As an independent inventor, I had exciting time developing and commercialising "MagneScribe™: 3-in-1 Auto-Retractable Ballpoint Pen" and "Magic Spicer™ (self-sealing magnetic spice rack with spice jars)".
I have overcome a minor physical handicap from a childhood injury. I stay fit in shape by cycling to the summit of Gatineau Hills in summer, and by cross-country skiing on golf courses in winter. I have made 50 blood donations so far, and I have taken part in many experimental medical research studies as a healthy guinea pig. My addiction is limited to double-double of solving Sudoku puzzles and Rubic's Cube. I have survived a personal tragedy which involved mental illness of a family member.
I was born just after Sputnik, and I lived in its effect of orientation towards science and technology. I vividly remember watching Apollo 11's moon landing on 1969-07-24. My childhood dream was to live and work in space. Subsequently, I was influenced by Star Trek's space exploration. Now, I want to be part of the next generation of Canadian space explorers. Just before turning 50, I participated in the Astronaut Recruitment Campaign by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
I consider myself to be a late bloomer, and I am still growing up. American astronaut Story Musgrave held the record for the oldest person in orbit until age 62, while John Glenn flew in space at age 77 in 1998.
Regardless of the outcome of the competition, the most exciting time of my life is yet to come!
