Running, cycling, swimming, weight training, camping, skiing/snowboarding, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, reading, traveling, and calligraphy. Anything that is active mentally or physically I'm ready for. I enjoy campetitive activities. I like comedy and action movies and I can tolerate a well produced B movie every now and then. I have a natural interest in the natural science of biology and chemistry, but no sci-fi b.s. here. I also love choppers. My brother is working on building me a custom chooper like to ones from the OCC. I used to be into the rice burners and all but, 1. compared to the chopper, they sound just plain weak and 2. they're organ donor machines, so no thanks, I've seen what happens on rockets and it's not a pretty way to go.
I have an amazing fiancé here in Raleigh attending NC State University. She is an amazing person that fills me with hope and laughter and inspiration every day. Other than that I'm looking to maintain the friendships that I have created over the years and apologize for allowing the physical distance between us to impede consistant correspondence. My life has taken several dramatic turns over the last 7 years and I want you to know that you all have a special place in my heart and I will never relinguish the memories of days past.As for new acquaintances, I am open in mind and body for those who will accept my friendship and trust.
I have a natural affinity for rock being a competitive athlete. I enjoy jazz, classic jazz (Benny Goodman style) more that contemporary jazz (Candy Dulfer style) but either will do in a pinch. When I feel like I need a little serentity in my life Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Strauss and their brethren hit the spot. When I'm in the mood, and there is a good beat, rap will do just fine. There are some catchy artists out there I regretfully confess. Country, the eternal enigma that it is, has grown on me a little, and I do mean a little. Specially since Carrie Underwood.
In addition to what has been previously stated, I do enjoy a good Drama flick every now and again. I know it's cliche to give you a "Top 10 Favorite Movies of All Time" and it will bore you to death and you don't really care, so...... here it is, in no particular order. Saving Private Ryan, Top Gun, American Flyer, Rudy, Troy, The Shining, The Last Samurai, Kill Bill Vol. 1&2, Hero, House of Flying Daggers, and City of Angels. But without a doubt, the only movie that I would place above all others is a very little known movie that cannot be found at Blockbuster or Hollywood Video, is Without Limits: The Steve Prefontaine Story. The original, not the 1999 remake, but the original. If you really want to know how/why I tick then rent that movie and you'll understand.
I really don't watch general programming on television. Lack of time or interest in today's programming is the real reason. I'm not into the reality shows and there is a lot of trash being produced and broadcast that dissapoints me in today's society. To think that those particular shows even have a following let alone air to begin with is completely shocking to me. OK, such as Meet the Barkers or The Osbournes or Jerry Springer or Punk'd or . . . . maybe I should stop there, you understand where I'm going. What I am watching are shows like 24 with Keifer Sutherland. AWESOME. Can't miss a single minute of that one!! I also like comedies like Everybody Loves Raymond and The Family Guy. I love the educational TV programs on the History Channel and Discovery Channel. The Military Channel has interesting series that I'll catch when there's nothing else on. Of course I watch baseball (Chicago Cubs), football (Green Bay Packers) and hockey (Carolina Hurricanes). I'll watch any collegiate sport available. Haven't missed the NCAA Championships for Swimming in 6 or 7 years. I love watching golf on TV. Specially Sundays in any of the four Majors.
Well, I really like the Travelers Tales series in the International Travel section of Barnes & Noble. You really get a feel for what it's like to really be there. Take everything in and experience it for yourself from the comfort of your home. I love Hemingway, but you really have to be in the mood for it. Right now I'm reading the personal memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant. Powerful stuff! Never got around to The DaVinci Code. Don't really think I want to. Robin Cook is a great author if you like medical mystery/thriller. His series is very profound and will send shivers up your spine on a hot night. I really wish I had more time to read but it has taken a tertiary priority to school and racing and working. I have a lifetime ahead of me and . . . . I'm pacing myself. Yeah, I'm going with that one.
Wow, my heroes. Good one. Well, first and foremost, my stepfather, the greatest man to walk the Earth. He has inspired me in so many ways over the years. I wouldn't be who I am without his strength and support. He is the most loyal, honest, kind, generous man I know and it is my hope that someday I can be half the man he is. Salt of the Earth, that's all I can say. Then there's Lance Armstrong. I could care less about what the French media says about him, he's 100% greatness. His life and strength are idealic images I have for myself. He truely inspires people. I haven't missed a race of his in 3 years on OLN. Then there's Steve Prefontaine. when I look into the mirror, I vision him staring back from my eyes. Please, somehow find a way to watch that movie Without Limits: The Steve Prefontaine Story. Only then can you understand where I'm coming from.