My dad met my mom at Casper College in the orientation line. He studied business and eventually transferred to the University of Wyoming at Laramie.

I love to drive in the Black Hills of Wyoming and South Dakota with Mount Rushmore as the central stop.

My dad was a voracious news consumer. I remember just sitting with my family all the time. I would sit on his lap and read the paper with him. He would read it to me.

On election night 2000, I had never met then-Governor Bush, though I'd supported him for years. I believed he would be a strong, optimistic and gracious president with solid conservative principles and a big heart.

My dad got me hooked on the news. That was a good thing.

People like to talk about their hometowns and their travels, and the more places you've been, the more likely you'll be able to make a connection that can bring new business leads or career opportunities.