As for my interests, I am an animal lover, to the extent that my wife calls me her “Dr. Doolittle. We have two dogs Théoden (Collie, Great Pryennes Mix) and First (9 lb Chihuahua); as well as two cats, Eowyn (Tortiseshell, who thinks that she is a Princess), and Banshee (a 25+ lb, Norwegian Forest Cat); as well as a Trinidad Cheveron Tarantula (Diesel). I am also an avid book reader, and have a keen interest in genealogy (specifically my Celtic Roots).
By trade, I am a Reference Librarian, but it seems that I may never actually get the dream job that I want. I currently have two part time reference Librarian Jobs, but cannot seem to get that illusive full time career position. While I was attending graduate school, the down turn in the economy as well as other factors has created a shortage of available jobs. So I have had to take a job at my old employer to pay the bills. Time will tell as to which direction my career will take.
For an update (Nov 2006) my wife and I have moved back for MN, and I am currently a manager at Petsmart, but still looking for a full time library job. We are very happy with the move and am on a crusade to convert everyone to the correct pronuciation of Oregon "Ore-Gun". For all those out there who mispronounce the state, as you self one question, "How do you pronounce Wagon?"
For other interests, I am very proud of my Scots roots, and I was even married in my kilt. I am also a member of the 79th NYSM Cameron Highlanders, Scottish Civil War reenactment regiment. This Interest in my Scottish heritage has even bled into other areas, body art. If someone were to see me on the street, they would never think that I have multiple tattoos, and plans of many more. My tattoos with the exception of two, have a Celtic theme; the kanji for “Sage”, the Scottish Thistle (symbol for Scotland), the badge for the Brodie Clan, a Celtic Tree, and my most recent addition, a Rose Hair Tarantula on my right leg (in honor of my Tarantula "Honey" that we had to give to a new home due to our recent moving).
As mentioned before, I am an avid book reader, which seems to make sense with my profession as a librarian. I enjoy a wide range of authors, but mainly enjoy both fantasy and Science fiction. My favorite writers include: J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan, Gayle Greeno, Robin Hobb, Kristen Britain, C.J. Cherry, and David Farland among others. If anyone needs a author recommendation in either of these genres, please let me know.
In the recent week, there seems to be a plethora of questions that people have about me, so here is an update. In addition to my interest in lycanthropes, I have also come to a crossroads spiritually. I was raised in the Christian Science Church, but have not attended in years. Though I still spiritually follow many of the precepts of Christianity, I have found more in common with my wife’s “BelleIsra” religion (Hmong Traditionalist). In the past couple years, I have seen a had a heightened awareness of the supernatural, and almost have routine messages from my wife’s grandparents. All of these experiences combined have called me to question my Christian Faith. As time, I may be able to merge the two, but for now am still seeing where I fit spiritually. I hope this helps everyone, and may I find some answers in the Rave.
Update:
Over the last year, I have been on a search for my own Religious and Spiritual Identity. I have been influenced by my own past and my family but have never felt like I really fit in, with their beliefs. My biggest influence has been the re-awakening of my “sight” as well as the wonderful addition of my wife and her family. I have now become comfortable in my own beliefs, and am no longer ashamed of what my own Spiritual self tells me. I grew up as a Christian Scientist, but never felt that I could fully accept all of their tenets, and always instead always felt a pull toward the “older” pre-Christian beliefs. I decided to search for myself, and see where I fit in. Through looking at various pagan paths, I have chosen the Pictish Pagan path. This path is a solitary one and was followed by my Scottish ancestors. I am very thankful for the amount of patience my wife Mary (BelleIsra) has given me during my “soul searching”. She has been the foundation of my sanity, and has all my love.
Ok here is a little more of the mundane me, and my interests. I am a true Pisces, and am also a twin in a line of seven kids 6 of 7 (oh I am the older one by 5 mins). I am an old soul, and I think that it can be seen in my eclectic mix of music other interests. Here goes:
Bands:
Elvis
Iron Maiden
Judas Priest
Bruce Dickinson
The Who (my absolute fav)
Pink Floyd
Metallica
Neil Diamond
The Doors
Pearl Jam
The Monkees
Queen
Midnight Oil
Billy Idol
Billy Joel
Depesche Mode
KMFDM
Whyte Shadows
1970’s & 80s Genre
Bag Pipes (Hello I’m Scottish)
Civil War Regimental Music
Mahler
Wagner
Schubert
Barber
TV:
Ghost Hunters
The Lone Gunmen
Dalziel & Pascoe
Supernatural
CSI
Dr. Who
Torchwood
Red Dwarf
Black Adder
Brit Mysteries
Brit Comedy
Hmong Movies
Other Interests:
I have been a coin & stamp buyer and seller since I was 8 (god for more than 20 yrs), and have a collection of over 5000 pieces. I am also a Civil War Reenactor and am a member of the 79th New York State Militia, Cameron Highlanders. Please visit yanksinkilts.com for more information on our group. Lastly, I am an active Ebay seller, and even teach a class on it in one of my reference librarian jobs. As for hobbies that Belle and I have together, we both pick mushrooms during the season here in Oregon. I learned which ones to pick from my Sister in Law from Norway. We have access to our own private mushroom patch that has never been touched by man. When we go, we usually find at least 100 lbs of Chanterelles, Bolettes (porcinis), and Hedgehogs. Please see the pictures below for a taste of what we find.
