Sports and Physical Activities
Yoga
At present, and for the last few years, yoga is my true love.
Whitewater Kayaking
I find this sport refreshing in summer. I love being in nature and to be outdoors and get exercise is a bonus. It’s exciting and requires focus, balance and strength. It’s a great way to be in the moment. The kayaking people are tight knit, warm, welcoming and supportive.
Rock Climbing
Another great group of people. I mostly gym climb but get a few rock trips a year. I ran a veteran rock climbing group for a few years.
Mountain Biking
This too is great outdoor exercise (going up hill) and exciting (going down hill). Oddly, this is the sport I’ve received the most injuries from.
Racquetball
I played competitive squash in high school which easily transitioned into racquetball when I came to the USA. In the Army and University I played competitively (on the University team). I do love this but stopped once I came to Tennessee. I play in an informal league last year and found I still have some ability.
Rugby
I loved playing this in High School. I played in the Army but got injured too often so I haven’t played since.
Field Hockey
Of all sports I played in school this was my favorite. I was on the school team years before becoming a senior and even got the chance to play for my country.
Track & Field
100m, 220m, 400m, hurdles, discus. I hated distance running. Once I got to the Army I had to get used to running 2-5 miles several times a week.
Swimming
Backstroke and medley were my events on the school team. My comfort in the water has allowed me to be more adventurous in whitewater kayaking.
SCUBA
I have gone diving all over the world. Fun but not much exercise.
Parachuting
I did this at least once a month in the Army. Also fun but not much exercise.
Backpacking
I got into this as a Boy Scout. Those skills paid dividends as the leader of a Special Forces ‘Rucksack Team’. Basically we carried everything on our back and walked through our missions.
Martial Arts
I began martial arts in High School, continued in the military (1 day a week my SF team used it as fitness training). Once in Tennessee I continued at a local dojo.
Non-Sport Interests
Woodwork, Leather-work and Metal-work
Mostly gift and projects. Once in a while the creative urge grabs me and I just have to express it.
Singing
I have always sung. It started with church choirs, developed to solos and cantering in church. Then I would sing in public at business events and now, once in a while I’ll sing in a yoga class.
Farming & Homesteading
I built a homestead and for a while made a living income from the farm. I still have the farm but it’s now a money consuming hobby farm. I currently have cattle, hogs and a goat. I teach Homesteading workshops at a few festivals during the summer.
Travel
As of 2025 I have been to 78 countries. Some of them I’ve lived in, some I’ve worked in and most were recreational visits.