By Neal Benoit

Neal and Deb Benoit

I was born on Independence Day, 1960.  Three days later I was adopted.  Fifty seven years later, with the help of a DNA test, I learned that my heritage is predominantly Irish.  So I am a bit of an independent Celt.

I graduated from Warrensburg High School, and later from Siena College with bachelor degrees in Accounting and Computer Science.  For the majority of my adult life I have worked as a computer software consultant, developing business applications for companies.  Some have called me a computer geek.

I was married in 1982 and my wife (Deb) and I have been together ever since.  We are proud parents of two children (Michael and Courtney), who are now adults.  So a husband and father I may be as well.

In 2004 I took my family on a cross country trip.  For 32 days we lived out of a van and traversed the USA from the Pacific Ocean to Niagara Falls.  Each day began a new adventure and it was the ultimate living in the moment experience.  Along the way we swam in oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams.  So there’s some explorer blood coursing through my veins.

In 2013 I launched an educational website (www.gettingoutofthegate.com) about thoroughbred horse racing.  There are over 150 articles about my favorite sport on the website.  So a bit of teacher resides in me.

For the past three years I have had serious medical issues that have tested every ounce of Daring Ways in my being.  So in the eyes of many, I am a patient, the sick guy down the block, and someone for whom they feel sorry.

More than any of the labels above, a “patient” is not who I am.  In fact, the desire to not be defined by my travails the past three years has been a primary motivation for me to create this website.

So, who am I?

I consider myself a seeker.  A seeker of knowledge … of experiences … of moments.  The latter being the most precious of all.  Moments are my lifelong pursuit.  And Daring Ways is my means to finding them.  I’d like to share my Daring Ways with you, and inspire you to be a “seeker” as well.

Sincerely,
Neal Benoit