"I really hope someone initiates following thread when this one hits 100..."

Judging by threads in other forums, there is no limit now. We'll see, eh?

barb

And another one...over the top!

Bully, I immediately thought you sold drugs....and was a pharmacist.

Sue

There are some very impressive resume's in here. I'm one of the least trusted people in the nation. I'm a sales rep and finance manager at a small new car dealership. My full time passion is to make people understand that not all car salesmen are alike. I have spent over 14 years doing my best to never knowingly cheat someone. Being in a small town, a crook gets run out quick and hard. I have to rely on repeat business to make a living, so I have to do my best to be good to everybody. It's also easier sleeping at night.

My trip to car sales was round about. I attended Kansas State University majoring in first journalism, then Agricultural Economics. I spent 16 years either behind the counter in an agricultural co-operative or on the front side of the counter as a territory manager for a livestock feed company.

When interviewing for something better, I was told that if I wanted to stay in the feed business, I needed to move to Iowa. If I wanted to stay in Kansas, I needed to get out of the feed business. So, here I am.

"I'm one of the least trusted people in the nation. I'm a sales rep and finance manager at a small new car dealership." [Big Mike]

Mike,

I think I remember reading in newspapers or seeing on TV (so how in the world I could take it for gospel is beyond me) that media reporters now rank higher on Americans' least trusted top 10 list than even politicians and used car salesmen!

But that was about 4 years ago, and after the current rash of excellent reporting on recent natural and political disasters, it wouldn't surprise me if reporters have at least fallen behind us politicians in the spurious line-up.

So, all in all, it seems you may have at least two ranks of front line defenders of your dubious reputation.

Bill

I grew up with a U.S. Senator who is, if anything, too honest, and probably the most trusted man in our county is the editor of the local newpaper. But that's what happens when you live in a town so small that you don't even need turn signals, since everybody know's where you're going anyway!

Bill, who has to go now since I'm workin' on wiring up CB speakers to my walls of water and gettin' them ready for Sad Sac overwintering.

* this was one of the funniest covos ever * ~ Tom

Don't work! Independantly wealthy.
Now that the lies are out of the way, let me say I've enjoyed reading all the bios. I'm reminded of the joke: The engineering graduate says," How does it work?" The science major says, "Why does it work?" the accountant grad says,"How much does it cost?" the arts grad says, You want fries with that?"
I'm a retired aerospace engineer having worked on several classified missile projects and NASA projects Mercury, Skylab and Solid Rocket Booster of Space Shuttle. All for contractors like McDonnell Douglas and Thiokol.
My hobbies are hunting (deer & turkey) fishing, and gardening. Last Sunday I harvested from my garden a huge head of broccoli, a small mess of okra, 5 cucumbers and two ripe tomatos. Because I live on the bank of a large lake I've managed to dodge the frosts so far this year, but any day now it'll catch me. My cabbage and cauliflower aren't mature enough yet, but I need to harvest more broc. toms, and turnip greens today.
Oh I also love to cook specialty items but my wife usually cleans the kitchen and thanks me for doing the cooking. (She's not wild about cooking)
My hat's off to all you stay home moms and dads. That's the biggest socio/ecconomic problem we have today that both parents have to work to make ends meet and so many children are being raised by surrogates. I don't fault anyone for both working, it's often a necessity, but if either parent can be home with the kids until school age it's worth accepting a lower standard temporarily.
Enough of the soap box. All have a good day, hagd.

In my retirement, I'm a Maytag repairman. Therefore most of my time is spent just sitting around waiting for the phone to ring! Even when it does, it's usually someone trying to sell us something instead of work to do. My particular specialty is microwave ovens. It's more of a fun hobby rather than an income since I don't need it. Thus all profits are funneled right back into the business operated by my brother and I. Otherwise I'm quite pleased with the generous monthly Social Security payment!

Martin

I work in a state university library, and catalog books for a living. It's been a great job, as I get to handle all the newly published stuff that comes out each year. Easy way to get to know a little about a lot of different subjects. I hope (hope, hope, hope,) to take early retirement next spring and finally concentrate on my gardening. We live in the woods on a lake, and if my husband did not take control of our social life, I would by choice, be a hermit.

I practice law, have a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, and my area of practice is medical-legal law. I have been practicing for almost 29 years. Before I went to law school, I was a studio musician and songwriter in New York-very different occupation from practicing law! Even though I live in Texas now, I am still a Democrat! Michael

Now, that puts a whole different spin on MD v PC.

Hoosier-it seems like that, but actually it stands for Michael D. Volk Professional Corporation. Michael

Michael D

If you havent been welcomed to Texas yet, here it is "Welcome to Texas.
A democrat and a yank is a hard act down here.

Best of luck to you!

Worth

Worth-Actually, I really consider myself from Virginia-spent most of my pre-teen and teenage years there. I have been living in El Paso since 1971. Michael

Well I sincerely do beg your pardon; you have been here long enough to be called a Texan.
The official amount of time to be here is 10 years, and I do believe you qualify.
My sincerest apologies brother!

El Paso since 71, I have only seen the place from afar before I turned north to head for Carlsbad.

Worth

I was sure I posted on this one befoe I went off forthe weekend..??? Maybe it was knocked off because I put my webisteaddress on??? It's interesting to see all the varied ways we live or make a living or try to....
I am a photographer...was a painter until I startedlooking through acamera...martha/zucchini

Here is a link that might be useful: marthahenrickson.com

We just got a new puppy, so I am behind in everything, including this list - what a great collection of folks -

When I began college, I was a music ed major and came within 12 hours of that degree - but switched to elementary ed at the last moment.

I have a masters in education and have taught small children 18 months - kindergarten, also taught child development at a junior college.

Then I went to seminary to get an M. Div and am an ordained Epsicopal Priest (at least two priests on this thread!). I worked in a parish and then as chaplain to an Epsicopal school.

then I went back to grad school and got a counseling degree.

Now I work full-time as a therapist at the Rape Crisis Center in San Antonio. Good work, have been here 3 years. But it is a non-profit and that goes for me as well - low pay but doing good things.

Just this past month, I have opened my own private practice on the side - in hopes of becoming fully self-employed in the next couple of years. here is my website: www.cynthiamckennacounseling.com

I love this work and it pulls together all the things I have learned along the way.

I have also worked in a new-agey shop selling dried herbs and oils and learning a lot about natural remedies, I have been a singer and bodhran player in a small Celtic band, taught workshops all over the state of TX for educators, and waited tables at a very good restaurant during this last round of grad school - great money, very hard work.

I fancy that in another life, I will be Rick Bayless' business partner, or his sous chef, or perhaps Julia Child or Alice Waters will want to be MY best friend.

My tomatoes are thriving right now - best production of the whole year - go figure!
Cyn

Martha, what a coincidence. Your last name is the same as a 6th-12th grade crush I had with a girl here in Detroit, Corrine Hendrickson. She had a sister, Monica. Just funny that you have the same last name. It doesn't seem to be that common. I sent her flowers for years,...never asked her out...still the only girl that made me dizzy and unable to speak when I was around her. Do you have that allure as well?

Duane

well, Duane, I hope my photos do!! I may have at some point in my youth...We never know how others see us... Hope you sent flowers to the right one too. Maybe tomato flowers?? m/z

Duane you mean I aint the only one that gawt a frog in his gullet when a nice gal said something to him.

I could feel myself turn red too.

I thought I was a freak of some sort for years because I didnt slap girls upside the head like the big shots on campus did.

Worth

nice photos Martha!
Cyn

Duane, you brought up a memory I have to share. My teenage summers were spent hauling hay for spending money. It was good enough money I could play sports through the school year and get by until the next spring. Anyway, after one grueling 1100 bale day, I stopped at the local hamburger joint for some supper before going home. I placed my order and went to sit down. Just then, an absolute angel walked in. She was tall and slender with long, blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She was wearing a pink dress with pink patent leather shoes. A teenage goddess if I ever saw one! I told myself that I had to meet her. As I got up, I noticed my jeans so sweaty and dirty, they were slick. My old cowboy boots I had slit the tops in order to poke the legs inside. I was wearing an old ragged western shirt with two snaps missing and the sleeves cut out. I had been hauling red clover, so my arms looked like they had been in a war. And I wanted to meet this beautiful thing?? What was I thinking? I sat back down, ate my burger and malt and never saw her again.
I always wondered what would have happened had I met her after leaving church instead of right after leaving the hay field.

Well Big Mike you just had to bring up the hay field didnt you.

It was back in the 70s in southeast Oklahoma I had a 63-ford 1-ton truck with a trailer I built myself.

It was about 3 am in the morning and I was just finishing up a long days work of hay hauling, "I too had a wore out straw hat with the raggedy cow boy boots and a shirt with the sleeves cut out.
The wind was starting to blow a little and a thunderstorm was brewing in the west a real blow was coming for sure.
The lightning and thunder in the distant horizon reminded me of an artillery barrage and Mother Nature had mustered up all of the passion she could.
The 8 track was playing Aerosmiths get your wings album.
Right there in that hay field in the wee hours of the morning with a hundred bales of hay on the truck and trailer with that storm quickly approaching the rain starting to fall in large ice cold drops is where I lost my virginity.
Now that is a memory I will never forget.

Splendor in the grass is one of my favorite movies AND books, I wonder why.

Hay hauling is a job too so I am on topic arent I?

Worth

A literal roll in the hay!! Cool! I must be a tad older than you. We hauled hay to the tunes of Three Dog Night and occasionally Pink Floyd or Deep Purple.

The city folks are probably wondering why we didn't listen to Hank Williams, aren't they?

You'll never know Big Mike. And that might be good. To mention some wisdom from some of the ol country songs, there is a lot of it in that "Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers", and a little more light hearted taunting "How do you like me now?"
We compartmentalize those things and they sometimes cross our minds when something triggers them.

I married the Coach's daughter. She was a little aloof perhaps, some may have considered her a snob. But that wasn't it at all. She was a new kid in town, did not make friends easily, was highly intelligent and was happy with her books and did not feel like she had a chance at me.
But, there was some magic there between us. One day after football season was past and all the hoopla died down, we met each other walking down the sidewalk in the middle of our little town and ZAP, there it was. We knew that we were made for each other, forsaking all others. Just a feeling of wanting to be together and comfortableness with each other that neither of us had ever felt with anyone else. Fifty two and a half years later, four kids, 12 grand kids, one great grandkid, some really good and some really bad times, tragedeys and sorrow, triumphs and sucesses, it is still there in our souls, spirit and bodies somewhat worse for the wear, that have somehow managed to withstand the ravages of time to some extent. The minds, souls and sprirts have grown over the years with the experiences, and are still as young and strong as ever, just more sensitive and mature. I am beginning to think that it may become permanent ! ":^)
She is my numero uno girl, and my dog lady is my numero dos.
Bill P.

Oh Big Mike ,you silly fella.You should have spoke to her.I think that a hard working guy in a cut off western shirt even a little or a lot full of dirt would be very appealing.Maybe that's just me !
Anyway to stay on topic.I'm a stay at home mom.My husband works and stays in the city most of the week so I'm also the one who does all of the farm work around here.I'm not a farmer just yet but my barn is almost full of beasts now,and with a little luck in a few more years it will be more than just a hobby farm.
In the past other jobs I've had have been.
Pumping gas
Hair salon assistant
Usher for young peoples theater
worked in a bakery
Waiteress
and Bartender for many years.

Ann.

Thanks, Ann. I ended up with a woman who has put up with me for nearly 31 years, so I probably didn't miss much. It's just interesting to look back and wonder "what if?". Sounds like you've had a nice full life. You'll be plenty busy when your barn is full of critters.

Big Mike,

Gotta tell ya', I have worn boots all of my life, and my freshman year at college, I was putting myself through school working in a warehouse (no hay) and I found the pretty girls at school more than happy to put up with the beat up boots (which I still wear), hats and shirts in various levels of disarray and the dirt and all. Something about being a little rough around the edges, I suppose.

31 years is darned impressive though.

Bob

To mike and all,

The way I look at it is that at least when I grew up ladies liked a man that would go out and work, if that meant hauling hay or working in the oil field at least you worked and could support yourself.
Girls cant help there selves if they are born pretty and it makes it hard on the good ones to find a good guy as they have to put up with all of the wolves that are out for one thing.

I cant think of a lady that will put up with a poof boy that will not work, at least for long.

Thus my story about the hay field, I have had real good girl friends that were real lookers that helped me cut timber and castrate calves and they did not need $500 worth of makeup to look that way.
I had my share of those too and they were shown the way to the door real quick.
I will take a lady that will get her hands dirty in the tomato patch any day of the week.

Worth

I have a B.A. in Biology, that I haven't put to use, careerwise.
I'm a Nursing Assistant. I do like the interaction with the residents. I'm still searching for my "calling".
I've been contemplating something similar to what Winnjoe is doing.

I am an Accounts Payable Clerk.
Natasha687

i forgot to mention one of the most interesting jobs i had. i worked in an very busy emergency room in san antonio, (Bexar county hospital) as an ortho tech, i really loved that job. i never knew what i might see when i went to work, i worked the busiest shift.

i got to meet a lot of great people, and saw a lot of trauma. it was exciting work.

jeri

I am a potter. In some of my past lives I have been a gallery owner and a reading teacher but always a potter at the same time. I will leave out my sexualy history unless there is a popular demand.

I will take a lady that will get her hands dirty in the tomato patch any day of the week. Worth

My Reply

Is that why my husband loves me so much. He is a very cowboy from Texas, and I LOOOOve him so much. Amen!!

MrsJustice

Sorry, I meant that my husband is a very true Cowboy from Texas.

I have realized that my memories of spelling is not good, so I mush be stressed and need to relax more. Maybe I am worried about my fall garden. I need to develop away to heat the air under the plastic, because it cold in there, and my Tomatoes Plants do not look to happy today.

In another forum I participate in, we're currently talking about the crappy jobs we've had. So far, most of them have had to do with septic tanks and manure lagoons. Crappy jobs, for sure.

MrsJustice

Glad to hear from you.
And also glad to hear your doing Ok.
The other half is a Texan you say?

Worth

Big Mike,

In the 30 years at 'The Phone Co' I said many times that I'd rather be shoveling manure...in to the wind. It just didn't have the wages or the benefits though.

Sue

I look after the computers and computer networks for 9 schools. Mantis

I have been so busy of late.....painting the entire house and changing over to a new computer...so apologies for seed trades that may seem like they are in limbo.
Jobs:
Newspaper boy
first real job: Supersize me employee (I have been a vegetarian for the last 15 years, ooh the irony)
Bus boy, dishwasher in bar
Waiter
Painter
Bicycle builder (in a locked warehouse where I had to call the manager to let me out so I would not trip the security alarm. a case of claustrophobia coupled with a fear of moths forced me to leave that job.)
Volunteer in Africa ( where I saw a moth with the wingspan of a crow.....or at least that is the way I remember it.)
Assistant Language Teacher (in Japan)
Full-time: 9-12 Language Teacher (Japanese and English, even though my training is in Social Studies, lol)
part-time: selling the fruits of my labours
Jeff

I work for a county extension office as support staff. I answer calls on weeds, yards and garden, insects, canning and 4-H. Looking towards retirement. My husband is retired Navy and we spent many years traveling where I worked many different jobs. We do Farmer's Market in August and September with tomatoes, peppers, cukes, fruits and a dib and a dab of other vegetables.

thought I'd keep this one going....

I'm a 911 - police - fire - ems dispatcher for a suburb of columbus, oh. It's a fun job, although it can be stressful sometimes. Gardening is great stress relief though and I'm already planning my veggie garden for next year, including several varieties of tomatoes that are new to me.

farmer and plant breeder.

Is anyone changing jobs at the beginning of the new year or retiring at the end of the year?

I could only wish! I've got quite a few years to go before I can retire. I'm definitely not changing jobs. I really do like mine.

It depends on some family situations. I might be holed up in a mountain holler somewhere. Hard tellin'

bump + Bill, I really hope so !!! ~ Tom
ps. I'm not as lucky as some who like what they do ~

"It depends on some family situations."

Yeah, those *family situations*! I'm with you, Duane, in hoping 2006 will be better than 2005.

I quit my *real* job to help take care of my mom, but that's not the same thing as *retiring*. ;-))

barb

My business card reads "Graphic Artist," but I don't do a lot of artwork. What I really do is work on proposals, presentations, and marketing materials for an environmental services consulting company.

Hi all. I'm a bureaucrat, a paper-pusher. Not as bad as it sounds, though. I work for an international development organization, which is a great environment. Fascinating people, from many countries. My department is in charge of research and innovation in everything from education to gender issues to technology to financial markets to indigenous people to microenterprise. And more. Really cool. So even though my role there is managing the budget, contracting consultants, and human resources, all rather boring and not necessarily playing to my strengths, I like it anyway. Plus the BEST thing is, having started there just before my 21st birthday, I will retire with a pension at 55. And it's public sector, the pension isn't going to disappear.

Once I retire (16 years to go!) I too want that country acreage with animals and maters and veggies and fruit trees. And solitude, or small like-minded community. And work from there doing research and consulting with tribes (American Indian or indigenous elsewhere) on a variety of issues, assuming I've managed to put the MA I'm working on into some kind of work experience before I retire. The great thing is that kind of work exists within the organization, so I can change careers to something meaningful without sacrificing the pension!

Winnjoe and Cyn, and Douglas, a couple times I tried to find a monastery to join where I could do the farming and all that .... never found "my" place, though. But life is good.