I have always been into computers, since long before it was considered cool. I started college in 1991 going for a Computer Science degree. As life tends to not always follow the plan we set out, I ended up leaving college after starting my own business in the mid 90's. I ran that IT business for over a decade until about 2007 when the changes in the economy forced many of my clients out of business within a small time frame. We couldn't recover from that.
Following that, I ended up working as an Assistant Manager at Wal-Mart in Middlefield Ohio for nearly seven years. During that time I learned a lot about retail management and enhanced my people management skills. I worked there until mid 2014 when I had the financial opportunity to return to school full time to finish my degree.
I returned to the University of Akron for the Fall 2014 semester and completed my Computer Science degree, graduating in December of 2015. I am currently seeking employment as a software developer with a good company where I can grow and advance, eventually putting my management skills back to work.
My hobbies and interests include tabletop and computer strategy war gaming as well as computer and "pencil and paper" role playing games. I am also into collecting and using classic computers (focusing mostly on Atari computers but have recently expanded into Apple and Timex Sinclair). I currently run an "old school" Atari BBS, STar Fleet HQ which I originally started in the mid 90's. I also am interested in Artificial Intelligence projects and I am looking forward to starting some projects with my new Arduino board. Outside of the Electronic/Computer world, I have also been involved with Tae Kwon Do on and off since high school and I am hoping to get started again once I'm certain where my job hunt will land me (geographically speaking, of course).
I have an adorable cat named Kahlen who is probably the sweetest and most patient cat you would ever have the pleasure to know. She's probably about 16 years old and still doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Unfortunately, at my current apartment I can't have her with me so she's living with an old roommate. Hopefully I'll be able to change that soon!
My first cat was named Kimber who unfortunately passed away a few years back. She was my first "real" (non gerbil/fish) pet.