STEVE NELSON

OK, after reading the other profiles, I felt like a chump not putting any details.

I kicked around for a year after HS deciding what I wanted to do when I grew up. Couldn't decide on anything other than the fact that I didn't like low paying jobs, so I went to college at Louisiana Tech (and eventually to Univ of AR, Little Rock) to try to work it out. As it turns out I was reasonably good at school, so I decided that 4 years just wasn't enough (I know...who would have guessed it). I decided to attend optometry school in Memphis and graduated in 1999 and joined the Navy.

I spent 3 years being a Naval officer which was very cool, but being bossed around by a seemingly endless supply of people with more rank than I had for no money which was considerably less cool. I decided that I could probably find something that sucked less and paid more, so I got out and I've been practicing on my own ever since.

I was stationed in Corpus Christi and ended up meeting my wife and really liked the area so I decided to stay. I considered coming home and opening up a practice, but most of you goons left anyway. I've built up two really good practices and actually just hired another doctor (maybe I can find another one and just not go to work...well, I can dream anyway). I really like this area, but I miss home.

I have a few that unfortunatly underline my misspent youth.

1) My first trip to Juarez courtesy of you guessed it...the guy that would become one of my best friends, Brian Noel. Just before coming back through customs I had to steady myself by holding the bridge guardrail for the last 100 yards or so. In preparation for my first foray through customs as an underage intoxicated US citizen, I took a couple of deep breaths, rubbed my face and got slapped a couple of times (thanks Brian) and fixed my hair. Although I was able to smile and say "US", I think it was the huge grease mark that extended from my forehead to my chin that impressed the customs agent the most. I also vaguely remember that earlier that night either Brian Noel or Darren Havenor leaning me against an equally out-of-sorts Brandon LeDoux next to a light pole while the rest of the guys went in "the cave". I remember this because Brandon was kind enough to decorate my shirt with the alcohol that had previously resided in his stomach. Don't sweat it BR, I also vaguely remember returning the favor! Ah, good times.

2) We all wanted to stockpile a brand of wine cooler (Florida Wine Cooler, to be exact...not with the same catchy song for Seagrams Golden Wine Cooler, but for $10 a case, they had us at hello) that was very cheap, very potent and I'm fairly certain is now sold as fuel for those lighted mosquito lawn torches...but I digress. We had the funds, but where to store it? Oh I know, let's put it in Brandon LeDoux's closet and cover the 8 cases with clothes...his parent's will NEVER know! We burned through those fairly quickly, but the irony is that his parents really never knew. Once again, good times.

3) Almost forgot this golden oldie. Those involved will recognize the term "mi paga mi burrito, damn it" (friggin' Adrian). Me, Adrian, Brandon and Rick Mendenhall (LCHS 1989) are at a small diner in Juarez which resulted in being chased by a guy with a cleaver that ultimately cost me one left shoe. Given that most of us didn't wear socks at the time, it made the remaining 3 hours barhopping an adventure in itself.

4) I know it will surprise you that this story also involves Brian Noel. We were skipping school to go to the mall and he was driving Babe (his blue rabbit, for those that remember that) with his usual respect for public safety and welfare when we were cut off by some dude in a little car. Naturally we told him he was number one (you know...the bird) and called him a few choice names and Brian decided to return the favor by speeding up and cutting him off. All was well, until we realized it was Mr. Castetters little toadie Mr. Shock who recognized both of us. Needless to say, we had a delightful chat the next day after class.