I respect those around me and am loyal to my acquaintances and commitments. Efficiency and resourcefulness are qualities that I strive to achieve. Studying the philosophies from the Orient and from Western philosophers has helped to listen to all points of a debate.  I enjoy spirited and intellectual debate and discussion.

I am honored to have achieved a third degree black belt (Jr Master) in tae kwon do and have competed in national level events like 2008 US Open. My martial arts training has allowed me to enhance my physical and mental strength while helping others to improve themselves as well. I teach classes at the Southside Des Moines YMCA with Master Lewis James and still to continue to expand my martial arts training in hapkido, karate, and bo-jitsu.

I love music (especially from the classical, blues, new age, trance-techno and rock genres). I am a singer and composer as a hobby. I have studied music theory and composition with the University of Iowa School of Music. My favorite composers and artists are Beethoven, Enya, Enigma, DJ Tiesto, Dream Theater, Metallica, Madonna, Meat Loaf, Pink Floyd, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

Poetry is another hobby of mine. Writing poetry seems to help me understand my thoughts and my environment. My favorite writers include Walt Whitman, Lao Tzu, Maya Angelou, and Dante.

With the power of the tiger,
one is a strong and formidable opponent.