I’ve always been amazed at what people have been able to accomplish in their lifetime. I enjoy reading about people that have done a lot of crazy things in search of adventure. I loved the movie the Secret Life of Walter Mitty. So in light of this, I decided to write down all the crazy things that I’ve been able to do – so far in my life. I would encourage you to do the same because you probably have lived an awesome life that others might enjoy reading about!
These may not be in a chronological order but here we go:
Once lived in Cuba – dad was in the Navy
Registered myself for the first grade without my parents knowledge – walked to the school and went to the office to register – who does that?
Owned several motorcycles – Suzuki Trailhopper, Yamaha 100, Honda XL-125, Honda CR-125, Suzuki RM-250, Yamaha FZ-1, Yamaha V Star 1100
Started college at 17
Earned a private Pilot License just after High School
Ran a small sport airport on weekends for free flight time
Flown in homebuilt airplanes, flown in a world war II fighter – T6 and almost crashed
Once started building a homebuilt airplane – EAA Acro Sport II
As a child rode a Trailways bus to my grandparents
Set trot lines in a creek at night
Hunted quail on my grandfathers farm
Fished in Ray Scott’s personal pond (founder of Bass Masters)
Was a Chimney Sweep apprentice
Held the ribbon for the Flying Mayor to tear while flying inverted – worked several airshows
Once searched for a skydiver whose chute failed to open while attempting a state record high dive
Got lost on my first cross country solo flight
Got to go whale watching in Boston
Visited the John Lennon memorial in Central Park New York
Saw a play on Broadway
Visited the Rocky Mountain national park
Saw Cirque Du Soleil’s – La Nouba
Been on two cruises – Nassau Bahamas, Cozumel
Visited Key West – saw Hemingway’s House
Have vacationed in Disneyworld
Visited Elvis’s – Tupelo home and Graceland
Visited Beale street in Memphis
Attended a Superbike race at Barber motorsports park
Crashed a motorcycle on the street while skipping school
Was a passenger in a car that was totaled in a crash
Have seen a Gutenberg bible in person
Walked down Wall Street
Walked around Times Square
President Carter lectured in one of my Seminary classes
Attended a Professional Bull Riding event (PBR) with VIP tickets – was in room with Ty Murray
Had my picture made with Evil Kenevil and Roy Clark at a celebrity golf tournament
Was a High School softball and basketball official
Have coached basketball
Have been with rescue team while dragging bottom of a river looking for a body
Have been a Police Department chaplain riding with officers on patrol
Graduated from Candler School of Theology
Served multiple churches
I’ve run a 65 acre ranch for delinquent boys
Worked at an all girls treatment facility
Ultra-runner – Longest race was 100 Miles then a 72 miler, multiple races of 31 miles, marathons, etc…
Non-christian concerts that I’ve attended – Styx, KISS (in the early days),Commodores with Lionel Richie, Doobie Brothers, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Elvis – yup, Elvis!
Became a PADI(Professional Association of Dive Instructors) scuba diver with multiple certifications – Open, Advanced, Rescue, Nitrox, Divemaster
Lettered in tennis in High school
Set several state records in competitive powerlifting
Was once a personal trainer
Have participated in multiple sports – Jr. High basketball, baseball, softball, football
Taught myself to juggle – 3 and 4 ball, rings, Diablo, various balancing tricks. clubs
Owned several cool cars – 72 Chevy Nova, Datsun 240 Z, 55 Chevy 2 door hardtop, 68 Chevy Camaro
Married to the same wonderful lady for 37 years as of this writing
Great kids and son in laws
Had throat cancer but survived – at least as of this day!
Run a YouTube Channel – allthingstonyj
I’m sure there is a ton I’ve missed. But I have tried to take John 10:10 seriously when Jesus said I have come so you can live the abundant life.
Accepting Christ was the greatest thing I’ve ever done. Getting married and raising kids has been the second greatest thing I’ve ever done.
Take time at some point and write down all you’ve been able to accomplish, you might be surprised at how good a life God has given you. As a bonus others might be interested in reading it – I know I would.