I was born in 1957 in the Lone Star State about 100 miles north of Mexico. My family founded our county in about 1856 and has led a ranching lifestyle ever since. I graduated from the University of Texas with a BBA in International Trade and an MBA in finance. I was one of those people who never left Austin after going to school there. Has this town ever changed. My wife tells me that Sandra Bullock visited my next door neighbor recently. Of course it was my luck that I was out of town. I have been a self employed financial consultant since the early 1980's; with my focus being on valuation of closely held businesses and investment grade real estate.
I have had some intersting experiences over the past ten years as a part time consultant for The World Bank traveling to Slovenia, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kenya (I picked up and interesting Parker pen in Nairobi and a Delta in Mexico City). I have a wonderful family; wife, son (10) and daughter (5). I also recently was ordained as a deacon in my church.
As far as pens go, I started to become interested in college. My first fancy pen was one of those gold sheaffer ballpoints with intricate gold filligree on it. My first fountain pen was a shaeffer targa. Since then I have accumulated about 100 pens, mostly modern and mostly under $300 each. I think my most dear ones currently are a Chinese laquer St. Dupont, my Parker 51, and Gold Sheaffer Targa. I'm also one of the only people who has generally been very dissappointed with my Pelikan M-1000. I think I have focused my interest on Japanese and Italian pens (I've yet to get my coveted Omas Paragon). In general, because I am a big guy I prefer large, but light pens.
Other hobbies include vintage and modern wristwatches, antiquarian travel and exploration books, and antique bladed weapons (I'm an admirer not a user).
Finally, I am somewhat of an admirer of Irish culture and life (am Irish on my maternal side.) Once I had the privilege of visiting Ashford Castle and the setting of John Wayne's "Quiet Man". It is my goal to experience life on the Emerald Island sometime in the future.
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