More About John

Short Bio

Here is a concise overview of my life. I was born and raised in the sunny city of San Diego, California. However, in the early 1980s, I made the decision to relocate to the rainy region of Seattle, Washington. I was fortunate enough to secure a job offer for an Information Technology position within the Washington State Government. Prior to this, I had honed my skills in the Federal Government in San Diego and an airfreight company in Los Angeles, California. My expertise encompasses systems programming, network management, and project management. Despite my retirement, I continue to reside in the Pacific Northwest. While I fondly recall the sunny California climate, I have grown to appreciate the breathtaking natural landscape of this region. Although the frequent rainfall and gray skies may seem unappealing, they contribute to the overall charm and tranquility of the area.

Originating from a large family of six children, I am the eldest. Our siblings are dispersed across three states, all of whom are thriving. I am currently single and have two accomplished adult children, and Ella and Luca, who are both adorable grandchildren.

Personal Philosophy

“Life is a journey, not a destination”

Interests and Hobbies

I enjoy photography and collecting early American coins. One of the oldest coins in my collection is an 1859 Indian Head Cent. I also find solace in searching for unique storage boxes, colorful glassware, and marbles at antique shops. I eagerly anticipate visiting the weekend swap meet in San Diego during my visits there. I also enjoy keeping track of the stock market and technology companies.

Dining and Entertainment

My culinary preferences encompass seafood, Italian cuisine, and Mexican cuisine. My favorite seafood options include tuna and salmon, while my Italian and Mexican favorites include fettuccine with chicken and chicken enchiladas. Additionally, I derive great pleasure from attending sporting, musical events, and watching movies.

Favorite Movies

There are numerous excellent films to select from. However, some of my personal favorites include “Out of Africa,” renowned for its captivating narrative and exceptional cinematography; “The Shawshank Redemption,” celebrated for its compelling characters and poignant storytelling; and “The Wizard of Oz,” a classic that continues to enchant audiences with its timeless charm.

Favorite Sports and Teams

The Seattle Seahawks football team and the Seattle Mariners baseball team are both notable local sports franchises. However, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is currently deliberating whether and when Seattle may be awarded a basketball franchise.

Favorite Photo Gear

My initial digital camera was a Kodak DC290 (2.1 megapixels), which I acquired in 1999. Subsequently, I have acquired numerous Canon and Nikon digital cameras, and my current system is a Nikon Z7 (45.7 megapixels) mirrorless camera.

Favorite Photo Editing Software

I initially adopted Lightroom 1.0 upon its release in 2007. Subsequently, I have consistently utilized the latest versions of Lightroom Classic and Photoshop.

Photography Highlight

I was fortunate to attend and meet Ansel Adams at a slideshow presentation of some of his artistic works at San Diego State University in the early 1970s.

Personal Technology

I have become deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem. I own a multitude of devices. My MacBook Pro is my primary tool for photo editing, while I primarily utilize an iPod Pro for my other work. My iPhone holds greater significance than my wallet, and I also wear an Apple Watch.

Favorite Websites

For shopping, the primary platforms are Amazon, Apple, and B&H Photo. For photography content, I frequently access Scott Kelby’s website. Additionally, I utilize the Apple News app and explore a wide range of content on YouTube.