Hello 1974 AHS classmates and friend,

40 years? Impossible!

What have I been doing since AHS in 300 words or less and in chronological order: Attended good 'ol ISU, had an amazing time as a Sigma Chi, I switched majors what seemed like 50 times and wound up with a degree in Engineering taking the full 5 year plan. Cut my time short in the fraternity by 1 year when I was married in 1978. I worked in my Parents biz, realized I didn't want to do that. My first child, Blake, was born in 1982, sold insurance, realized I didn't want to do that.

Back to ISU and got a 2nd degree in Computer Science, which is my passion. It took me 6 years to realize my passion, but I learned a lot in those 6. The upside to having 2 degrees from ISU is getting annual fundraising calls from each department.

While getting my 2nd degree I worked for Ames Laboratory part time for $5.50/hour, and 2nd daughter Jennifer was born in 1985. Try having 2 kids, working 30 hours a week, going to school full time, making $5.50 per hour. Accepted a full time job at Ames Lab, which was great, I am an expert with a lot of computer technology from the 80's and 90's (like that will help me find a job in 2014). At Ames Lab, I collaborated with some of your parents. Grant was born in 1988 and that rounded out my family to a total of 5 counting me. We drove a beloved 1981 Chevy Citation for most of the 1980's. Times got better and we upgraded to a 1991 Ford Aerostar mini-van (with captains seats and dual air no less). I left "The Lab" in 1998 after encountering a manager that wouldn't accept me for who I was. I joined an Internet Startup, which was an even more amazing journey, I learned to program dynamically interactive web pages in PERL and SQL. That awesome job lasted until the now famous Internet bubble burst in 2000.

I started the 2000's working for Engineering Animation INC. (EAI) for 2 weeks, yes only 2 weeks before they were purchased by Unigraphics, in turn purchased by EDS, then back to UGS and then to PLM. Unfortunately, somewhere during that time I went thru a difficult divorce (you may ask me about it since it was over a decade ago), I also started doing Yoga and meditating during this same time, so in theory they cancelled each other out (it appears only in theory). PLM was purchased for $2 Billion and finally, 6 purchases later, Siemens purchased us for $8 billion. Apparently the sale could not go thru with my huge salary hindering the bottom line. They let me go and off into the next phase of my life. Oh yeah, I'm proud to say, all 3 of my children graduated from AHS during the 2000's.

I relocated and for 7 years hiked and biked a hundred miles a week in the amazingly beautifully gorgeous mountains and valleys of Southern California. I bought a Prius, regularly traversed 14 lane highways, hiked around the Hollywood sign, rode my bike to the Rose Bowl Parade and to San Diego from L.A., dropped off friends at LAX and walked barefoot in the Pacific Ocean. I became a Freegan (a Vegan that will eat some meat if its free), but never could really truly enjoy a glass of wine as much as most Cali's.

My first grandchild, Alana Lynn arrived in 2013 (her middle name after my sister, Lynn, who passed when we were all in 4th grade and she was in 2nd at Meeker, and some of you may remember Lynn). Alana Lynn is truly a miracle, and finally I realize I'm getting old. But isn't it great to have a grandchild, what an awesome thing! My great CA experience recently came to an end, and to be closer to my family I am now back in Sub-Siberia, also known as Ames, IA. It took 2 months to fully acclimate (can one ever be fully acclimated to Iowa?). I know I am a true Iowan when I find myself shoveling the walk in 10 degree weather without coat, hat or gloves, and I'm not really not that cold because the Sun is shining.

What has stayed the same thru all these years and experiences? What is my rock? My Family and my friends. There is nothing more important, and I hope to see so many of you this summer.