About me
I'm a generalist—a jack-of-all-trades. This page is about my personal interests, avocations, and other life details. For my professional skills and experience, see the résumé page.
Creative Hobbies
Music
Since 1998, I've played bass guitar and sung in five different bands, in roles ranging from background player to frontman and creative center. I currently play bass and sing backing vocals in the Rhyk Grover Band.
I also work on the other side of the microphone, dabbling in recording and mixing—usually for the band in which I'm playing at the time.
Writing
I write speculative fiction (i.e., science fiction, fantasy, and related genres) in my spare time.
I also put my creative writing skills (and sense of humor) to good use in websites that I design and in band-related communications (e.g., gig emails, feedback forms, promo materials, etc.).
Website Design
Most of my paid, professional experience in the last dozen years has been in the e-learning field. However, I also design and build websites—like this one—using a variety of tools to A) keep my skills sharp, and B) exercise my creative impulses.
Athletic Hobbies
Bicycling
I'm a strong proponent of bicycling for transportation (although I do also own a car). I frequently pull my daughter in her trailer behind my recumbent bike.
Tennis
I learned to play tennis as a kid and have returned to the sport periodically. I routinely face off against my better half on the court on Saturday mornings.
Weight Training
Very important when many of your hobbies and professional activities are sedentary. A great stress reliever, too.
Hiking/Camping
Everything from day hikes to weekenders, and from car camping to backpacking.
Skiing
Downhill or cross country—I'm equally comfortable with both.
Personal Details
I have a wife, a young daughter, and two near-identical orange tabbies named Fred and George. We all live in Southeast Portland in a sixty-year-old house dwarfed by the giant Norway maple in the back yard.