about

i hail from the great state of missouri which proudly nicknamed itself “the show me state.”

the show-me state earned its nickname from us representative william duncan vandiver.  in 1899, he delivered a speech to the house of representatives and famously said,

“I come from a country that raises corn and cotton, cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I’m from Missouri, and you have got to show me.”

i was born in missouri (MO for short….or the big MO, as i like to call it), so i guess it is natural that i am skeptical and not easily convinced by words alone.   that is my approach on life:  i’m not satisfied by simply hearing the words of others.  i must see and experience things on my own.  that’s what this blog is about:   my experiences while i try to make the most of this crazy life.  usually those adventures involve traveling, climbing, running, hiking, and drinking good wine with friends…..

last may, that experience was climbing denali – north america’s highest peak.  and then in the fall, the experience was training for my first marathon – the marine corp marathon.   no matter the challenge i’m taking on at any given moment, the focus is still clear:  live life to the fullest!

this blog chronicles my crazy experiences.  so, read along.  i hope you enjoy hearing about my adventures!