I'm so alive. As I stand facing the beauty of the never-ending Pacific Ocean, a late afternoon breeze blows down from the hills behind. As always, it is a beautiful day. The sun is making its final descent. The magic is about to begin. The skies are ready to burn with brilliance, as it turns from a soft blue to a bright orange. Looking towards the West, I stare in awe at the hypnotic power of the waves. A giant curl begins to take form, then breaks with a thundering clap as it crashes on the shore.

I know I can be very standoffish . . .

Mother can beat me all she wants, but I haven’t let her take away my will to somehow survive.

I am not the most eloquent guy in the world.

Even in its darkest passages, the heart is unconquerable. It is important that the body survives, but it is more meaningful that the human spirit prevails.

I couldn't lie to get myself fame and fortune.

I work 338 days a year, 16 hours a day.