My dad is a professor of philosophy at University of California, Santa Cruz. In his earlier days, he was involved in many physical activities including: rock climbing, skiing and mountaineering. He has summited Mt. McKinley (Denali) four times, as well as climbed in many other parts of the world including South America, and Asia. As for skiing, my dad is extremely proficient at it. Like the rest of the family, he telemarks and is the one that taught us how to do it. My dad is very handy with everything from fixing cars to building additions to the house. To him everything is DIY. His list of projects is extensive, but currently I believe making a sports car is at the forefront of his ambitions. While I might have liked to see this dream come to life before I went to college, it doesn't look like that is going to happen now. My dad is really the one who taught me the American humor and practical jokes. And while the methods he used to teach me were not always gracious (and always practical), I can say for a fact that they are all memorable. Besides this, he is also wise and not quick to judge others: all qualities I wish to share one day.
You can find out more about him by visiting his webpage.
My mom is a very unusual person. While I have not appreciated some of what she does for my brother and me as much as I should have, as I get older I'm beginning to understand the sacrafices that she makes on a daily basis for us. If we are hungry, she never hesitates to cook us a meal to feed an army. She washes our clothes, she drove us everywhere when we were younger, she cooks for the family... One day, I hope I can pay her back for all of these things that she has done and will continue to do for the family. My mom participates in the family hobbies as well as some of her own including quilting. She is one of my idols for her selflessness.
You can find out more about her by visiting her webpage.
Michael is my one and only brother. He is sixteen years old and has just completed his sophomore year at San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton, CA. Michael amazes me in many different ways. There are times when I dismiss the possibility of asking him for advise in various situations and find myself kicking myself when I finally do hear his advise. Often times he displays wisdom way beyond his years. He excels in many different activities ranging from academics to athletics. While he has doubts like all teenagers do about his abilities, I know that he will succeed in his future endeavors. He enjoys playing Water Polo, Soccer, Volleyball, hanging out with his friends, and sleeping. I am proud of him and am looking forward to seeing the man he is becoming.
Sadie is the newest member of our family. She has been with us since 2001. She is an Australian Shepherd and is now about 10 years old. Some of her favorite and only hobbies include sleeping, eating, running with my dad, sleeping, eating and sleeping. In her earlier life, she was abandoned by her original owners and had to fend off many dogs when she was tied to a post and left there. Consequently, when we first got her, she did not get along very well with other dogs and often ran after our car as we went to work and school. It's been six years since we adopted her and she is a very different dog now. She now takes naps at home while we are out and she plays with other dogs. At ten, she is aging but looking at her, you wouldn't know it. I hope that she will stick around for some time yet. It's been a real joy having her as part of the family.