The genesis of this book sprang from a suggestion by my wife, Gale, who has been my steadfast companion throughout the years of what many call a career journey. It all began with a conversation after a few glasses of wine, as many of our discussions tend to do.

We had watched a program on NHK, the Japanese television network in English, which I highly recommend to everyone. One particular episode showcased a group of older Japanese men and a few women who had retired and were avid birdwatchers. As the interviewer engaged these older gentlemen about their hobbies and pre-retirement work life, it was enlightening? if that's the right word? to hear many of them express disdain for their jobs or admit to feeling bored to death every day at work. Some confessed to disliking the people they worked with, or even most people in general.

Reflecting on these individuals and the monotony of their careers prompted me to share anecdotes from my own career and experiences with Gale. Some stories she had heard before, while others were new to her. Gale suggested that I pen a book about my career, adventures, and missteps so that our children and grandchildren might gain insight into what their father and grandfather had pursued in life. And, here it is.