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Description
101 Questions You Should Be Able to Answer About Your Character

1. What is your full name? Do you have a nickname?

   Patrick Alan Connely. Rather Irish I'd like to think...

2. How old are you? When is your birthday?

    I'm 32 years old, I was born May 9th,1921.

3. Where were you born? Where do you live now? Are you patriotic?

    I was born in Peoria, Illinois, and lived there untill I was about 16 and I moved to live with my Mother in McLean, Illinois. I worked for the Railroad for a time and got drafted in '41, got out and went back to the Railroad and I currently live in Bloomington, Illinois. I'd like to think so, I served in WWII and I just got back from a tour in Korea with the USAF. Just doing my duty, and the pay doesn't hurt.


4. Who are/were your parents? (Names, occupations, personalities, etc.)

Micheal Connely is my Father, a great man by my measure, he did what he had to do in order to support my sibling after he and my mother divorced on good terms in '31. Was a vet of the Great War and he tries not to show it, but it does bother him.
Elaine Bryant is my mother, she took the new last name after she re-married my Step-Father Ronald, another Vet of the Great War, Marines. He doesn't talk about it too much. Both are hard workers and again, they did what they had to in order to keep us fed, I pitched in when I was old enough and got my job shoveling coal on C&A Freights. They all get along to this day and are still friends.


5. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?

    Well, I'm the oldest of 4. My brother Sean, well he is certainly egocentric, but it helps with his job, take a listen to the Cobs games on WGN Radio outta Chicago, you'll see what I mean. My Sister Megan is a hot head but still a general sweetheart, she's going to school right now, tho for what escapes me at the moment.... And then there is my half brother Jacob, He's also in college on a sport scholarship for Football. Keeps saying he's gonna play for the Bears.

6. What is your occupation?

    Currently I'm a Passenger Conductor for the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and a Major in the USAF Reserves. It's been one or the other my whole life. *laughs*

7. How tall are you? How much do you weigh?

   I'm about 5'11" and weigh roughly 250 pounds. I'd like to lose some, but my wife Wiebke would be disappointed if I lost my tummy. *chuckles and pats it*

8. What color is your hair? What color are your eyes?

    Brown Hair and eyes. And I've been told I'm full of shit more often than not.

9. What is your race?

    Scotch- Irish on my Father's side of the family and German on my Mothers.

10. To which social class do you belong?

    Middle Class, good Blue collar workers. Most my family has been that way and still are.

11. Do you consider yourself to be attractive? Do others?

   Handsome yes. Wiebke finds me attractive for some unknown reason, but I'm not gonna question it.
Wiebke: He's a Romantic sap and know how to treat a woman.

12. What is your style of dress?

    Most the time it's my Blue Conductor's outfit, but when I'm out of that, it's usually a comfortable shirt, be it button up or just a t-shirt, and jeans or slacks. I do love shorts in the summer time though.

13. Do you have any scars? Tattoos? Birthmarks? Other unique physical features?

   Some, but it's mostly in my mind, I saw some things in Europe I don't think I'll ever talk about. I still have nightmares. As for scars on my body, a few nicks and scraps from when I was a kid, but other than that, nothing amazing.

14. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?

    Fairly Healthy, I used to have an allergy to Certain drugs used to treat chest infections. Broke out in hives every time. Other than having my belly rubbed, no physical weakness to speak of.

15. Are you right- or left-handed?

    Right handed.

16. What does your voice sound like?

    Hmm, I've been described as happy, and I have a good laugh, my voice is somewhat deep, and I've been told I sound exactly like my Dad over the phone. *shrugs*

17. What kind of vocabulary do you use?

    American. *laughs* Whatever I learned when I was growing up and was overseas. I also know some German.

18. List three quirks or other defining characteristics.

    I'm somewhat eccentric in that I tend to think out loud and rush around when I have an Idea I'm working on. I'm hell bent for leather when it comes to something I KNOW I can do and get done. I also have an almost encyclopedic knowledge of US Railroads and I know how to drive at least 20 types of Locomotives, both Steam and Diesel.
Oh, and I like my hedges around my house. and keeping my lawn clean and mowed.

19. How often do you bathe? Do you wear perfumes?

    Everyday when I can, sometimes when on a route, it's tough, but I revert back to the "Whore's Bath" and wash up on board the train. Cologne never hurts either if used sparingly.

20. What kind of facial expression do you commonly wear (dour glare, wry smile, etc)?

    Usually a smile with a laugh.

21. Do you use body language? How?

    Depends on the situation really, I can be relaxed or animated.

22. Do you have a commonly used saying?

    " How'd your manage that?" And it's usually in the context of my job. *laughs*

CHILDHOOD

23. What is your earliest memory?

   Falling down the stairs at my Grandma's house when I was three.

24. How much schooling have you had? Did you enjoy it?

I dropped out when I was 16, but went back and graduated in '49, and other than what I learned in the Service, no other schooling. I mean, I learned how to Fly, be a Paratrooper and drive trains. *laughs* I've always been very hands on at learning.

25. Where did you learn most of your knowledge and skill?

   From Family and trial and error on my own part. Live and Learn as it were.

26. How would you describe your childhood in general?

    Alright, Hard at times, but we made the best of it. I had family and at the end of the day, that's all that matters.

27. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

    I wanted to do what my Great Grandpa did, and I ended up doing it for a month and hated Dispatching. I went back to being a hogger. *laughs*

28. When and with whom was your first kiss?

   A girl named Stephanie, lived next to my family.

29. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?

   No, I'm not, and It was with a girl I met at the Depot, helped her get a taxi to the hotel and she insisted I come inside. *blushes*

30. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? Does that affect you?

   I was told I'm related to the man who killed Dillinger. Dunno if there is any truth to that,and a couple of Boxers on my Dad's side of the family.

INFLUENCES

31. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?

  Getting Married to my wife.

32. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

    Surviving two wars.

33. What is your greatest regret?

    Not being able to save the Kid in the tank.

34. What is the most embarrassing or shameful thing ever to happen to you?

   Getting Captured. *laughs*

35. Do you have any secrets? If so, what are they?

   A few, but if I were to let those out, it would send a dear friend of mine to prison. I'd rather not do that to them or their family.

36. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?

    I'd rather not care to speak of it.

37. When was the time you were the most frightened?

   Riding out my first Derailment. That's something you NEVER forget. Ever.

38. Have you ever traveled outside of your country? If so, to where?

Through the wonderful travel agency that is the US Army and US Air Force, I have been to England, Germany, France, Holland, Japan and Korea.

BELIEFS

39. What is your alignment?

   Irish Catholic, but I can still talk with a good Priestly friend of mine any day.

40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?

    I'm a realist and hope for the best. Tho I've always been the kinda guy to see a dirty glass instead of one half full or half empty. If that makes a lick of sense.

41. Do you believe in a god? If so, which one and why?

    I'd like to think so, I mean, someone had to of been looking out for me when I was taken POW and put in the care of a Chaplain.

42. Do you believe in an afterlife?

    I do. As in if it's Heaven or Hell, I leave that up to the individual.

43. What is your greatest fear?

   Losing my Wife. I'm not sure what I'd do if she was taken from me.

44. What makes you angry? Sad? Happy?

   Incompetence. And that goes for Civil and Military life.
   Simple things tend to make me happy, a good breakfast, a kiss on the cheek, toy trains. Stuff like that.

45. Do you think people are basically good or basically evil?

    Everyone starts out Neutral, then it depends on the influences they get in life.

46. What are your views on politics? Religion? Sex?

    Politics are bullshit, take the Chicago Machine for example. How many Mayors with the same name do you need? Religion is good, provided you don't take it word for word like some preachers on the Radio. and Sex... Is to be enjoyed. *puts arm around Wiebke and giggles a bit*

47. What are your views on gambling, lying, theft, and killing?

    Gambling... well as a guy who plays cards and bets on ballgames, as long as you dont over do it and you dont empty the bank, I never saw a problem with it, lying depends on the situation, that can be good or bad. Theft...Well...Try growing up during the Depression and get back to me about theft. As for the big one... I've Killed. But it was more on the lines of " I wanna go home and I'm not going let you stop me" Never was it malicious.

48. How far will you go to defend your beliefs?

   I've gotten into fist fights over my beliefs. So in other words, pretty far.

49. How much do you value money?

  Again, having grown up in the Depression, I know the value of the Dollar and I save as much as I can, because you never know what may happen tomorrow. That not to say I'm greedy, but I know how to balance the checkbook.

50. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?

   Violation of ones Trust. Once you do that, it's hard to seem legitimate anymore to me at least.

51. Do you believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good?

    I do. although I'm not lining up to do it any time soon, not like those bat shit crazy Japs. But if I had to I would.

52. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?

   I do, I met Mine Shortly before the Russians starting putting up the Iron Curtain. I helped Wiebke get outta Germany during the Airlift, was running along a C-47 I may have jumped outta into Normandy, suddenly scooped her up and put her in the door and then jumped in after her. We stayed in touch and ended up being married a year later.

53. Are you superstitious?

    Sometimes, but who isn't to some degree?

54. How much do you respect the beliefs and opinions of others?

   I do, but as soon as they start pushing them on me or my friends or family, then it gets ugly.

55. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?

   Pretty Honest. Ask Wiebke. *laughs*
   Wiebke: He announces every time he is in the bathroom...*facepalm*

56. Do you have any biases or prejudices?

    I don't like Frenchies, and I despise the Japanese.

DEALING WITH OTHERS

57. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?

    Wiebke Wiessmann. We found one another and help each other out when we were both in dark places in our lives. She makes me a very happy man, and there isn't a thing I wouldn't do for her. I love her, that pretty much sums it up. *smiles*

58. Who is the person you respect the most? Despise the most? Why?

    I respect alotta people. Putting one above the others never made much sense to me. As for most despised? My Dad's Ex-Wife. So many reason as to why, but It does me no good to spout them here. That's between him and her.

59. Do you have a significant other? Who?

   Wiebke. <3 She's always my special Lady.

60. Do you have a lot of friends? Who is your best friend?

   I do, but among my best friends would have to be another Conductor, a man named Paul, and an old fogey named Albert. Then you have my writer friend in Chicago, and my Wife, and then the Father. Keep in mind, these are in no particular order.

61. How do you relate to members of the same race? Class? Sex?

    A handshake and friendly smile, I try my best to be a nice person, and it comes with the territory of my job. A lot of interaction with the public. I try to see everyone as equals regardless of sex or class.

62. How do you relate to members of a different race? Class? Sex?

    Once again I try to relate.

63. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.

   I have been, and still am, once again, with my Wife. I had just joined the newly formed Air Force and went to Germany as an Airbase Guard at Templehof, mostly because of my prior days in the Infantry. One day while I was off duty I met her while waiting for a train, and we sat and talked and became fast friends. We kept in touch and eventually I helped her out of Berlin and Germany all together.

64. What do you look for in a potential lover?

    Always liked Strong women, Women who know how to take charge when need be and know how to handle a situation. And drive a Stick shift.
Wiebke: *drives around in Rick's Old Railroad truck* 8]

65. How close are you to your family?

    Fairly close, but as of late I barely see them anymore.

66. Do you want a marriage, family, and/or children?

    Well, I have the Marriage, and we both want a family, and we have a nice one with the two of us, but we see kids in the future, we're just letting things take their course, it'll happen when it happens.

67. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?

    I do sometimes, but I try to avoid anything where my ass may overload my mouth per say.

68. Are you a listener or a talker?

    I can be both, depending on whats needed in the situation.

69. How long does it usually take for you to trust others?

    A little while, but not terribly long.

70. Do you hold grudges?

    Nah, waste of time and energy.

71. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?

    I lead. I'm an Officer and a Conductor, I have to. *chuckles*

72. Do you like interacting with large groups of people?

    Yes I do, I like having cook outs and small gatherings of friends, parties, I like going out to eat and such, but I do value my alone time.

73. How well do you express yourself?

    Well enough, and sometimes loud enough.

74. How quickly do you judge others?

    Well, to put it this way, a wise friend of mine by the name of Jerry told me once; " If you were to live another persons life for a single day and see things the way they see them and feel things the way they feel them, first, you'd wonder if they were from the same planet as you, and second you would never be quick to judge ever again"

75. Do you care what others think of you?

    Sometimes, but most the time, eh, Fuck 'em.

76. Do you have any enemies? How or why are they your enemy?

    I'm sure I have some, but I've never really taken notice.

PERSONAL TASTE AND OPINION

77. What is your favorite pastime? Color? Food? Possession?

    My favorite past time would be Baseball I think. It's the best way to spend a Sunday sometimes. My favorite color would have to be Blue, it's very relaxing, helps me sleep I think so our bedroom is a nice soft blue color. Favorite Food would have to be A nice lunch meat sandwich, and it can have anything on it really. My favorite possession would have to be a cross my late Grandpa gave to me. I wear it around my neck with my Dog Tags.

78. What are your preferences in arts and/or entertainment?

    Depends on my Mood. sometimes I just wanna sit back and relax and take things in, and other times I want some action and excitement.

79. Do you smoke, drink, go whoring, or use drugs? Why or why not?.

    I still smoke, but not as often as I did in my 20s, Mostly for stress relief, Drink? Yes. Yes I do. It's the social lubricant, and I guess I do very amusing things when I'm Schnockered. Whoring? I'm Married. 8I And Aside from what I can get for a headache at the corner Drug, no I don't use drugs. My friend in Chicago is prime reason why I don't use.

80. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?

    Usually at home with the Wife, a nice dinner and we sit out in the back yard and have lemonade if it's warm out.

81. What is your most cherished fantasy?

    *looks down for a moment and then nods a bit* I think I'll save that one for me.

82. How long is your attention span?

    If It's Interesting, I'm all ears. If not, good luck keeping me hooked, skeezix.

83. Do you laugh a lot? What do you find funny?

   I laugh a lot I suppose, and I find a various things funny, depends on my mood for that particular day.

84. Is there anything that shocks or offends you? If so, what?

   Hatred and treatment of my fellow man, no really, That scares the hell outta me if that's how the world is gonna keep going. as for offensive... It takes a lot any more to offend me.

85. How do you deal with stress?

    I smoke, and I'll sit and talk about it. I'll go to church and pray sometimes.

86. How much athletic ability do you have? Artistic?

I can run for a fat man. *laughs* and I can lift a great deal, I'm also have some art skills, I painted some art for a squadron mate in Korea.

87. Do you like animals? Do you like children?

I do, I always enjoyed the Zoo, and still do. X3 I also enjoy kids, and hope to have one or two of my own someday.

88. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?

    Both. gotta be ready for anything, but also able to adapt to any situation.

89. What are your pet peeves?

    Phone calls on Sunday Mornings, and when people leave stacks of dishes in the sink.

SELF IMAGE

90. What is your greatest strength as a person? Weakness?

    My Kindness. It's my strength and weakness all in one.

91. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

    Lose some Weight and be more active, maybe try for Colonel.

92. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?

    Extrovert, but again, I do like my alone time.

93. Do you like yourself?

    I do, and when I was single I liked myself almost every night. *laughs*
    Wiebke: Rick! *playfully swats at him, giggling*

94. Do you have a daily routine? How do you feel if your day is interrupted?

    Get up, get ready and get to the Depot for my assignment, after that it can get pretty random, gotta play it by ear. On my days off and home, I get up, shower, have breakfast and then take it from there. I tend to get annoyed if things are interrupted, but then again, I'm in charge of a Train full of people who expect to get to St. Louis or Chicago on time too...

95. What goal do you most want to accomplish in the next six months? Your lifetime?

    In the next six months? Other than keep the house and bills paid up, maybe a new car. As for my lifetime, Just be happy and make Wiebke happy, and have a home and a family. I have simple goals.

96. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?

    Hard to say really. That's the kinda thing where you gotta wait and see.

97. If you could choose, how would you want to die?

    Whoo Boy.... that's a Doozy of a question, I suppose in my sleep would be the easiest.

98. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for after your death?

    A good man, a loving Husband and Father.

99. What three words would you use to best describe your personality?

   Friendly, Caring and Courageous

100. What three words would others probably use to describe you?

    Loud, comedic, Weird. *laughs*

101. Why are you risking your life to adventure?

    You only get one life, Live it.

Description
101 Questions You Should Be Able to Answer About Your Character

1. What is your full name? Do you have a nickname?

   Patrick Alan Connely. Rather Irish I'd like to think...

2. How old are you? When is your birthday?

    I'm 32 years old, I was born May 9th,1921.

3. Where were you born? Where do you live now? Are you patriotic?

    I was born in Peoria, Illinois, and lived there untill I was about 16 and I moved to live with my Mother in McLean, Illinois. I worked for the Railroad for a time and got drafted in '41, got out and went back to the Railroad and I currently live in Bloomington, Illinois. I'd like to think so, I served in WWII and I just got back from a tour in Korea with the USAF. Just doing my duty, and the pay doesn't hurt.


4. Who are/were your parents? (Names, occupations, personalities, etc.)

Micheal Connely is my Father, a great man by my measure, he did what he had to do in order to support my sibling after he and my mother divorced on good terms in '31. Was a vet of the Great War and he tries not to show it, but it does bother him.
Elaine Bryant is my mother, she took the new last name after she re-married my Step-Father Ronald, another Vet of the Great War, Marines. He doesn't talk about it too much. Both are hard workers and again, they did what they had to in order to keep us fed, I pitched in when I was old enough and got my job shoveling coal on C&A Freights. They all get along to this day and are still friends.


5. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?

    Well, I'm the oldest of 4. My brother Sean, well he is certainly egocentric, but it helps with his job, take a listen to the Cobs games on WGN Radio outta Chicago, you'll see what I mean. My Sister Megan is a hot head but still a general sweetheart, she's going to school right now, tho for what escapes me at the moment.... And then there is my half brother Jacob, He's also in college on a sport scholarship for Football. Keeps saying he's gonna play for the Bears.

6. What is your occupation?

    Currently I'm a Passenger Conductor for the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and a Major in the USAF Reserves. It's been one or the other my whole life. *laughs*

7. How tall are you? How much do you weigh?

   I'm about 5'11" and weigh roughly 250 pounds. I'd like to lose some, but my wife Wiebke would be disappointed if I lost my tummy. *chuckles and pats it*

8. What color is your hair? What color are your eyes?

    Brown Hair and eyes. And I've been told I'm full of shit more often than not.

9. What is your race?

    Scotch- Irish on my Father's side of the family and German on my Mothers.

10. To which social class do you belong?

    Middle Class, good Blue collar workers. Most my family has been that way and still are.

11. Do you consider yourself to be attractive? Do others?

   Handsome yes. Wiebke finds me attractive for some unknown reason, but I'm not gonna question it.
Wiebke: He's a Romantic sap and know how to treat a woman.

12. What is your style of dress?

    Most the time it's my Blue Conductor's outfit, but when I'm out of that, it's usually a comfortable shirt, be it button up or just a t-shirt, and jeans or slacks. I do love shorts in the summer time though.

13. Do you have any scars? Tattoos? Birthmarks? Other unique physical features?

   Some, but it's mostly in my mind, I saw some things in Europe I don't think I'll ever talk about. I still have nightmares. As for scars on my body, a few nicks and scraps from when I was a kid, but other than that, nothing amazing.

14. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?

    Fairly Healthy, I used to have an allergy to Certain drugs used to treat chest infections. Broke out in hives every time. Other than having my belly rubbed, no physical weakness to speak of.

15. Are you right- or left-handed?

    Right handed.

16. What does your voice sound like?

    Hmm, I've been described as happy, and I have a good laugh, my voice is somewhat deep, and I've been told I sound exactly like my Dad over the phone. *shrugs*

17. What kind of vocabulary do you use?

    American. *laughs* Whatever I learned when I was growing up and was overseas. I also know some German.

18. List three quirks or other defining characteristics.

    I'm somewhat eccentric in that I tend to think out loud and rush around when I have an Idea I'm working on. I'm hell bent for leather when it comes to something I KNOW I can do and get done. I also have an almost encyclopedic knowledge of US Railroads and I know how to drive at least 20 types of Locomotives, both Steam and Diesel.
Oh, and I like my hedges around my house. and keeping my lawn clean and mowed.

19. How often do you bathe? Do you wear perfumes?

    Everyday when I can, sometimes when on a route, it's tough, but I revert back to the "Whore's Bath" and wash up on board the train. Cologne never hurts either if used sparingly.

20. What kind of facial expression do you commonly wear (dour glare, wry smile, etc)?

    Usually a smile with a laugh.

21. Do you use body language? How?

    Depends on the situation really, I can be relaxed or animated.

22. Do you have a commonly used saying?

    " How'd your manage that?" And it's usually in the context of my job. *laughs*

CHILDHOOD

23. What is your earliest memory?

   Falling down the stairs at my Grandma's house when I was three.

24. How much schooling have you had? Did you enjoy it?

I dropped out when I was 16, but went back and graduated in '49, and other than what I learned in the Service, no other schooling. I mean, I learned how to Fly, be a Paratrooper and drive trains. *laughs* I've always been very hands on at learning.

25. Where did you learn most of your knowledge and skill?

   From Family and trial and error on my own part. Live and Learn as it were.

26. How would you describe your childhood in general?

    Alright, Hard at times, but we made the best of it. I had family and at the end of the day, that's all that matters.

27. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

    I wanted to do what my Great Grandpa did, and I ended up doing it for a month and hated Dispatching. I went back to being a hogger. *laughs*

28. When and with whom was your first kiss?

   A girl named Stephanie, lived next to my family.

29. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?

   No, I'm not, and It was with a girl I met at the Depot, helped her get a taxi to the hotel and she insisted I come inside. *blushes*

30. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? Does that affect you?

   I was told I'm related to the man who killed Dillinger. Dunno if there is any truth to that,and a couple of Boxers on my Dad's side of the family.

INFLUENCES

31. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?

  Getting Married to my wife.

32. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

    Surviving two wars.

33. What is your greatest regret?

    Not being able to save the Kid in the tank.

34. What is the most embarrassing or shameful thing ever to happen to you?

   Getting Captured. *laughs*

35. Do you have any secrets? If so, what are they?

   A few, but if I were to let those out, it would send a dear friend of mine to prison. I'd rather not do that to them or their family.

36. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?

    I'd rather not care to speak of it.

37. When was the time you were the most frightened?

   Riding out my first Derailment. That's something you NEVER forget. Ever.

38. Have you ever traveled outside of your country? If so, to where?

Through the wonderful travel agency that is the US Army and US Air Force, I have been to England, Germany, France, Holland, Japan and Korea.

BELIEFS

39. What is your alignment?

   Irish Catholic, but I can still talk with a good Priestly friend of mine any day.

40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?

    I'm a realist and hope for the best. Tho I've always been the kinda guy to see a dirty glass instead of one half full or half empty. If that makes a lick of sense.

41. Do you believe in a god? If so, which one and why?

    I'd like to think so, I mean, someone had to of been looking out for me when I was taken POW and put in the care of a Chaplain.

42. Do you believe in an afterlife?

    I do. As in if it's Heaven or Hell, I leave that up to the individual.

43. What is your greatest fear?

   Losing my Wife. I'm not sure what I'd do if she was taken from me.

44. What makes you angry? Sad? Happy?

   Incompetence. And that goes for Civil and Military life.
   Simple things tend to make me happy, a good breakfast, a kiss on the cheek, toy trains. Stuff like that.

45. Do you think people are basically good or basically evil?

    Everyone starts out Neutral, then it depends on the influences they get in life.

46. What are your views on politics? Religion? Sex?

    Politics are bullshit, take the Chicago Machine for example. How many Mayors with the same name do you need? Religion is good, provided you don't take it word for word like some preachers on the Radio. and Sex... Is to be enjoyed. *puts arm around Wiebke and giggles a bit*

47. What are your views on gambling, lying, theft, and killing?

    Gambling... well as a guy who plays cards and bets on ballgames, as long as you dont over do it and you dont empty the bank, I never saw a problem with it, lying depends on the situation, that can be good or bad. Theft...Well...Try growing up during the Depression and get back to me about theft. As for the big one... I've Killed. But it was more on the lines of " I wanna go home and I'm not going let you stop me" Never was it malicious.

48. How far will you go to defend your beliefs?

   I've gotten into fist fights over my beliefs. So in other words, pretty far.

49. How much do you value money?

  Again, having grown up in the Depression, I know the value of the Dollar and I save as much as I can, because you never know what may happen tomorrow. That not to say I'm greedy, but I know how to balance the checkbook.

50. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?

   Violation of ones Trust. Once you do that, it's hard to seem legitimate anymore to me at least.

51. Do you believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good?

    I do. although I'm not lining up to do it any time soon, not like those bat shit crazy Japs. But if I had to I would.

52. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?

   I do, I met Mine Shortly before the Russians starting putting up the Iron Curtain. I helped Wiebke get outta Germany during the Airlift, was running along a C-47 I may have jumped outta into Normandy, suddenly scooped her up and put her in the door and then jumped in after her. We stayed in touch and ended up being married a year later.

53. Are you superstitious?

    Sometimes, but who isn't to some degree?

54. How much do you respect the beliefs and opinions of others?

   I do, but as soon as they start pushing them on me or my friends or family, then it gets ugly.

55. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?

   Pretty Honest. Ask Wiebke. *laughs*
   Wiebke: He announces every time he is in the bathroom...*facepalm*

56. Do you have any biases or prejudices?

    I don't like Frenchies, and I despise the Japanese.

DEALING WITH OTHERS

57. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?

    Wiebke Wiessmann. We found one another and help each other out when we were both in dark places in our lives. She makes me a very happy man, and there isn't a thing I wouldn't do for her. I love her, that pretty much sums it up. *smiles*

58. Who is the person you respect the most? Despise the most? Why?

    I respect alotta people. Putting one above the others never made much sense to me. As for most despised? My Dad's Ex-Wife. So many reason as to why, but It does me no good to spout them here. That's between him and her.

59. Do you have a significant other? Who?

   Wiebke. <3 She's always my special Lady.

60. Do you have a lot of friends? Who is your best friend?

   I do, but among my best friends would have to be another Conductor, a man named Paul, and an old fogey named Albert. Then you have my writer friend in Chicago, and my Wife, and then the Father. Keep in mind, these are in no particular order.

61. How do you relate to members of the same race? Class? Sex?

    A handshake and friendly smile, I try my best to be a nice person, and it comes with the territory of my job. A lot of interaction with the public. I try to see everyone as equals regardless of sex or class.

62. How do you relate to members of a different race? Class? Sex?

    Once again I try to relate.

63. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.

   I have been, and still am, once again, with my Wife. I had just joined the newly formed Air Force and went to Germany as an Airbase Guard at Templehof, mostly because of my prior days in the Infantry. One day while I was off duty I met her while waiting for a train, and we sat and talked and became fast friends. We kept in touch and eventually I helped her out of Berlin and Germany all together.

64. What do you look for in a potential lover?

    Always liked Strong women, Women who know how to take charge when need be and know how to handle a situation. And drive a Stick shift.
Wiebke: *drives around in Rick's Old Railroad truck* 8]

65. How close are you to your family?

    Fairly close, but as of late I barely see them anymore.

66. Do you want a marriage, family, and/or children?

    Well, I have the Marriage, and we both want a family, and we have a nice one with the two of us, but we see kids in the future, we're just letting things take their course, it'll happen when it happens.

67. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?

    I do sometimes, but I try to avoid anything where my ass may overload my mouth per say.

68. Are you a listener or a talker?

    I can be both, depending on whats needed in the situation.

69. How long does it usually take for you to trust others?

    A little while, but not terribly long.

70. Do you hold grudges?

    Nah, waste of time and energy.

71. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?

    I lead. I'm an Officer and a Conductor, I have to. *chuckles*

72. Do you like interacting with large groups of people?

    Yes I do, I like having cook outs and small gatherings of friends, parties, I like going out to eat and such, but I do value my alone time.

73. How well do you express yourself?

    Well enough, and sometimes loud enough.

74. How quickly do you judge others?

    Well, to put it this way, a wise friend of mine by the name of Jerry told me once; " If you were to live another persons life for a single day and see things the way they see them and feel things the way they feel them, first, you'd wonder if they were from the same planet as you, and second you would never be quick to judge ever again"

75. Do you care what others think of you?

    Sometimes, but most the time, eh, Fuck 'em.

76. Do you have any enemies? How or why are they your enemy?

    I'm sure I have some, but I've never really taken notice.

PERSONAL TASTE AND OPINION

77. What is your favorite pastime? Color? Food? Possession?

    My favorite past time would be Baseball I think. It's the best way to spend a Sunday sometimes. My favorite color would have to be Blue, it's very relaxing, helps me sleep I think so our bedroom is a nice soft blue color. Favorite Food would have to be A nice lunch meat sandwich, and it can have anything on it really. My favorite possession would have to be a cross my late Grandpa gave to me. I wear it around my neck with my Dog Tags.

78. What are your preferences in arts and/or entertainment?

    Depends on my Mood. sometimes I just wanna sit back and relax and take things in, and other times I want some action and excitement.

79. Do you smoke, drink, go whoring, or use drugs? Why or why not?.

    I still smoke, but not as often as I did in my 20s, Mostly for stress relief, Drink? Yes. Yes I do. It's the social lubricant, and I guess I do very amusing things when I'm Schnockered. Whoring? I'm Married. 8I And Aside from what I can get for a headache at the corner Drug, no I don't use drugs. My friend in Chicago is prime reason why I don't use.

80. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?

    Usually at home with the Wife, a nice dinner and we sit out in the back yard and have lemonade if it's warm out.

81. What is your most cherished fantasy?

    *looks down for a moment and then nods a bit* I think I'll save that one for me.

82. How long is your attention span?

    If It's Interesting, I'm all ears. If not, good luck keeping me hooked, skeezix.

83. Do you laugh a lot? What do you find funny?

   I laugh a lot I suppose, and I find a various things funny, depends on my mood for that particular day.

84. Is there anything that shocks or offends you? If so, what?

   Hatred and treatment of my fellow man, no really, That scares the hell outta me if that's how the world is gonna keep going. as for offensive... It takes a lot any more to offend me.

85. How do you deal with stress?

    I smoke, and I'll sit and talk about it. I'll go to church and pray sometimes.

86. How much athletic ability do you have? Artistic?

I can run for a fat man. *laughs* and I can lift a great deal, I'm also have some art skills, I painted some art for a squadron mate in Korea.

87. Do you like animals? Do you like children?

I do, I always enjoyed the Zoo, and still do. X3 I also enjoy kids, and hope to have one or two of my own someday.

88. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?

    Both. gotta be ready for anything, but also able to adapt to any situation.

89. What are your pet peeves?

    Phone calls on Sunday Mornings, and when people leave stacks of dishes in the sink.

SELF IMAGE

90. What is your greatest strength as a person? Weakness?

    My Kindness. It's my strength and weakness all in one.

91. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

    Lose some Weight and be more active, maybe try for Colonel.

92. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?

    Extrovert, but again, I do like my alone time.

93. Do you like yourself?

    I do, and when I was single I liked myself almost every night. *laughs*
    Wiebke: Rick! *playfully swats at him, giggling*

94. Do you have a daily routine? How do you feel if your day is interrupted?

    Get up, get ready and get to the Depot for my assignment, after that it can get pretty random, gotta play it by ear. On my days off and home, I get up, shower, have breakfast and then take it from there. I tend to get annoyed if things are interrupted, but then again, I'm in charge of a Train full of people who expect to get to St. Louis or Chicago on time too...

95. What goal do you most want to accomplish in the next six months? Your lifetime?

    In the next six months? Other than keep the house and bills paid up, maybe a new car. As for my lifetime, Just be happy and make Wiebke happy, and have a home and a family. I have simple goals.

96. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?

    Hard to say really. That's the kinda thing where you gotta wait and see.

97. If you could choose, how would you want to die?

    Whoo Boy.... that's a Doozy of a question, I suppose in my sleep would be the easiest.

98. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for after your death?

    A good man, a loving Husband and Father.

99. What three words would you use to best describe your personality?

   Friendly, Caring and Courageous

100. What three words would others probably use to describe you?

    Loud, comedic, Weird. *laughs*

101. Why are you risking your life to adventure?

    You only get one life, Live it.