10 stupid facts about myself

This post is inspired by a Facebook note that has been going around. I thought it would be fun to throw out some stupid facts about myself and see who else can come back with some stupid yet interesting facts about yourselves. I welcome and look forward to your comments.

1. I am superstitious. It pretty much goes against most of what I stand for (logic, fact, etc...). It's mostly with sports. For instance, if I'm going to play basketball, I can't warm up too much or I won't have a good game. I have to work myself into it.

2. I'm not a spiritual person, but I do believe in Karma. I do think the universe tends to balance itself out by rewarding the positive and squashing the negative.

3. In 2006 I took 8 months off work. I was going through a life transition. The state of my company was up in the air. I wasn't sure if I was going to stay in the Phoenix area or move out of state and start over. Plus I was getting a bit burnt out from work. It just felt right. It was quite expensive and on paper it was a terrible decision (mostly financially); but it did wonders for my mental health and I felt rejuvinated when I eventually did go back to work. I highly recommend it to anyone who can get away with it!

4. I am a total metalhead. I love heavy metal. Hard core speed metal, angry thrash metal, it's all good. Some of my favorite bands are Metallica (mostly old Metallica - first three albums), Pantera, Godsmack, Slipknot and Coal Chamber. I've seen all of them. I've lost track of how many times I've seen Metallica. I want to say about 25 times.

5. I'm a huge Packer fan. Most people who know me are quite aware of this.

6. I absolutely hate talking on the phone. If it were a viable option I would never speak on the phone again. Text, email, carrier pidgin, anything other than a phone conversation. Unfortunately with so many friends/family out of state I need to make the periodic phone call to keep in touch.

7. I am claustrophobic. I figured this out when I was in the military. One time while in the field I freaked out when we got gassed. I had to dawn my gas mask and I couldn't take it off for some time. Just the feeling of knowing that my face had to be surrounded by this device wigged me out. This extends to generally being in small, cramped spaces. I deal with it better than I once did; but it still freaks me out.

8. I'm completely ticklish. I can't let anyone touch my feet. If I get a massage the first thing I note is that they will not be touching my feet. They always want to but I insist that they don't. I hate it.

9. I have a ridiculous mastery of 80's music. I can go toe to toe with anyone. I'm a product of the 80's.

10. I am a huge animal lover. I like animals more than people.

I'd like to hear yours...

-Jim