The XXX Meme
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Sorry to get you excited. Nothing racy going on in here. I’ve just been tagged three times by three bloggers with this meme, so before I get tagged a fourth time, I thought I’d get this one out of the way. Four X’s just isn’t as eye-catching. Read on if you want to know seven random things about BusyDad (I’m already referring to myself in the third person? Ok, I’m getting too big for my britches).
This one’s for you Chuck @ D is for Dad!
... and Bernard @ Raising Eli!
... and David @ metaDAD!
As always, I must post the rules:
* Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
* Share seven random and/or weird facts about yourself.
* Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
* Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
7 Random Things
1) This blog exists because of Chairman Mao
It’s all Mao Tse-Tung’s fault. If it weren’t for this guy, I’d be royalty. Let’s go back a few decades... My grandfather was a governor in old world Nationalist (pre-communist) China. The good guys who fought alongside the USA against Japan in WWII. Gramps was livin’ large -- 13 kids, concubines, Ferraris (or the equivalent 1940’s pimp ride), the whole bit. When the communist revolution (led by Mao Tse-Tung) occurred in 1949, he fled to Taiwan, where the Nationalist Chinese Government set up temporary exile.
My dad grew up understandably bitter at Communist China and became a diplomat for the Nationalist government on Taiwan. They assigned him to the Consulate in Boston, where I was born. Life was good. His diplomatic immunity meant we never had to pay parking tickets. In 1977, when it was evident that the “rogue” communist government was here to stay, President Carter switched official diplomatic recognition of China from Taiwan to Mao’s People’s Republic of China. Taiwan to this day has been an entity plagued with an asterisk. Not really an independent country (they still claim to be the rightful government of China, nearly 60 years later, talk about hanging onto a pipe dream!), nor the recognized governing body of China, the world still hasn’t decided what to do with this footnote of a nation/province/island. Closer to home, this shift in US foreign policy meant that my family had to start paying parking tickets again. But we stayed despite this newfound hardship. Dad found work as a research fellow and mom became a kindergarten teacher (and has since made her way up the ladder to Director of Foreign Languages for the entire Boston Public School System!).
I often wonder what my life would be like if that pesky peasant with that little red book were never born. Would I be living the life of aristocratic privilege, throwing million-dollar birthday parties attended by Paris Hilton, the prince of Dubai and P. Diddy in my villa on the shores of the South China Sea? Woulda, coulda, shoulda... I have everything I need: my family, my mutt, my rowdy friends, my gas guzzlin’ truck, beer-battered onion rings and yes, this blog. USA! USA! USA!
I have used up most of my allotted time on random fact #1. The other 6 shall be short(er):
2) Supersize Me
I love McDonalds. I finished my first solo Big Mac at the age of five, as a reward for being good at the dentist. I have a bottomless pit in my stomach for it. I can eat 5 Big Macs in one sitting. I have had 10 Egg McMuffins for breakfast. Remember in the documentary of the same name when the dude threw up after eating that Double Quarter-Pounder with Cheese? Pussy...
I’m also on a crusade to bring back the McDonald’s fried apple pie. The crispy, fragrant, batter-bubbled crust, the piping hot filling that warranted a government warning label… oh they made me so very happy. I would be picketing McDonald’s headquarters right now if it weren’t for Wal-Mart. Some Wal-Mart McDonald’s locations still carry my coveted fried apple pie. For complete list of fried apple pie hold-outs, go here YOU ARE VERY WELCOME.
3) I would win Fear Factor if it weren’t for the water stunts
Perhaps the explanation for random fact #2 is that I can eat absolutely anything without fear. If some human being somewhere on earth legitimately dines upon it, I will try it. And likely enjoy it. I’ve eaten grilled cocoons, dried caterpillars (a popular snack in Botswana), steamed lambs brain and braised entrails of all sorts. If Andrew Zimmern ever retires or dies of food poisoning, I’d be more than happy to fill his spot on Bizarre Foods.
4) But I hate vegetables
I’ll eat them on a dare, but I cannot eat vegetables as an element of my regular diet. Exceptions are eggplant and mushrooms. I consider those honorary meats. When I was a kid, I crafted the perfect excuse to not eat my most dreaded vegetable: Chinese Snow Peas (they resemble a flat string bean). I told my mom they made me dizzy. I still use it to this day.
5) I’ve been on the whiskey since age 5
My dad used to end each day with a Scotch on the rocks. As his little heir apparent, he would bestow upon me all the Scotch knowledge that would fit into my toddler head. How to savor the aroma, how to full enjoy each sip from the moment it awakened your lips to its slow burning traverse into the depths of your belly. And I would look forward to that nightly *tiny* sip that he afforded me. Not just for what it was, but for the connection it built between us. My grown-up wish had always been to sit with him and share a rare bottle from our collection, just telling stories, man to man. He passed away almost four years ago, and because he worked overseas, I never did fulfill that wish. His ashes rest in a pagoda overlooking the Los Angeles skyline. On Father’s Day and his birthday, I sneak a flask of Johnny Walker Blue Label into the temple (that is strictly forbidden, but some rules were meant to be disregarded) and I splash a generous shot onto his plaque and sip a few myself. The little guy also partakes in a “dip” as well. Some things transcend life, age, time or place.
6) John Cusack kicked my ass
I’ve been training in some sort of martial art for the past 17 years (karate, kung-fu, submission grappling, kickboxing, Muay Thai). During the mid nineties, I trained with kickboxer and fight choreographer extraordinaire Benny “The Jet” Urquidez. For our sparring sessions, he’d often bring in professional fighters from all over the world who happened to be preparing for an upcoming fight, or were in L.A. for an audition for an action flick. On one such occasion, I had the privilege of sparring with John Cusack at his office/gym in Venice, CA. He whupped me. To his credit (more like, in my defense), he had been training with Benny Urquidez since the late eighties when he played an aspiring kickboxer in Say Anything.
7) I make the best New England Clam Chowder known to man.
I don’t brag much, but this one is well-deserved. I’m actually thinking of selling it one day online.
I’m gonna break the last rule. Not because I feel rebellious, but because this blogging circle of mine has seriously begun to cannibalize itself. If someone doesn’t let this field lie fallow, every post will be a meme before long. I will however, tag one blogger. I don’t think she’s been tagged yet so she’s ripe for the pickin. This person is Shalene from Proverbs31WomanWannaBe. She’s a mom who has found faith in a big way. Seeing as I can’t even find my flip flops after the weekend’s over, I feel that she may some interesting insight on life and randomness.
Reader Comments (24)
I looooooove John Cusack! Oh and I also love your Sangria and premature cashew brittle. Yum!
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[TheHusband] I know *sigh*. And you are the only one in the world who likes premature peanut brittle!! haha (for you non-cooking folks, it's peanut brittle who's sugar hasn't completely melted. The rest of the world calls it a "mess up")
Now the world knows who wears the apron in this house!
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[TheHusband] So much for not being in touch with my feminine side! There goes my internet "rep"...it's downhill from here.
Does Bossy (of iambossy.com, of course) know about the John Cusack thing? She has a major crush.
As for you...you are a VERY interesting, super-cool Dad! Best meme I've ever read!
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[BusyDad] I get that swooning reaction whenever I tell any female about it ("You had me at John Cusack.") I'll let Bossy know you sent me. And thanks for indulging my "talk about myself to no end" tendency. I'm glad you could enjoy it too :)
Dude! That was awesome! You have a real gift with your writing. You know how to tell it. And the John Cusack thing...well, now you're just showing off.
Well done! Thanks for playing. :)
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[BusyDad] Thanks Chuck!! It was a tough (but fun) one. And the John Cusack thing? Yeah, I throw it out there to get a rise out of the ladies... even if it is at my expense.
John Cusack...he's yummy. At least he was back in the day. That's definitely something to be proud of.
You mentioned before that you were a Jack fan...thanks for sharing that about your father. My love for Jack stems from my father and late uncle. I'll think of you and have a new appreciation for the moment the next time I get to sit down and have a drink with my dad.
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[BusyDad] Yup! That's right - I love me some JD. In the early early days, my dad loved Chivas. Then later in life, his whiskey tastes moved from Scotland to Tennessee. I followed. The last bottle he was working on was a bottle of Jack. I found it in his home after he passed. I took it home with me and it's sitting on a shelf next to his picture.
BD, you are remarkable! In everyway. I love reading you...I have a feeling that you write like you talk, which is what I do to. But you are way more smart than me ;) ~lol~
Thanks for digging deep, it was brilliant to learn more about you.
Jackson powered his way through his first solo Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese last month. My heart stopped. I want some chowder!! I lived in Maine, I miss chowder!
It's obvious how much you respect and revere your father. Thanks for sharing that intimacy...you kickass!!
I'm glad you tagged Shalene, she is phenominal! How mad at me are you, for never doing the MEME you tagged me with? I'm sorry! I've been tagged about 8 times...I need to refocus. Random is wearing me out!
Much love!
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[BusyDad] As always, thanks for the crazy mad support Piper. I usually keep it light hearted, but as I wrote the whiskey one, it just took on a life of its own. Serious posts from me are rare. Life is too serious. I escape that with my blog.
Jackson is a stud. He's big league.
And no problem if you don't do the meme. I was just trying to help you fill your daily posting quota, although it would be interesting and fun to read. But no pressure!
Busydad, this is my first time to your blog, via Piper's place, and you're too cool. I love Egg McMuffins, but I didn't know a human stomach could hold that many....that's not normal...it's abby-normal.
I admire your connection with your dad, and onto your son. You obvously know your roots and pass them on. That's so important. And, thanks for the history lesson, it was a good one.
Like all other chicks, I have a crush on John Cusack, but I'm sorry he kicked your ass.
This was fun, I'll be back!!
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[BusyDad] Pinky, thanks for visiting! I give your blog the "most compelling title" award. After I get through approving all these comments, I'm checking it out. Ha, I was wondering if anyone would get through that first one. It was long, but I seriously grew up thinking the China/Taiwan conflict was the end-all-be-all of the modern world (interesting how parents shape our world isn't it?). And I've come to terms with my John Cusack episode... I take it for what it's worth: a great conversation starter. "So... hey, John Cusack beat me up..."
Haha, while I knew most of that, perhaps the real proof we're related - after suffering too long abroad, I landed in the USA and went straight into a McD's and bought two apple pies, the fried kind and it made my day. And I never go to McD's! And you have one up on bizzare foods, you can take stinky tofu! And haha, you remember the catepillars. See? we team up on the fear factor and we're all set!
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[YourBrother] He's got nothin on me. I'm gunning for Andrew Zimmern's job.
Hi BusyDad, since you tagged me after I "tagged" myself, I'll have another go at it. :) Maybe this time I'll have something really interesting to say. See you there. Blessings to you!
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[BusyDad] That would mean 14 random facts when all is said and done! I knew I tagged a prolific meme-er. I sure can spot em! I look forward to round 2.
I love JC and I think that's a very cool story, but I was most stunned by what you'll eat! Whoa! Grilled cocoons? Yowza!
I enjoy your writing so much. I liked how you went from McDs food to, well, all that other food, to "but I hate vegetables." Fascinating history, too!!
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[BusyDad] I have always been proud - no boastful - of my gastronomic abilities. I was the kid in the schoolyard who would eat worms for quarters. I couldn't throw a football, I didn't run too fast, but I'd demolish anyone in an an eating contest. I nurtured the abilities I was blessed with :) And my disdain for vegetables has made fatherhood difficult. I make sure that Marcus gets all his servings of fruits and vegetables at each meal. That requires me to set an example sometimes. Eating a mouthful of vegetables and feigning enjoyment is torture for me. I do it for love and love alone.
Hey BusyDad, come check out the 7 New Random facts. I think you'll laugh. They are all unrelated this time. Blessings to you! And Piper, thanks for the love!
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[BusyDad] I just did. And I did laugh. They were certainly random. Thanks!
I was tagged this week also, and almost tagged you. Thanks goodness I didn't! I would have been that fourth x.
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[BusyDad] Thank you! The way tags have been buzzing by my head, I knew I'd get caught in the crossfire again if I didn't get off my butt and complete it. It's like jury duty. Now I'm off the hook for this 7 things meme for a year.
You're hillarious! Found your blog through another (don't even remember how now) but your style is great!
Interesting factoids!!!
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[BusyDad] I'm glad you clicked your way over here :) Thanks for reading and I hope you come back!
Um...wow. I'm nearly speechless. That was maybe the best meme list I've ever read. Either you're really really interesting, or you're a fantastic liar!! You're officially going on my blogroll for that one!! :)
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[BusyDad] I am seriously amazed and flattered. Thank you very much! All these are verifiable facts (I know you ladies need a reason to contact John Cusack, so there you go!) - and even better, I can reproduce the food ones and put them YouTube. Ain't technology grand?
I mourned the apple pies at McDonald's until I discovered Kentucky Fried Chicken now makes them AND -- ready? ready for my white trash culinary tip of the day? -- TACO BELL makes a caramel version that is TO DIE FOR.
I love the bit about you and your father sharing a touch of the hard stuff every night. I lost my father this year, and I do understand how some things transcend physics.
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[BusyDad] Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada ;) I been on those for a while. A little chewier than the McDonald's original though.
And the Dad thing-- it's never easy, as I am sure you experienced. I've accepted the sadness as a given. The best you can do is temper it with the good memories to lighten the emotional burden.
Hey, I found you from Stephanie's blog (I Don't Want a Title)... this was completely fascinating. Everything from the food to John Cusak to your hertiage (I'm a genealogist, so that is fascinating!). I think I'm hooked. Going back to read more now...
*grin*
Maria www.jubileeonearth.com
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[BusyDad] Hi Maria -- thanks for stopping by! I have to say that the feedback I've garnered from this meme is probably the best thing my penchant for questionable edibles has ever gotten me. I always knew my stomach was destined for greatness!
[YourBrother] He's got nothin on me. I'm gunning for Andrew Zimmern's job.
Ok - supportive evidence for those who've never seen you action. I'm the one who snuck in the dried catepillars for Jim (and watched in horror as he went crunch crunch, hmm, kinda like soybeans), and I'M the one who got caught at the airport for trying to bring him blood sausages - then had a whiny fit to the security dudes "they're for my brother! they're not even mine!! You don't understand!" Jim's reaction to my trauma? Oh man...those would have been good, bet them security dudes are enjoying my sausages!
Other famous episode - Jim eating that poor lamb's liver in Turkey that made me cry!! He laughed and finished off my plate as I held my puke and tears down. So I can vouch, yes, Jim took all the cast iron stomach genes for the family, and then some :P BLAGH!
John is a wimp. He had no answer for my "run away and throw things behind me to get in his way technique" which effectively halted his momentum and allowed me the briefest of windows to throw a football at his head, no wait, that was Corey Feldmen and that is what he did to me. :(
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[BusyDad] Hey, that's how I survived middle school!
a couple of things:
1. displaced royalty? you are seriously cool. i bow in your general direction (i don't do curtseys, sorry, and besides i think that's a distinctly british thing)
2. i'd totally buy your clam chowder on-line
3. kickboxing is the sport of the future
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[BusyDad] Alas, fate has made me but a mere mortal. I prefer hi fives anyway :) If I ever get around to really getting this online venture off the ground (many of my zany ideas end up permanently grounded), I’ll send you a free one. And sadly my personal future in kickboxing/muay thai is limited. I pretty much just help coach others now -- my brain is sharper than my knees or elbows these days.
John Cusack kicked your ass? Dude. Thats funny. I love him!!! hahaha
And I agree with the wife. I love your sangria recipe. Thanks for giving it up!
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[BusyDad] yeah... lots of people have kicked my ass. He's the most famous, however.
Busy Dad,
Just found your site through Karen's "Lyrics" and found it very interesting and well-written. Hope you don't mind if I stop by now and again!
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[BusyDad] Thanks for stopping by, Jolyn. Stop by as often as you like. The more the better, I say. I'll pop in your way as well.
Remember in the documentary of the same name when the dude threw up after eating that Double Quarter-Pounder with Cheese? Pussy...
Oh that's it I'm coming back to visit again. Un PC, McDonald eating, ass kicked by cusack dude. I got that meme twice myself...actually they are fun to do more than once...
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[BusyDad] Thanks for visiting! Glad you enjoyed that little snapshot of my life. PC is no fun. Life is about having fun, right?
I haven't had a chance to read your blog till now. GREAT STUFF!!! One day if I have a kid... I'll be hitting you up for advice.
-B
P.S. Now I know why we get along... you appreciate the finer things in life like deep fried apple pies from McDonald's, clam chowder, guitar, trucks, and anything thats loud and shiny. =)
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[BusyDad] Hey! Nice to see you here man! Yeah, when you become friends through fighting, all things testosterone tend to become common denominators.
Number 5 was very touching. Great stuff, thanks for unearthing all this.
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[BusyDad] Thanks for actually reading all these rehashes!