My Rotary Info

How long have you been in Rotary?

Approximately 12 to 15 years total. I joined once and dropped out for a few years and then joined the Denton Noon Club in 1996. When I retired in 1998, I joined the Marble Falls, Tx. Noon Club until I joined the Rotary eClub of the Southwest in January of 2007.

List the Rotary clubs you've belonged to.

Denton Noon Rotary Club in Denton, Texas Marble Falls Noon Rotary Club

What club offices have you held?

Director of International Service. I will serve as Sergeant at Arms this coming year.

Which was your favorite?

So far, I have had a lot of fun as Director of International Service. I feel that I will need a lot of help in fulfilling my duties and responsibilities as SAA for the eClub of the Southwest

Have you held district or int'l offices?

no

What other Rotary involvement have you had? (Exchange, Friendship exchange, GSE, etc.)

Several Rotary Friendship exchanges with families from Mexico. My wife and I hosted a graduate exchange scholar from the Cotswold area in England, and later both ous went to the Cotsworld to visit her family.

eClub works for me because...

I was experiencing hearing difficulties at our local club. The eClub of the Southwest gives me ample opportunities to participate without any frustration.

About Me

How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as a lifelong learner who is willing to try new things. I am presently studying Italian because my wife and I have gone to Italy on three occasions, and we love it! I am also interested in studying folk guitar among other things. I am interested in social justice, peace and freedom for all of humanity. I am a person who loves peace and understanding and who is willing to help those who cannot or will not help themselves.

What are your 3 most favorite things?

Being with my family always! Reading and travelling Trying to help others

3 least favorite things?

Social Injustice Discrimination Arrogance

Quotation that gets you through the day?

Do your best to be yourself always!

What type of vehicle do you drive?

Toyota Highlander (four cylinder)

How many pets and what types?

No pets! We had a silver toy poodle once, and it was lost by an airlines on a flight from Montreal to New York City. The trauma was unbearable!

Education and Occupation

Level of traditional education:

Doctorate/Emeritus

Do you have a specialty degree?

yes

Describe it:

PhD in Romance Languages and Linguistics with a second specialty in Comparative Literature

Where did you attend High School?

San Benito High School

Where did you attend college?

Texas State University, BA Texas A&M in Kingsville, MA University of Washington, PhD

I use my degree in my current occupation:

false

What is your current occupation?

Retired

How long have been at your current occupation?

I have been retired since 1998

What was the least favorite job you've ever had?

I never had a "least favorite job". Well..., perhaps when I was a teen and I worked in a cotton gin during nights in South Texas.

Entertainment/Interests

What are your hobbies?

Reading, Golf, Fishing, Travelling, and Community Theater

Do you play sport? List them.

Golf is the only sport that my age will allow for me to play.

Do you watch sport? Who are your favorite teams/players?

Yes, I usually watch the finals of the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers and the San Antonio Spurs. Not all of them, but some!

Do you like to camp?

no

Do you prefer books or movies?

Books

Food

Do you like to cook or go out for dinner?

Cook

What is your favorite meal?

I love to cook and so does my wife, but we also enjoy going out to dinner. I do not have a favorite meal-- I like just about everything!

Miscellaneous

What is your favorite book and why?

I am not sure that I can anwer this question honestly because I like so many of them for different reasons. Are we talking here about fiction or non-fiction, or both?

If you could meet your great-great grandparents, what would you ask them?

I would ask them to tell me stories of their everyday lives. I have found that regardless of how poor certain people are, there is always great dignity in recounting their own stories including their personal joys and sorrows.

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

I would like to be President of a powerful nation so that I could stop all wars.

If money were not an a concern, what profession would you choose?

I would follow the same profession that I chose in my life.

What is your favorite movie? Why?

Probably War and Peace because it shows how cruel war can be; and it made me cry.

What might surprise people about you?

That I can cry easily. Of course during the times of El Cid, it was considered manly for men to cry. I do not consider it a weakness.

If you could muster the courage, what would you like to do?

II would like to make it to 100 years of age. For me, that would take a lot of courage.

If you relive one day, which would it be?

The day that I was born because without that day I would not be here

If you could take only three items with you to a space colony, what would they be? (Your family is already coming with.)

I would take water just in case there was not any there. I would also take a variety of items to plant and grow, and the Bible.

What is the best advice your parents gave you?

Be glad that you are alive and strive to get the best education that you can acquire.

What is the best advice you have given your children?

Same as above

If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

I would not like to be an animal because they do not have souls.

Describe the most beautiful sight you have ever seen:

Beautiful starry nights in South Texas.

Family secret for treating a cold?

Keep going!

Where would you like to retire?

I am retired in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. I would not change that!

The world will be a better place when…

When all wars can be considered as history.