Best Stuff for Men

When it comes to describing oneself, I suppose every man likes to preserve a little mystery. My name is Eric Christopher Johnson. I live in the Rocky Mountains sometimes and sometimes on the Pacific coast -- a bit of both. I can't do all the things Lazarus Long (Robert Heinlein's character) suggests that a competent man should be able to do, but I can do about 66%. I can also speak in public, run a marathon, solve a mate-in-three, write a thank-you note, use "it's" correctly. Some would say I'm a "baby boomer" but I don't identify with any generational labels. So far I've had one ex-wife, one motorcycle, one cavity, five dogs, more than five speeding tickets, two college degrees, two parents, about 26 different jobs, and have written one unpublished book that is probably too long for anybody to want to read. I'm one of those jack-of-all-trades types. I've worked in construction, sold cars (BMW), worked in a bong factory (they hired me for my basketball skills), tested software, had my own service business, been a proofreader, and played French horn professionally. I've worked in industry, IT, government, and for myself (the latter is best). So, economically, I'm a work in progress (aren't we all?). Sentimental movies and Visa commercials can make me choke up. Samurai movies and Eric Van Lustbader novels can make me covet a katana (I've tried 3 martial arts so far). I'm currently taking flying lessons and learning the guitar (can already play drums). Some of the guys I admire are Yo-Yo Ma, Theodore Sturgeon, and John Wooden. I think Forrest Griffin is pretty cool. I think Eddie Rickenbacker was pretty cool. They say that it's good to be able to do whatever it takes, and I agree as long as it's enjoyable. I think life is short, beautiful, puzzling, and not a bad idea.