friends

It has been said that in order to judge a man you might look at his friends. Well go ahead, I'm certainly proud of mine! Here are the best people I've ever met in my many long years here in the world (yep, I'm bragging on them). Just in case they stop by, I've included personal notes to some of them. I have also linked to personal websites where possible.

If you should stumble across your name on this list, please drop me a line and say hi. I love to reconnect with long-lost friends. If you have pictures, send them! If you recognize somebody on this list and want to get in touch with them, I'll see what I can do to hook you up.

This list is somewhat current up to 2003, but some parts still need updating in status, etc... I'm updating the list sporadically.

• A
• Steve Anderson - I met him back in the early days at Electronic Discount Sales. Boy, haven't we all come a long way since then... Along with his brother Dave, he was the host of many amazing LAN parties, and much hilarity ensued. However, we drifted in separate directions and stopped hanging a few years ago. I heard he got married, and I'm sure that God is blessing him.
• Dave Anderson - Steve's brother. Dave and Steve run a consulting company called Anderson Consultants. Hey, look - A plug!
• "Big" Rob Alberson - An old friend who hangs with my high school group. I went to college with him for a little while. He dates this adorable tiny girl named Lelani who only comes up to his nipples.
• Naomi Armstrong - Naomi is kind, gentle, and is the only woman I know who actually crochets. She also roleplays a darned good pixie. Of the Barefoot Buccaneers. She and Sam own a small alien lifeform named Charlie, who would certainly terrorize the world if he was not so easily placated by Playstation.
• Sam Armstrong - Sam is a good friend and a solid member of the Barefoot Buccaneers. He has traveled to interesting parts of the world. We share a love for roleplaying games, computer technology, and camping. He and Naomi have adopted several children, so they don't have a lot of time for just hanging out any more.
• Jason Arnold - Of the International Churches of Christ. I'll remember "Stomp" for a long time. Good luck with your band!
• Erin Atkins - I was fond of Erin for many years, though I didn't show it very well, what with teenage sexual frustration and all. Thankfully, I ran into Erin online again in 2001 and we've kept tentatively in touch with each other. It's sad sometimes how caught up we get in our own lives, but with effort I hope we can have a great friendship again.
• Irazema Austin - looking for you!
• B
• Ruku Banashek - I miss you. You have a wonderful smile.
• Lou Barton - You're a good man, Lou. I sure wish I had a picture of you for this list!
• Martha Bean - looking for you! Thanks for being my surrogate mother all through Junior High School.
• Tom Bean - looking for you! I bet you're an engineer or rocket scientist somewhere.
• Sheryl Beard - may the crochet be with you, girlie.
• Amanda Beirn - the flashingest girl I ever knew.
• Leslie Block - Leslie impressed me from the first time we met. She is a highly motivated woman. I haven't seen her since I left the ICC, but someday I hope I can hear she turned out very, very well.
• Tony Boyattia - hugging this man is like trying to lift a barrel, only much friendlier and without the splinters.
• Jeff Butler - get a better job, bro! you deserve it.
• Tiffany Bradshaw - she put the "sexy" in disaster insexypection.
• C
• Rick Carrol - I met him back in the days at Electronic Discount. He taught me some things about friendship, fishing, and Christianity. Thanks, Rick.
• Natiera Casso
• Scotty Castille - I met Scotty at AST, back when Stream was doing support for that poor company. Hang in there, Juice! (site)
• Mark Connally - You left the ICC and I haven't heard from you since. I hope you're well, wherever you are.
• Steve Corns - I respect his decision to leave engineering to pursue his love of music. Then he had something go wrong with his hands and couldn't play anymore... that's just not right! One thing is sure, though... I'm still jealous of your awesome wife, Steve!
• Kathy Cox - girlfriend of Justin Rouch, sweetheart gamer and friend to me and Nicci both. One of my favorites.
• Tonie Crawford - one of my very favorite surrogate moms
• D
• Bruce Davis - the Brucemonster. a great friend, always. Owner of the legendary Wayne Manor in Carrollton, Texas. Bruce owns a computer retail company called Electronic Outpost, located in Mesquite, Texas. I command everyone to buy your computers and parts from Bruce! (site)
• Brade DeBriere - you moved to LA and didn't tell me! I'm trying to track you down so we can rekindle our friendship. *update* I tracked Brade down via his ex-wife, Barbara. He rides a Harley now!
• Barbara DeBriere - I always loved your smile. I know LA will treat you well.... it was made for people like you to shine.
• Marichris de los Santos - you're the first person I ever met who actually had her act together, back in high school. You impressed me to no end. I'll bet you're queen of a small country somewhere. I'm looking for you!
• Sandra Torres Diaz
• Sue Dittrich - You are so cool. We used to game together back in the day. We briefly considered dating each other. Are you still mad at me for what I said? I'm sorry!
• Dennis Doke - thanks for your wise advice, again and again. You're a good friend.
• Jonathan Doke - son of Dennis. A great protoge, in spite of that whole puberty thing. This is one excellent kid.... uh, young man.
• Carl Drogemeyer - the lovingest man I ever knew. Wise, to boot. Good luck, Carl!
• E
• Mary Erwin - You're a survivor and a faithful friend. I miss you often.
• F
• Nathan Fambro - hang in there, buddy. You've got what it takes.
• Christian Farmer - a new friend to me, old friend and business partner to Bruce Davis. Thanks for all of your help with business.
• Flavio Faz - Kaleb!
• Dave Fetherston - in my old church, different city. He's a poetry-writing maniac. How's it going, bro?
• G
• Laura Gamborino - Back in high school, she wanted to major in International Business. We met up again in Austin and she's been an inspiration to me to go back to school. Laura really is a sweetheart and should be showered with rose petals wherever she goes.
• Rose Garcia - in my old church, the ICC. I miss you!
• James Gates - a friend of mine for many years. He left the ICC a few years back but we never quite lost touch, thankfully. (site)
  Stephanie Graham - a good friend from Network Associates. She grabs onto good friends and adopts them as family! You're a good woman, Stephers. (site)
• Dan Geist - one of my oldest friends, from sixth grade. Looking for you!
• H
• Fred Haight - he put his hands in my mouth and I didn't bite him. That says a lot! Okay, okay, he was my dentist. Of the ICC.
• Brian Hamilton - he introduced me to Amtgard, anime, and the Tip. Known as Gavvin Quinn to some. I owe you so much, Brian! Congratulations on your new baby girl. (site)
  Jennifer Hamilton - Wife of Brian. I like you quite a lot. It was fun working and Amtgarding with you.
• Tonya Hamilton - Ex-wife of Brian Hamilton, and a heck of a great singer. Our friendship was made strange by the problems we had with the ICC. I hope that we can try again sometime. Good luck.
• Sally Hayes - in my old church. One of the best women in the known universe. Can I love this woman more? A great hugger, too.
• Brian Hendrix - a friend of Shakespearean proportion. Of the Barefoot Buccaneers.
• Vince Hennessee - he'll hug ya like a bear. Or a vicegrip. Depends on the angle.
• Matt Homiller - a good man who hasn't updated his web page since before I met him. But he realizes that there are more important things in life.
• Alethea Hopkins
• Tim Horton - somewhere in L.A. I'm looking for you!
• I
• Steve Innes - Loyal, faithful, sacrificial and honorable. A man of God.
• J
• Larry Johnson - A friend, classmate and professional advisor. You helped me have the confidence to succeed in this tough technical business.
• Allis "AJ" Jones - good luck!
• K
• Kevin Kavanagh - you're a good man, Kevin. Now go out and get a better job!
• Grady Kerr - Looking for you!
• Sara J. Keyes - I'm looking for you, Cap'n!
• John Kirton II - always a faithful friend through all. He's on the left in this photo. Gotcha blinking!
• L
• Emily Lau - The beautiful lawyer from New York. I'm glad we got to be friends for a while. I'm looking for you!
• Shannon Lucas - a great friend in Austin! (site)
• Dave Lufkin - Looking for you! *found!*
• M
• Beth Macquellen - a good friend from Parr.
• Heather Maness - Good email friend and my liason to all things Californian.
• Dave Markiewicz - You are one of the great selfless men of God. Thanks.
• Holly McGee - think of me next time you sing the national anthem at the top of your lungs.
• Mary Ann Mealy - congratulations on your new baby!
• Rob Milner - you inspired me. Thanks. I've still got the rhythm. My science is tight!
• Ann Modling
• Twanda Murphy - the laughingest girl I ever knew.
• N
• Michael Nelson - One of the most intellectually challenging friends in my life. Thank you. He's on the right with Purvi in this pic.
• Richard New - We bonded in our similar oddities. (site)
• Ginny New - Richard's beautiful wife. Check out this pic, where I took a really ugly background and swirled it around...
• Brad Newton - As my very inspiring sixth grade teacher, you helped me believe in myself. Maybe as important, you taught me to be weird. Thanks.
• Tony Newton - one of the smart people.
• David Nguyen - ex boss, enduring participant in way-too-old running jokes.
• Mike Nolasco - a man who has never used the internet. Still, he's the best neighbor I've ever known, bar none. This man loves his family, his friends, and life in general. He even told me the secret to a happy marriage. Sorry, can't share online. :-)
• O
• Michelle (Obregon) Gonzalez- she was an intern at Brobeck in 2002. We had a lot of fun making her do all our work for us. Now she has a great job with the community college district. I knew you could do well, girl!
• Femi Omonije - I will never forget your tree-squatting story!
• Barbara O'Donnell
• Lorenzo Ogas - Looking for you!
• Angel Olszen - refrigerator girl, you make us all look bad!
• Robert Ossian - Perhaps the original Renaissance man in my life. You old pirate. I'm looking for you!
• P
• Lissett Pacheco - Looking for you!
• Dave Pakalnis - Holy cow, this man is cool. I can't begin to describe. Just believe me, and be jealous.
• Raakhee Patel - Zambian hotness!
• David Peach - I've always admired you, Dave. I hope all is well on your end.
• Fassil Petros - one of my favorite friends. Also my only link to the amazing Ethiopian culture. 2003: I've lost you Fassil! Are you even still in the country?? Call me please!
• Tabitha Powell
• Matt Purtill - How we bonded, I'll never understand. I'm grateful to have you as a friend.
• Shane Pruitt - you taught me about God. Thank you forever.
• Gina Ravines - Looking for you!
• R
• Melanie Reed - Congratulations on your graduation!
• Suzanne Reese - you're a fine teacher. Thanks so much!
• Jesse Rider - Looking for you!
• Latas Riley - From the ICC
• Octavio Rodriguez, Jr. - Looking for you!
• Melanie Roland - Professor Maryanne. One of the greatest.
• Rebecca Romero
• Justin Rouch - He's more technical than social at times, but Justin has a good heart.
• Rob Ryan - he's our man, if he can't do it, no one can!
• S
• Dave Sanborn - True Austinite.
• Laura Saunders - I miss you. [[[big hug]]]
• Anthony Sattler - You are possibly the most surprising person I have ever known. I'm looking for you!
• Steve Schmit - Thanks for all of your effort. It wasn't wasted. I hope.
• Stan Semones - unparalleled in all the ranks of humanity, he is a faithful friend from the ICC.
• Purvi Shah - girlfriend of Michael Nelson, she is perpetually perky and a great encouragement to everyone. An honorary Barefoot Buccaneer.
• Rakesh Shah - from Brobeck. Success follows this man like a yellow dog.
• Jenni Shipley - I remember walking with you beneath the Christmas lights in '98. Wow, that was a good time in life, wasn't it?
• Ashraf Siddiqi (site) - from Stream
• Selena Simon - you pulled through like a hero when it was all coming down.
• Dave Sipos - Dave, you have always had my complete respect.
• Thad Smith - helped me get a dream.
• Timothy Smith
• Suzette Sova - I miss you so much! Did you cut your hair? Did I mention that I miss you?
• Martha Stacy - One of the few girls I kissed in high school... Looking for you!
• Erica Stokes - from Brobeck
• Trish Storie - the heart and soul of Austin
• Eddie Succa - hey, remember that four hour phone call back in the old Netscape contract? You are the man!
• Ashley Sqwered- cool as a snowball fight.
• T
• Glynn Tafuro - a very smart and opinionated man who's been burned too many times by women. When I chose to forgive Brian for his sins, Glynn turned against me. How can this be?
• Ricky Tarrant - Looking for you! I remember how you drove me to work at 2:30 am every morning for four months when my car broke down in 1994. Whenever someone asks me to do a favor that is inconvenient for me, I think of your excellent example.
• Shelly Taylor - Gosh you're great. I heard that you got married recently. Congratulations!
• Craig Thomas - Looking for you! Uh... I still have your pants, darn it! :-Þ
• "Big" Bob Thomison - Wherever you are, I have no doubt you are doing great.
• Clifton Thompson - Comic book creator, tea drinker and true and faithful friend through the good and bad times.
• April Thompson - Thanks for being such a good friend to me and nicci.
• U
• Christopher Uhl - You inspired me to go to Scarborough. Thanks.
• V
• Kathrine June "Katy-Bug" VanBuskirk - the crazy fish-girl!
• Szaritza Vasquez - of Puerto Rico, and a Parr Inspector to boot. She helped us break into the greatest job in the world.
• W
• Dion Wade
• James Wade - One of my greatest and truest friends in Austin. He helped me seek God, deal with Nicci, and break into the scary world of business.
• Nicci Wade - so cool, she has her own page on this site.
• Suzanna Walton - You're a lot of fun, Suzanna. Thanks for your great heart for God.
• Tracey Weidenbacher - Ex-wife of Casey Young and Barefoot Buccaneer! (site)
• Stephanie Weirich - one of the coolest girls I dated in high school (she left me, and rightly so... I was a jerk at the time). I still have some of our notes and love letters. She's so cool.
• Charles Wisdom - you helped me through a hard "growth" period. It was the best and worst of times. Thanks.
• Chad Wolff - Good luck in your pursuit of God.
• Y
• Tze Loon Yep - Your rendition of "Sanctuary" will live forever!
• Tony Yi - how are you handling Law School? I'd be tearing my hair out.
• Casey Young - a favorite friend, and as good a singer as I am. Of the Barefoot Buccaneers. (site)
• Nick Young - Thank you for your vision.
• Z
• Karen (Zaleskie) Norris- The girl with the hat. She went off to Texas A&M and I didn't see her for ten years. Then one day she called me, thanks to this page!