1981

I am a procrastinator. Definitely the sort of person who needs deadlines. Deadlines, like April 15. Or April 16, this year, since April 15 was Easter Sunday. With taxes out of the way, I can now focus on this column. Of course I only have a couple of days. I've had months, but now I only have a couple of days. It was no different when I was an undergraduate, always saving my work for the mad rush at the end of the term and wishing I hadn't waited to the bitter end. Of course some classmates were worse, and others were better. Far better. Like my old house- mate Scott Gazelle. Even after all of these years, Scott and I are the closest of friends. And he is still incredibly organized. Always done on time, with time to spare. Able to get his master's of public health followed by a Ph.D. the following year. I guess being a radiologist at Mass General, a husband and father just isn't enough. Scott still does some clinical work, but most of his time is devoted to research. You can find out more about his research at www.the-data-group.org.

Another classmate who can't be putting off until tomorrow is Fraser Smith. Alittle story about Fraser. I listen to books on tape frequently when I'm driving or working out. In early February I was listening to Mortal Fear by Greg lies, a new author for me.The book, set in Mississippi, is full of suspense and thrills. At one point, the main character described a wood carving of his father's coat, which hung on the back of the door in his office. The carving had been done by a big blonde guy from Florida by the name of Fraser Smith. Fraser was from Mississippi and now lives in Tampa. So there I am, driving down the Mass Pike, thinking—damn, it's gotta be Fraser! Sure enough, after a little Web search and an e-mail or two, Fraser had confirmed that he and Greg were best friends in high school. And of course, Frasser creates wood carvings of unusual—or should Isay—usual objects, such as caps and quilts and jackets. Unusual for wood carvings. He will be featured at the Smithsonian Craft Show in April (26 to 29) at the National Building Museum. You can see examples of his work online at www.gofraser.com. Worth a surf-by. If Fraser suffers from my disease, he's doing a lot of all nighters to finish off those carvings.

Doron Ezickson has no room for procrastination in his new position as the partner-in-charge of McDermott, Will & Emery's Boston office. Dorons practice focuses on litigation and dispute resolution in regulated industries, with an emphasis on energy, health care and communications. He previously served under Gov. Weld as deputy chief of staff and as director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade. Smart guy. No dilly-dallying.

Michael Peterson, a radiation oncologist, has relocated to Mitchell, South Dakota, to provide his services at the Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, which recently opened a new cancer center. Michael's medical education took place in New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia, followed by a staff position at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the Frankford Hospital in Philly. A move to South Dakota is one that I might have delayed a few years longer.

Finally, Dawn Decker has quit procrastinating, and she, with the help of her husband, Chris Dowd, gave birth to a daughter, Madeleine Marie. Congratulations, Dawn and Chris. I'm still holding out there.

1978th St., #626, Charlestown, MA 02129-4233; ricks@lcis.net;10 Quail Drive, Etna, NH 03750-4405;lynne.gaudet@Dartmouth.edu