100 Things About Me

(updated, 24 June 2005)

...cuz its all about me, really.

I'll keep this one relatively clean, but I should be able to get 100 interesting (or not) things listed.

1. Sometimes I'll sit back and ponder the nature of existence. You know, the whole "me" thing? Does the world look the same through someone else's eyes?
2. I'm secretly afraid of death. I hope there's something after it, but it's disappointing to think that there might just be nothing.
3. Every so often I really can't believe where I am and what I've accomplished, then I have some regret about the things I have not yet accomplished
4. I never played football in high school
5. I never played organized sports until I was in my late-20's
6. I was 4'10" and 95 pounds when I got into Gr. 9
7. I am a foot taller and about 100 lbs heavier now
8. I come from a long line of myopic, vertically challenged, athletically challenged people.
9. My parents divorced in 1985
10. They should never have gotten married
11. My mother and I haven't spoken in years
12. My sister and my father haven't spoken in years
13. I hate the person I was when I was younger
14. I do thank my parents for 2 things: a love of books and a love of music
15. I served in the Army Reserve for 14yrs and 83 days (retiring as a Sergeant)
16. I was not a natural soldier, but I worked hard and earned my promotions
17. I loved (for the most part) my time in the Army
18. I didn't grow up doing any organized sports
19. I learned to play hockey in my early 30's
20. I am not a natural as a goalie, but I do it anyway
21. I'm incredibly jealous of people with natural athletic abilities
22. I'm a dreadful procrastinator
23. I love cooking (but hate cleaning)
24. I can make my own bread, from scratch
25. Being a step-parent scares the hell out of me sometimes
26. It also frustrates the hell out of me sometimes
27. I'm always anxious about my weight & body image
28. I am incredibly sarcastic
29. I didn't finish university (but I did finish Community College)
30. I'm not doing for a career what I went to school for
31. I've been the "exception to the rule" in many work situations where I've either been hired or promoted based on my experience over any paper qualifications
32. I've been fired 3 times in my career; only once for cause, but was re-hired concurrently in a different role with the same employer. (Louis Camus, I owe you big for that)
33. Even though it has been almost 3 years, I still curse the spineless turd of a VP who included me in a round of staff cuts. (BC, I let you get away with a constructive dismissal but your time will come.)
34. As you have probably surmised, once crossed, I tend to hold a grudge. I *can* forgive transgressions, but I never, ever forget.
35. As much as I am aware of my skills and strengths, I am alarmed at the gaps in my experience and knowledge.
36. I love CFL Football.
37. My cousin's husband played 16 seasons in the CFL. He was my first hero after Bobby Orr.
38. I have no interest in NFL Football
39. I can't stand basketball and I lost interest in baseball
40. I'm very anxious that NHL hockey is in serious trouble
41. I think ticket scalpers should be shot on sight
42. I think stadiums charge WAY too much for food at their concessions
43. People in Toronto who slag the CFL just because they think that since it's Canadian that it has to suck can all go fuck themselves as far as I'm concerned. Get out to a game, assholes. You might be surprised. (how's that for a run-on sentence?)
44. I have been "the other man" more than once
45. Models and other "perfect" women do nothing for me
46. If I'm going to have sex I'd prefer to use my mind as well as my bod
47. I shave in the shower
48. There are pictures of me in 2 published books (both military)
49. I have been in the newspaper
50. I have been on TV
51. I have never taken a life (that I know of)
52. I have not directly saved a life but I have, on several occasions, provided first aid on the scene of an accident of one kind or another
53. I really, really, really, really want to learn to fly
54. I have never bungee jumped
55. I have never gone skydiving
56. I will not tell you how many people I have slept with. (not yet)
57. I own 3 guitars (12-string acoustic, 6-string acoustic, 6-sting electric)
58. I have my late grandfather's saxophone
59. I have formal musical training in saxophone, piano and music theory
60. I taught myself to play drums at age 14
61. I regret selling my drums at age 28
62. I have worn a kilt.
63. I played in a symphony orchestra for 3 years
64. I played in a military pipe and drum band for 2 years
65. I have been a collateral victim of a sexual assault conviction (not, I repeat, NOT a direct victim)
66. I do not suffer fools gladly and I tend to be pretty blunt when having to deal with them
67. I'm not the most patient guy on the planet
68. I snore
69. I have, and I like it, but it can indeed be distracting
70. I have met and dated people through online dating sites
71. I have met and dated people through chat sites and instant messaging
72. I used to sail
73. I had a pen pal for many, many years
74. We talked seriously about getting married
75. I spent a Christmas and New Years' in Scotland (see above)
76. It didn't work out. (obviously)
77. I have worked in jobs I hated
78. I have stayed in relationships longer than I should have
79. I have had one night stands
80. I have never used a narcotic other than nicotine
81. I am a bar smoker
82. I like cigars
83. I read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and hated it.
84. I think Robert Fulghum is a brilliant anecdotal author.
85. I am writing two novels just for fun. One techno-thriller and one sci-fi.
86. People tell me I have a perfect voice for radio.
87. I respond by telling them that I have a perfect face for radio too
88. I prefer working for small companies, not big companies
89. I taught myself HTML years ago on a Mac using TeachText
90. I use P2P software to find digital copies of songs I own on vinyl or tape. Most times. ;-)
91. I can't believe I'm married
92. I can't believe I have a blog
93. I love my country
94. Whenever I go to Ottawa to see the Parliament buildings I get a swell of patriotism
95. I have been to 9 of our 10 provinces
96. I have been to CFL games in 6 of 9 team stadiums and two neutral site games
97. When asked, in an interview, about a challenge I overcame or about a great success, I mention that I'm proudest of surviving a layoff and keeping sane, focused and solvent at the same time
98. 3 people from my work know about my blog
99. I have known Kristin for years, but we have never met
100. Last, but not least, I have played a hockey game at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Wow....100 things. Who knew I had it in me?

Do you have a "Things about me" list? Lemme see!~