Lordy, Lordy, I'm turning 40

In a few weeks I will be turning 40 and have started to analyze what I am considering the "first half of my life".  On the bright side, I can say that I have accomplished allot and have tons of great memories and friends to show for it.

Before I go too far let me thank my wonderful parents - I would not be the person I am today without their love and support.  Thanks Mom and Dad!

To my lovely wife, I have spent almost half of my time on this earth with you, building a family, and I look forward to many more.

Some highlights:

Won Rhode Island State High School Football Championship (Portsmouth High School Class of 1992)

Played All-Marine Rugby (Pensacola, FL - 1997)

Played Rugby in Australia with the Gladstone GRUFS (awesome experience)

Traveled to six foreign countries (Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, Kuwait, and Iraq)

Learned to scuba dive in Okinawa, Japan

Participated in several dive trips in Australia at the Great Barrier Reef.

Spent a year in a war zone in Baghdad, Iraq and came home safely.

By comparison to some of my friends and colleagues, I have accomplished allot.

My early life has been focused on having fun, travelling, studying and learning a profession.  I started delivering newspapers in grade school, moved to stocking shelves when I got my license and car, then joined the Marine Corps when I graduated High School.  All of these jobs have lead me to my current exceptional career in information technology that allows me to take care of my family - I consider that mission accomplished for a career.

Now I want to expand my interests into activities that will enhance my lifestyle.  I keep a Bucket List, where I maintain a list of things I want to accomplish before I die.  Some examples are listed below.

 Learn to Dance
 Run a Marathon
 Go Hiking/Backpacking
 Write a book
 Have family Disney vacation (completed in April)
 Camping with family
 Learn Permaculture Design
 Take CPR Course
 Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit
 Purchase a handgun for EDC

I hope to continue posting interesting things I discover in my journey and contribute my experiences to the internet as a whole.