Ten things that I have done that you haven’t

1. Had my jaw surgically broken and wired shut to correct an open bite on one side of my mouth (which still exists) the summer before my senior year in high school

2. Went out and broke up with the same girl 7 times before I figured out it wouldn’t work (I’m tenacious… I’ll give myself that)

3. Worn women’s clothing at a public event (see previous journal entry for grainy photos and full background)

4. Grabbed my friend’s arm as he was sliding off a mountain while hiking, probably saving him from serious injury or death.

5. Rode a mountain bike on six 25-mile rides and one 50-mile ride (7 days riding total) for a Boy Scout merit badge.

6. Wore braces, off and on, from the time I was in 5th grade until I was in 12th grade.

7. Participated in forensics (speech and debate) while in college, writing and giving speeches, and placing fifth (out of 37) in a regional competition, despite my terror at public speaking (that's why I did it...)

8. Drank 22 beers in a 24-hour period, my all-time record and something I will never, ever do again.

9. Gone on a week-long research trip to Guantanamo Bay Cuba before 9/11/01, and was awarded “Karaoke King” of the O-Club for my rendition of Alice Cooper’s “I’m 18.” The base CO was shouting “You da’ man!” They retired the song (really, someone that went back said it was on the wall) and I really surprised the other team members. (Meek, mild, quiet Charlie? No way!!) Get 4 Red Stripes in me…

10. Worked as cameraman, sound engineer and director at a local television station. True, they were infomercials, but still, an interesting experience.

I’m sure others have done some of these, but I have at least one that most people can’t claim.