Carl Coffaro:  

January 20, 2009 Hi All, Have you heard the one about the snail that got robbed by two turtles? When the police asked, "What happened", the snail replied, "I don't know, it all happened so fast". I guess my perspective is the same as the snail's, as I write, I wonder, where did the last 40 years go. lol So, Is this a trip down memory lane or what? Okay, what have I been doing since high school? Lived almost an entire life! lol In short, married once, loved many times, had three boys, finally took education seriously and graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a B.S. in Business Administration, emphasis in accounting/finance (ha, ha, yes, business does include a healthy share of BS). Spent a career buried in taxes, which in addition to honing tax prep/audit skills, presented opportunities in public speaking (tax law/policy), teaching, time on "The Hill" lobbying congress for a national labor union, and meetings with foreign dignitaries. Just retired, and am told I've successfully reverted back to age 22 - I'm working on getting back to 16, so figured I'd checkout this website. lol Since retiring, I'm enjoying Oregon, live in a small town country setting just south of the home of the UofO, so, there is no shortage of culture and diversity, as well as the serenity of a country getaway. Volunteer at the UofO, helping business majors acquire hands on experience preparing tax returns during the tax season. Several friends are UofO alum, well I think I can call them friends unless Cal is playing the Ducks, then at least one of them becomes a sworn enemy - really, you know the type, ex UofO cheerleader, green blood pumping through her veins, has webbed feet, ruffled feathers - a Duck! Of course, you know what bears do to ducks, along with those little red birds (cardinals), yes, they eat them! Lol The area also has a growing "Napa Valley" (i.e. vineyards/wineries) with award winning pinots, situated close by an unbelievably beautiful coast that rivals California's. Scattered among the wineries are a growing number of sustainable farmers, who sell their bounties at local public markets. We even have a Trader Joe's and plans to add a Whole Foods, and you thought Oregon was "the sticks"! lol Live close by lakes and slopes, so, working at becoming a ski bum - hey, it's a lot of work at this age, requires one to stay in shape. Have time now to dig out the guitar and actually learn to play it, along with the ...Expand for more