“I was a barge captain one summer during the BP oil spill cleanup. I had to supervise people who were cleaning up the beach. “Guys in that industry were just very mean. They spent their money on escort girls. They were overly masculine like they … Continue readingSummer job on barge not his cup of tea
“When I lost my grandma a few years ago, I was pretty sad. I was pretty close to her. I have a picture of her that I keep with me now. It’s like she’s still there. It helps me remember her.” — Andreas Melendez
“I never really thought about serving on the school board but there was a vacancy and I decided, why not. I had no idea what I was getting into. “Something people don’t realize is how very little power one of us has. You go in … Continue readingShe got to present diplomas to her twin daughters
“My son was on his motorcycle, heading to work at 5:30 in the morning. Somebody hit him head on and killed him instantly. “The guy driving the car had no insurance, was driving without a license and has a criminal background. He shouldn’t have even … Continue readingFamily, friends, mourn the death of young dad
“I got polio when I was a year old and had a number of surgeries. The last one was in 1989 when they fused my ankle because my foot was turning in. “Growing up, I always used braces or crutches. I didn’t like wearing my … Continue readingPolio hasn’t stopped her from enjoying life
“Retirement is a big step, deciding what you’re going to do and who you’re going to trust your money with. “I do a little work on the side right now, building a house or two. I’m not sure how involved I want to be with … Continue readingHe doesn’t want to be tied down in retirement
“We like music and dancing, and we put on little skits. One time we made pretend characters out of paper, kind of like puppets, and then we made a movie with them. I accidentally cut off their legs with my scissors, so I made pretend … Continue readingThey enjoy music, dancing and pretending
“I have nine kids, 17 grands and four greats. I’ve had a lot of happy times, but I’m really looking forward to what’s going to happen on Aug. 9. I will march my granddaughter down the aisle. She’s getting married. I can’t describe how great … Continue readingExcited about walking granddaughter down the aisle
“I write short fiction and have some stuff published, but I’m not the next Hemingway. “I’ve written a lot about reality TV, how it both reflects us and sort of sets a course for us. Early on I was looking at that shift to confessionalism, … Continue readingShe enjoys writing from a comic perspective
“Growing up, I was very detail oriented. Now it’s a trait that’s beneficial in my work, and it also keeps me pretty structured in my life.” Have you ever veered from that path? “Well, before my fiancé, I was dating another young lady who was … Continue readingHe does best when maintaining structured life