Family & Friends

Oddly enough I’m leaving behind my biggest strengths in order to do this trip…family and friends.  I have been blessed with an incredible family and die-for friends.

My sons, Ryan & Aaron, are the best.  They’ve stuck with me through thick and thin.  I want them to know how much that is appreciated by me.

Mom, what can I say about my Mom?  I have learned more about parenting through her than anyone else.  Perhaps that’s part of the reason the boys are who they are.  I know that just because a person reaches adulthood it doesn’t mean the job/responsibility/pain/joy of parenting is over.  It would probably be a safe bet that as an adult I’ve given Mom more grey hairs than I ever did as  a kid.  I’m glad you have Gene…God knows you need someone to supervise.

My big brothers, Greg & Wes, even though they both are shaking their heads wondering what screws got knocked loose on my motorcycle accident, are supportive of me heading out.  Though they continue to shake their heads…I mean, why not at least on a motorcycle, right?

My friends…where to begin…

My tequila drinking pal and teacher of all things relating to motorcycle riding Wayne Petersen.  Oh the stories we could tell on each other!

Dr. Scott MacLeod.  Scott is my second resident know-it-all.  His knowledge encompasses so many topics and he has always been willing to share it with me whenever needed.

Paul Wasik was a fellow employee at the Monte Carlo.  Paul worked for me but I learned more from Paul about leadership than I did from anyone else at MC.  Paul is also entrusted with keeping a certain house from disrepair.  I hope he enjoys it as much as I always have.

Dr. Bill Muir.  Bill is my go to man when it comes to sharing a cigar…or begging one from him.  I owe Bill many thanks for giving my cigars (and humidors) a home that I know couldn’t be better.

Regardless of our current situation Rosa Jepsen, is/was and hopefully always will be someone I count as a friend.  She is the keeper of the baddest ass cats in Las Vegas, and one crippled little dog.

One of the few former partners I keep in contact with is Joede Vanek.  We don’t see each other often enough, but coffee always tastes better when we get together.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Mark Baker.  Mark and I rarely socialize but he is nonetheless a damn good friend and always has a viewpoint worth looking at and listening to.  Mark is also one of the most trustworthy people I’ve known.

When I speak of IT stuff I reach for Mike Balasko.  Mike was never so happy as to when I quit dial-up….yeah he’s been helping me out that long.  Damn, he was just a kid then…wearing flaming shoes!  Mike has helped me out with anything tech and geeky.  I will keep his cell number close at hand and hope that he answers.

Perhaps saving the best for last, my best friend Terry Leavitt.  Terry and I have known each other for a long time and have been through the best of times, and without doubt, the worst of times.  Terry is my number one resident know-it-all.  Most people don’t have one of these and I’m blessed with two.  How lucky am I.