Me, an introduction...

It occurs to me that the best way to start a blog is tell a little about myself.  I'm currently enrolled in the MAT program with Willamette University looking to earn a Masters of Arts in Teaching with authorization levels of high school and middle school and endorsements for chemistry, physics, and integrated science.  I've entered this program after working for almost twelve years as a synthetic organic chemist with two different companies in the state of Oregon.  I have a MS in Organic chemistry from Oregon State University and a BS in Chemistry from the University of Oregon.  I am making the career change to teaching for a variety of reasons but one of the biggest is that I tend to take ignorance personally.  I've seen or heard too many statements from media and friends that show that they don't understand how science affects their daily lives, whether it's "chemicals" in their water or not understanding basic concepts such as momentum and speed.  I really want to educate future generations so that they have a better understanding of the world around them and participate in the democratic process of life in our country in a knowledgeable way.

I am the father of two wonderful children, ages 3 and 6.  Due to my inherent paranoia, I don't like to post their names or photos on the internet.  There are too many crazy people out there for my taste.  I have a fantastic wife, Melissa, to whom I have been married for 9 years.

I am an avid snowboarder (and skier when the snow conditions are "hard"), though I have not had as many opportunities in the last few years as I would like to go.  As my children get older and can participate we will, as a family, certainly go as much as time and money allow.  I also enjoy camping and backpacking, the occasional fly fishing trip, and I brew my own beer at home.  Homebrewing is a new adventure for me, but it's been a lot of fun to learn.

This is my official first ever blog post.  I'm looking forward to doing more in the future.

Until then.