Though the changes have been more subtle, I would say the “me” that you all know today developed circa my sophmore year at SMS (yeah, that’s right I called it SMS). There isn’t a whole lot I would say about me now, because it’s still an evolving work in progress. But I’m pretty happy with everything thus far.

Somehow I was able to do something not many can do – embrace all of my geek attributes and package them in an oh-so-sexy manner. As you well know, my treedroppings.com website is proof enough that anything can desirable if packaged correctly.

Just examine the evidence and you will see what I am talking about:

Clearly there is no denying that while it may have been a long road, I finally matured into something that would make any momma proud.

Rescuing myself from the fringes of society was no easy task. Especially considering that I retained many of my unusual interests and nerd like tendancies.

A contributing factor to assist me was being accidentally scheduled for weights instead of gym class. Weights was reserved for athletes only – something I most definitely was not. But I wanted to capitalize on WCHS’s mistake and use it to my advantage. In order to prevent from being kicked out of the class, I had to join a sport. So naturally I joined swimming, and later diving (which I was actually quite good at!). I still like to brag about the fact that after 4 years of weight class, I held 3 of the 4 school weight lifting records for my weight division (bench press, squats, and power clean for those who care).

My friends in high school ranged from preppy, to grunge, with a dash a punk. Since I obviously had no style of my own (and still don’t) I just borrowed from everyone else to create my own unique blend I like to call “Whatever my sister buys me”.

Another noteworthy event from high school was that I netted my first official girlfriend. Then a second, and third… it was clear that “Project: Ryan Reformation” had been an outright success.

When I started Jr. High and hanging out with Grant, I realized that chicks were hot. And that I was most definitely not. I think that was the main logic behind my move to be a more mainstream type person – if you could ever classify me as “main stream”. While I kept many of my interests, I attempted to do them in a less isolating manner. Without the influence of my “cool” friends – I would have been a lost cause.

As with any profound reformation, it takes time. One can’t simply up and change the very essence of their being. But I did start wearing jeans and sports related t-shirts instead of sweat pants and nintendo shirts(because it was trendy – NOT because I suddenly started liking sports). And of course don’t forget the infamous silk shirts that I championed so proudly. For many people, this was the worst time period of their life. However, I look back at it as one of my favorites.

The main idea of this time period was that I finally realized how uncool I had become and while I wasn’t particularly unhappy, I decided it would be in my best interest long term to do something about it. But was I too late?

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.

This week I am going to do another 5 part series. We will be examining the various phases I have gone through to evolve into the “me” that you all know and love. I feel like this is necessary for anyone who truly wants to understand me. Plus, some of my awkward year photos are nothing short of amazing. We’ll just start at the beginning and work our way forward.

My first several years were not unlike any other young kid. My interests included such things as playing in the dirt with toy cars, t-ball, and tractor pulls. My semi-rural upbringing gave me a sense of adventure.

While I was fairly quiet, I didn’t have trouble making friends. Some of those friends are still around even today! I was also popular with the ladies on the playground, and I can’t really blame them. Just look at my pic – I was dead sexy for a first grader. What is more of a turn-on than an outfit that says “My mom dresses me – but at least she does it with style!”.