25 years in California. 35 years in Illinois. Now, 3 years in Texas. High school English teacher and Debate Coach for 3+ decades, current college Speech instructor. I love sports, movies, a few TV shows, reading, golf, and communication. I REALLY love my family and Jesus. Especially Jesus.
I grew up in Atwater, California, a small town in the heart of the Central Valley. My dad retired from the Air Force when I was eight, but I never lost my love and respect for the military. My life revolved around Castle Air Base–Officer’s Club pool, theater, groceries, haircuts–everything was on base.
I met my bride in 1979. She immediately and vocally hated me, but that’s a story for another day. We married in ’82 and I earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech and a teaching credential three years later. We spent five fantastic years in Orange County, figuring out life on a shoestring budget. Unable to find a job in CA, we were off to Illinois (another long story) for the next chapter.
I settled at Wheeling High School, what was supposed to be a one year gig for a woman on maternity leave. For some reason they kept me. A year turned into another year and another. Coupled with Debate and eventually teaching AP Lit (now, that’s a good story!), I just never left WHS. After 33 years on the job, I finally retired in 2018. Along the way, we raised three fantastic kids, my debaters won ten IL State titles and I made a lot of great friends. Oh yeah, I invested a few decades in high school ministry.
Or the last time.
Now, I live in Texas because it’s way warmer than the Midwest and the BBQ is better (though the pizza and Mexican food are lacking). I teach some communication classes at Collin College and write in my spare time. Still married 41 years later. Still happy. If memories make us rich, I’m one wealthy dude.
