CHRIS - A BRIEF HISTORY

Well, to help people catch up on what I've been doing, this page gives a brief summary of my movements since graduating from high school in 1989.

Upon graduation in 1989 I spent my freshman year of college thoroughly inebriated at Old Dominion University.  After a year at ODU, and finding my blood alcohol level far exceeding my GPA, I moved back home (thanks Mom & Dad!) and attended George Mason University for a year and a half.  There I studied Accounting & Economics and I can summarize what I learned during that year or so in the following statement:

Economics is extremely useful as a form of employment for economists.
   
                - John Kenneth Galbraith

Somewhat disappointed with the "excitement" <cough> of studying to be an accountant, I finally decided that in order to fulfill my dreams I would cash in all my parents financial investments thus far in my education, and (since it wasn't my money right?) up the ante and become a PILOT.  Yes, finally a profession worthy of respect, admiration, adventure and glamour.  Never-mind that I threw up after my private pilot check-ride at Quantico Marine Corps Station. 

The Cessna 172 seemed so big back then...

After getting my private pilot certificate at Quantico, I headed off to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.  ERAU was, without question, right where I needed to be.  The school is terrific and two and a half years later I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Studies.  Since my degree was a non-flight degree, I still had extensive flight training to undertake after graduating in the Fall of 1995.

With my fresh diploma in hand and relieved at having all of that college non-sense behind me, I suddenly realized that I had no clue what I was to do next.  I had a standing offer to work in Washington D.C. at a firm that brought together industry and government leaders to resolve aviation issues, but I didn't think that was the path I wanted to take.  Instead, I opted to visit my brother Steve, a golf-pro in Myrtle Beach, SC.  In retrospect, I can't believe I actually had to debate that decision:  Myrtle Beach or riding the subway into Washington D.C. everyday??!!  Duh!  It was while I was visiting in Myrtle Beach that I happened across the Grand Strand Airport, where I found a job working on the flight-line as an aircraft fueler.  I'm sure my parents were very proud  and excited to learn that five and a half years of college had elevated me to the noteworthy level of respect attendant to a position such as fueling aircraft.  BUT now I had the inspiration.  I could see airplanes, hear them, touch them and smell them all day long, which merely drove me to succeed in becoming a pilot.

After a year of saving money, I aggressively dove into my flight training.  In a bit less than 2 years I managed to attain my Instrument, Commercial, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument, and Multi-engine ratings.  I would pump fuel and work the line from 6 a.m to 2 p.m everyday, then flight instruct and give beach rides from 2 to 10 p.m. in the afternoons.  It was very tiring, but extremely rewarding.  I was actually making a living as a pilot and I was thrilled.

It wasn't all work though!  Myrtle Beach is where I discovered my love for windsurfing.  If it was too windy to fly, that meant it was probably getting just right for windsurfing.  Those of you who knew me way back when know I've always been into sailing, and that is still the case.