My journey into hobby board gaming began unexpectedly in 2013, sparked by two experiences that changed everything. After Christmas dinner, my sister introduced me to Munchkin: Zombies, and even though my niece thrashed me, I was hooked by the fun. A few days later, I dusted off Firefly: The Game—a nostalgia purchase I hadn’t intended to play—and convinced my sister and brother-in-law to give it a go. That was the start of my obsession.

Since then, I’ve immersed myself in the gaming world, attending conventions like Origins, GenCon, PAX Unplugged, and Essen. I’ve evolved from lighter games with friends to a focus on mid- to heavy-weight strategy games with my current groups, where I’m diving deeper into 18xx and exploring abstracts like Hive and the Gipf series. My tastes lean toward games with player interaction, shared incentives, and strategic planning—favorites include the works of Splotter Spellen, Vlaada Chvátil, and Uwe Rosenberg. I’m even on a mission to collect every Splotter game ever made.

Beyond gaming, my passions extend to cycling and endurance sports. As a kid, I was obsessed with BMX bikes, but I rediscovered cycling in my 40s, falling in love with cyclocross and later road racing. That journey led me to triathlons, my first century (100-mile bike ride) in 2023, and my first marathon and first 50k ultra trail race in 2024. Fitness has been a transformative part of my life, teaching me perseverance and the value of incremental growth.

Meditation and Buddhism have become foundational to my personal growth and mental clarity. My practice began in 2021 with my introduction to Sam Harris and his Waking Up app and expanded to include regular participation in two local meditation groups. I am particularly drawn to Theravada Buddhism, focusing on insight meditation and breath awareness. These practices have brought me a deeper sense of mindfulness, calm, and perspective, which permeate all aspects of my life—from the way I approach challenges to how I interact with others.

Coffee, another enduring passion, has evolved far beyond a simple caffeine fix. What began as a morning ritual turned into an exploration of the bean’s origins and complexities. In Costa Rica, I participated in a 10-day, professional coffee tour, where I learned about the farming, harvesting, and roasting processes. This experience deepened my appreciation for the craft and culture behind every cup, transforming coffee into a meaningful part of my daily routine.

When I’m not gaming, cycling, or meditating, you’ll find me immersed in books on topics ranging from the American Revolution to neuroscience, meditation, and psychology. And as a former DVD store owner, I’ve channeled my love of storytelling into an appreciation for television’s long-form narratives, often with an expertly brewed coffee in hand.

My life wouldn’t be complete without Luna and Costello, my two beloved rescue Chihuahuas, who remind me daily of the simple joys and unconditional love that make life truly rewarding. Whether exploring strategy in a board game or cycling through a century ride, I bring curiosity, commitment, and a deep love for life to everything I do.

A deeply enriching part of my life has been the bond I’ve built with my family, especially after my dad’s passing in 2023. My sisters, mom, and I have grown closer than ever, sharing more meaningful conversations and time together. This renewed connection has brought immense joy and comfort. My friends, many of whom I’ve known since college, are also an integral part of my life, offering support, laughter, and shared experiences that I cherish deeply. These relationships form the foundation of my happiness and continue to enrich my journey in countless ways.