My name is Jack (not a nickname). I grew up during the 60's and 70's. In my lifetime, I have witnessed many historical events, most good, some evil. Born and raised in Southern California, I attended public schools, grew up with a working father and stay-at-home mother. I am the oldest of four kids, 2 younger brothers and a younger sister.

I had a normal childhood, meaning there was no abuse, alcholoism or other major disfunction in my immediate family. I have not been scarred emotionally, nor do I consider myself a "victim" of anything. In other words: I, and only I, am responsible for the way I choose to live my life. (I have found that this is an unusual concept these days.)

After graduating from High School (with average grades), I went on to work at a few part-time jobs from the time I was 17 to the time I was about 20. I started taking guitar lessons at the age of 8, and continued for nine years. While working part time jobs, I tried my hand at becoming a rock star until I realized that I needed to make some real money in order to survive. That was my passion at the time, but common sense led me down a different road.

Like a lot of teenagers, I didn't have a career path planned out. I got a job in a phone company warehouse in my early 20's, thanks to my Dad, who worked for the same company for over 35 years and retired with a pention (rarely seen anymore these days).

I had no idols or role models as a child, except for my Dad. I didn't worship any athletes, Rock Stars, or Celebrities. Until I moved out of my house and was on my own, I thought that my Dad was the smartest guy in the world. He was smart, but also average. He didn't hold any degrees nor was he an expert in anything either. But looking back, he had lots of common sense, was hard working and cared greatly about his family and others.

I wasn't kicked out of my parents house, but moved out on my own at the age of around 22, into a small furnished apartment with my best friend at the time. My future wife lived in the apartment next door. I met her, dated her for 6 months and we were married. We are still married after 27 years. I have been a shoe salesman, warehouse worker, computer programmer and a poker dealer. I had a major career change at the age of 47. When I was layed off after nearly 20 years as a computer programmer, from a company that I hated working for over the past 3 years of my career. I decided to find a job doing something that I enjoyed. Unemployed for 8 months, I was willing to take any job in the beginning. Fortunately, my wife's income kept us afloat during my 8-month "vacation". I went to a trade school for poker dealing for 5 months at a cost of about $3,000, in order to secure a job that paid minimum wage (+ tips). Working with the public in the service industry was a 180 degree change from my cubicle job, with little or no public interaction. You do what you have to do to provide for yourself and your family.

I will probably leave no legacy, other than my son, who is now 16. It would be nice if he could achieve greatness someday. Maybe find the cure for some terrible disease or invent something that helps mankind. But even if he is average, and uses his common sense throughout his life, that would make me very happy!