“Rolling Hills” to the concrete jungle-

Getting fired while in my underwear, seeing a lot of breasts, and witnessing a terrorist attack have all been post HHS life experiences.

I was drafted at age 19 by the St. Louis Cardinals for my “mission” (I think it was a different kind of mission than others...does anyone else worry about liver damage from their missions?). I had a Mr. Jekyll and Dr. Hyde existence the next four years. During the fall and winter I was an engineering nerd at the U of U. I lived a “Bull Durham” lifestyle during spring and summer. I spent springs in Florida hanging out at night with different groups of college students during their spring breaks. Oh, and working out during the day to get in shape for the season. Summer time was one long bus ride after another to different small cities across the country to play games.

I love baseball, but unfortunately didn’t make it all the way to the “show”. I found out my Major League dream wasn’t going to happen in the locker room during my last spring training. It went down like this –

Manager: “Jolley, player personnel needs to see you”

Me: “Okay, give me a minute. I just got undressed”

Manager: “No. They need to see you right now. Come here!”

So I walked into the player personnel office in my underwear and was informed I was released. Later I learned the Cardinals do this on purpose as players are less apt to get violent post being fired when they’re in their skivvies.

Writing your Master’s thesis isn’t supposed to be fun, and it wasn’t. But when the title is, “Improved modeling of the female breast” at least the topic is interesting. (Full disclosure – there’s a few missing words from the listed title like “scanned focused ultrasound and post-mastectomy). Post completing undergrad studies in Mechanical Engineering at the U of U, a professor convinced me to stick around and earn an M.S. The conversation went something like this -

Professor: “Mike I’d like you to stay at the U and work in my lab and get your Masters degree.”

Me: “No thanks”

Professor: “Are you sure? You’ll get paid to work on a breast cancer research grant and learn a lot about the female breast”

Me: “Really?! Sign me up”

My real career began as a process engineer for an Australian natural resources company; ironically the same company the song “Blue Sky Mining” by Midnight Oil is based on. I had a stint in Washington State, and spent a couple of years in Southern California a block from the beach. After I learned the company wasn’t going to send me to work in Australia, I jumped ship to American Express and packed my bags for the Big Apple.

American Express’ headquarters are in the World Financial Center, which is literally right across the street from the World Trade Center. I was around for 9/11. The terrorist attack is still a bit raw emotionally for me, even after 7 years. Too close … too catastrophic … it made me realize that life is short and we’re all mortal. Subconsciously the attacks probably changed my outlook on life. I’m a bit more relaxed, and spend more time enjoying myself then before. You never know …

On that note - I was a self-assured, confident guy in high school who wasn’t afraid to voice or act on my opinions. Hell, I still am. However, my narrow view of the world has expanded considerably since then. If I offended you, picked on you, or whatever back in the day I truly apologize and hope you can forgive me.

I’m still in NYC today. I live in the center of the universe; at least it feels that way. The world revolved around Rome at one point as we learned in AP History (Ms. Briton’s voice didn’t put me to sleep every day, it just seemed that way). NYC is the modern Rome. Anything you could want is here, and the people are incredible. NYC is vibrant and alive. I don’t think it’s possible to be bored here. A simple walk down the street can be an adventure. It still amazes me what I’ll see just walking from the subway to work – the filming of a scene from a TV show or movie to some “only in NYC” moment. I’m completely comfortable here for whatever reason. It feels like my adult home.

Let’s see, what did I miss during my ramblings above? I picked up an MBA from Columbia University along the way. I was thrilled to watch my younger brother Doug start for the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. Never been married – no kids. Any other questions please ask.

I’ve enjoyed reading all the life updates on the site. Great job to whoever set this up. Does anyone know what happened to Kim Chow, Andrea Groberg, Todd Posseli, or Travis Reid? Also, is it just me or does a large percentage of our class have 2-4 kids and live in South or West Jordan? I’m guessing the reunion will be a bore for this crowd as they probably all see each other regularly at the Jordan neighborhood block parties or church functions.