Who are you?

[The Fishing Geek]

There has been a lot of catetorizing of people who believe one way or another on hotly-debated topics. Originally I was going to post this in another thread, but maybe this would be a good opportunity for those who participate in the iFish LIG forum to step up and show everyone that we are individuals, and not just [insert generalization here].

I don't have any tie-dye, oats give me heart burn, and when I tried marijuana (two or three times) it only made me tired and as I need no help sleeping it bored me. I do not believe in the death penalty, but if you mess with my kids I will not hesitate to snuff you out like a candle.

I am a registered Independent, as I refuse to let a political party dictate how I should feel. Admittedly, I lean to the left on most issues; however, that doesn't mean that I won't surprise folks with some of my conservative beliefs (which I have several).

My hair is short, I wear blue jeans a lot, and tennis shoes. The Greatful Dead did nothing for me, and a lot of my music collection features liberal use of power chords. I drive an SUV, with a 302 no less.

I fish. I eat meat (and a lot of it, due to Dr. Atkins). While I see some benefit in organic foods, I think that a lot of it is hooey. I've never owned a pair of Birks in my life. I live in a double-wide, and they take the axles when they deliver the home, so I'm not so lucky as to move on a whim.

There's a lot more to me than just this; however, with what I've shown above maybe you can see that there really isn't a way that I can be painted as anything other than an individual.

[STGRule]

Okay, I'm game. I am a registered Republican (don't have a heart attack yet). :shocked: I was a registered Independent for many years and got tired of being left out of the primaries. My husband is registered as a Democrat. I registered as a Republican so we get all the political agenda items from both sides. Neither of us votes party lines. I also lean to the left, but haven't fallen over yet. I got married when I was 16 and we just celebrated our 30th.
I have made my own and worn tie-dye items. Although not for a few years. I did threaten to make some for my grandsons. Mostly I wear jeans and fleece. I hate granola. Sometime in my past I was known to light up. Not much, as I also just got tired and thirsty. I drive an old, beatup, diesel K-5 Chevy Blazer. I too prefer power chords in my music. Actually anything except country.
I like to camp, fish, and my family is the most important thing in the world to me. I can tuna, put up fruit and veggies, grow a veggie garden (organic), I like meat and eat too much fat. And I have a tattoo (that I got AFTER I turned 40).
My hobbies include: woodworking (I just got a table saw finally to add to my arsenal), furniture refinishing, crafts (just not the cutesy stuff), and being my own decorator. I specialize in re-doing a room for less than $100.

[ 03-17-2003, 10:59 AM: Message edited by: STGRule ]

[Jennie@ifish]

Who am I? Fun!

OK, lessee... I've been through several stages, from the wild party girl who stayed out too late, (Playing music in bars can be really fun, but also very dangerous to one's health) to a church going happy girl.

When I was told that my life and health may not be good, I figured, "What the heck? Let's party!"

I have done crazy things like driven to LA on the spur of the moment, left in the middle of the night, to arrive at a friends house by noon. My girlfriend and I giggled the whole way, and I'm glad we did things like that. I might be game to do it again, sometime!

I was raised very Christian, being made to go to church, sing in the choir, etc, but once released, tried out my wings, bigtime!
I went to several different colleges, but mostly studied music, privately. At Portland State I took a political science course, only because I had a crush on a Poli Sci major. :smile: He is now some big biz lawyer in Portland, and I'm glad I live on the river. (Anyone know Mark Pihl? What is he doing?)

I've been au natural, wearing birks and long flowy dresses and living in Cannon Beach, Oregon. I've worn black heels and black suits, standing in line with the President's security guards going through my purse, only to find and hold up a bottle of Pepto Bismol that my music partner and I gulped down out of nervous sick stomachs the night before. :blush:

I've worn both sets of clothes while fishing on the river bank. In other words, no matter where I stood socially, I've always loved to fish!

I've often been criticized for not holding a stronger opinion on things. I have trouble figuring out how I feel. One side says something, and I say, "Yes, I see your point", and then the opposition comes on, and I say, "Yes, I see your point, too!" It's frustrating. However, once I figure something out, and feel passionate about it, I fight till the bitter end.

I tend to feel that no one can judge anyone, because no one realizes where anyone has been and what has been taught them. I try to keep that in mind, but I often fail.

No matter where I've gone, I always land back at the door of Christianity, where my parents led me. When a huge problem arises, I still find myself asking, "What would Jesus do?" Go ahead and laugh, but I do.

I am a registered democrat, but... I'm not really into politics, and when it comes time to vote, I just try to understand things the best I can, and vote with the knowledge I have, and the way I feel is best. I guess one would say I'm a bit of a lefty.

I read a lot of about medical stuff, and have to many supplemental herbs and vitamins in my cupboard. I am always searching for how to feel better. A struggle between traditional medicine and natural.

I could live off of homemade bread and butter and cheeses. Love Brie and roasted garlic. However, I've been known to down a couple hot dogs pretty quickly too.

I'm pretty laid back now, don't drink, don't do illegal drugs, but I do have one vice, and I don't care to go into it here.. (Couldn't quit last time, but will be trying again soon.)

Is this the personals section? Do I need to put on there that I like long walks on the beach and romantic getaways?


:smile:

Jen

[ 03-17-2003, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[lost_sailor]

Nice to meet ya! Looks like I'm the anti-geek? Not quite, I tend to be in jeans and sneakers much of the time. 2 pairs of well worn Birks in the closet! I still have more neck ties than tie-dyes, but I WEAR the tie-dyes. Grateful Dead shows were nothing less than a religious experience for me! I LOVE weed, but for various reasons I rarely partake anymore. So good ale has become my drug of choice, I've been making my own. Coffee is my drug of addiction, but I've got that down to 1 cup in the morning ('course it's paint-peeling strength). My hair is NOT short, but not all that long, need a haircut very soon!

I like catching salmon, but fly-fishing for trout remains my favorite activity. I also like nordic skiing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking and camping. Hmmm, is there a pattern there? I do have a set of golf clubs, but haven't found the time or money to get very serious. Once in a while I hit the driving range.

I've been married for just short of 20 years to my best friend, a kind and brilliant woman. We have a son (15) and a daughter (12), I think they will be good people ... if we don't kill them in the next few years. No really, I've never "snuffed" anyone and I don't expect to.

I was a registered Republican for a few weeks in 1980, so I could vote against Reagan in the primary. I gave up on the Democrats a couple years ago and registered Green. I don't buy into their whole platform, but they line up with my views on more things than any other party. I think if some "other" parties could gain some influence in government we'd be better off.

You have to pick your fights, mine are about habitat protection in general, wild fish and wild forests in particular. I am a great believer in participating in our democracy - the system is good but if you just sit and watch it won't work right. So I show up at legislative hearings or city council meetings. I just started serving on the Parks and Rec advisory board in my town. I volunteer at my kids schools.

I drive a '95 Volkswagon, my other car is an SUV!
My boat is a year older than I am.

I was born in Oregon and intend to die here. Like my great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents.

I enjoy a variety of music, it's not Jerry and the boys 24/7! I like a power chord pretty well myself, ala the Who or Rolling Stones. Grew up with CSNY, Paul Simon (and that other guy), KISS, Led Zep, Beatles, Allmann Bros., Santana, Doors, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett, Frank Zappa, Pretenders yadda yadda yadda. For modern pop music I like the Wallflowers, Barenaked Ladies, Natalie Merchant. Oh yeah, gotta buy a Dixie Chicks album! I worship Neil Young as a god. I also enjoy classical music, jazz, swing, Frank Sinatra! Can't take rap/hiphop. Country is funny for about 15 minutes, then I get annoyed. I play the piano and the guitar.

I'm really not very evil at all. Except for the Birkenstocks ... well I went to school in Eugene - GO DUCKS !!!

[Corkie Monster]

Who am I?? I'm just an ordinary person that is easy to get along with. I don't hold grudges and I don't get mad very easy, Just irratated somtimes. I was raised by several family members and enjoy the mountain life, and prefer to stay that way. I've had many ups and downs in my life, More downs than ups, But still keep fighting for what I want in life. As of now, I'm a recovering Alcaholic of 1 1/2 years and dam proud of it!
with politics, I'm not a part of either party. I prefer to stay out of politics. I do vote.
As far as beleifs go, What ever blows your hair back! It does'nt matter to me what you look like, or how you live your life, Just as long as it does'nt put others in harms way.
I guess you can say I'm pretty nuetral.

Thanks
CM

[Pete]

I suppose I shouldn't reveal that I'm a middle aged shell of what I should be, right? :grin:

Born in Georgia, raised in D.C. and Tokyo, with a semester in Sweden during high school. First guy with a pony tail in my Jr. High. Spent the summer after my sophomore year in high school back packing in the Olympics and decided there were better places to live, so I choose a college in Portland and have never looked back.

Politically, I'm registered as a D, but vote my conscience. I consider myself a conservative liberal and place human rights and human dignity above national political aspirations on the cosmic scale of importance. I'm a skeptic when it comes to the news and suspicious of political motives.

I studied humanities, with a strong dose of science mixed in, as an undergraduate. Earned a JD with a focus on environmental law. Found out I couldn't make a living doing that, so went back to school and earned an MPA which put me in Portland's City Hall as an analyst for more years than I can remember. (Yes, that was my cubicle between the men's room and the storage closet.) Learned a lot about 'puters, HTML, networking and the policies needed to administer them while I was drumming my fingers waiting for assignments. Got bored and started what has become a journey in search of a career that continues to this day.

Started fishing in the mid '60s after seeing Curt Gowdy on the American Sportsman fly fishing in Montana. Bought a fly rod and a tying vice and found a life-long sport. Caught my first steelhead in 1977 on a corkie and yarn set up and have moved more towards non-fly fishing ever since. However, at the height of my fly fishing indulgance, I served as president of the Anglers' Club of Portland for a couple years. I've been involved in environmental advocacy in some way shape or form for 25 years or so - mainly fishing related.

I've got an amazing 3 year old daughter. She goes to the oldest day care in Oregon where I am president of the board of directors.

Musically, I'm all over the board. I've been to Dead shows, own some bootlegs, attend the Opera, used to play trumpet and oboe. Now I play the radio and prefer stations without commercials.

I still wear my birks. My hair is now short. My eyes are bad. I can't ride my bicycle much after knee surgery. I eat most anything, but have an organic vegie garden - raspberries, potatoes and greens seem to do best. My SUV gets less than 10 MPG. Never looked good in tie dyes. Have some pretty nice suits, but hate to wear them. Chinos and a T shirt are my speed. My dog whimpers a lot. My lawn is trimmed. My table saw has been used recently. My sled leaks. My drift boat doesn't. I struggle to keep things organized and strive towards simplifying my life, but I don't think I'm succeeding on either dimension. I guess I'll go fishing.

[Snapset]

First and foremost, I am a husband, but close behind that I am the father of 4 children who consume my worrying moments 90% of the time. That is in spite of their being excellent, obedient and thoughtful children.

I am closest to a libertarian, however I cannot reconcile their position on legalization of drugs, so I stay a Republican, where I out-right most everybody on most issues. A few exceptions would be labor relations, business law, progressive taxation, and certain environmental policies.

I am partialy educated, having bailed on engineering school (OSU) (Fight!Fight!Fight!) and am now an electrician. I am not a great student but I do enjoy reading, and although my math skills don't allow me to master Quantum Theory, I rely on Dr.'s Feynman and Hawking to inform me.

The only pure music I enjoy listening to is Bluegrass. I used to listen to some Dire Straits and Tom Petty, and seemingly in another life, the Doors.

I have been fortunate enough to not run into any addictive substances that appealed to me enough to form a habit.

When I fish, my limited attention span doesn't allow me to pound the water for hours for one fish. I like to catch steelhead, but if the trout or crappie or catfish or seabass or perch are biting as well, I probably enjoy catching them more.

When I am not fishing, I am hunting, or picking mushrooms, and when I am inspired by an idea, woodworking. I most enjoy working with exotic hardwoods and recycled Urban Wood.

I played Football and Basketball, still play hoop, I am still a hack.

If I could succinctly state a guiding philosophy, I would. Instead, I try to live by this:

I respect and recognize my place in this world, which I believe was created by God. Out of respect for Him, I will treat the world and its inhabitants with respect, I will efficiently utilize his gifts with gratitude, and I will learn from nature how I should conduct my life, recognizing that I was created in His image. I believe the free will all people were born with is a spark of divinity and by good stewardship, all can approach this divine state.

Sometimes I do not live up to my ideals so I repent.

[1pump]

Me? Late baby-boomer (b. 1961), last of 4 kids in a Catholic family, the only boy, and the only non-college graduate (my Mom likes to remind me of this on occasion). I was a typical child of the 70's. I gave my parents far more grief than my 3 sisters combined. Ever watch That 70's Show? That was my childhood, except I wasn't that cute or harmless.
Except for the 2 years I spent in AK, I've lived my whole life in the PDX area. I spent 17 years climbing various corporate ladders until I burnt out 3 years ago. I now drive a truck for a living. Not exactly fulfilling, but at least it's stress-free and I'm not trapped in a cubicle.
I also have 2 developmentally disabled sons (ages 10 & 8) who live with their mom (we divorced in 2000 after 11 years). Like the Geek, I currently live in a double-wide since my ex got the house and I refuse to live in an apartment.
I lean to the left on most issues, I'm registered as a Democrat (I was an Independent for a few years) but I rarely vote along party lines.
I think I look like a redneck due to my Marine-recruit haircut, but a woman I met at an airport while killing time waiting for a flight said I looked liked "an ultra-hip tecchie". Huh?! I'm still baffled about that one. My wardrobe doesn't change much whether I'm fishing, working or out for dinner. Jeans, t-shirts, baseball caps and whatever footwear is appropriate, and I never wear long pants in warm weather.
I'm somewhat cynical and abrasive and generally don't care what other people think about me. I don't drink much, I smoke a pack every 3-4 days (but not in the house), hate country music and professional wrestling, and I try to irritate the religious right whenever I get the chance. I try to see humor in most situations, and I don't take myself very seriously.
I also live with my girlfriend of the last 2 years who is patiently waiting for me to marry her. Obviously she is of poor judgement and character.

[Stratocaster]

Im a 33 year old male. Registered Indy, like the Geek,i dont believe in being handcuffed by a party.Im 6ft3" tall and weigh 215#s and have a receding hair line.Im an NRA member and i just got back into fishing a few years ago. Im an animal lover (especially salmon). I used to party a little too much. As a result got a d.u.i 3 years ago, now i only drink on occasion and never drink and drive. I recently quit chewing tobacco after 20 years, its been over 4 months now. I also have been with my girlfriend for 8 years and im trying to get her excited about fishing. I used to drive a 99 super duty but due to my insurance increase, i downgraded to an 87 f150 4x4 with 33" super swampers. :grin: Ive played guitar for 20 years and still love to play. I like all kinds of music (except country)but i do enjoy bluegrass. I can listen to anyone from Mudvayne to Simon & Garfunkel to Eminem to Kenny G.But i love the blues the most, and the best concert ive seen was the last Eric Clapton at the Rose garden.Ive owned my home since '98. My girlfriend got a cat for her birthday against my wishes 5 years ago (hated cats)now me and Nitro are best buds. Then we went and rescued two kittens now have three, luckily i have a alot of room.And im still waiting to catch my first springer of the season. :tongue: As far as politics im against the death penalty(hard labor at the north pole) im neutral on abortions although i wish for less of them. I have definitly have grown as far as compassion. Im a commited recycler and care greatly for our environment,especially our rivers. And finally the only thing i dislike about spring is the grass grows too quickly. :shocked:

[ 03-17-2003, 01:21 PM: Message edited by: fisherdan ]

[CATCH AND EAT]

Wait a second there Stew! Did ya see the picture of my fish laddie? 28.5lbs of chromer Homer. A.....were's your picture Shane? :whazzup: :grin:

Conservative religious background. Moderate Conservative views and beliefs. Not much of an environmentalist but abhore people throwing trash out their windows, leaving it on rivers, the dumping of raw sewage in the W. , ya know, not as concerned as Stew but getting there.

I have voted for Democrats before even though I did not like their stance on abortion. Anti-abortion BTW.

I drive a big f350 crew cab to tow the boats around. I have a family of 5 so a larger rig is necessary. Sure wish they made an electric truck that could pull 7 to 10 thousand pounds. Wear blue jeans and button up shirts mostly.

Best of All, I can even fish with democrats on my boat and not talk politics. Just fishing! If we do end up talking politics you end up with the Snoppy pole and a kwik fish that I stepped on last year. It kind of just sinks now for some reason.

We can agree to disagree and still be friends folks. That is even true when we disagree about what reel, rod, plug, bait or whatever is best. Life goes on. Shut up and Fish! :grin:

[Just_learning]

Who am I? First off, I am an Arab-American. Nationality comes first. I am a student at a not so grand institution, though i think thier sports are better than the team down south. I believe in a lot of things, mainly being extremely understanding and having found out the hard way that sticking your neck out often means getting it cut. I am totally in love with the girl of my dreams, though it gets hard at times struggling to stay in school and make ends meet. I enjoy great times with friends and everyonce in a while think its absolutley fine to go to the bars with some of my buddies and get obnoxiously drunk and see no problem in causing a scene, as long as its all in fun and nobody gets hurt. I believe that war is wrong, but nothing ever really got solved any other way. I believe that hope is fleeting and that my faith in mankind is not far behind. I thinkt hat the state of Palestine will beome a state once more due to the stupidity of mankind to let history repeat itself. I BELIEVE in god, just not in religion yet, theres just too manyt hings I need to figure out. I believe that adults are plastic and mold to how they fit into the picture the best and very few people are content with where they are. I think that someday my parents will accept and be happy with what I hope to become, and that someday my relationship with my dad will improve and we can hang out. I think that honesty is the best policy, and common sense is sometimes the last thing that I use. I think I can make a difference and that I am here for a reason and that I do have an impact on somebodys life and that to someone i am the most important thing. Oh wow, i seem to be going on here forever, well why stop now, I think you should be less concerned with your reputation and more with your character, treat others as you woud like to be treated, tell those who you care about how you feel, and re connect with an old friend. Life can feel pretty empty sometimes, and you need to take a step back and see how full it actually is. I believe that everyonce ina while you need to stop and just get away, drive somewhere private, talk with someone you love, or just go out in the middle of no where and scream at the top of your lungs. I believe we all become our parents, try as I might not to, but hey, i didnt turn out that bad, I think we all need to be childish once in a while, once you forget how to have fun you start to get old.
One last piece of advice I have is to not make a compromise, life is full of them, and once you make one, it makes it that much easier to make another, pretty soon your a mile away from what you originally wanted to be and really unhappy. Live life to the fullest and catch a few fish while your at it.

[Grantspastor]

I'm a fifth generation Oregonian...born in Joseph, but most of my life has been spent in Western Oregon, except for an eight year stay in Alaska. I'm 54 years old. I have ben married for 32 years. I am the father of two, and a grand father of two. I have been an Optician for 32 years...and a Pastor for 25 years. Both are full-time jobs. I am also a surgical technician, having been certified to operate the VISX Star3 laser which is used to perform Lasik surgery.

I am registered Republican, but my beliefs are governed by Biblical principles more than politics. I am usually found on the right side
of the fence. I don't think the Republican party is going to save the world. Jesus is the only one capable of that.

I like music a lot. I play music at church...and I play in a Rock and Roll, Jazz, Blues band. We are a "christian" band...but it pretty much sounds the same. We sound pretty good for a bunch of old guys. My avatar reflects my interest in music. My kids hate it.(the Avatar) they think I should change it, but who cares what they think anyway?

My life changed dramatically in 1978. I was already weary of Opticianry, so I sold out and went to Alaska for a visit. I intended to come back to Oregon and pursue a guiding opportunity. Instead I ended up in Bible College. I became a Pastor...pioneering a church in 1984 here in Grants Pass. I am still the senior Pastor. I never got out of Opticianry either. I currently manage the Optical staff at a large eye practice.

I like where I live. I still like fishing a lot. I love my family. I still feel a have a few years left to work and contribute.

I avoid controversy on this board...not because I lack strong convictions, but because when you publicly disagree with someone, it usually feels like an assault on their person...in other words, it's not usually profitable. I would rather "win" someone by being a nice guy, than dazzle or intimidate them with one of my amazing arguments.

[ 03-17-2003, 07:53 PM: Message edited by: Grantspastor ]

[lost_sailor]

[ 03-18-2003, 10:50 AM: Message edited by: lost_sailor ]

[Joe Schwab]

It ain't never gonna happen Stew, I just went back to registering as Republican after thirty years as Independent. I did vote for Carter, still think he is an honest man.

Born and raised Catholic, fell away then came back. Married to the same woman for forty years. Three college educated kids and all, by the way, educated in the public school system and all very successful.

I believe in the right of the people to keep the largest percentage of the money they earn, as long as they do it honestly. I have been on the lower side of poor and it was not fun but at no time did I expect the government to bail me out. I have had two and three jobs at once to make ends meet.

I like country music of the old type, bluegrass, gospel and Dixie. I have always been an outdoor person and prefer green and trees to desert and sand. I am a Pisces.

I drive a newer Cummins deisel and an older very comfortable Caddy. I eat what I want but not in the quantities I used to.

I do not believe in abortion and only limited use of the death penalty.

I also believe in the right to bear arms but have no problem with registration. I don't believe our government has the capability to round up all the weapons even if they wanted to.

I believe in the creation theory. It is more logical to believe in a divine power than to believe that all this wonderment fell together after the big bang with no direction other than the laws of physics.

DDDDats all folks!!!

[Lured In]

As a relative 'young buck' (perhaps more in my mind than body ) I have seen more than most my age. I was the middle son of 3 to a career Naval officer. I have driven across country (coast to coast) 4 times. I have been in every state except, Wisconson, Montana, North Dakota and Alaska.

I am college graduate from a California State Universisty , and transplanted to OR via a job promotion. Moving to OR was a practice run for when I eventually arrive in Heaven.

My father started me fishing when I was 5 and started taking me hunting with him at 11. I am married with the best wife in the world and two awesome, energy filled boys (6 and 8). We get to fish as a family as often as possible.

My father and mother started me early in "political" and civic issues. My dad was a news hound and so I picked up some passively. After becoming a Christian at the age of 15, my perspective on life changed somewhat. The biggest change was a realization that freedom is costly.

Politically, I am a registered Republican, but would not hesitate to vote for a Democrat or Independent that was a better choice. I am personally conservative, but am slightly more relaxed politically. (Although that still makes me more conservative than most.)

My biggest hangup politically is that one group will use their freedom to try to take away the freedoms of another. (Free Speech to take away guns, freedom of religion to take God out of the pledge.) I see this as a self defeating process. If you are willing to take a few bricks out of the wall of freedom, it becomes weaker. Sooner or later its going to fall. Not to mention you could be on the other side next time and your freedoms get taken away.

The US is a great country and there is no place (heaven aside) I would rather live.

[nerta]

I'll join. :tongue: I'm 52 going on 25. Born in Wallowa County Oregon. My first concern in life is my family. Married for 28 years. Grandchildren are #1 always. Journey carpenter, Journey millwright, went back to scool when old and got a degree in operations management. Supervisor of a construction group for a large oregon company. I was a long haired oregon redneck for years, partied harty like many others of my generation. I'm a life member of the NRA,I do believe in the death penilty, registered rep. now, but i was demo. for years. I vote for anyone who I feel will do the best job. I have children in the military now. I think that the world is to liberal nowdays and many moral and ethical values will never be regained. I listen to most music don't have much use for new country reminds me of the everly brothers. I own more blues than any other type music. I have refrained from most political discussions because I have not the time nor the want to change what you think. I don't like to argue [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img] for the sake of arguing. I love the outdoors, have fished since I can remember but would rather hunt. My wife dresses me because I have no taste and I'm color blind. I got a hair cut last year and might this year if time allows. :grin: Heck after reading the some of the other posts I could be YOU. :shocked: :shocked: :grin:

[Hogmaster]

I am a Yuppie born with a silver spoon in my mouth and a full right turn bend past Rush. I have had everything in life provided to me and think that if you weren't born with it you don't deserve it. I don't generally drive since my driver does that, but my stable of vehicles are all subject to the gas guzzler tax. I was educated in private schools and so are my children. We only fly in first class and never worry about the price on a menu.

We only listen to light jazz while the aromatherapy candles are burning, though the children have always listened to and then played classical music.

I abhor drug use, gambling and think that those that violate the law are a loss to society and should be put away immediately for the rest of their lives because you can't make a man honest.

LL Bean and Armani are the clothes of choice, ties always with a matching ascot.

All of the above is BS, and I will edit it later. But I know it would disapoint many if they weren't allowed to think it because of my confusing them with the truth!

:grin:

[happybrew]

I'm the oldest of ten children. I've been married eleven years, and we have five kids. We homeschool two, one is in first grade in public school, and the others are too young. I've been teaching them to love fishing from a very early age. When I was younger, I was somewhat of a punk rocker. I swore that I would never wear a tie to work, and I wanted to make a living writing poetry. I even had a couple published. I had the leather jacket with the chain, the combat boots and torn jeans, occassionally a punk haircut. Now I wear a tie to work and don't really understand why I liked punk rock. I have never smoked pot or taken any illegal drugs. I manage a restaurant. I have a degree in philosophy, and minored in chemistry. I was an Army medic. I worked my way through school in restaurants and nursing homes, the last half with a wife and kids. I came out debt free. My favorite people are babies and old folks. I'm politically a conservative, but I think that both the Republicans and the Democrats walk all over the poor if it's politically expedient, and buy the votes of their typical constituencies with the money instead. It makes me sick. I was raised Catholic, but fell away for a while. I came back a few years ago, and now I teach 4th grade religious education in my parish. It's a lot of fun! I'm one of those rabid pro-life people with an argument for everything that many people dread. In fact, I've got an argument for any topic, period. If I don't, give me a few days and I'll have one. I typically overextend myself. I work way too much, and don't fish enough. I used to put in 20 hour days every day for years. I don't do that anymore, just couldn't keep up that pace, but I wish I could. I can never clear my to-do list. There are too many things I want to do. I rarely have more than 5 minutes without an interruption, either at home or at work. That's one reason why, if I'm not fishing with my kids, I like to fish by myself.


happybrew

[Thumper]

I am the old guy of the bunch. Age 62 but going on 35. Born and raised in Vancouver, WA. Originally a Catholic, but the Pope and I had a difference of opinion over birth control. If he ever changes his mind, I'm back!

Schooled from 1st grade through college in Catholic schools. Marvelous education. Five years in medical school, with a specialty in infectious diseases. All paid for by the U.S. government, which I thought was very nice of them. I avoided Vietnam by taking a "critical defense deferment assignment" which meant 3 years in chem/bio warefare defensive systems development for the U.S. Army. Lotsa time in scary places wearing even scarier suits.

After we killed all the sheep in Utah (fascinating story) and Nixon wound down the CBW program, I gravitated to NASA and the Apollo program and worked on a number of mission packages including design of the lunar receiving lab and the lunar surface experiment package on Apollo 15. I got into medical business consulting in 1975 and have been happy there ever since.

I have three grown sons, two of whom work for me while the third (Grasshopper on this board) sells boats, guides fishing in Alaska and elsewhere, operates the only Sno-Cat skiing operation in Western Washington, and teaches avalanche safety and snow survival. He's kinda outdoorsy.

I am a Reagan Republican, which feels quite middle-of-the-road to me, but I have noticed that there are a few folks to the left of me. Hmmmm. My dream is converting Stew to the conservative way of thinking. It may take a while.

I am a terrible fisherman but enjoy showing Ifishers around on the Lewis River, which is the only area I know anything about. I guided part-time for several years and learned a ton about fishing from Gary Krum. I really miss him.

I lost 65 pounds on the Atkins diet five years ago and have only gained back about 5. I am kind of a fitness nut now, treadmilling about 4 miles each AM while reading the paper.

At one time Fin and I bought a boat company, but that is another long and ugly story.

[ 03-17-2003, 06:52 PM: Message edited by: Thumper ]

[HeavyMetal BankFisherman]

I am a 38 year old that still listens to heavy metal music. Still single without kids so I had better get busy with a family soon. My ancestry is a blend of many cultures including African, American Indian, Hungarian and don't give me any grief but my grandfather was French. I was born in Portland and have lived here all my life except for a couple stints in Manhattan, Orlando, and a few months in Mexico. I am a registered Republican. I am a computer Systems Engineer for my day job and have my own consulting firm on the side. All too often as some of my posts will reveal, I speak before I think. I try to never target individuals but the ideas they hold. That's called debating and I love a good debate.

I like to drive fast and do so often. If you see a black Taurus SHO flying past you on the highway it is probably me.

[Silver Hilton]

Who am I? Sometimes I wish I knew.

Grew up in half a dozen small towns around the NW, all with timber industry connections, because Dad worked for Crown Zellerbach.

Went to Reed, left because it was too conformist, (though, unlike the Geek, I tried pot there, and have to say I liked it. Tried a lot of other things, as well, and can provide commentary for anyone interested. Would still smoke pot if I could get it and Ashcroft wasn't gunning for anyone with red eyes). Graduated from PSU with degrees in Economics and Accounting, minors in Computer Science and Philosophy. Went to work for Arthur Andersen (GASP!) in the division that became Accenture. Left, went to a small internet startup, left there, to go back to Arthur Andersen (GASP!) Who do you want to measure your fish, baby? Anyone fishing with me can hear my side of the Arthur Andersen affair.

Over the last five years, the stock market went crazy, and the stock options that I got from that little startup went crazy, and now I try to live off those proceeds. They were large enough to make it possible, but small enough to make it not a sure thing.

Spiritually, I lean towards Buddhism. I am spiritual, but not religious. I abhore groupthink, and avoid organized religion, because I want to think these things through for myself. However, I accept that others prefer the answer provided by other respected authorities.

I once had hair down to the middle of my back, now I keep it really short, for convenience. The chicks dug me with long hair, but now that I've spawned, I no longer need to look good!

Politically, I seem to be a non-sequitor. Liberals think I'm a fascist oppressor, conservatives think I'm a ******. I'm fine with that. I would describe myself as fiscally conservative, socially liberal, except that I am not a fan of the traditional paternalistic approach that classic liberalism espouses (and incidently that the new conservatives are now adopting). I'd join the Libertarian party, except that too many of them are nutcases. I have a gun collection that requires several moments pause to enumerate, and it includes all the bad stuff that Diane Feinstein hates. It includes 4 .357's. Oops, forgot one, five.

I'm an inveterate do it your selfer. I reload ammo, tie flies, build boats, make beer, build rods, and build furniture.

My fishing took a downturn when I took up golf three years ago, I have an 18 handicap, which is declining quickly. My goal is to be a 10 by end of year.

Oh, by the way, I am a goal oriented ****. Myers Briggs ESTJ.

I have two wonderful kids, Jacob (7), and Kate (10). Unfortunately, they don't seem to be taking to fishing too much. I'm moving gently.

On the fishing thing, after all, this is a fishing board, I have been all over the map over the years. For many years I was a hard core gear guy and sometime fly flisherman. Then I spent ten years mostly flyfishing. Then I got tendonitis of the elbow, couldn't fly cast, and now I've gone back to a lot of gear fishing, even though my elbow is better. In all my fishing, I tend to be quite good at the technique side, but sadly, there are so many with better fish instinct. I have many years left to learn.

Thumper mentioned Atkins. Doing it right now, down 12 lbs, working on about 12 more.

What I wear - never think about it. Whatever's handy. Lots of gortex and fleece.

I am married to Sally, 20 years this year. A better, more patient, accepting partner I could not ask for. I love her dearly.

So, now you know.

[KingFisher85]

Am to young to register :whazzup: , but If I did, Republican.

Well, looks like am gonna be the young gun that has something to say to this.

Unlike Hogmaster who had everything give to him on a silver plater, I got it on a gold plater :tongue:

Am 6 foot 1 have blue eyes, brown hair, try to keep it as short as possible.
At age 3 I burned my feet walking into a day old bone fire pit thinking it was a sand box [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img] , Now I got messed up feet that have very little feeling in the bottom of them. That's why when you see me winter steelhead fishing with no waders on standing out in the ice water.
At age 6 I think it was I cut my finger with a knife but told Mom that I feel down. Didn't work.

Been going to school more years then I can count and I have one more year to go then off to collage. I'll be working at trying to become a fishery biologist and then a game warden.
Right now am taking Advanced Placement Environmental Science classes at the CASEE Center, part of the battle ground school district. Been going there for 3 years now. www.casee.org

Started playing golf at age 8 or 9, can't remember but stopped playing 2 years ago cause I could not find anyone to go with.

Started going out Salmon fishing with my grandpa before I could even remember. Man I miss that yacht (gold plater). Started steelhead fishing on the North Fork of the Lewis River at the age of 8 or 9 but really started to get into it at the age of 12-14 and have been salmon and steelheaden that river. Have fished from Alaska (gold plater) all the ways down on the Oregon Coast.

Started fly fishing at age 11 and really got into that. Started fly fishing for salmon and steelhead at age 14, got my first salmon on a fly right away but just now hooked a steelhead on a fly. Tried getting into fly tying but ran out of fly tying goods.

Have grew up around guns so bet you know where that has led to. At age 17 right now am a proud owner of 12 or 14 different firearms. Just started hunting 3 years ago and now am hunting down whatever moves. Been hiking the hills around the house ever scene Mom started letting me walk down to the creek.

Been dealing with my little sister and her problems. :depressed:

Don't listen to rap. Good old classic rock! KISS, Led Zep, Beatles, Santana, Doors, ZZ top, all them good old bands. I could go on and on but shoot, most you all know them, you grew up to them :tongue:

Nope, I don't live in a double wide, I got a card board box No, I live in a really nice house on 20 acres or land rite next door to my grandparents and there 20+acres and small air port.

Don't wanna go to war. I gotta stay home and lay down the law in these parts.

Oh well, BOO :shocked:

[ 03-17-2003, 07:55 PM: Message edited by: KingFisher85 ]

[Whopper Stopper]

I live in more house than I can afford so my boat is only 12 feet long. I have three daughters, a wife, female cat, female dog and a mother-in-law who lives too close. If I didn't fish once per week they'd have me dressed in a skirt! I own an insurance agency and am a registered republican. I advocate a flat tax with little or no deductions and would love to see legislators in Oregon have the guts to put forth a 7-8% sales tax to completely replace the income tax, soak the out-of-state visitors, and settle down our tax base problems. Jesus is my leader, example and Savior. I see the basic problem with the world as simply-- selfishness. I would put forth that selfishness is the root to all evil, the destructor of families, marriages, etc. You name the problem-- selfishness was at the root. I don't believe in UFO's. I walk two miles with my bride every day. I eat everything that's bad and will live to regret it. I believe the timber industry has cut over 95% of the old growth forests and they should leave what's left alone and work the "sustainable yield" from the 95% they already cut. The person I'd most like to have dinner with in the world is Billy Graham. The most fun I have now is camping in the used tent trailer we picked up last year.

[Jennie@ifish]

I think I'm enjoying this more than any other thread that Ifish has had in four years!

I really, really like it!

Get more people in here!
:smile:

Jen

[Bobby Ray]

Great post Geek. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

I'm just skimming the site tonight so I'll play later.


Bobby

[Bait O' Eggs]

I was born and raised in Tillamook, and would move back in a heart beat if I could make a decent living there.

I have never, nor will I ever own tye dye or birkenstocks. Have never done drugs, and think smoking could be one of the stupidest things a person can do. I enjoy a mixed drink once in a while and maybe a beer a month. I wear jeans and a T shirt whether I am around the house at work or in church. Tennis shoes are the footwear of choice. I have always wore my hair short, and you would have to kill me before I would let you pierce or tatoo any part of my body.

Given a choice I would hunt big game, preferably elk, and fish every day of my life.

I have a philosophy that if somebody else can do it, so can I, and if it can be built I can make it. Woodworking, welding and tinkering in my garage making things, releases the stress of a very stressful job that pays better than average.

I have a wife I love very much, and I am one of the luckiest men in the world to have her. I have 2 children that I really enjoy watching grow and change.

I could live on cheese and crackers if I had to. Was raised with no religion, but attend chuch with my wife when the fish are not running or a valid hunting tag is in my pocket, I mentally wrestle with the truth about whether a god really exist, but am not ready to die to find out. I attended Oregon State and have an engineering degree.

I am registered Republican, lean to the right but dont agree with any political party. I only vote against politicians not for anybody, anybody running for office is crooked, it is just a matter of choosing between the better of the worst.

I prefer country and western, but some classic rock is pretty good. I cant read a note of music, and like it that way.

I think I could fish with anybody but will only hunt with my buddy. I hope to live a long life.

[GutshotApe]

Jesse Colin Young recorded a song back in the early '70s called "Ridgetop"...about his house on the ridgetop....24-hour singin' sky...etc. Well, I bought the record. I really liked that song back then when I was in forestry school and vowed someday I'd live on a ridgetop, too. Now, 30 yrs later, I do. After finishing up at UW I moved to the central Oregon coast and worked in the woods...yes, we logged oldgrowth timber, and lots of it. I was mostly involved in reforestation and over the years we planted about 55,000 acres during my tenure. From my deck I can look out to the southwest and see several of my old clearcuts, now in varying stages of regrowth. A different timber company owns them now, but they're still "mine". I can drive to the coast along the Siuslaw, Smith, Umpqua or Coquille river routes and all the way look up to the hills and see familiar places...except those once-fresh clearcuts we planted are now young forests....the ones we planted back in the mid-70s are already merchantable size! Time flies...forests regrow.

I'm retired now. Never married and have no children that I know of (STG Rule - JUST KIDDING!) which has allowed me to spend lots of money on fishing & hunting gear, boats, pickups, trips to Alaska, etc. that otherwise would have been wasted on all the usual family expenses I've heard about from others. (STG - more kidding!)

I've hunted & fished all over Oregon & Washington...tried to do it all...and have sampled many other parts of the west, too...but, if I had to choose a favorite place, it would be Odell Lake, Oregon.

Still like to hunt & fish and find the political aspects of natural resource management interesting, too...sometimes more interesting. :shocked:

[Jettin' Fool]

I am a 31 year old from Milwaukie that has relocated to Vancouver. Been married for 7 years and have a beautiful 9 mo. old baby girl who has me wrapped around her finger. I hate to wear suits and can be seen regularly wearing jeans and fleece.I'm 6'2" 240 and grew up playing baseball which payed my way through college and a brief minor league career that was cut short by rotator cuff injury.
Work in a great industry that has many perks (beer, sporting events, trips, ect) but I will never be rich. I make a decent living and tend to live well above my meens. I have a 21' NR, 2003 Trail Blazer and a new house. I own none of this outright. I am currently looking at moving back to Oregon and am considering lots that I probly cant afford....never stopped me before
Like all kinds of music that depends on the mood I'm in.Really like Johnny Cash :grin:
When I'm not working I like to hang out with friend and enjoy a good IPA and Cigar. Fish, camp, and boating is what I do for fun.

Fool

[Cool Texan]

The following things describe me:

Southern raised

Church going

Respect my elders

Love my parents

Worship my God

Am devoted to my dog

Yes Ma'am (Sir)

No Ma'am (Sir)

You ask to pass the salt, I will give you the salt AND pepper

I walk on the street side of the sidewalk when walking with a female

I walk on the downstair side of a woman when walking up or down stairs with afemale

I open doors

I am cool

I am funny

I am Tiger Woods

I can spell absolutely NOTHING with the letters of my first name

I am college educated

I am professionally employed

I am finger licking good (what the...?? I dont even know what that means)

I refuse to do the Macarena

I have values

I have morals

I have money in the bank

I have a nice and dependable car in the garage

I have a lot of time to kill to be writing this message

I have an itch......ahhhhh...... :smile:

No means no

Yes means yes

Yellow means speed up and you can make it

I drive the speed limit.... in some countries

I wear my seatbelt

I call my mother

I tell her I love her everytime I speak to her

I am not in a gang

I do not sell drugs

I do not do drugs

I dress well

I dress for all occasions

I sleep naked

I finish my dinner

I eat all my vegetables

I ask to be excused (when with family)

I say grace before eating (when with family)

I believe in the American League, the designated hitter, the hanging curve ball, the crack of the bat, the small of a womans back, the smile on
her face, and I believe in long slow wet deep passionate kisses that last three days

I cheer for the Cowboys and the Rangers

I love a good roadtrip

I believe in family

I believe in humor

I believe in God

I believe that my job is not, should not, and will not ever be the most
important thing in my life.

I believe in the 23 Psalm.... The Lord is my Shepherd....

I wear a cross on my necklace everyday

I believe that Diet Dr Pepper tastes more like regular Dr Pepper

I am civilized

I bathe regularly...with soap even

I have friends

If I had no friends, I could still get by

I think, therefore I am

I can melt hearts with my blue eyes

I think the new Batman is cooler than the old Batman

I believe Superman could still beat Batman in a Fight

I believe that Superman is no match for Underdog

I am courteous

I can be rude

I dont take crap off anyone

I can admit when I am wrong

I cried when I watched Old Yeller

I know whats important

I know whats not

I know what I care about

I know what I want to do with my life and I am most of the way there

I miss my Dad

I think the AP poll is a joke

I would not eat them in a box

I would not eat them with a fox

I do not like green eggs and ham, Sam I am

My last name backwards spells Smailliw

I am good at telling jokes

I make people laugh

I am cool like that

I throw parties for my dog, because I dont have a family to do it for yet....yet

I dont sleep enough

I can Two Step

I can Cotton Eye Joe

I can do the Chicken Dance

I can belch and talk at the same time (but it makes my mother cry)

I still think Daisy Duke is a roll model for girls

I dont think chivalry is dead, but I think most girls are trying to kill it

I can hit my 5 wood over 200 yards

I believe in beautiful girls, the breaking green on a 4 foot putt, of things that are, of thing that will never be, of learning from my mistakes, of learning that I will always make mistakes so just get over it already, and I
believe that somewhere, sometime, somehow, I will have all the things I want out of life.

I belive there is a right way and a wrong way

I believe there are right and wrong things you can do

I believe that the right way isnt always the best way

I belive in doing the right thing when I can

I like my coffee hot, my women hotter, my poptarts cold, and my beer colder

I agree that silence is golden

I believe in splitting Ace's and 8's

I believe that there are two rules to living life well..... 1) You never sweat the little crap 2) Its ALL little crap

I belive that without email, we would not know as many jokes, but we would get a lot more done at work

I believe it is time to conclude this list......

I'm kind of enigmatic. I'm a registerd dem but admired Tom McCall alot and think John McCain is a good man.
JFK is my hero.
I don't believe in gun control per say but don't see the need of ownership of an AK-47.
I am pro-choice but support the ban on partial birth abortions and believe that parental notification is a good thing.
I also believe we need to make English our nationally recognized language and do something about illegal aliens.
I would support the decriminalization of marijuana :shocked:
I believe that we are shooting ourselves in the foot by not being good stewards of our enviorment and natural resources. Not a "tree hugger" but a concerned citizen! After all this is the only enviorment we have so it just makes sense to take care of it.
I am pro-union and believe the working middle class is getting shafted by the government. I have little pity for the likes of the Enron guys and consider them as low as you can get and should be punished severly! I also support the death penalty.
I believe in a strong military.
I am very proud of my older brother who was a decorated Army Ranger in Viet-Nam
I try to be compassionate to others but have done some boneheaded things over the years...even on ifish I consider myself generous to a fault.
I believe that blues and jazz is about the best music ever and like motown and rock but you can keep C&W except for old Marty Robbins and Bob Willis :grin:
I love the LA Dodgers but dislike the LA Lakers and the SF Giants is a dirty word in our house.
If I could only fish one way it would be flyfishing.
My kids and grandkids are the source of great pride and affection and consider myself to be lucky to be married to a wonderful and very conservative woman for nearly 25 years. You ought ot hear our politcal discussions [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img]
After him being gone for 30 years I still miss my father very much and think of him often.
So there you are, thats about everything you'll ever want to know about me. :grin:
My greatest goal in life? To turn Catch and Eat,Capt. Hook,BOE and Thumper into liberals All four are really good guys BTW and besides you just gotta feel sorry for Bernie and Roy, the fishless wonders.

[ 03-17-2003, 10:20 PM: Message edited by: Stew ]

[Pete]

I've been auditing the statements provided here ... and, well, we sent the samples to the lab and I've got some questions. Geek, you'll need to give me a call. :grin:

[montster303]

Good post, Geek!


I have been happily married to my high school sweetheart for 11 years now.... Time flies...She is my Queen, and I try to treat her as such. We have one 5-year-old boy.
I was born and raised within 35 miles of Salem. I hope to live a long life die within 35 miles of Salem.
I have 3 of 4 grandparents still living. Never knew my dad’s dad. He was killed in a logging accident almost 50 years ago. Sounded like a great man. Musta been, because grandma never remarried. Guess nobody could compare. Unfortunately, I don’t see the grandparents often enough.
Both my parents and my In-laws are still married.
I drink on occasion, but have never been drunk. It never appealed to me. And NEVER drink and drive. I have never tried illegal drugs. It never made sense to me. I’ll buy a lottery ticket if powerball goes over 100 million-but anything less that that just isn’t worth it. [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img] But, that’s the extent of my involvement with gambling.
I would rather hunt than fish… but definitely like both. I have rifle hunted all my life, but last year I tried bow hunting. Addicted. However, I’ll miss hunting blacktails in the rut…rattling them in with Novice…. Ok, he rattles them in and I just wet myself laughing as they almost run him over. What a hoot! Being in the woods renews my spirit.
I’m not musically inclined at all. I can only sing in tune to Don Williams. Otherwise, I sing to annoy people. I listen to most kinds of music… from AC/DC to Enya.
I wouldn’t hesitate to take a life in defending another human, or myself.
I believe in the death penalty. However, they spend so many years (and tax $$) on appeals, I feel we should eliminate the death penalty, and give them life without.
I don’t support abortion.
I respect our President (whomever it is) and pray they are doing the good for the majority. I know it doesn’t always happen that way.
I try to avoid arguments. Seems that very few people can change their opinions (myself included). So why waste oxygen.
I support our Police and Firefighters. They are my heroes.
I would rather have one best friend that knows you inside and out than have 10 regular friends.
I bought my truck new, and have put 198500 miles on it (92 Toyota). I’m really thinking about replacing it with the new 4-door Tundra. (Excuse me while I wipe drool off my chin) I just hope my old truck doesn’t read this and die on me…. What am I saying??? It is a Toyota….they never die…
I am really big on positive attitudes. My favorite quote is by Charles Swindol. “Attitude”

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string that we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes."

Well, guess that about does it….

[WaterDog]

Born at NAS Subic Bay (70). Grew up in Salem as an only child in a loving family. Dad taught me everything I know about the outdoors and much of it we learned together. :smile:

Registered independent, I vote for the persons values, not the party. No religious upbringing. Only been to a real church maybe 5 times in my life. At 16 I started working in the construction world in the summers doing 10 to 12 hour days, 6 days a week. That was when my adulthood began. I had lofty goals and knew it wasn’t going to be handed to me, I was gonna have to work for it.

After 5 years I graduated from OSU with a BS in Civil Engineering. Lived at home and commuted 90 miles a day just so I didn’t have to take out any loans and I could pay my own way through school. :grin:

Have never done drugs or smoked a cigarette either. Alcohol on the other hand is enjoyed occasionally. However, wine is not on my list of beverages to enjoy. Yuk.

Been married 5 years to a great women, who for some unknown reason, puts up with me. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] Wife works her tail off at a downtown Portland banking software company. I work for a small municipality managing construction projects. No kids of our own but have a great step daughter who is 13.

We live in modest house so we can have a nice boat and rig to drag it around with. We have an 01 Explorer and recently got a 00 F350 diesel crewcab dually. Don’t need the dually but have always wanted one cuz I think they’re cool. It’s the ultimate tow rig. Have always been into trucks and I’m a closet diesel gearhead. If I aint spending money on fishing gear, I’m spending it on the truck.

Wife loves to cook and is the reason I’m 40 pounds overweight. Nothing like coming home from a long day of fishing and sitting down to a gourmet dinner.

I happen to like county music and I love the 80’s “hairband” metal like Def Leppard and Van Halen.

Not really into sports at all although I do like “March Madness”. At work we play b-ball a couple times a week during lunch if our meeting schedules allow.

I’m an easy going person and can hang with most folks.

All of my free time is spent fishing or getting ready to fish. When the springers come, you can find me on the Willamette 2 to 4 days a week at my favorite zipperlip.

[FallRiverGuy]

Grew up in Estacada in the late 60s and 70s. I was very active in FFA while in High School. Did part take of too much herb at that time but quickly out grew that and Copenhagen.

I have been married for 14 years and have three daughters. One is disabled but lives on her own. A pretty amazing feat considering at birth the doctor said she would never walk. One just graduated from U of O and the other still blesses us with her presence in our daily life. It has only taken 14 years, but the wife has finally accepted me as a fishing fanatic.

I mostly fish but have started to hunt again. There is something about fly fishing that will always be special to me. Tend to eat little meat other than what I catch and chicken.

A registered Dem but don’t vote the party line. Should probably be registered as an Independent. I see a shrinking middle class and think that the separation of the haves and have nots is growing.

I believe in a Creator. It seems to me that the world would be a better place if more people followed a moral code. I just happen to get mine from the Judao-Christian doctrine.

I wear jeans 90% of the time. Never really had long hair. Once it was long enough to have a small ponytail. That happened when I was doing a little traveling out side the country. Now I find short hair goes well with balding. I like classic rock, but like to slow it down with jazz. In the movie dept Mel Brooks is just my speed.

Moved to Bend 3 years ago to build our dream home. It is a house bigger that I think we need, but it is also very energy independent. We have a passive solar design, photovoltaic panels, a wind generator, and a solar water heater. Wood is our only heat. Even in the winter when we go to the grid, our electrical consumption is less then the service charge. Just waiting for home use fuel cells.

I guess I would be classified as an environmentalist. Basically, I don’t think we should **** where we live. I see over population and ultra-consumption as a problem. Organic farming is the future unless an alternative to petrochemical fertilizers is found. BTW, I use both and have been known to wield a round-up container.

All that makes me a conservative environmentalist, a right wing Democrat, and a God fearing liberal.

[Hoosier Daddy]

I am my wife's husband and my little girls Daddy and whatever else that I may or may not be is pretty much based on how it affects my girls.

Registered Indy. I despise all politicians equally for the most part.

Getting more and more liberal as I age, contrary to what many folks who know me might think! (You should have seen me when I was younger!)
I guess part redneck part liberal, depending on the topic.

My hair is short cause I can't stand it any other way. Can't find a tattoo I want to look at for the rest of my days. Can't stand to wear open toed footwear, but you can go right ahead.

I eat meat and I don't care what anyone else eats as long as they leave me alone!

I'm about as plain as plain can get, but I'm that way because I like it, not because I think there's anything wrong with being "interesting"!

I have a serious aversion to paying anyone to do anything, so I will try to build/make/jury rig about anything before I will go buy one or pay someone to do it for me (my wife loves this...). This has resulted in my continual rotation of hobbies which go on about three year cycles of fanaticism and include things like fishing, hunting, home repair, cars, boats, buidling bows, building boats, making beer, camping, hiking, etc. I often think I was born about 100 years late, except for the fact that I'm too lazy to have gotten along back then.

I absolutely refuse to spend more than I make, to the extent that I have never even bothered to get a credit card. I live in a basic little house that we can pay for on one salary so my wife can stay home and be with our toddler. My boat and vehicles ain't much, but they are paid for and they work. I still own the car I had in high school, although it is retired to the garage nowadays.

Geez, this is hard...couldn't we just flame someone instead.....?

[ 03-19-2003, 12:13 PM: Message edited by: Hoosier Daddy ]

[TheRogue]

I'm a father of 2, husband of 1 .

I'm very pro-choice, and very anti-abortion (confusing, huh?) (That gets me booted out of the Republican Party)

I'm very pro-environment, but I'm pro-logging and support hydropower. (That gets me booted out of the Democratic Party)

I'm very pro-government, and feel if you want services, you need to pay for them. (That gets me booted from the Libertarian Party)

I'm a HUGE supporter of teachers and what they do, and feel the best of them are horribly underpaid in this day and age, considering the demands placed upon them.

I'm very anti-discrimination....to the point where I do NOT support "special rights" laws and regulations for minority groups.

I support background checks for firearms, and closing the gunshow "loophole"...but don't feel there should be limits on persons who pass those background checks.

I'm anti-war on principle, but a supporter of the troops themselves.

I firmly support the right of a person to demonstrate to show their beliefs....as long as they do not disrupt the flow of people's lives.

Lots of other things...but that's enough.

TR

[ultralight]

Hey TR, thought about becoming a politician? You'll be extremely popular if you know who your audience is.

[Mtn Man]

I was born in California but raised in Idaho. I don't like being in a city (anything on the I-5 corridor is a city) but I am here because there are jobs. I was raised in the country and worked on my cousins 2000 acre farm when I was young. I enjoy being in the outdoors. I used to be a cowboy, I even worked on a ranch. I grew up fishing the Clearwater and hunting the backwoods of Idaho. One of my heroes is Sylvan Hart (The Last of the Mountain Men).

A good day fishing is when you don't see any other fishermen.
A good day hunting is when you don't see any other hunters.
I spent 6 years on a submarine, it was nice to just get away
I am a patriot and will suport the troops and the president even if I don't agree with them.
I can build almost anything.
I believe in God, but not organised religion. :whazzup:
I am conservative.
I am quite and reserved.
I was born with two ears and one mouth and live that way.
I love my kids and my wife.
I never have enough money.
Someday I will own a house.
I hate my apartment.
I am an information junkie.
I like coutry music, the older the better.
I don't do drugs
I used to drink.....way to much.
I prefer the open country.
I like new technology but prefer to do it the old way.
I don't spend enough time fishing or hunting.

God Bless America

[sinker]

Let's see here,
Grew up in a small farm town that has since been overtaken by houses. Actually we lived several miles south of town. Property butted up to the woods and we could leave our house and ride horses for hundreds of miles and never cross a paved road.
But ya gotta live where the work is so now I'm on a 1/4 acre lot in a quiet developement just south of Puyallup with my wife of 8.5 years and 5 year old daughter.
Went to college for Foresty where I met my wife. I now work as a machinist in an aerospace shop. Been doing it for 8 years and totally dispise it. My wife works as a para-educator in a special ed program at a high school and loves it.
I drink, too much at times. :grin: Used to be a Jack Daniels fan but have since converted to Crown.
I think Kodiak is one of the main food groups.
I eat meat, lots of meat, everyone else in my family has turned into veggies, not me, like my meat to much.
I tend to be a conservative but I support issues such as pro-choice (never paid for one, but then again I've never been a 16yo girl who's parents were gonna kick her to the street if she told them, never will be in those shoes so I can't pass judgement there).
I think the green stuff should be legal, never smoked it in my life but think those that do should be allowed to.
Hair is short, always has been, the shorter the better.
You'll find me 7 days a week in blue jeans T shirts and a baseball cap.
I'm an atheist. Been down the religious road in the past, researched it alot and I'll stick to what I believe and know.
I'll basically fish for whatever's biting. Didn't get out hardly at all last year. I think work had me in the dumps. Couldn't get motivated to do anything. Although I did take a few days off and fish Bonneville in the summer, great weather. Best week I've had in some time.
And finally, I'm basically a lurker here. Don't get down that way to fish much but the people on here are neat enough to keep me checking in.

Thanks Jen!!!!

[Norski]

Who am I

Lets start in the year 1949,
I arived in the portland on the 8th of October I was raised in the west hills for 1 year from what I have been told I went for a walk to the creek to see what the water was about.
Mom and Dad said it's time to move befor I fell in, and drowned.
We all moved to the Tigard aera, spent my younger years in Megester aera, raiseing chickens and school, Went to Tigard Jr, back than it was Fowler, than off to T.S.H school graguated in 69, and 2 days later off to boot camp USN.
Spent time over seas (Danang(Trang)Vietnam,
Been 1/2 way around the world and while doing this fished almost everday and got paid for it.
Today is a good day but than some days are not to good.
Been maried two times, Carla was my first and she is the mom to my daughter Valerie (Fisherlady76) and I well go to the ends of the world for her. She is my pride and joy,.
My #2 wife is Kathleen in love for 23 years, and every days just like the first.
She has a son Erik, and he is one of the most stand up men any mom and dad could ask for.
I like beer, mix drinks, tried the drugs (got any)No thanks.
Belive in God.
Fought for this country
Belive in the flag
Mess with my family YOU WILL BE TERANATED!!!
I do not vote,wast of time
I am a profisional driver, chased the buck don't need.
People who know me and not to many do, say I am a good old boy(REDNECK) I was raised Luthern.
I speak some Vietnese,Norwegen,Swede.Only to cops.
I have been told I am a Master Fisherman,and there are video's some where to prove, but than I realy don't care what people think.
I do what I want when I want and go when I want to go, and it's usually fishing.
Work has sucked ever cents I started to work another waste of time.
War sucks, could care less who is at the top as they sucked up to get where there, at or lied to get there.
No body gives a damn about there next door neighbor, I do.
Protesters waste of time they should get a job and get off the welfair rolls.
Need a boat or a fishen buddy who needs help with gas help or a honest buddy to fish with.
So who am I??
My Displayed Fisher Name Well thats funny when I came to this site, #1 Bend Pole Bender
#2 Stick it
#3 NATURE BOY a nickname given to me by my brother inlaw Pat age 12 looking for night crawlers to use for fishing bate.
#4 Change of Name to Mr.A for Leif Akerson
In 53 years I have, been there, done that,smoked that,seen that, hade that, and drank that.
Have taken alot of crap
Given a lot of crap
Like Mom said your life is going to be like a box of candy, never know what you are going to get.
Now if I have pist off anyone!! from my heart, I am sorry
The one thing to remember, I cant change you and you cant change me,
Be the master of one's self and everyone well be just fine.
Who am I.
Master Fisherman
Master of my life
Bend Pole Bender#1
Stick it #2
NATURE BOY#3
#4 Mr. A
GOOOOOD DAY, TIGHT LINES.
AND GOD WILLING LIFE GO'S ON "PEACE" :smile:

[Birdnest]

Sorry I am late to the game, but I have been mucho busio. Great post and I really have enjoyed reading each one of your stories.

Who am I...I am responsible. Responsible to my family (including my goofy lab), to their health, happiness, to anything they need. This is my drive, this gets me up in the morning and off to work with a smile. NOTHING comes before them.

Concerning politics, I am a Republican, always have been, probably always will be.

I work hard and I have no slot for those who don't. Not those that can't, those who just will not. If you have hunted hard for the tribe, but now are unable, then go sit in the shade my friend, I will bring you some buffalo.

If I were a minority, affirmative action would offend me. Do not tell me I only need a 70% to pass.

I don't think private schools or home schooling are the answers. I believe we need to improve public schools.

I believe in the flat tax.

I believe the systematic welfare nation that we have created with the tribes hurts everyone. I want one set of rules that everyone has to play by.

I am toooo judgmental and every time I read the passage in the bible about judging to a standard that you want to be judged by I cringe.

I hate the religious right.

I should go to church more often. I do believe that the Bible is a living book that imparts life into us.

I hate organized religion. We make faith/salvation a lot harder that it is. I think everyone should have a personal relationship with God.

I have not always been a Christan.

I was raised in Texas, but have been in the Northwest almost as long.

I hold degress in environmental science and radiologic science.

I wish I had more artistic ability. I couldn't play an instrument or paint a picture if you made me.

I am good with wood. I just finished a drift boat cradle for my little girl.

I usually dwell on the imperfections of my projects.

My house is a 100 years old.

My boat is a 2003.

My truck is paid for.

My boat is not.

I love to fish.

I saw my dad's love for fishing and hunting break up my parents marriage.

I can't stand when Vegetarians feel their diet makes them superior. A squash does not equal enlightenment.

I use to wait tables at a Vegetarian cafe. BTW, I learned that "bees are exploited for their honey"

I prefer a cold beer and a nice cheeseburger.

I can listen to Jimmy Buffet all day.

I hate boy bands and other manufactured music.

I think the Stones might be the coolest band that ever lived.

I have listend to live Jazz while sipping wine.

I partied too much when I was younger. Things could have easily been different for me now.

I know what it is like to wake up in the middle of the night, jump into a big red fire truck and go save the day.

I know what it is like to not get there in time.

I know what a G suit feels like when it tightens around your waist and thighs as you roll into bomb a target.

It makes me sad to support a war that our troops are be killed in.

I support President Bush.

I think the best thing about Bush, is the people he has chosen to advise him.

I should vote more.

The only thing Gore won was 7 or 8 major cities, the rest of the country voted for Bush.

I work 7 days on, 7 days off.

I will be a dad for the first time in the next two weeks.

Two days ago my little brother and his wife miscarried.

I walk around with a nagging fear that my life is going too well.

I have an ability to recognize "these are the good old days"--wife taught me that one.

I think my dog is the best dog ever.

I know my wife is the best wife ever.

Birdnest

[Hoosier Daddy]

Birdnest, I built a cradle boat for my little girl too...mine looked something (or was supposed to anyway) like this [img] http://jordanwoodboats.com/images/bt.jpg [/img]
Got any pics of the drift boat version?
Congrats on coming fatherhood. Little girls are an absolute blast!! Mine is just over 1 1/2 now and she's a riot to be around. Got me wrapped around her finger way too tight. :grin:
Wouldn't have it any other way though!


(Been through the miscarriage thing too. Hope your brother and his wife are OK. It gets better, eventually.)

[ 03-27-2003, 10:56 AM: Message edited by: Hoosier Daddy ]

[Cool Texan]

COOL CRIB!! My wife and I are working on a baby...a drift boat crib would be TOO COOL!!!! I want to see pictures, as well as how to build it!!!

[Hoosier Daddy]

CT, there is a book, I think called "The expectant fathers cradle boat bood" or somesuch. It's put out by wooden boat magazine. I got the plans for mine from a guy in Newport, Jordan Wood Boats www.jordanwoodboats.com .

I spent A LOT of time making mine.

It didn't turn out near as good it should have. It's built traditional fashion with copper rivets and steamed ribs, etc. A plywood version would have been a whole lot easier.



[ 03-27-2003, 11:11 AM: Message edited by: Hoosier Daddy ]

[Birdnest]

Nice looking cradles.

I have the "expectantant fathers craddle book".

It is ok, only as two designs and one looked a little involved and I didn't like the lines on the pram. You can have the book if you give me your address.

I just kinda of made up a design. I knew the lines I wanted and used a batton to get my rough outlines. I used 1/4" plywood and pine for the bright work areas. It came out pretty cool.

I have some pics, nothing digital. I will try and get something posted.

Birdnest

[Cool Texan]

Let me get my wife pregnant first...then I'll come asking for building plans, etc. First things first. :grin:

[The Fishing Geek]

Cool cradle!

[ 03-28-2003, 09:29 AM: Message edited by: The Fishing Geek ]

[WheresMyBobber]

Hoosier -

That is way, way, way too cool.

I applaud you for the time and effort expended for your child. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

I'm speechless......

[Hoosier Daddy]

Thanks Bobber, unfortunately, when she got home from hospital, we discovered that she strongly preferred the human mattress over the foam one. By the time she was able to sleep on her own well, she was too darned big for the cradle!
So about the only time she spent in it was for the pictures!
Oh well, guess we need another kid to try it again.... :smile:

[crabbait]

Hoosier - You click the little triangle with the exclamation mark at the upper right of the post and send the mods an e-mail. We will be happy to remove any unwanted posts, even if it is just a double double post post.

[id. painter]

im 44 and getting a little chubby. I tend to be republican, but will vote with my brain and not my party.My wife tends to be Democratic,provides for good conversations between us about things, she see it one way i see it another.
I love canned spinich and i think Malibou chicken is highly over rated.
My love of the outdoors has kept me in Idaho and ive matured into a grown country bumpkin.
I have major anxiety any time i get near a city larger than Boise. (100,000).
I dont have the ability to listen to rap, (they talk too fast).
I have a father, an uncle , a grandfather, a grandmother and two sisters who were all alcoholics ,,,, so I dont drink ,,, ever.
I will only own a Brittny as a hunting dog. I currently have "Morgan" who is my 5th ***** , all from the line i started when i was 12years old.
Ive been hunting and fishing as long as i can remember.
Im a teacher and like it. id. p.

[The Fishing Geek]

BUMP

[AtWorkALot]

I'm 30.

I grew up poor but proud.

I love my parents.

I love my girl.

I love this country.

I love the Marine Corps and the man it made me.

I lean to the right, but not too far.

I love that people have the right to express their opinions.

I hate that people abuse their right to express their opinions.

I think we take ourselves to seriously.

I think "Life in General" is too hostile.

I trust people until they prove they can't be trusted.

I wish I had a dog.

I have two cats, they needed a home.

I think yard work is sadistic.

I like the rain.

Rowing my drift boat is my therapy.

I'm not patient enough.

I should listen more to my gal.

I don't know if I'd be a good parent.

I love to see people laugh.

I think my nephew is the best kid around.

I forget too much.

I remember too little.

I can count on my friends.

I know some good dirty jokes.

I am thankful for what I have.

[DanS]

I'm 36

I was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA....lived in a Chicago suburb until I was 3, then the folks picked up and moved to Shelton, WA.

I graduated from Shelton High in 1985, and from UW in 1989 (BA in Economics).

I moved from Seattle to Lacey because the big city was bumming me out.

I have 2 sons (ages 10 and 7), a wonderful wife and a yellow lab.

I drive a beater Mazda p/u, my wife drives the new Tahoe.

My grandfather introduced me to fishing.

One of my sons loves to fish, one doesn't.

Politically, I lean left of center.

I listen to all kinds of music, but AC/DC will ALWAYS be at the top of my list.

I drink occasionally....I take a beezer here and there.

I get along with people better in person than over the computer.

I've concluded that few issues are black and white.....there's a lot of gray out there.

I have fun discussing politics on iFish.

[Birdnest]

:smile: Bump :smile:

[fish_on]

I am a hay farm'm ASE Master tech, softwate sell'n people **** 'n(temp employee sales man) tool sell'n fisherman. I have been married 8.5 yrs and for my age I think that is a record (unbder 30). I grew up in a samll town (Mudlake Idaho 245 folks) on a 2000 acre hay and grain farm. I know the meaning of work having loaded box cars full of hay for 7 years, can you imagine a 125lb 8th grader throwing 150lb hay bales for 3 hrs.



I enjoy fishing for all it's worth and my wife is my best fishing partner she pulls the crab pots and the anchor. I spent tons of time on the South Fork of the Snake and had hundreds of hours on the ors. I sold my drift boat before coming to Oregon because "here would not be any good rivers to drift" [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img] I enjoy fishing with Ifisher's and have not met one I would not fish with, I would even fish with Straydog jk.

I am a ASE master tech who went through 2 yrs of G.M training 2 years at a dealership and managed a shop for 2 yrs. Became a software sales/consultant for the auto industry before the .com's went bust. Was **** 'n people for a temp service before the economy went bust and got into selling precision measuring insturment just as manufacturing went bust. If you like you industry don't let me near it! I have had positive sale growth in all my industries and can sell anything. I travel 3 weeks/month and am looking for a better job with less travel(hint)

I started paying taxes and S.S when I was 9. I am neither consevative or liberal and fall inbetween, I think what ever is good for U.S citizens is right.

[Lovestafish]

This is cool! I'll play...
I'm 49 now, but I keep forgetting that. From California, but a long time ago. I consider myself an Oregonian by transplant. Politically speaking I used to be a R, but now am an Independent; I can't stand the bickering & mudslinging that goes on in the primary's & try to ignore it as much as possible in Novembers. I really don't understand what good it does to focus on a person's weaknesses. Philosophically, I'm a Christian (yes, I make mistakes...) & I treat everybody with as much dignity & respcet as I possibly can. I have a real job. I used to wear tie-dyed stuff in the 70's. Now I wear everything from suits to shorts. 2nd marriage - I traded the ex in on a newer model; she was mean as a snake anyway. This wife I love greatly. The kids too, and like someone said, mess with them & I'll snuff you. Drugs; well, I think alcohol is a lot bigger problem than pot is; it has hurt me & my family way more that weed. 30 of the martial arts have shown me to pick my battles, tho sometimes I forget that one too. since I work in a professional arena, I don't speak much of politics in public, but have no problem sharing my opinion when asked. I'll let others fight that one. I can't stand abusive people & bullies & usually say something if it looks like someone needs help. Oh yeah, my hair's mysteriously getting long again, & I'm glad bell bottoms are coming back. Long live rock! LTF

[Digifish]

This should be easy, right? If there is one thing we know it is our selves…..why has that turned out to be one of the most unattainable and ridicules statements yet? I want at least this on my stone: always trying to learn…always trying to get better at it…learning and improving life.

Since when, I have wondered why this and that
Why are they doing that?
Why do they believe that?
Shouldn’t someone tell them that doesn’t really make sense
Not me, I’m just observing…
Why do they do that?

I was raised in a plethora of small towns and cities of the West. Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Idaho and now Oregon. Different reasons for living in each place depending on my age at the time. Born on the west side of Colorado in an amazing place, the Grand Junction of the Colorado and Gunnision Rivers. Met a loving and beautiful woman there and we’ve been happily joined for almost 20 years. No children, they weren’t in our plans by choice for many reasons.

I received an architecture degree and studied art at the University of Idaho. These kinds of interests have me seeking progressive and sometimes not so mainstream ideas. I like that. Figuring how we live and work in buildings has been enough of a challenge that it has only been recently that I have had time for other interests…..fishing has become such a pastime. Oh, such a pastime and time and time and time…

I’m in my mid forties now, feeling my age more often, and can look equal distance both back and forward now (all things willing)…..and I’m happy with my view of each. I have no use for a set of others beliefs on the history of man’s pursuits for divine power no matter the claim, just don’t think we understand enough to know. I don’t mean to offend any one, just trying to be clear. This leaves me in a small but comforting group.

My politics reflect my basic belief and that is: We are not living as full a life as could be if we are not focused on change. We are all about change….building a better life for ourselves and the ones we care about by changing. Changing our environment, changing our behavior, changing our health. Getting better…improving. Taking better care of what we have. Politics is about change, laws are about perserving stability (which should be changed when they are not helpful to the greater good ). So that puts me in somebody’s political camp but I know not who’s, probably not the conservatives though. But alas, politics are not for me which is dismaying at times. Such a daunting trail to change.

I really like and respect this web site. It has been a much larger influence than I could ever have imagined. It has taught me much about how to fish for salmon and sturgeon. It has also taught me much about people and what they believe. And depending on the day and my attitude, it’s a toss up between which is the more interesting and useful information. :grin:

[Mr. Carp]

Great Posts All!!!


Let me see.......... [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] I am 22 years old so I don't have as much to talk about but I'll do my best.

Well, My name is Ryan and I have been raised my whole life in the SW Washington Area. I was born in Vancouver, WA and lived in Ridgefield until I was 12 then we moved to Woodland (Big Move!!!). I have lived in Woodland ever since and love it. I have a younger brother and an older half brother and half sister. My younger brother is a royal pain sometimes and we butt heads, but I love him still. My parents are great and probably gave us more gifts them we ever deserved and I love them dearly. It is great that I am getting a chance to spend time and get to know my half brother because we never spent much time together but we are doing more. I have one grandma left because I lost my grandpa not to long ago. He was a great man and worked hard until the day he died at 85 on his farm. I learned a lot about the "old ways" from him and a tremendous amount of info about farming and miss him a lot.

I am into classic cars (Especially Mopars) and big 1-Ton Diesel Trucks (Ford). I drive an 1991 Explorer with mud tires on it and would love to lift it when I get some more green. I have a 1970 Plymouth Valiant that I want to make into a drag racer because I dorve it through high school and it has a "sleeper" look to it. My favorite movies are Days of Thunder and Gone and 60 Seconds for obvious reasons. My uncle has got me interested in Old street rods like 36 and 37 Fords and stuff like that. I started driving around the age of 5 on an old John Deere tractor on my grandpa's farm. I then graduated to the hay trucks and by 13 I was driving the tractors on the road (It is legal). Around 12 I started doing Custom Haying for people around the area (Hay Cutting and Baleing) and have been doing it ever since. During highschool, I worked everynight on a large farm for some people in Woodland. They had money so they had tractors with AC and fancy radios so farming was easy then.... I have thrown bales as long as I can remember and consider it fun when doing it with friends. I can't stand when rich people move out to the country and buy up all our farmland and build their multi-million dollar houses on it then flip me the bird when I am on the road with a tractor because they think I am holding them up. I know how many people I can have behind me because I have a CDL and am not causing you any harm. Besides, in my view, the farmer was there long before them.

I graduated from Woodland High in 1999 and now am attending Washington State University in Pullman studying Civil Engineering as some of you already know. I try to be a good student and do my best to keep my 3.65 GPA (Not an easy feat in Engineering ) . I have one more year to get my BS and I plan to stay and get my MS. After I get my professional license, I would like to open up my own consulting firm, but you have to be really good and we'll see where life takes me until then. :grin: I got into Raod Construction during my first years of college because my dad was a foreman for a construction company. I have perated big d-8's, backhoes, off road dump trucks, excavators and transported equipment. I have my CDL and love driving big trucks and operating heavy equipment, but wouldn't want to do it for a career. (Not putting the line of work down, but it just isn't for me).

I have never smoked cigarettes or ever done any kind of drug whatsoever. I hate smokers who throw their butts on the ground or out their car windows. If you like puffing on the thing so much and love the smell, then leave it in your ashtray or put it in the trash!!!! I will have an ocassional drink but don't do it to get drunk. I played football because I was big and could hit people hard. I played baseball when I was younger, but was never very good because I was slow so I hard to hit the ball far to do very good. :grin: I don't care for basketball and can not understand how people can watch golf or tennis. I love going and watching drag races. I like pro wrestling and have been a fan for a long time. I don't get easily irritated or have a temper, but can be guilty of ocassional Road Rage. One of my biggest peeves is when people drive 50mph in the fast lane yaking on their cell phone.

I am not a political person and vote for people because I think they will do the most good. I am for the death penalty and think drunk drivers should be punished more severely. I don't think pot should be legal along with any other drug. I think people born with a silver spoon don't have a clue what it means to earn a dollar and should earn what they get like some of us had to.

I have short hair and don't like tatoos. I hate pierceings even more. I eat all kinds of meat, but need to cut back a little. I always wear some kind of jeans and t-shirts and tennis shoes or work boots are the footwear of choice. I have played trumpet for 12 years and consider myself OK. I listen to country music (Older the Better). I listen to some stuff like on Z-100 and oldies too. I hate boy bands but love big band music. Glenn Miller RULES!!!!!

I love to fish for anything that bites. I especially love bottom fishing like up in Canada. YOu never know what you'll bring up!!! We fish the tributaries and the lower columbia. Every year we usually go ocean fishing out of Neah Bay or go into Canada. My dad has taught me everything I know about fishing and hunting and consider ourselves pretty good at it too. I hunt deer and elk and water fowl also. I have 2 mutt dogs but think they are great. I hate cats.

I have a tendacy to say what is on my mind and can ocassionally attack the person and not the ideas especially here on Ifish. Somtimes I need to think before I speak and appologize if I have offended anyone whatsoever.


Well, this is too long and nobody will read it so I think I'll end it here. Sorry if I have offended anyone, but it is how I feel. It is so mixed up it would be too hard to follow anyway.... I think I'll say that it is more a story about my life then who I am, but it is the best I could come up with. Besides it is midnight on a Saturday and had nothing better to do........

Ryan

[ 07-27-2003, 12:23 AM: Message edited by: Mr. Carp ]

[Born to Fish]

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1945, but raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I'm a registered Indeependent, and I have no religious background.

Went to a tecnical/trade high school where I became an apprentis pressman in the printing trade. A love for the outdoors steered me through a bachelor's degree in wildlife management at WSU in Stevens Point in 1967.

Like many in that era, I ended up in Vietnam where I was an infantryman with the 199th Light Infantry for 14 months, making a safe return home in October, 1969.

I have been a federal employee most of my working life, starting out as a seasonal firefighter the summer of 1963 in the St Helens District of the Gifford Pinchot NF in Southwest Washington. Also held seasonal jobs on the Inyo NF in CA; Isle Royale NP in Michigan; Yosemite NP in CA; Death Valley NP in CA; and Olympic NP in WA. Felt like a real Gypsy, moving every 5-6 months in order to keep working.

Eventually got my first permanent job with the National Park Service [NPS] as a ranger in Death Valley where I put in about 7 months before transferring to a backcountry ranger position on the coast in Olympic NP. Worked there for 2.5 years before moving to Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Pennsylvania for another 2.5 years of rangering. In 1978 I transferred down to Shiloh National Military Park in west Tennessee, where I was finally able to start honing my skills in resource management for 2.5 years. Then in 1980 I got a long awaited break and transferred to Great Smoky Mountains NP in east TN where I was the Fire Management Officer and over my 10-year assignment there became the Chief of Resources Management. In 1990 I moved the family to Boise, Idaho where I've been since, working with the NPS Fire Management Program Center which is located at the National Interagency Fire Center. My job there is to develop the NPS wildland fire management budget using an analysis system and then hoping for the best from the current Administration for their support. My job beyond budget formulation is then to distribute the funds and keep watch over the programs and help programs out wherever possible.

I've been going out on fire assignments for many years, ultimately working my way up to a logistics chief position with incident management teams, which I've done for the last 6+ years. Unfortunately my normal job has become more demanding and as such I have slowly had to extract myself from these assignments.

I am divorsed, after a 25-year marriage which provided me with two great sons. Adam is an archeologist in Reno, NV, and Travis is a tattoo artist here in Boise.

Since 1979 my resolve has been tested periodically by several critical health events. I've had cancer twice; during chemotherapy on the second bout [1987] I had a heart attack that almost came close to ending this story. In the mid-1990's I experienced two strokes over three years that ultimately were attributed to clots originating from the damaged area of the heart. Lots of meds, including blood thinners has kept me going, and as a result my personal philosophy has been to live for the moment and fishing in that regard brings me much happiness.

I haven't had anymore health problems for several years and will probably retire sometime in the next year or so. In the meantime I continue to broaden my fishing horizons through what I learn via Ifish, and the friendships made through this great group. Depoe Bay Dan has provided a great introduction to bottomfishing and fishing off the rocks and jetties - and I'm hoping to join him this fall chasing silvers on the Cowlitz. Mojo and Denali have provided outstanding opportunites to fish steelhead and salmon this past winter and spring, and as a result I have relized that the bass boat needs to go and I need a bigger and better fishing machine. Thanks all..... [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Dean

[ 07-27-2003, 10:00 AM: Message edited by: Born to Fish ]