Mom: What can I say about my mom? She was there for me throughout all points in my life. Not matter what the issue, she was there to listen and offer her advice. In fact, she often offered her advice without me asking her. She is a strong-willed individual who helped me into this world, and has helped me ever since.
Dad: Through genetics and parenthood my father passed down to me my natural inclination toward music, my sense of value (some call it cheapness) and my overall competitive nature. When I was very young 4 states separated our homes. Each summer we drove 16 hours so I could visit him for a month. He realized how little he was able to be in my life with this set up and he uprooted his family in order to move closer to me. He doesn't realize how much I have thought about that sacrifice over the years and how appreciative I am that he made the effort to be in my life. He doesn't realize this, but he taught me to be independent and strong. He taught how to take care of myself. And I will never forget that. On a different note, doesn't my dad look straight out of a spaghetti western from the 60's? Sort of like pre-Deathwish Bronson?
Joe: Joe married my mother when I was 3 or 4 year old and has been in my life ever sense. He taught me the value of education and encouraged the many interests I had growing up. He took it upon himself to raise me as one of his own, and I am happy to have him as an active part in my life today.
L.: I cannot say enough about L. at this point. One of her true strengths is her ability to help someone when they are in trouble. She makes other's problems a personal responsibility and will stop at nothing to make sure those she cares about are taken care of. She is also responsible for my growth from college into adulthood. And now she struggles pushing me from adulthood into responsible adulthood. It is an ongoing process and one she is committed to undergo. And I love her for that.
Stephen: Stephen helps me with spontaneity. I am a planner, almost to a detriment. Stephen is spontaneous. Because of him I often find myself out of my comfort zone. For instance, on multiple occasions he has called me while on his way to Dallas to let me know that he is picking me up and taking me to a sporting event or concert. Together we have seen The Red Hot Chili Peppers, A Perfect Circle, Coldplay, Pearl Jam, and the pinnacle of all spontaneous events Game 6 of last years ALCS. Yes, that is the game the Rangers defeated the Yankees to go to the World Series. This turned out to be the most impressive sporting event I have ever witnessed live, and a moment I will never forget.
Chris: Chris and I have known each other since elementary school. He has been one of my closest friends through adolescence, and is personally responsible for undoing all he could of what my father has instilled in me as it pertains to value (cheapness). He has also taught me how to drink scotch and has helped me develop my love for wine. He worked tirelessly to ween me off of classic rock in favor of alternative rock, and together we explored many ventures that include: writing, painting, music, hockey, bad movies, cats, acting, dealing with naive baylor students, the A-Hole Olympics, just to name a handful. He has been instrumental in tempering the craziness that occurs when I get bored, and that is no easy task.
Craig: Craig has been a close friend of mine since 6th grade and is responsible for my education as it pertains to girls. So now L. can understand why I was so unpolished when she met me in college. The first time I asked a girl to be my girlfriend, Craig and Chris were there to comfort me when she said no. Of course, I am pretty sure it was their encouragement that led me to that phone call to begin with. Craig also introduced me into the world of working, where I got my first job at Discovery Zone. I later repaid the favor by getting him a job working with Johnson and Ned at TxDoT. Craig started me on Classic Rock and was with me when I went to see Rush for my first concert ever. Later, he and I tried to see Kansas and Styx, but that did not work out so well. Over the years Craig and I played roles into our introduction into real life, marriage and eventually he will play a large role into my first experience with children. I know he is looking forward to that because he is going to get a lot of phone calls from me asking how he has been able to do it.
Dugat: Dugat is another friend of mine dating back to 6th grade. His first contributions into my development as a young person came in the form of getting in trouble. His antics allowed me to learn on a weekly basis how to deal with after school detention. And he taught me early on how to be prepared, forcing me to bring several pens to class so that I would have something to write with after he stole the ink from my pens. Later in our scholastic career our friendship led me into writing and music. Before I knew Michael I thought Dennis Deyoung was a quality lyric writer! Later in our friendship Dugat helped me to understand and appreciate sports. His insight into basketball and football has made my experience of these sports the last decade much more meaningful and enjoyable. And as life has happened to me, I have found Michael a consistent and reliable source of quality support, whether it be about my career or my personal life. I am just glad no jobs give after work detentions, otherwise I might think differently.
Britt: I met Britt working at Casa Ole in Waco. He taught me accountability. And toughness. And how to drink. Like Liz, Britt is at his best when helping others with their problems. These problems range from car issues to relationship issues. He is a great listener who will take what you have to say, combine it with his superior common sense and give you a strategic course of action that will likely lead you to the outcome you desire. He is good at giving bad news and is one of the easiest people to talk to. Over the years we have butted heads on many issues, and I would not trade that for anything. He has challenged me to become better in all facets of life and for that I am appreciative. Not only is he good at helping others get out of the trouble they get into, but he is also good at getting himself into trouble. The many strange situations he has somehow gotten himself into have made my life infinitely more rewarding.
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