When trying to describe ones self, it can be difficult to look in the mirror and accept what is there.
I was born in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada in March of 1961. Being the back end of the Baby-Boom presented difficulties few generations had seen before and, like many of my generation, I had to muddle through as best I could. After attending university for a BA in accounting and computer science, I found that there was little room in the industrialized world for many of my compatriots and myself. I set my career on a path that included restaurants and hotels then migrated to the steel industry, the art industry, the medical supply industry and finally the financial advice industry. None of these was my “career” of choice.
To say I moved around was an understatement.
Underlying all the career moves was need to write. At seventeen I wrote my first novel “The Goulais Boys” (pronounced Goo-lee) and moved on to poetry and short stories. My second novel, “Oasis” was written during my first marriage and is currently being reworked. My first published book is “You Don’t Need a Financial Advisor” and, predictably is about personal finance. My second published book “A Trail of Rocks”, a gathering of blog posts from another venue, is under the editors knife, is due to be released in January of 2010. While I continue to blog here, I am working on my third book.
I now reside in small town Southern Ontario with a shared custody West Highland Terrier named Kia, town folk who know me by name or reputation and a whole lot of wildlife.
I’ve found The One.
Political Views: Socially Responsible Capitalist
Religious views: Buddha influenced Atheist
Favourite activities: Cycling, golf, hiking, home improvement, woodworking, picking on institutions, SCUBA, travelling, sailing, dancing, singing (preferably alone), the Maple Leafs, societal issues
Favourite Music: Elton John, Nickelback, The Stones, Supertramp, ELO, Enya, Mozart, The Waifs… you get the picture.
Favourite TV Programmes: None because it’s based on a twelve year old mentality.
Favourite Films: Too many, really. I’m a movie maven. I like anything that makes me think. “Life as a House” ranks as number one at the moment.
Favourite Books: “One” and “Bridge Across Forever” by Richard Bach, “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman, the Travis McGee series, old Stephen King, “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand, “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins
Favourite Quotations: “I gave my life to become the person I am right now. Was it worth it?” Richard Bach
About me: Pretty laid back until I’m not. I tend to have a dry sense of humour. I also tend to have a very bad attitude toward people who are inconsiderate of others.
I’m a bit of a scatter-brain, but focus easily when I find an activity I truly enjoy. I am an enigma in that I love the outdoors and can also curl up inside. I love people and I can be just as comfortable on my own. I am equally comfortable going out or staying in. Sometimes I go with the flow and other times I plan in minute detail.
Confused? Me too. (I’m a Pisces/Aries cusp thingy for crying out loud. We never know what’s next and have a strong opinion about it.)
My first book, You Don’t Need a Financial Advisor was published September 2009.
