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It’s daunting, this 100 Things project. But I’m bound and determined to complete it. This is part four of a continuing series, each one listing 10 things about, well, me. While I could easily put together another 10 weird things about me, I’m going to go with a different theme: 10 talents.
- I have a somewhat elastic voice and have always been able to do different characters and voices, including foreign accents. Bugs Bunny? You bet. Kermit the Frog? Got it down. But my girls’ favorite has always been “the baby voice.” It’s pretty much like Elmo, but when they were little girls, it cracked them up routinely. In fact, I had to do the baby voice a LOT, sometimes for hours. That’ll give the ol’ vocal chords a workout.
- I’ve been writing for literally as long as I can remember. Crafting stories for just as long, I think. People often say that they can’t write worth shit, and yes, some of them are absolutely right. However, it’s like anything else. I think it’s best summed up thusly: it’s difficult to do something for decades and not master it.
- I paint, too, but haven’t picked up a brush in over a year. I was looking over some of the 2HT archives earlier and seeing that much of the graphics - including pictures of my paintings - are gone. Which sucks because all those photos are on my old broken computer. Anyway, I really enjoy watercolors. Took a class a couple of years ago and got started with the brushes again…first time I’ve painted since high school. And THAT was quite some time ago.
- I sing. Not professionally, of course, though I have made some money at it, thanks to the marvel that is karaoke. Won a few contests and even moonlighted as a karaoke host in Dallas for a while. It’s weird, because I’m a touch socially phobic (sometimes more than a touch), but I can get up and sing with no problem. Wasn’t always that way, of course. In the beginning, I was terrified. Thank God for beer and Jameson’s.
- I’m pretty much self-taught in all things computerey. Most of it comes naturally to me now, but I’ve spent many an hour looking up online help, figuring things out, pushing buttons and clicking menus. I taught myself most every program I’ve ever used. I used to program my own web sites, using Notepad to handcode the HTML. Even though I CAN figure it out, I don’t want to any more. That’s why I hired the beautiful Karen to redesign this blog for me.
- Because I’m self-taught in most computer stuff, I’ve often taught classes in various programs. Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer (ugh), etc. I’m pretty good at teaching, which is again weird to me since people kind of freak me out at times.
- I know my 80’s music. Yes, I am a child of the 80’s. I graduated high school in 1984 and my personal theory is that we’re all fairly well-versed in any music that was big during our high school years. That’s because music is so key to us in those formative times. Plus, I was a radio DJ for 4 years during that time and so I know my shit. Now? Meh, not so much. I’m not into a lot of new stuff, although there’s plenty that I like.
- I can draw, too. Fairly well, though I think it’s rather primitive sketching, at best. Mostly I love to doodle, but I used to draw cartoons and comic strips a lot. Comics are the best, I think, because you get to write the story AND draw it out. The ultimate in artistic expression as far as I’m concerned.
- I probably have some innate musical gift, too, but I’ve never really explored that. I do know that I can rather easily sound out a tune on the piano, no music. I can’t read music, anyway. Does that count as another thing? Shit, guess not.
- I have a built-in bullshit detector. I can smell it a mile away. If someone starts trying to feed me nothing but bullshit, I’m probably going to call them on it, even though I’m pretty much anti-confrontational most of the time.
Whew! That one wasn’t easy. I’ll add these to the list so far and that puts me up to 40. Out of 100. *sigh*
By the way, today is Reader Appreciation Day, as declared by someone I don’t know. I heard about this from my BlogHer buddy, Average Jane.
This sounds a lot like Valentine’s Day to me, in that it seems a tad weird to me to only expect love and appreciation to be expressed on that particular day. Still, I am somewhat a joiner (call it a character flaw) so I’m going to celebrate you today. That’s right, YOU.
I really do appreciate my readers. And I hope that I express that every day. I respond to every comment on my blog, whether it’s by e-mail or the blog’s comments section. I try to create a sense of community, introducing people to one another, and reciprocate by reading and commenting on as many blogs as I can. And I really attempt to write something readable every day, even when it’s one of those Debbie Downer posts where I wax depressic. I may be depressed, but I don’t have to be BORING about it.
And your comments mean the world to me, too. I have an open door policy, you know? Say whatever you want, feel free to swear or not swear, just speak your mind. And know that I’m probably going to be a smartass in return. That’s just me. But I get the feeling from most of you that that’s perfectly fine. That’s what I love about blogging, the general comaraderie and support that we lend each other. To paraphrase the philosopher Martha Stewart, “That’s a fucking cool thing.”
And because it’s Reader Appreciation Day (as again declared by someone I do not know), I’m going to have a little giveaway. See? Aren’t you glad you didn’t just leave after the Top 10 list?
I’ll give away two “Introverts Unite!” t-shirts to two random commenters on this post. One chance per person, please, though you’re always welcome to comment as many times as you wish.
Here’s a photo of one on a headless guy, and it looks fabulous. I mean, how great a shirt are we talking about here to make a headless guy look fantastic? Think how great it’ll look with your head on it!
A $17.95 value (plus I’ll take care of the shipping).
And this is probably a limited edition shirt because once I get off my lazy ass I’m going to redesign some new ones using the new blog graphics. While I recommend either the Navy (pictured) or the Brown, there are other colors available: Maroon, Dark Grey, and Deep Forest. Oh, and black. Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL.
Deadline: Midnight (Eastern Standard Time) Thursday, April 17. The moment we hit Friday here on the right coast, the contest is over. Then I’ll figure out a way to do a numbers in the hat thing, I guess. Have at it, kiddies. And thanks again.
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Filed under 100 Things, Contest, Memes |69 Responses to “100 Things About Karl, Part Four”
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An 80’s music expert huh? If we are ever at a blog event with a jukebox or karaoke machine, we may have to test that out. I’ve been known to win a lot of trivia games and other music facts, with some leaning towards the 80’s.
Only 60 more to go. So far, the first 40 have been fun to read.
Karl, I love your top 10 lists. You’re very honest and I love that.
oh and you called me beautiful.
If I ever make it down to Florida again we will have to do karaoke. It is one of things I enjoy most even though I get completely nervous beforehand.
Thanks for entertaining Dummy tonight. He was very impressed with your cam.
I like your 100 things installments because you don’t give 1 sentence answers. I always wanna shake people that do that and yell at them, “You didn’t tell me jack with that answer!”
Cool shirt too BTW. Looking forward to the next 10 things!
You should find/post some pictures of your art/drawings! Love to see em
Cool giveaway, your awesome!
Well you can just do bloody anything you wantto now can’t you…
Martymankins - Ooh, a challenge. Thanks, that’s really the hard part. Making it more than just a list.
Karen - see? I’m honest, AND I called you beautiful. That means you have to believe it. Uh huh. Yes it does.
Lady Jaye - absolutely! We can go to the Why Not Lounge on Wednesday or Thursday.
Winter - Thanks, yeah, I think if you’re going to do these 100 Things, they should be ABOUT you. Not just a tiny little 10-item list of bullet items. But that’s me, and really? That’s what matters, me.
Glenda - Mmm, okay. I’ll hunt some of them up in the next few days.
Freelance Guru - Why? Has something changed?
my my my aren’t we a talented one. Painting, singing, drawing. Next you will say you have a pole and money “dancing”.
that would be EARN money dancing. Sorry…8:30am and I have been up for 3½ hours already and only one cup of coffee!
DaDuck - Doesn’t everyone?
I really dislike most 80’s music. I think it’s the drum machines that grate on my ears. But I’m a youth of the 90’s so your theory probably runs true.
Wow Babe, you are a talented and gifted person. Not that I had expected anything less from you!!!
The karaoke bar at Universal CityWalk is calling your name - they have a full band and back up singers and dancers - you’d have a blast!
I appreciate your absolute honesty on the lists. I have been trying to come up with something similar and it is taking time to come up with things to include.
Love the shirt. I think of ideas for shirts all the time but haven’t taken time to design ‘em and haven’t the money to produce them just yet (I guess it doesn’t require money upfront through Cafe Press…). You may have inspired me to come up with a shirt.
I would rather…do just about anything….than sing in poblic..So I tip my hat to you on that one.
I like t-shirts…a lot.
Ooh, ooh, enter me!!! I can wear it for my next video.
Thank you for appreciating me, I appreciate you too - even though I know you hate my feed set-up ;o)
You are really arty-farty huh?! I bet you could pick up reading music and playing piano in no time, I taught my kids to read music in a couple of days and then taught a music class at their school. It’s not hard to do if you have a bit of an “ear” which it sounds like you do.
Wow this went on a bit huh? Sorry!
You realize, of course, that I will be expecting a lot more from you on the next Duet Show now…
Wax depressic? Classic line.
Dan… You really dislike most 80’s music? Them’s fighting words right there sir. Drum machines rule!
This is so helpful. I’m making notes.
Next time we meet we will share a drink (from the same cup), while you serenade me as Kermit the Frog.
What’s next?
Dan - Not all 80s music has drum machines. I mean, there’s Van Halen and…um…er, OK, maybe most of it does have drum machines. Ooh, The Police! No drum machines there.
Dutchy - Yeah, I guess so. I haven’t been doing much artistically of late, though.
Avitable - REALLY? Holy shit, we must go!
Gina - Honesty is the only way to go, really. At least for these lists. And you can also try Zazzle.com for t-shirt making. I actually prefer them to Cafe Press, though I haven’t looked at Cafe Press in a while. I like the dark t-shirts option.
Wendy - I used to say the same thing about singing in public. Was in chorus for a few years in high school and junior high, but that was about it for me until karaoke years and years later.
Black Belt Mama - As enticing as that may be, it’s not going to sway me from doing this giveaway randomly.
Penelope - I’m really not so artsy-fartsy. I enjoy the creative process, though. And yeah, I enjoy other people’s art…some of it, anyway. If you can teach me to read music you can probably teach a giraffe to drive.
Fab - Yeah, I realize that. Guess I really need to master that Audacity because I didn’t like how I sounded on that last one.
Kevin - Thanks…sometimes you’ve just got to invent new words.
Britt - I can tie knots in cherry stems with my penis, if that helps.
@ Karl: I am now very intrigued. With your penis, you say?
I’m hearing voices….it’s a man…OMG it’s you!! It’s not enough that I ‘hear the voices’ anyway…then you gotta go have yourself on the live webcam and be talking. Wow……
P.S….you can smile every once in a while…
Gina - Yeah, when I’m not doing pushups with it.
Rachel - Smile? You’re asking for an awful lot, don’t you think?
Hot!
(You inspired me to do a list of my own on my blog, btw).
I have not got a blog, but I read yours and about 12 others faithfully.
I thought I would de-lurk to let you know that I really enjoy your posts (including the ones that wax depressic) and that I think it is a pretty big accomplishment to continue blogging when depressed.
I abandoned my blog when I got depressed, then I became a completely different person than the person on that blog and I have been way to lazy to start over.
Thank you for your honesty and humor.
Sorry this is such a long reply…
Gina - I inspired you? Wow, I’m sorry.
Kailey - well, thanks for speaking up and saying hello! I appreciate that. Blogging when depressed, for me, is much better than NOT blogging when depressed. And no worries about comment length here. You can recite War & Peace if you like, provided there’s enough about me in your comments.
I always knew you were a singer. I’ve never heard you, but something in your eyes…it said “supastahhh” to me. And the art? Yep, I pegged you for an artist a long time ago.
The voices were a small surprise, however. I think you should do them on the next radio show you appear on. Totally.
TSM - I may do that.
Even though I am new to your blog (a week or two maybe) I am glad to be appreciated
I enjoy your blog. Thanks for being a good read!
Cissa - You’re welcome! Thanks for reading.
See. That’s what we needed to wear when walking around Downtown Disney together!
Hey, I graduated in ‘84 too! Some of the music might have sucked but it’s still the soundtrack of my youth.
I’m really enjoying getting to know you better through your 100 things posts…keep up the good work.
I can relate to almost everything on your list except the ability to sing and being computer literate (which is why I don’t have any cool bells and whistles on my blog!). I love the 80’s music, I’m rather artsy myself, but once when I was channeling Tina Turner my husband told me to please not do that again, no one wants to hear that! He’s right of course, I don’t even want to hear myself, but still…damn!
I saw that comment (reply) to Britt and you need to post that, next.
Anyway…
Mmmmm Jameson’s…
Painting rocks….
80’s music - rock on, dude. “Fair Warning” - one of my favorite albums (cd now) ever.
That tee shirt is awesome - no extra small?!
Exactly how ‘broken’ is this broken computer of yours, with all the painting on it?
Kapgar - Right?
Melanie - thanks, yeah, I’ll admit that there was tons of suckage in the 80s, but there was lots of great stuff, too.
Floatingprincess - Bells and whistles, meh. They’re overrated, anyway. It’s the CONTENT that matters, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Sybil Law - Many requests for Kermit, huh? Hmm.
Iron Fist - Um, it’s fairly broken, I think. I think it’s a hard drive failure, but to be honest, I’m not sure. I suppose I could take it out and try installing it in another computer as a slave to see if I can salvage the data. I’m bad. When something breaks, I kinda ditch it and move on to something else. Still, I have a few manuscripts on there I need to save…
[...] forget - you have until midnight tonight (Eastern time) to enter the 2HT t-shirt giveaway. See yesterday’s post for details. You have to comment on THAT post for your entry to [...]
Not if you do it like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlKFz3cSDZo&eurl=
Yeah, I saw that the other night on G4’s “Attack of the Show!” You DO watch that, don’t you? Fabulous. One hour of geeky goodness every weeknight. On the G4 network. Every night they start out with their Top 5 Around the Net…goofy viral videos making the rounds. Great stuff.
I’m so glad I found your blog. It’s refreshing because there is a lot of boring bullshit out there that makes me want to bang my head on my desk.
The t-shirt is great except I’m a total extrovert. I’m the wallflower that leaps from the wall and mingles amongst the crowd and gets everyone involved with everyone else…like the worlds biggest hostess.
Damn, I should have more parties.
a man singing karaoke?
totally hot.
Great idea! I love free stuff, and this shirt would go great with all the t-shirts I collect
Lisa - why, thank you. I’m glad I found your blog, too. Somehow I knew you weren’t quite the introvert. And we’ll party together in Philly!
Ali - Mmm, I love a woman who loves a man who sings karaoke.
Noodles - Hey there! This would make a fabulous addition to your collection.
All-around creative genius eh? Well I’m not terribly surprised. Great idea passing on the love to your readers. I would have commented anyway, but glad to be in the running for that 2HT shirt!
100 things lists are awesome!!
damn, i didn’t even know it was reader appreciation day. hate it when i am the last to a party. rrrrrrrrrr. (.aybe a t-shirt would make me feel better??)
that would be Maybe
stupid period
John - Well, I wouldn’t say genius so much as savante.
Hello - I think a 2HT t-shirt would make you feel supreme bliss. But I might be a bit biased.
i promise i would wear it in a future hnt post. does that help me get one?
hehe
Hello - Nope, though it does guarantee I’ll visit your blog. You could always BUY a shirt, of course, but I suppose you’ll want to wait until this weekend, when you find out if you’ve won one.
Did someone say free shirt?
oh crap. today might not be the best day for a first time viewer of my blog. it is not normal for me to pose for such photos, i swear.
When is Writer’s Appreciation Day? I appreciate you SO much because you make me feel, well….normal.
I’m actually a closet introvert…figger that one out! ;o)
Either way, I want a t-shirt…pick me, pick me!!
I’ve dated a couple guys who revealed that they’d occasionally sing karaoke or belt a tune to impress girls. (Of course, they’d never sing a damn note to ME.) If I do ever get the glorious opportunity to meet you in person, I will demand a song. Nicely.
Miss Britt - Huh? What are you talking about?
Hello - I happen to disagree. Today was the PERFECT day to visit your blog.
Queen Lynn - Well, EVERY day is Writer’s Appreciation Day. Scary when *I* make someone feel normal.
Moonspells - Right, you’re in the drawing. We shall see.
Stacey - I’ll totally sing for you, provided there’s karaoke available.
i want a cool shirt!
Supertiff - well, you’ll have to settle for one of mine, sorry. If you win, of course.
Re #8-I can draw too. I draw a nice bubble bath and a cold beer!
Metalmom - Ha, I’ll take the beer, please.
You know, that tee shirt would look really cute on me… or maybe I’d make that tee shirt look really good.
Either way… PICK ME!!
Hi!
Dude, look at the comments! We are a bunch of shirt whores!
Becky - I’m sure you’d make it look amazing.
Average Jane - Hi!
Suebob - Well, you’re officially in, with 20 minutes to spare.
And the contest is over. Thanks for entering, everyone.
[...] soon as I can. Depends on how long it takes Zazzle to get the order. While I recommend either the Navy (pictured) or the Brown, there are other colors available: Maroon, Dark Grey, and Deep Forest. Oh, and black. Sizes: Small, [...]