The first step to create a goal is to have a clear vision of your dream.

Summers, where I grew up, meant riding bikes and skateboards. Going to the local lake to fish, and hanging at the beach. But, back then summer also meant "summer school". Now, it wasn't all reading, writing and math. There were non-academic summer school classes. One of them happened to be a guitar class. And in 6th grade, I enrolled. Mom and Dad bought me an acoustic guitar from Sears. It was a steel string with mahogany finish. I remember learning basic chords, and my fingers hurt from pushing down on the strings. Many of the songs I learned were folk and pop. Then one faithful day, a trip to the local library and there it was...a guitar book of Beatles songs. Many of the songs I found so difficult because I couldn't play the chord. But, after many nights practicing in my room, and driving my parents and brothers nuts, I learned many songs. It was at this point, I had a dream to play in a band. And, eventually play live!! But, the acoustic wasn't enough. Day tripper doesn't sound right on an acoustic. So, that's when I started to experiment. I didn't have the money for an electric guitar and amp. But I was handy with a soldering iron and knew a little about electronic circuits. So, taking a tape recorder mic, and placing it in the acoustic, and connecting it to my stereo, I had an acoustic/electric guitar. That lasted a few years.

I eventually convinced my parents to co-sign on a loan through La Habra Music in So Cal. And was the proud owner of 1979 Les Paul "The Paul". Now, the early 80's and still plugging into my stereo, I learned more modern songs. After moving to a new high school my junior year, a couple of my good friends had a band. I used to hang out during their practices and picked up techniques and tricks.

Now out of high school, working part time and attending a local J.C., I had spending money. Most of it went to my car, insurance and other stuff. But, I had enough to finally get an amp. It was a brand new Peavey Bandit solo. And, the Les Paul, was traded for a brand new Ibanez Roadstar RS 1000. Then the pedals started to appear. I had the gear, knew some songs, but didn't know anyone else to jam with. By chance, I found out some friends from work played bass and drummed. We got a garage band together and would jam. But, never got to a point where we would gig.

Then one day, a friend of my older brother, played bass in a band and was looking for another guitar player. I knew the songs they wanted to play, and I was

My first gig...1980...something

in. Our first gig was a wedding reception for the singers sister. I was so nervous. But, once the people started dancing and singing I relaxed and had a great time. I achieved my goal, of playing live. The band was not long for me, as I moved to San Jose, to attend SJSU. Of course bringing with me my gear, I played in a couple bands during my college years.

I eventually, met my wife at SJSU, and between jobs, raising 3 children, and having a family, being in a band was not in the cards. Until 2001...when a couple neighbors and I got together and jammed. And that's another blog for another day...

Oh, and by the way, I still own the guitar and the mic stand in the picture above.