About Me

I'm a happy guy. What can I say? I'm sure a lot has to do with genes, family, friends, successes, failures (resolved and unresolved) all the traditional psychobabble. I think there's more. Please don't get me wrong, I don't wake each day grinning like the village idiot (although some would argue that). I'm looking forward to what I'll run into by design, clumsiness or blind luck. I maintain an independent perspective, my own little stage from which I watch and play in the human drama. I have the great ability to see an every day happenstance and elevate it to a rich and profound level. Or I open my eyes to see the nuances as well as the big picture. Or I'm curious enough about something to dig deeply into it. For example, after graduating college I took the traditional European 2 month tour. In Basel Switzerland I came across a silk Persian prayer rug. It absolutely hypnotized me. As the light glanced off of it from different angles, it changed colors. What did I do? Got my shots, picked up a year's supply of Lomotil and got on the Orient Express heading for "The East." Evolved into an attempt to go around the world but got turned back at Myanmar (Burma) because it was closed. Gone for 11 months on a total of $1,200. I did hit such garden spots as Iran, Pakistan, India, Ceylon(Sri Lanka), Nepal and Afghanistan and Israel. I was mostly the only American where I went, fortunately everyone liked us back then. Came through the Khyber Pass riding on top of an old American school bus that had been painted turquoise to ward off the evil spirits, with a gang of Baluchis. Saw the 2 largest Bhuddas in the world (carved into the side of a mountain) before the Taliban blew them up. Every once in a while I flash back and recall sights, sounds and smells. A while ago my business took me to Latin America where I spent time in Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela and Costa Rica. A lot of wild recollections from there, too. Recently relocated to Chicago after 30 years in Florida and love the friendliness and kindness of the people here. I plan to explore the Midwest and create experiences similar to the Near East and Latin America. Would be flattered to find "The One" to join me. I have a great sense of the absurd (one of my most endearing qualities). Am the honorary governor of Absurdistan. I am a gentleman. Good manners are a good reflection on my parents. And you can't appreciate the absurd without a good sense of humor (another endearing quality). I speak and write pretty well, but am challenged in an age of multitasking. I prefer to do one thing at a time "above average" (thank you Garrison Keillor) than several things adequately. I love to cook and am adventurous about it. I've only poisoned 4 people so far and they have all recovered. I think I'm loyal and true and the kind of friend you'd want. If you think so too and are up to a chat, drop me a line. Thanks.