Here are the top 25 things about me. Here is your chance to get to know me a little bit better. I'll ask you to do the same and to forward it to all those who you know or knew.
1. I have always been one to struggle against conformity. "Joe is Joe" "there is nobody else like him" is a phrase I've heard half my life.
2. I have a strong sense of look forward and not back, although these days I feel like a hypocrite for saying that
3. I often tell my clients and friends that I have the life experiences of a 60 year old. I have been a soldier, a teacher, a medic, a world traveler a friend to those in need and now I’m on a new road providing private benefits to members of unions, federations and associations.
4. I am not driven by money. I used to say that my needs and my wants were one in the same, because if I wanted something then I needed it. Now, I have a different attitude. My needs are simpler my wants are still exciting, but my reality of what I want vs. need has matured (somewhat)
5. Cycling, photography, walks, driving and time with friends are what I like the most. I once rode down the side of a mountain doing nearly 100 kph, I've taken photographs all over the world, I love to drive to relieve stress and walking has always been a way to get some air, clear my head and with the right walking partner enjoy not being alone for a bit.
6. I started things way late in life. Dating, being social and all the ususual stuff that makes us normal. I've been feeling guilty lately (not too guilty) because I've started to behave like I'm 21 again. Wow, this is fun. I just hope I don't go back to point # 4 lol
7. I've thrown grenades, fired rocket launchers, fired machine guns and other military rifles. I've had pistols, driven a tank and ambulances. I've Dukes of Hazzarded over a bridge once during training when I was in the Army and done a million bizarre things in the name of Canada.
8. I love road trips. I've been to Toronto and back about 20 times over the years with the military. I did an 11,000 km road trip with my friend Jon once to Texas, New Orleans and Memphis. I've driven to Rushmore, Driven through the mountains of Taiwan both on motorcycle and by car, and I've even driven to Edmonton just to have coffee with a few old army buddies one year as well.
9. Seeing the stars at night amazes me. I don't get to see them very often being a city mouse, but the country mouse in me loves my new job because I end up on farms and other remote places helping families and the stars at the end of the night are a great reward for a day of hard work.
10. I'm somewhat addicted to the internet, my cell phone and things chat related. Since my new career choice I've been missing them both. Now I go online more often to do work, I use my cell mostly for work related calls and texts and I've not been to a movie theater in ages either.
11. I love women lol! to say more will get me into trouble. I don't cheat, but.... yeah I said but! I have always been attracted to those who are to far away to make any sort of reality happen. It's always ended up in failure for her and for me. If I could find a local person who's not messed up in the head, a user or just an idiot then I would, but some days I just want to give up. I'm sure to hear about this point in the next few days lol!I am loyal, hard working and trust worthy. I’m still somewhat terrified of settling down though. I do not foresee doing it anytime soon either.
12. I try to listen to the advice of those who care for me. I really do lol! Allan, gets my ear unconditionally and he's always been there true and loyal to get me through the rough times, to call me an idiot in some of my good times and for that I'm thankful for him.
13. I’ve been in the tallest building, the fastest elevator on the planet, I’ve eaten shrimp freshly caught from the ocean feet away and I’m the only Canadian crazy enough according to the Taiwanese to drive a scooter 240 km through the mountains just to help another teacher save a few bucks on shipping fees.
14. While living in Taiwan I studied Mandarin and although I cannot read I can recognize most of the basic characters, like food, boy, girl… the essentials to living overseas. I am now an Intermediate speaker and I can pretty much get anything I want using only Mandarin, sign language, finger puppets and the odd grunt/ finger point. My brightest moment was realizing I gave a cab driver the wrong directions and I actually was able to guide him turn by turn knowing the names of all my local streets, to guide him to my eventual spot. He was really impressed with my speaking ability
15. As an Army and an Air Force medic I worked in both clinics and in the field helping others. I’ve always loved medicine and I spent nearly 2 years at the Medical services school. I’ve met and worked with people whom I’ll never forget even if we have fought now and again in the past.
16. I can’t paint, hammer nails or do most things handy man, but I’ve always been willing to help try. I helped Allan build a fence once, but got the Forman hat (due to clumsiness’) I once broke an axe chopping wood, I guess the handle wasn’t sharp enough to split wood. I wrecked a fuel line once fixing a car in auto mech during high school. How I ever became a soldier I have no clue, but I liked it. Now I drive a pen, fill out forms, and visit all sorts of people both rich and poor and I like that aspect of it even if at times I don’t make much (at others I make lots though )
17. I do a few things really well in sports and with just about every sport there are a few positions I do professionally. Victim and Spectator! I love to roller blade, but I still need to learn how to turn, stop and stay on my feet. I love football…. Um ok I don’t I actually hate football. I was on a cycling team and I’ve cycled in BC, Alberta, Saak, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and a half a dozen states in the US. I also rode in Taiwan as well. When I die please put a tire in the casket with me lol!
18. I love to cook but not for others. Small groups and friends are fine by me. I’ll leave cooking for the masses for people who aren’t me My favorite foods to cook are Chinese, Spanish, Ukrainian and red neck… um I mean standard western. I once made cabbage rolls for 8 using only one medium pot and a small pan. It took 4 hours to do and all of us crammed into my tiny Taiwanese apartment to enjoy a little bit of home one Christmas awhile back.
19. I’ve done CPR on murder victims, grandmothers, parents and one child. I’ve worked in the Intensive care unit of many hospitals and I’ve helped many people during their final moments. Some things you’ll never forget, some things should never be seen. I’m good at dealing with those unspeakable, but after time it changes you. I’ve left the medical field, it was and will always be my first love, but I needed away. Now I’ve moved on. See #20
20. Now I hold a professional financial designation for my Life License Qualification. What does that mean? It means that I can go into your home tell you that “lets face it, we’re all going to die, either you deal with this now or somebody in your immediate family will have to deal with it for you:” So, would you like to contribute one hour of your weekly wage or two to protect your family? Yes, I’m in life insurance. My best week of work to date made me 1,900 CAD That’s 200 more than I ever made in a month of work as a health care aide.
21. Favorite colors are blue, forest green, and burgundy I have the motto of first in last out, and only a very few who get this will understand. Ask me if you wish! You’ll respect that phrase in a whole new way once I’ve told you.
22. Do as I say and not as I do. All too often I see that and it always makes me sick to my stomach to hear that. Why can’t people just do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do! I’ve learned that to lead by example is the best way to motivate those around you. Do do the job the right way the first time is the best way to be a team player because you’re not passing on poor performance to your peers. I could go on and on about leadership but I won’t!
23. Every year since I was in my late teens I’ve left on the “Guys Only” annual camping trip. Over the years we’ve added wife and girlfriend and various friends the odd years. We’ve cottaged, trailered and even tented The one thing that has never faltered has been our gourmet cooking. Our enormous steaks and the memories
24. My buddy lost his dad the other day. It was a difficult thing to hear about. It will happen to us all I know, but I’ve seen so much death in other families its hard to picture that our families are not immune either. Reg, you will be missed!
25. Are you sick of reading this short novel yet? That’s me in a nut shell. I put a lot of my personality into this, I don’t expect anybody to do the same, but do write down the top 25 things about yourself and share them with your friends. You may just learn something new and amazing about your friends!
