast food for most of 2 years. All great jobs for some people, I just found out that I preferred different ways of making a buck.
After high school, I wasn't ready for college and because my parents were divorcing they weren't willing to pay even if I was. So, I joined the Air Force for 4 years. Spent the time working with flight crews as an Air Crew Life Support specialist. Working on helmets, oxygen masks, g-suits, NBC warfare gear, survival training. A thoroughly enjoyable time where I gained maturity and learned to take responsibility for myself. I left the service to come home and go to college.
I found a job in the plastics industry that helped accomplish that goal. Spent a few years there, working the grave yard shift. That gave me time to go to school during the day time, play volleyball in the evenings and still work 8 years. <
Then changed jobs still in the industry. Again a job that helped me with my degree. After a little time off when I moved to working days. Hey, do you know you can have a social life if you work the same hours as most people???? I didn't until I started working days again.
Finally found a university that offered an accelerated program in Business Management to get my Bachelor's degree. That was prompted by meeting a very wise, very lovely lady who wouldn't let our relationship go past dating until I had my bachelor's.
Now, I'm the luckiest man in the world to steal a saying. I'm married to my best friend. We married in 2002 and I gained 3 wonderful kids in the marriage. I don't and won't hear them called my "step" kids. I tell people the only steps in my house are the ones leading to the attic.
I'm also blessed with great in-laws. I'll save that for later but it isn't just something I have to say, I mean I really am blessed.
My mom still lives in the area and is remarried to a great guy. My father remarried and divorced twice. He was living in Mississippi 3 year ago when he suffered a severe bout of respiratory failure - surprise still smoking at being diagnosed with emphysema can do that for you. Dad wasn't the easiest person to live with growing up or up until that episode, but there was a tremendous change in the last 3 years of his life. Dad passed away early last month.
I have a good job in a different industry, working with really good people in a small private company. Since I'm not sure who will be reading this, I'll not name names or say much about my job. I don't think there will be problems, but for now, I'll be cautious.
I got into blogging and 2nd amendment advocacy fairly recently about 2 years ago. Cliff at OneUtah has a lot to do with it. There was so much misinformation being passed off as the truth, I decide to say something and kept at it just so the anti-freedom, pro-ignorance crowd aren't spread misinformation unchecked. It's been fun and I've met quite a few good people online.
Well, that is about it. More to come later as I think of it or the statute of limitations expire on various exploits :)
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