One of my Dad’s favorite sayings about me was “There goes Ken, off on another god-damn ‘Kenny Quest’.”
A “Kenny Quest” was when Tom believed I was going off half-cocked and obsessed about whatever was currently on my mind. I don’t think the phrase was ever meant as a compliment, but a derogatory phrase when he was frustrated or angry about whatever my current interest or obsession was.
Over time, I came to loathe the name “Kenny.” I no longer thought it “cute”, but I thought it was used as a diminutive and often meant as an insult. As a teenager and later as an adult, I came to adopt “Ken” as my common name and “Kenneth” as my full, legal, and formal name.
Many decades later, I continued my education, got multiple clearances, multiple technical certifications, and multiple technical licenses. I still never thought highly of the phrase “Kenny Quest,” or of people addressing me as “Kenny.”
As I was studying and practicing for my FCC Amateur Radio licenses last night, I was reminded of the phrase and wondering if Tom would say that I was off on another god-damn Kenny Quest again? I’m sure he honestly believed that I do many things impulsively and half-cocked, but as an adult, I’d now argue: “isn’t that how we begin all new things? Isn’t that how we learn, experiment, and grow?”
For all my Kenny Quests over the decades, I have a successful career, a full resume, an education, certifications, licenses, and many interesting hobbies that keep me engaged and my mind active. Many of my “Kenny Quests” have real-world applications for which people will talk with me, hire me, or ask me for technical support.
…so, with my latest “Kenny Quest” of setting the goals of getting two FCC Amateur Radio licenses within a month or two’s time, with the intent of building, owning, and operating a HAM radio rig, I am increasing my knowledge, experience, and value. Even if my Dad would have thought it foolish or impulsive, this is how a curious mind stays active, interested, engaged… and grows.
The phrase was originally meant as an insult. I no longer think of it as one.
I remember these comments from Tom. At the time, I thought it meant that you were interested in a variety of topics and had the initiative to pursue them. I know how he meant it, but I never felt that way. I always felt you were destined for a bright future.