Danny Guessford:
CLASS OF 1976
Annapolis High SchoolClass of 1976
Annapolis, MD
Danny's Story
July 6, 2014.
OK classmates. I have had this account for years. Left it blank. Noticed some of you have checked in on me off and on. Account keeps renewing automatically; never bothered to cancel. Have some client work I have to do today and am procrastinating. So ... here goes (and it might ramble):
Left Annapolis in early 80's. Still in mid-Atlantic. Always wanted to be somewhere different, though (George Bailey syndrome I guess - always something requiring me to stick around). Wound up getting my BS and MBA. Who would've thunk it! Honestly, I keep forgetting about the MBA until someone else mentions graduate school. Married. Three children. One finished college, one starting, and one in 2nd year. Money, Money, Money, Money ... Monnnney! Not a grandparent yet. Remember my kids are still in College! Heck, I never thought I would have kids. But I did. And I love being a Dad ... or, that is, loved being a Dad, when my children were younger. Now I'm their mobile ATM. Or maybe not so mobile, my kids will find me! And I'm not really one of those parents who like the fact that their kids are now adults and they have those "adult' relationships with us. Toddler to pre-teen will always be my favorite years. And we have a dog. 20 pounds +/-. He was a shelter dog and they think he was 1 1/2 years when we got him. He is now 8. He is a mix of poodle, terrier and maybe even fox if you ask me. I tell friends that his mom got drunk at a kennel party. Dog was supposed to be for the kids, they begged for years. Now he's Mom and Dad's responsibility.
I have my own small consulting firm, again, - consulting to government contractors regarding their financial systems and related processes. Clients range from $30 million to billions in revenue. So, I've had some pretty good business travel over the years. Not fantastic, but I've gotten out. And my boss is the best :)
So, as far as the future goes, I'm now in my mid-fifties (who, reading this, isn't- at least). People often comment that I don't appear to be as old as I state. I tell them that my immaturity balances me out. And so...Expand for more
metimes look in the mirror and think oh crap - but I do resemble this guy people once knew. I would like to stop working while I'm still in good health and live for a little while in Spain, Italy, etc. Like on House Hunters. But I wouldn't make those stupid comments about the color of the walls, or room for my shoes, or living room large enough to dance. Those real estate agents have got to be annoyed.
For those of you whom I've had some contact with, I have this ability to recall a significant amount of detail about our past together. You know, times when you and I were talking, parties, school, sports, etc. Every one of you. Depending upon how long we knew each other, I could spend a considerable amount of time recalling various events, even specific discussions. People with whom I have spoken, years later, can't believe the level of detail. Yeah, and for some, we're talking over 35 years ago too!
I am happy, but would like to have done some things differently, early on. I wish that I studied more in HS and applied to the Naval Academy. In my profession I come across those who graduated from there, or West Point, etc. But I did alright. Just wish I would've set myself up to have that type of opportunity. Also, there were classmates or neighborhood friends to whom I was, at times, somewhat mean. (heh! to whom). Funny, these people would probably never be able to recall the/an event. But I can. In hindsight, I blame that on crowd mentality and my own level of ignorance at the time (i.e. a stupid kid). I try to share these thoughts / ideas with my kids in an effort to broaden their opportunities and to be considerate of the differences of others (I am a Dad, remember).
Well, I guess that's it. I do need to get back to work... Just thought I would give this a try. I wish all of you the best and maybe we'll run into each other again. On a beach, in an airport, or maybe circling around one of the local beltways. And if you think you recognize me in a crowd, call out Danny. And besides the two five year olds that might stop, the guy with the graying hair would be me.
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