In high school, I hated writing. I think I was the last kid on the planet to graduate from High School without using a computer for word processing. And, I was a painfully slow hand-writer. So every sentence had to be perfect.

I didn't bother with rough drafts. Every sentence was perfect, and I almost always got "A's" but it just about killed me. With no freedom to change or rearrange, the writer's block was quite painful, and I remember spending LONG and late nights pulling compositions together.

Now, of course, that is all changed. I enjoy the process of writing, almost as much as the experience of sharing my writing with others.

Sometimes I write without particular inspiration, and the result is forced and tired. But occasionally, life's crucible or life's joys, or life's mysteries are such that there are words that simply must be written. If I resist, those unwritten feelings and thoughts will consume me.

I have to admit...I like a lot of what I write. I know it isn't professional quality material. But I have fun with it. I hope you will find it evocative, or thought-provoking, or funny as well.

Besides writing, I enjoy hiking and backpacking, cycling, some running, volleyball, and many other activities.

Professionally, I enjoy my work as an investor in real estate notes. My focus is the purchase of non-performing notes at significant discounts, which puts me in a position to truly help the homeowner while making a nice profit for myself and my family. You can see my note investing website here.

In addition to that, I work with the best church loan company in the country, so if you know a church that might need a loan for the purchase, construction, or refinance of a church building please refer them to me. :-)

In May 2008, I did an Efudex treatment for skin cancer. Although it is technically chemotherapy, and had some nasty side effects, it really wasn't "chemo" the way most people think of it. I wasn't nauseous, didn't lose my hair, and didn't have to wonder if I would be alive in a year. Anyhow, check out that blog if you are interested in learning more.