Ten Random Things About Me

So it occurred to me to do one of those 10 random things about me quizzes. What I thought would be easy, fun and quick, turned out to be harder than I expected. I'm an interesting character and kind of mysterious. I haven't even fully fleshed out the idea of my psyche. With that in mind, here is some basic get to know you questions that will seem like random facts, because, me. 

1) The Duality of Mike:
There are two distinct sides to me. The more widely known Mike Dude is almost a persona. This side is an outgoing, wise-cracking living cartoon character who loves attention. The other side, (plain ol' Mike) is a shy, anxious, NPR listening, documentary watching, deep thinker. This duality helps to get along with lots of different crowds and personality types but isn't always easy to find the right balance personally. Meaning I can be too outgoing or too shy. 

2) The Downside of a creative mind:
 Having a vivid imagination is great, but also "allows" you to picture the worst. This isn't always bad, it helps plan ahead. However too-much worrying causes anxiety. When I'm anxious, I can't focus or find motivation for the things I like to do, which causes depression. Bouts of "bummers" as I thought they were, didn't start frequently happening until my late twenties. 
Usually abundantly confident, I didn't understand the actual symptoms of anxiety or depression. I couldn't explain what was wrong. I found my courage in a bottle for many years until it took its toll on my body and mind. It took a long time to get help. A long time to accept that it's just not for me, and medication and controlling stress is something I will always have to manage. After time and therapy, I started feeling a little better. I will always feel sorry for friends lost and years of grainy memories that feel like they happened to someone else. If I can glean a positive though, I feel I'll be much better prepared for life's twists and turns having gone through all that before I was way too old. 

3) Wow, I did that? 
I love the Simpsons. Homer has gotten to do amazing things and go on wacky adventures just bumbling along. I can really relate to that. From far off travels, to incredible experiences I'd have never even thought of, I've been very fortunate. 
One that stands out though is going Europe for a job in 2008. It was a great job in graphic design. I helped plan for and attend a trade show in Dusseldorf Germany. It was my first time in Europe, and the first trip I've gone on by myself. (with co-workers) It was hard work and tough being away, but a fun adventure, and unforgettable life experience. 

4) A lot to be thankful for.
I couldn't have done anything without my wife, mother and father and inlaw's support over the years. Friends have been crucial to us too. A significant volume of friends and well-wishers have ebbed and flowed through our lives over the years. Some have moved on long ago, or due to my struggles as mentioned earlier or just because of life. Whatever the reason, I'm still thankful for the different days, eras, scenes and the faces that went along with them. 

5) That's embarrassing.
I have no shortage of drunken, sad-embarrassing stories. Moving on from that. A fun-embarrassing story, is a time I had to renew my license. I didn't expect to have to take the written and eye test again. I needed glasses and forgot them. I called Crystal, and she said I'll be okay and just be confident. I took that too literally and cooly, confidently read the letters as if it was nothin'. 
The look on the DMV ladies skeptical, bewildered face as she told me I got every single letter wrong is something I'll never forget. 
After retaking and failing 3 more tests, including one on some machine, (and despite never wavering the confidence) she said I had to get my glasses, and almost didn't let me drive to go get them. The problem was my years-old pair (at the time) were missing an arm on the frames. I had to harvest one from another pair that barely fit and reinforce it with crazy glue. I came back and finally passed the eye test in old noticeably scratched, glued glasses with two different arms. I was really over that day. 

6) Stuff I used to like vs. stuff I like now: 
Then: Wild parties, heavy metal, dance clubs, Sandler movies, South Park, Getting Blotto, and video games. 
Now: Podcasts, NPR, DIY, blogging, cooking, classy dinner parties, museums and the alternative comedy scene. Wow, even as I type my current interests, I have to resist the urge to give myself an atomic wedgie, a sock in the arm and accuse me of changing muttering, "you used to be about the music, man." I guess I'm still coming to terms with growing older.  

7) What I want out of life. 
This was a hard one. Obviously, I want health and all aspects of stability. But beyond that rather than something specific, I want a meaningful existence. Meaningful work and friends. To not lose my spark for learning or creativity. To live each day well. 

8) What I Like / Don't like about my personality.
Dislike: I think I come off the wrong way. I feel some don't realize I have a shy side and I seem snobby. I can be surprisingly self-conscious about being fidgety, overweight, or other random things. I wish I could be more in the moment and not "in my own world." I also wish it was easier to socialize like it used it be. 
Like: The fact that I got an education. Being caring, accommodating and not giving up. Having a crazy sense of humor. Being resourceful enough to try to fix and build and create. 

9) What Crazy thing would I still like to do?:
I play guitar a little. I was pretty good when I young, performed once or twice. I'd still like to get really good and play a face-melting rockin' good show. Also, I'd like to go to Japan. I love robots, and they have this robot nightclub situation that looks amazing. Also, in England I think, there is a place where a WWII tank museum is right next to a zoo called "Monkey World." Now that sounds like a fun day out to me! 

10) What would I like to accomplish?:
Besides the basics, I'd like for this blog to be popular enough to cover hosting fees. To get the word out about Crystal's photography and meet like-minded peers. To finish our yard and continue on creative projects. 

Well, now that that's covered, maybe it will help give some context to my posts and as a person. Thanks for reading!