Military brat turned Navy vet—joined up at 19, saw the world, and collected more than a few stories along the way (some best saved for a second date). Afterward, I tried my hand at everything from strip club security (yep, it’s as wild as it sounds) to engineering school. Got the degree, rode the rollercoaster, and then the job market decided I needed a new adventure at 57. Now I’m 58, single again after 13 years with someone special (third time wasn’t the charm, but I’m still a romantic at heart). These days, I’m caring for my amazing 95-year-old mom and figuring out what’s next. When I’m not holding down the fort at home, I’m usually “Frankensteining” in the garage—tinkering, fixing, welding, or making sawdust with a new woodworking project. I also love picking up my guitar or bass and jamming out.