Out of control hair, chemistry sets, and an early onset of acne define this period in my life, which by all accounts SHOULD have bought me a one-way ticket to Loserville. Yet somehow I managed to remain somewhat popular, if only in my mind. It must have been my addictive personality, because it certainly wasn’t my good looks or athletic abilities.
During this period I discovered my love of science, geography, and being a geek in general. I was also into gymnastics. I don’t think I ever realized that my interests were “uncool” because I seemed to draw others into my interests. I started a very selective gymnastics club on the playground that seemed to interest about half the kids on the playground. I then later helped start a group called “KAP” which stood for “Kids Against Pollution”. I don’t think we ever really did anything other than hang out and talk about pollution, but it was a nice try none the less. Just goes to show you how confidence in what you are doing can go a long ways. Shortly thereafter I started my filmmaking career using a primitive VHS camcorder which was what ultimately would allow me to make a name for myself later in high school.
Although I was an uber-geek, I enjoyed who I was and what I was doing. So it really didn’t matter to me if some people thought I was lame.
Let me expand on this “geekiness”. I have known Ryan since 3rd grade. It was in the 6th grade where I remember walking by and watching him elaborately fold a piece of paper in half and had drawn keys and a screen on it just like a laptop. He then “played” games on his laptop with his friends. Later I was led astray from the bball court where i NEVER left to attempt to be apart of this gymnastics club. a 360 jump in the air and a cartwheel later I was “IN”. I dont think i ever did any tricks, but enjoyed Buxton and some other kid always fall on their heads trying to out-do each other
….and this is why you are my friend. Wow.