25 Random Things, Revisited

When I wrote my first 25 Random Things, I didn’t realize that it would be such a popular craze that a bunch of people would participate in. I didn’t know it was going to sweep all of Facebook. But it did, and I’m sure you may have already written a list of your own.

For those of you who might still be in the dark about this, you write things like, “When I was 10 years old I pulled out my own tooth,” or “I have a fear of staplers.” They’re personal to you. Of course, these are just examples. It’s just whatever you feel like sharing.

But before you start, let’s get a few things straight.  First of all, it’s one thing to share. But, it’s another thing to share too much. I don’t even know why this started. I mean, it’s one thing to say, “I like to watch Wheel of Fortune.” But, it’s an entirely different thing to say, “I like to watch Wheel of Fortune naked.” But, it’s good know because now I can avoid a few of my friends’ houses around 7:30.

Another big problem is that they call it “25 Random Things About Me” not “25 Random Interesting Things About Me.” Because, if it was Random Interesting things, the title might not be 25 things. There might be one or two things. Maybe that’s all you’d have to share. You wouldn’t need 25 things. Like, “I have a tail.” Boom. You’re done. That’s all.

Another thing, before you send it off, you should write it down. Because, you’re sending it off to people you don’t even know in some cases. These people aren’t looking for random things about you, they’re being bombarded by them. And so, here’s how you know if it’s okay to share what you have. Would you like to call me on the phone and tell me the same exact thing. Like, “Hey Dave, guess what? I have two coffee tables.” Either I’m going to say, “Oh sweet! Please continue,” or I’m going to say, “call me back when you can write with your feet.” You know? Is it that important to share that with me?

So, since this is what people are doing, I’ve decided I’m going to play along and give you all a more deserving list of 25 Random & Interesting (at least, to me) Things.

1. I have been to Asia, and I’ve seen a giant ship in the river that looked like a Dragon. Kinda like this one here.

2.  When I was 21, I met a woman named Christa Wimer who ignited my passion for Creative Ministry.  I don’t think she knows it, but she inspired me to start my ministry as a graphic artist and web developer.  I am now the Creative Ministries Director for the Oklahoma Assembly of the Church of God because of her influence.

3.  I know how to create an exchange active sync partnership on any Microsoft Windows Mobile device that can gather all of your calendar, contact, email, and tasks in one place so that you can access them from your phone.  I also know how to create similar partnerships on Palm and Blackberry devices and I can even set it up for your iPhone.  With this setup, you’ll never have to worry about losing your information ever again.

4. When I was in 8th Grade, the only girl I ever liked smashed my heart into a million little pieces during an Academic Bowl Tournament  (Yes, I was that geeky, even then.)  She taught me the lesson that helped me change from a shy, awkward little boy into a bold, courageous, confident, and daring man.  Amy, thanks for the help.

5. My favorite romance flick is Serendipity, and I loosely agree with any philosophy that would bring Kate Beckinsale into my life.  On a more serious note, I agree with the movie that God predestined for me to share my life with only one woman, and I’m glad I’ve found her and I’ll never stop pursuing her because she captivates me and consumes my heart in ways I can’t even explain in words.

6. My favorite NFL football team growing up was the Los Angeles Rams because in 1989, Jim Everett came to my elementary school.  I was hooked ever since, and yes, I even rooted for them last year when they were 2-14.

7. I met Bob Barker at Tulsa Southern Hills golf course during the PGA US Open Tournament in 2000. And, the only thing that I could get out of my mouth was, “Holy Cow! It’s Bob Barker.”

8. Some people claim that they built this city on Rock n Roll, but that’s not true at all. I built this city on SimCity 2000 in 8th Grade.

9. I had already pledged and was accepted to my fraternity before the end of high school. DCE forever.

10. I have a deep desire to be a TV Talk Show host or personality.  I think there’s a future for me in late night television.  Seriously.

11. I was one of the only boys in my Camp Fire group, and was a counselor and canoeing instructor for Camp Fire Boys and Girls at Camp Waluhili when I was in high school.

12. I can actually ride my bike with no handlebars, but I was known more amongst the neighborhood kids when I was younger for riding a bike with no seat.  Unfortunately, someone stole it about 2 weeks after I got the bike and I never retrieved or replaced it.

13. I would be addicted to Grasshopper Big Trains if I were rich. At $7 a drink, they’re not the cheapest beverage out there. But, I still enjoy them from time to time.

14. I once fell off the 2nd story balcony of my hotel room in Branson.  I fell asleep on the wide banister and the next thing I remember was waking up on the hood of a Dodge Neon.  No bruises or injuries, but a lot of cash in repairs.

15. I used to write professionally for an online relationship site for single people looking to find a mate on Yahoo!.

16. I have been around the world and have traveled to many countries, but I have never been to Disney Land or Disney World.  This isn’t interesting, it’s just sad.

17. I am not a superhero, but I play one on YouTube.

18. I started a nonprofit organization that was helping at-risk students stay in school.  I suspended the program when the principal of our flagship school blamed our program for over 90 students failing Algebra during our first year of support.  For the record, out of the 35 students we assisted, only 2 had below a “C” average in Algebra at the end of their coursework.

19. I completely understand all aspects of MPEG 4 Video Compression and Direct Broadcast Satellite signals delivered via RG6 coaxial, Y/Pr/Pb, and HDMI cable systems.  That’s uber geek talk for “I used to work for Dish Network and I can make a satellite receiver out of spare parts from the hardware store.”

20. I have been skydiving.  It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever done prior to getting married and having a baby.  In fact, getting married and having a baby is a lot like falling out of an airplane.  I’ll explain that sometime later.  Remind me.

21. If I were small enough, I would want to own a MiniCooper.  But, since I’m fat, I drive a Ford Taurus.  (This is neither interesting, nor is it random.  I apologize, but I’m close to 25 and I’m running out of steam.)

22. I had never worked with a Mac computer prior to last year.  But, now that I have, I know just about everything you can learn about them without owning one (too poor), and I secretly want to become a Genius at the Apple Store.  Okay, it’s not that big of a secret.  Who wouldn’t want to work at the Apple Store?  Seriously.

23. I have double jointed knees, ankles, and wrists.  That comes in handy often.

24. While my physique doesn’t say “marathon man,” I really want to get a bike and ride with my wife sometime this summer.  I love riding and exploring parts of the city that we haven’t seen together.

25. It is my 18 year goal to be elected the President of my daughter’s PTA or Booster Club Organization at least one time during her time in school.  I feel this is important because my father was absent and never around.  In fact, after 27 years, I’ve yet to meet him.  I never want my daughter to even have a second thought about my commitment to her education and her academic achievements.

So, there you have it.  No, it’s not a full list of interesting things.  But, it’s better than the first list.  And, while I’m sure none of you care about even 1 random thing about me, I hope you get a better understanding of me after you’ve read this.