I'm just a big ole teddy bear...only 5'7", but about 280-290 lb...but I'm not what you'd expect at that weight. I'm big boned, and have lifted weights since I was 18...a shorter version of John Goodman, or former pro wrestler "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes....as my little nephew Nick says, I'm just a "big guy"
I usually keep my hair very short, but need a haircut badly....everyone tells me I look great with long hair. I'm extremely fortunate at age 41 no gray hairs and no receding hairline. No beard...have tried a mustache a few times, but always end up shaving it off. Hates dressing up...prefers a t-shirt and sweats or jeans to a suit and tie anyday...I dress casual whenever possible.
I'm a people person, and have never met a stranger...love to make friends; make others feel welcome and comfortable, better about themselves...also like making people laugh. Am very laid back...prefer a quiet walk on the beach to a crowded restaurant or amusement park. Prefer to "roll with the tide", a guy that will walk a mile to avoid trouble....my feelings are hurt very easily, but only because I try not to ever hurt others. It devastates me upon learning I've offended someone. When in provider relations at EDS, I sometimes met or spoke with 400 people a week...on weekends I remembered the
three or four that were rude more than I did the 397 that were polite...don't take critisism well, never have, not even in school...but only because I hold myself to such a high standard. I'm my own worst critic....when I make a mistake, I pledge to never make it again..
I don't have a typical Georgia/Alabama southern accent, and sound more like fishing show host Bill Dance and my uncle Bill Nolen...both are natives of east Tennessee (both ConstructionWx and Barometer Bob have spoken with me by phone).
I've always believed in chivalry...in honor...and have no tolerance for anyone that mistreats or abuses a woman, child, the elderly, handicapped or anyone that cannot defend themselves...I'm not the man you want to hit a lady in front of, and I'd better not be within earshod if you curse her or make her cry. I've called down strangers in public for using vulgar language in front of ladies or children. I'm not a sexist...because of the women in my life...my sister Becky is my greatest hero...so is my grandmother; but I believe women should be treated with respect, with honor and kindness at all times.
I address all men older than me as sir and all women as ma'am, even teenage girls. Please don't be offended if I refer to Jessica Lynch as "little girl". Becky's 37 and she's still my little girl...Beth is 18, 5'9" and she's my baby...she always will be my baby. I have a bad habit of calling women I'm familar as "hon" (honey) or "darling". My emails to Becky usually begin "Hey Sweetheart" or "Hi Honey"!.
I love children...and always try to spoil them rotten. I feel toward Becky's kids as if they are my own....my two nephews Nick and Jacob (6 & 4) are my little men, my eight year old niece Maddie is my little angel...my baby. I'd run naked through a hailstorm while running a fever of 104° degrees for her if she asked me, and she knows it. You think Jessi Lynch made me cry...I do the same if Maddie skins her knee or has a fever. Beth once fell and busted her lip and I called 911...it scared the daylights out of me. The paramedics laughed at me...said I (big brother) was worse than most moms. I took it as a compliment
If you come to visit, you'd better be prepared for a hearty handshake, and usually a big hug...as I said, I try to make everyone feel welcome; I'll offer you an icy coke or pepsi if it's the last one in my fridge. Any excuse is a good one to treat you at my favorite BBQ joint, and nearly all BBQ joints are my favorite
What do I not tolerate? I always try to give everyone the benefit of a doubt, but cannot stand anyone that is arrogant, hateful, pompous...anyone that tries to belittle others and make them feel small. I rank dishonesty a close second..nothing makes me angrier than to be lied too or jerked around. I've never cared too much for drunks..because many times that leads to other things I despise (arrogance, abuse, etc). I don't mind someone having a beer or drink while watching a ballgame or at dinner; Becky and Dave both drink...but it's never to excess or at every meal.
Racists disgusts me...because I've always judged a man or woman by their character. I know two black men I went to school with that would die for me...and me for them. Larry and Darfus Dallas are lifelong friends of mine..very good friends; they are honorable gentlemen. I don't tolerate the "N" word being said in my presence. I've called down friends for saying it, I've called down relatives for saying it; yet I feel honor, great pride, and reverence toward my southern heritage. My great great grandfather owned no slaves...he was a sharecropper--until he enlisted in the confederate army
at age 16.
Well, that's about it. I put on no act on these boards....what you see is what you get.
Take care,
Perry