Five Things Take Two

I thought last night about listing five things that most people know about me. If you know me at all, you realize one or two of these things, if not all:

1- Halloween is my favorite holiday. 8MM video exists of me staring over the brim of a jack-o'-lantern looking in at the candle. To give you an idea, I am in a "onesie", and standing on the kitchen table.

I started creating little spook alleys in my unfinished basement, and would invite whoever I could find to walk through them. This sort of thing eventually bleed outside, and what I consider to be my display started in 1987.

I remember sitting in my Jr. High classes thinking non-stop about my display. Trying to figure out how to solve problems, or how to build what I envisioned in my head.

Here is a link that shows my display, I haven't updated it with pictures since 2002. If I ever get the energy, I'll post pictures of 2006 and 2007:

Matthew's Display

2- I like organization. Some call me a perfectionist, and I wouldn't argue that. I suppose I embody the meaning of the word, much more than other people I hear call themselves perfectionists.

For example, a co-worker calls himself one. Well, okay...but I don't think perfectionists let four inches of lawn grow over either side of their sidewalk (literally people).

3- Cats love me, and I love cats. I own three, ever want more, and cannot imagine my life without my "boys".



4- My middle name might as well be Handyman, not David. Although I must attribute much of my abilities to my father, I believe I have a natural understanding of problems and how to fix them. I do not shy away from most projects, even those I do not have any experience with. Most things seem intuitive to me, and if I lack a little know how, I fill in the blanks by asking those who do know. I consider this both a talent and a gift. Not only do I derive a smug satisfaction when I step back from a finished project, it also helps Nancy and I save money. Professionals cost a fortune, and I cannot imagine calling one every time something needed doing.

5- I speak fluent Portuguese. Okay, that might stretch the truth a little, as I do not get the chance to practice speaking very often. However, this explains the little Brazilian flag in my office, my Brazilian license plate, and my affection for Brazil in general.