First a little of the past.
Graduate High School and realize going to college would only mean wasting Mom and Dad's money so that was out... Head off to work in Heavy equipment (which was GREAT like a little boy in a sand box) then work my way up in a recycling center at 21 I realized 9-5 6 days a week isn't for me. I have always saved my money and follwed dad's advice to keep life simple with few bills I decided to take off from work, hunt, fish, travel to see the country.

That led to 7 or so years of bouncing around from place to place I have written some of those stories: -WVA for whitetail, chase some bears, grouse, -Ohio whitetail, coon hunting and frog giggin all night, -Iowa for pheasant, dove, grouse, quail, -Missouri wild boar, trout, bass, crawdads, -PA biking hiking (sitting in low berry patches with my dad watching Black Bears and Whitetail on the cool dewy spring mornings first light) Alaska was a great time learning to build scribe fit log cabins, Eagles, fish, watch a man almost die while helping on a Ptarmigan hunt North of Kenai, -A long list of running up and down the Appalachian's states -California and the parks out West -Arizona's grand canyon, petrified forest, painted desert...Probably forgetten some, but that was such a great time that the 10 years I spent behind a keyboard and in meetings Near Washinton D.C. for atleast 4 different computer companies working on a NASA contract left me day dreaming about those days of freedom and exploring the country and my own thoughts made it near impossible to last as long as I did...

Now that contract has downsized and ended for me. Some family, friends and complete strangers have asked "What are your plans?" Then I answer run around and enjoy the country a bit before finding another contract to work on... They get this confused look wondering wether I am serious, not skilled enough to get another contract, or a little nuts... No doubt some are jealous, some think I am a fool not to be working. Most are somewhere inbetween. But each have to make their own decisions (and pay for them)

Mine are easy decisions with a pretty unique view of life. When I was back on my first 7 year break one rainy hunting day I talked with 2 wise sixty-some year olds eating lunch. One brought up the fact that I wasn't working and I though ( Oh No.. here comes an uncomfortable conversation about why am I wasting my life away? why aren't I in college? Working to save for my long term future? Doing someething more than what I was...) You see these two men had lived life VERY well to society's stereotypically standards and rules. They both finished High School and 4 years of college as Electrical Engineers at or near the very top of their classes. They both accepted offers from Westinghouse in their junior year of college and worked everyday of their careers. Few vacations, long hours and good pay, good savings and good family.
However I was SHOCKED when I heard the words "Curt, I think you are doing it right. I worked hard everyday and by the time I retired my life has passed me by, not able to do soo many things I have dreamed of... Go for it, live as you can while you can"

He knew I had saved and was responsible for the things I needed. I will always remember his words and since I have seen many more examples of people giving away some of the greatest years of their lives for the sake of money, work, waste...

Everyone has the freedom to choose that balance, living life as we choose.


Many people have captured their "take" on that balance of life and the time we have but a few stick in my mind.

We buy things we don't need... Can't afford... and Won't last... Only to impress people we Don't even like....

A friend from down in Alabama shared the old Irish proverb:
A dog owns nothing, yet is seldom dissatisfied

I don't know how long this "Punch List" will grow before I find another contract will be but it'll be fun finding out.
So far plans include:
Hikin parts of the Appalachian Trail, PA Grand Canyon, Parts of the Pacific Crest Trail
Bikin a few thousand miles: Balt MD to the Atlantic Ocean, parts of the West Coast, Washington, Oregon, Rockies?
Canoing, Kayaking,
We'll see how much gets done before I give in

Feel free to shoot me an email with any questions, comments or thoughts. Especially if you're: stuck in a job, lookin for something to do on college break or past the physical ability to make your punch list happen
Not as young or able as I used to be,
Still Learning... Curt