7 Facts Part II: Bigger, Badder and Randomer
Friday, December 21, 2007 Jo-N from Shower Your Children with Love – the Right Way recently tagged me to share 7 more random facts about myself. Her blog makes me chuckle even when she has no new posts for the day. Why? Because my blog reader truncates the title of her blog to simply: Shower Your Children. Believe me, I do need to be reminded of that. I have her to thank for Fury’s good hygiene.
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Link to the person who tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 facts about yourself.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
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Round 2, Let's Get it On!
1) Johnny Cash played live for me, and only me. In 1996, I worked in the PR department of the House of Blues on Sunset Strip. Johnny Cash came through one day to play a show during his Unchained tour. On that day, I brought the press passes over to the club as I did every afternoon (corporate was located across the street). As destiny would have it, Johnny was in the middle of sound check when I arrived, standing on stage in regular street clothes with his band. No spotlights, no crowd, no audience – just me, my press passes and a bunch of empty tables. Unable to do much more than stare dumbfounded with mouth agape, I quietly took a seat so I could bask in the aura of badassedness that permeated the room. As I sat there like a deer in headlights, Johnny looked my way, nodded, winked and then broke into “Rusty Cage.” I got goose bumps just writing that.
2) I’m about to become a proud card-carrying Tennessee Squire. Those of you who have kept up with this blog know about my fondness for Jack Daniel’s. Not only do I enjoy it as I bid each night farewell, it is one of the few loves that my Dad and I shared. He passed away a few years ago. On the shelf in my home where his picture is displayed, there are three things alongside him: the book he wrote for his doctoral dissertation, a shot glass from my alma mater (it was his dream for me to go there) and his last unfinished bottle of Jack. A couple months ago, I was emailing with fellow parent blogger THE Mommy from Mommycosm.com, and we got to talking about Jack Daniel’s. I told her the story of me and my dad, and she told me about how her husband, dad and uncle are all Tennessee Squires! The Tennessee Squire Association was formed in 1956 by the Jack Daniel’s distillery to honor special friends of Jack Daniel’s. The only way to gain membership is to be nominated by an existing Squire, or if your name is Frank Sinatra. A couple weeks ago, I received an email from THE Mommy entitled “Merry Christmas!” Her husband had just received notice that they were opening up nominations for new Squires. They were nominating me. Have you ever been floored by the graciousness of another human being? I have.
3) I don’t like chocolate. Hey, they don’t all have to be long and meaningful!
4) I was on a dating show once. Remember MTV’s Singled Out? Yeah, I wasn’t on it. Instead, the producers offered me a spot on USA Network’s The Big Date. I realized two things from being on that show: 1) I am a total dork. 2) Strangers watch these shows and remember you when they run into you on the street.
5) I had diarrhea for 3 months when I was 6. Well, at least on paper. On my first day of summer camp, I fell into the pool during swim lessons and almost died (well, that’s what it felt like). From that day on, I had my mom write a note excusing me from swim lessons every day because I “had diarrhea.” My mom is also water-phobic (in fact, she just learned to swim in the past 3 years) and had no problem corroborating my story. The secretaries in the office must’ve felt so bad for this kid with chronic stomach problems who just sat there day after day while all the other kids were frolicking in the pool.
6) My friends resemble the Village People. No, they don’t gyrate in synch to a disco beat (unless they’re drunk). My group of friends simply covers the most random array of professions imaginable. Ok, there’s more lawyers than a guy like me could ever need. That’s not too random. But the rest of ‘em? A fireman, a few bouncers, a flair/performance bartender, a general contractor who also owns a gas station, a secret service agent, a factory owner, a banjo player, a teacher, a restaurateur, a paparazzi photographer, a former UFC referee, a really funny actor, a couple pro fighters and lots of unemployed people (wild cards). All of them are Macho Macho Men.
7) Here’s how my son got the nickname Fury. When d wife and I were thinking up a name for our son-to-be, I wanted to name him something that conveyed a sense of strength, righteousness and all-around badassedness (I know, this is the second time I used this term in one post. What can I say? I value badassedness. Ok, 3 times). The personification of these qualities is none other than Furious Styles, the fictional dad played by Laurence Fishburne in Boyz n the Hood. Wanting to spare our son (and us) curious looks, I suggested that we make his middle name Furious. d Wife vetoed that. Her family tradition dictated that his middle name be that of her father: Antonio. So I compromised. We agreed that his fightin’ name would be “Li’l Fury.” Turns out, everyone simply started calling him “Li’l Fury” from the day he popped out. Over the years, it evolved to simply, Fury. Even his great-grandparents call him Fury. So much for no funny looks...
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OK, my turn to afflict this pox unto others. Who better than my fellow hatchling blogs? Here are some excellent blogs that have made their debut within the past 6 months.
Visit them, read them, subscribe and don’t forget to shower them... with comments.
(Yeah, I know it's only 4. I'm baddass, what can I say?)
Reader Comments (22)
I am in awe of #1, and #5 made me spit out my cappuccino. Of all the ailments why choose diarrhea? Lol!
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[BusyDad] I am still in awe of #1, even 11 years later. And diarrhea was quite genius if you think about it. Who's gonna take a chance that I may let loose in a pool full of kids? Best case for erring on the side of caution.
this is a BADASS meme post! I've learned so much and I love it all
especially cash, jack daniels and the dating show. FUN stuff
thanks for the tag and I am going to think of 7 fun facts on when I'm on the plane tomorrow headed for...tennessee. that's right! could never top the TN Squires but maybe I could find you some jack daniels playing cards...I know people.
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[BusyDad] Lucky! Have a great trip and a merry Xmas and I look forward to reading some cool random things about you when you get back.
cheers!
Ok, I knew you were cool, but a private Johnny Cash show? You've taken the cake this time. :D
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[BusyDad] Just pure dumb luck! Right time, right place. But sure, you can call me cool ;)
LOVE it! The diarrhea... so creative, so strategic - you're brilliant as a 6-year old. OK - argh - I just did my 100-things list, and now this tag??? Thank you - love your blog too... hugs, kisses to you and praises and accolaides, etc., but what am I going to possibly come up with that will be in addition to the 100-million things I just wrote about 3 days ago?? I'll be thinking...
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[BusyDad] I peaked early, didn't I? Actually, the diarrhea excuse may have been a collaborative effort between me and my mom. I know - I saw your 100 things list as I was tagging you, but I know you've got 7 gems you've been saving for a rainy day.
Thanks BD! I have made it - I've been meme'd!
Thanks for the kinds words. For it to be said that I have an 'excellent' blog means a lot. I don't fancy myself a great writer, don't live an exciting life, but I get by and it's nice to know that people out there find me at least mildly amusing once in a while.
I will fire off my random factoids tonight. I will tag some people, but probably not 7 (I can be bad ass too).
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[BusyDad] Glad I could be the one initiating you into meme-hood. Joeprah was my initiator. I must say, you turned that around quickly! And hell yeah, it's a good blog. If it feels like a conversation over beer, it's something I'll read and enjoy. Cheers.
So, you were on a dating show. Is that how you met your wife? You have good memory, eh? I really can't recall so many things in the past, can't even remember my own wedding anniversary.
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[BusyDad] No, it was long before I met my wife. I do actually have a good memory though. I remember everything about my childhood, down to the clothes and toys I had. Kind of scary.
Laughing that I polished it off so quickly. I guess I was so excited to have been tagged. I am sure time will make me more jaded and slower with them. But it provided the perfect opportunity to not pick up the house and do other general holiday prep.
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[BusyDad] You're so right. "I just need to blog something real quick" is a great excuse to get out of anything.
You crack me up! I'm gonna save the diarrhea excuse next time my DD16 is complaining about swimming in gym class. But I'm pretty sure that's NOT the excuse she will want to use. When you are 16 you don't want ANYONE to know that you poop! Sorry that was probably TMI. :0)
Have a Merry Christmas!
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[BusyDad] Ha, yeah, the tradeoff of social scorn for having gastrointestinal problems is not worth the benefit of skipping swimming once you hit about 9 yrs old, I'd say.
This was a great read. But, no chocolate likey? Whaaa? Well, I know what I'm not giving you for Christmas. LOL
Dude, I think I saw you on TV!
Love the "Fury" story.
OK, I have much more to comment but I can't. I just want to say you are one badass mf'er! :P~
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[BusyDad] heh... you know what, if anyone ever saw that show, they'd never recognize me now. I had hair and was also wearing glasses. Like I said - TOTAL dork. Thank you for the perfect compliment. You know how to rock it.
Super cool, badass random facts. Loved them. I wonderd if Fury was a stage name for the blog posting, but knew you had his name to the side and it seemed to just FLOW too easily. I don't have any SUPER COOL amazing facts about myself. Johnny Cash gave you a nod?!?!- BADASS!!!!!!!! That way beats your 15 minutes of dating game fame and street recognition.
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[BusyDad] Johnny Cash merely acknowledging my existence is something that gives me bragging rights for life. Yeah, I can say some of JC's badassedness rubbed off on me.
Oh yeah, I just remember you thinking Fury was all ready to fight with his hands up and I had to break it to you that all fetuses have their hands up in an ultrasound.
Chocolate is an addiction of mine, I can't believe anyone can write that statement.
Lastly, if you ever need reminding that you're a dork.....heeheee
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[YourBrother] har har
Ok, I was just pulling your bad-ass chain. But, I did watch those cheesy dating shows, incessantly during the late 90's and early 00's.
;)
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[BusyDad] If the clip shows up on YouTube on day, I would be really really really really embarrassed.
Oh wow...I would pee my pants if I had a private concert with Johnny Cash. I guess that wouldn't be so badass. Nonetheless. I'm lovin' the diarrhea story. I once sat out of 9th grade swimming with "my period" for 4 weeks. then they called my dad because they were concerned that I had a female problem. Hahahaha. Great stuff! I always enjoy reading about your life.
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[BusyDad] Funny it took them 4 WEEKS to figure out something just might be wrong with you. Then again, I went 3 months...
Interesting 7 random facts you got there. People actually believed you had diarrhea for a few months?? Hmmm... I guess people would believe if the mom said so. Anyway, here's wishing you & your family a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
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[BusyDad] Funny what people are willing to believe when you have a note from mom, isn't it? Merry Christmas and a great 2008 to you too!
That was great! I've always thought you were an interesting guy, but NOW?! You ARE a badass!
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[BusyDad] And people wonder why love my bloggy pals so much...
Although #3 is true, you DO love white chocolate and peanut butter. So those white chocolate peanut butter cups are you thing.
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[d Hubby] d Wife knows me well. White chocolate is my favorite.
Wow...Johnny Cash. I kinda feel special just to know you now! (I'll try to look past the chocolate thing.) And I'm so amazed by the Squire thing...what a great honor, and an even greater story about your dad!! Thanks for sharing it.
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[BusyDad] My pleasure of course! See, that's how bad Johnny Cash is. I'm vibing coolness just based on a soundcheck that happened more than 10 years ago!
BD, you have really interesting friends. I'd love to see you all dressed up in your uniforms out at a dance club!
I don't judge you for not liking chocolate, just pass it my way!
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[BusyDad] We do parties. Email me for rates ;)
Okay, you had me at John Cusack -- but now Johnny Cash!
(I know, I'm a little behind the 8-ball. Christmas, you know.)
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[BusyDad] I'm afraid I have nothing left to top it, but really, can you really top Johnny Cash??
i don't like chocolate,either...hate it! i thought i was the only one, on the whole frigging planet...but yay!!!
cool list!
xo
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[BusyDad] Cool! We should form some sort of X-Men mutant club thing.
Remember when Boyz in the Hood was in theaters, or when Busydad blogged?
Remember when I originally commented on this post? Remember when dating shows were cool? Remember when Busydad blogged?