It's easy for people to take me too seriously at times; my humor is the dry, sarcastic variety and I often joke around with a straight face just to see how others will react. I'm also very attentive to what is going on around me, which can make me look either focused or distracted, depending on if you're trying to get my undivided attention or not. Emotionally, I'm generally confined to the various levels of contentedness; I'm not prone to being either too sad nor too happy. I find comfort in the stability of being able to take life's disappointments in stride, but I'm still fully capable of enjoying even the slightest pleasurable things in life.

I tend to plan more than I act and think more than I speak, but at the same time I live life on the edge. I take calculated risks; I've jumped out of a plane more than twenty times, I've rappelled from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, I've climbed the faces of jagged cliffs, mountain biked down rocky trails, been Tazered (for fun), driven over 150 miles per hour on four wheels, and over 160 on two wheels. But despite all the thrill seeking, I've never broken a bone nor ever needed stitches. I've bled and bruised, certainly, but who hasn't? I know my limits and am careful to push only as far as my abilities will allow.

I'm not inclined to provoke conflict, but I will stubbornly debate religion, politics, or any other topic with two or more sides. I've made up my mind about many aspects of life, yet anything I might learn or experience has its chance to change my views on the world and how it works. I'm not above admitting when I'm wrong or owning up to my mistakes. Learning from other peoples' actions has helped me prevent making many errors of my own, but I've still misstepped enough times to know I'm far from perfect.

Basically I live by a few major rules:

First, live without expectations. Although this can be very difficult to actually do, pulling it off can make life a lot more enjoyable. When you expect a good outcome, it won't be very special if it comes true. But if that good outcome doesn't come true, then you're more likely to be depressed about whatever happen instead. By not expecting anything specific, you can appreciate it more if it's a positive outcome, and be less bummed if it's a crappy one. Hopefully that makes sense.

Second, let people live their lives. Don't try to control others, don't tell them what to believe, and don't tell them what they can and can't do. It's their life and their body; they're free to do with both as they see fit. As long as they are not hurting anyone else (directly or indirectly) then what the hell does anyone care? People, we are all stuck on this planet together; try not to piss anyone off.

Third, live life (that's what it's for). I believe I'll only live once, my time here is precious, and there isn't anything waiting for me at the end of the journey. I fully intend to enjoy my days here and experience whatever aspects of life appeal to me. If there is a God in Heaven then I'd love to believe, but I've not seen anything in my lifetime that has convinced me, yet.

Just rocked out with Nickelback, Hinder, and Papa Roach in Irvine the first week of September; all I have to say is GREAT EFFING SHOW!!! The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater was packed and the energy of the crowd had the whole place booming. Hinder and Papa Roach put on great performances, but Nickelback truly burned it to the ground.

Back in April I saw the Pink Floyd Experience in San Luis Obispo, and it blew my mind away. The friends I went with had been to an actual Pink Floyd concert back in the day and thought the real thing was a million times better, but oh well, I really enjoyed the show regardless. It's times like those that I wish I'd actually tried drugs. I might just have to try pot when I retire.

Last October I went to see Jeff Dunham (www.JeffDunham.com) at the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara! I literally did not stop laughing for two and a half hours. We were all impressed with Jeff's ability to improv and react to both the crowd and the feedback problems with his microphone. Of course, everything is funnier with puppets like Walter, Peanut, Achmed, and Bubba J. Oh, and don't forget Jose Jalepeno (on a steeek). I've already bought tickets for another Jeff Dunham performance this April. I can't wait!

In September 2008, I flew up to Sacramento and bought a new, well, used car (2006 Cadillac CTS-V) and drove it to my brother's place in Grass Valley where I was born. Spent a weekend with him before driving back to Sacramento and picked up a friend from New York who I hadn't seen in over seven years! She and I have the same birthday and became friends while I was stationed there in New York. We spent the week visiting such places as Mariposa, Yosemite, Mono Lake, and Lake Tahoe before she had to return to Sacramento and fly back to New York. It was an awesome week!

In July 2008, some friends and I had an awesome weekend in Las Vegas to celebrate my good buddy's bach party! Saw Tom Petty in concert back in April in Santa Barbara, what a show! I also bought a streetbike (Honda CBR 600 F4i) and am having an absolute blast riding it wherever traffic is light and curves are plenty.

falling out of planes. Twenty jumps so far! Only a few more and I'll have my skydiving "A" license. Next I think is going to be scuba and/or rockclimbing. Windsurfing might be fun too; anybody into that? Hmmm, or maybe I'll go ahead and get my pilot's license, I've been wanting that for a while.

My eyes and the fact that I don't look my age, which is apparent since I still get carded EVERY TIME.

Books: Anything by Tom Clancy, Dan Brown and Dean Koontz.

Movies: Favorites range from Strange Brew to Boondock Saints to Meet Joe Black.

Television: Don't have cable, but I love House, Dexter, and Heroes.

Music: Classic and Modern Rock Tom Petty, Nickelback, ACDC, Linkin Park, Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach.

Food: Sushi, Mexican, Thai, Italian and pitas.

My dogs (Kali and Troy), my family, my house, my car, my job (okay, could do without the job if I won the lottery), my optimism.

tomorrow.

Out with friends. I've finally reached a high enough point in seniority to get Friday nights off. Sweeeeeeet.

My dogs sleep with me, they're total cuddle bugs. But they are super clean dogs and NEVER get that doggy smell.

you have the time and can do so without too many typos. I'm counting (just kidding). Oh, and an interest in eating sushi is a MAJOR plus; or at least be willing to try it. It's delicious AND good for you!