Phoenix as seen from Camelback Mountain.

Easter Island, June 2013

Fun Things I Like To Do

I enjoy being active -- going hiking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, and running. I've been a rock climber for a long time, although I usually find it easier to climb in gyms. I also lift weights.

I have, what can only be referred to as, a deep and sincere wanderlust, including but not limited to (in tentative chronological order): Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, England, Australia, Puerto Rico, Italy, Greece, India, Bonaire, Spain, Chile (including Easter Island), St. Martin/Maarten, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Scotland, New Zealand, Ireland, and Czechia. I have a love of punk rock and motown as well as a taste for good whiskies and bourbons.

Lasagna and the Late Great Tatertot

On the left is Lasagna (male, born 2020). He enjoys playing with plastic springs, treats, stealing my seat, and watching birds or squirrels that come to hang out by the windows. Lasagna is a sweet, ridiculous goofball who can go from being sleeping to playing in an instant. He has unending FOMO and can't help but play until he falls asleep. He is also a voracious cuddler and has slept through many an online meeting.

On the left is Tatertot (female, born 2005) or Tot for short, who I adopted in my second semester as a grad student (Jan 2007) and had for 19 years -- she sadly passed away Dec 2025. Tot was born in the desert and was forever a desert cat, planting herself in front of a space heater at the first sign of cold. Tot was one of the most "talkative" cats that has ever existed, often participating in online meeting and making it clear when dinner was late. Tot was with me for nearly half of my life, she was my buddy and my babycat -- she will be missed very much.