This memoir is dedicated to my four kids. Nick and Brieann are finishing college and Alec and Shelby are finishing high school. All four of them are in the phase of life in which they are beginning to think about the future and build the foundation for their successes in life. I am happy that each of them seems to be taking this important business seriously. I hope the stories from my life contained in this book will offer some perspective and helpful guidance to their efforts, as well as some entertainment. And if I am lucky, some inspiration for their own journeys through life.