Well the unterview at the local Fox Affiliate was off the hook. The 2 morning news anchors were as pumped as I was. By the time I left the studio, I had them cheering and raising a ruckus. How much fun was that!?!?Just reinforces how special being the Director of Fandemonium will be. Not only will one of us be representing the NFL, and Monster.com, but also each and every fan across the country!! The ultimate fan, complete with the experiences of a lifetime. What an honor! How could you not be out of yer skull excited about that?!?!
How much of a bummer will it be if not named the DOF? I know the experiences of the last few weeks have had an effect on me. Many hours each day have I spent in thoughts of the contest. Several of my fellow contestants have been added to my extended family, and hundreds of Facebook and Twitterings float about on the ether.
If not named the winner, just how big a void will be left? Exactly how does one fill it??
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Part 5: The decision looms....
The decision on the DOF is only days away, so this may be my last entry. I am thinking now would be a good time to add a little background on just how amazing this has been and how much this opportunity means to me. How far I have traveled, those of you that know me well already understand. For those that don’t, here goes….
15 years ago, I had abdicated from the Human Race, literally. I was living like an animal, under a bridge, my only concern, my next high, or maybe my next meal, a very sad life indeed. Then my girlfriend and I conceived my oldest daughter, and we started to find our way back. I continued to fight my addiction to what we affectionately call “Hillbilly Heroin”, (Methamphetamine) for another 4 years. My life had become one devoid of hope. I was done. On May 11th, 1998, I started my road to recovery. It has been a journey of many little steps, but by continuing to do the next right thing, I have been clean now for 10 years 11 months and a few days. There have been many rewards during that time. my dignity, my family, a life worth living. Culminating with this, the chance of a lifetime. It would be such an honor to represent my fellow lovers of America’s #1 game, the NFL, and Monster.com, as Director of Fandemonium. I understand that this is not the forum for discussing substance abuse. But what a gift it would be, if one person, living without hope, could see there is a way out. If sharing a bit of my story can help, then that would be icing on the cake.
If you had asked me to write a list of dreams, never, and I mean NEVER, would I have thought this possible. The chance to be a part of the NFL experience, to be the ultimate fan!! To be living the dream, is FANTASTIC!! I would again like to thank everyone involved: My fellow contestants, the NFL, Monster.com, NFL Films, BBDO, and MEC Access. If I have forgotten someone, my apologies. Still hoping with all that I am, that I am the one, the first Director of Fandemonium.
15 years ago, I had abdicated from the Human Race, literally. I was living like an animal, under a bridge, my only concern, my next high, or maybe my next meal, a very sad life indeed. Then my girlfriend and I conceived my oldest daughter, and we started to find our way back. I continued to fight my addiction to what we affectionately call “Hillbilly Heroin”, (Methamphetamine) for another 4 years. My life had become one devoid of hope. I was done. On May 11th, 1998, I started my road to recovery. It has been a journey of many little steps, but by continuing to do the next right thing, I have been clean now for 10 years 11 months and a few days. There have been many rewards during that time. my dignity, my family, a life worth living. Culminating with this, the chance of a lifetime. It would be such an honor to represent my fellow lovers of America’s #1 game, the NFL, and Monster.com, as Director of Fandemonium. I understand that this is not the forum for discussing substance abuse. But what a gift it would be, if one person, living without hope, could see there is a way out. If sharing a bit of my story can help, then that would be icing on the cake.
If you had asked me to write a list of dreams, never, and I mean NEVER, would I have thought this possible. The chance to be a part of the NFL experience, to be the ultimate fan!! To be living the dream, is FANTASTIC!! I would again like to thank everyone involved: My fellow contestants, the NFL, Monster.com, NFL Films, BBDO, and MEC Access. If I have forgotten someone, my apologies. Still hoping with all that I am, that I am the one, the first Director of Fandemonium.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Part 4: Our emotional joyride continues.....
Personally, and I'm sure many of my cohorts have experienced the same, these last 25 or so days have seen my emotions all over the map. Initially when I received my first "notice of pending winnerhood." I replied with a yes, and summarily filed the e-mail alongside my instructions to get my Nigerian Millions. Dang near blew it. Happily enough, the MEC Access people followed up, informing me the deadline was in 2 days. Causing me to do handstands and cartwheels to get my paperwork in under the wire. Whew!!! At this point I am pretty excited, yet still skeptical. I haven't gotten on the plane yet, so....... I don't think words can adequately convey what I experienced in NYC, though I have tried. It was, as I have stated previously, the thrill of a lifetime. I do know of a way to top it though!!
Next, the letdown of leaving my new found friends, and the building anticipation as the first webisodes are released. (Took their sweet time doing it too!!) And the waiting, and more waiting.... I think the buttons on my mouse are about worn out now. The ultimate coranary inducer had to be the call I received one morning, from a young lady at BBDO. When the words, "fill out contract", escaped her lips, my pulse shot thru the roof. Being cautious, (not wanting to break her eardrums) I asked if this was what I thought it was. To my dismay, it was only some SAG paperwork. BUMMER!! But it did give me a taste, just a smidgen of how it could feel. Oh how wonderful it will be, Hooooooo Weeeeeee!! If I am named the Director of Fandemonium, I believe Jason is right. No one will have to check the website, you will hear me loud and clear from here in California to the East coast!! But, it was back to reality, and the too sllooowwww moving clock! Watching the website for the latest updates, wondering when, and who....
Now it's on to the next phase, to be interviewed by my local Fox affiliate. Really looking forward to that. Wonder if anyone there will recognize me now?? Funny how life is one big circle. It's been 15 years since this same station filmed us being evicted from underneath the bridge. I'm thinkin' that qualifies as a lowlight. I like these new circumstances WAY better!! Gonna be hard to keep from getting too wound up in the coming days. Another high on the emotional roller coaster approaches. I can only hope that the ride continues past next week.
Next, the letdown of leaving my new found friends, and the building anticipation as the first webisodes are released. (Took their sweet time doing it too!!) And the waiting, and more waiting.... I think the buttons on my mouse are about worn out now. The ultimate coranary inducer had to be the call I received one morning, from a young lady at BBDO. When the words, "fill out contract", escaped her lips, my pulse shot thru the roof. Being cautious, (not wanting to break her eardrums) I asked if this was what I thought it was. To my dismay, it was only some SAG paperwork. BUMMER!! But it did give me a taste, just a smidgen of how it could feel. Oh how wonderful it will be, Hooooooo Weeeeeee!! If I am named the Director of Fandemonium, I believe Jason is right. No one will have to check the website, you will hear me loud and clear from here in California to the East coast!! But, it was back to reality, and the too sllooowwww moving clock! Watching the website for the latest updates, wondering when, and who....
Now it's on to the next phase, to be interviewed by my local Fox affiliate. Really looking forward to that. Wonder if anyone there will recognize me now?? Funny how life is one big circle. It's been 15 years since this same station filmed us being evicted from underneath the bridge. I'm thinkin' that qualifies as a lowlight. I like these new circumstances WAY better!! Gonna be hard to keep from getting too wound up in the coming days. Another high on the emotional roller coaster approaches. I can only hope that the ride continues past next week.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Tic toc, tic toc, 2 weeks and counting
2 weeks ago today, I was sitting in the Boardroom at NFL Headquarters. Today I sit here at the keyboard anxiously awaiting the final decision from the NFL/Monster/MEC/BBDO braintrust. Watching the facebook entries and twitterings, I am struck by the magic that was created in our 3 days together in NYC. Something special happened in our little HQ at the corner of 49th and Lexington. Younger, older, construction, computers, international business, Homeland Security, man or woman, it did not matter. Those gathered were from all ages and many backgrounds, but we share a passion. A love of our respective teams, an admiration and respect for each other as fans, both of our teams and of the game. Above all was the love of the game itself. Learning even more of it's rich history each day, as we delved into archived pages, trying to get a leg up for the "Trivia competition".
I would have guessed, once the competion was complete, that we would have each gone our seperate ways.The distance between us becoming greater with each passing day. Not so. As we log our entries on the social networks, our connections have grown. Though I will be disappointed if not named the winner. I can truly say I will be happy for the eventual winner. This runs counter to my nature, 'cause don't you know I WANNA WIN!!! ;-p The decision cannot be an easy one. Each and everyone of us brought something to the table, and we continue to do so each day in our cyberspace worlds. Gotta love Jason's "public service announcement", and how could you not want to help Tricia with Organ Donation efforts?? And just how did Mark get that interview?? (Is my green w/envy showing??) It has even been suggested, and heartily agreed, that there be a reunion, date, time and location, to be determined. How cool is that!?!?
One can only hope that this sense of community continues once the winner is announced. I, for one, would hate to lose the new members of my "extended family". Only time will tell......tic toc, tic toc, is that dang clock running any faster yet!!??
I would have guessed, once the competion was complete, that we would have each gone our seperate ways.The distance between us becoming greater with each passing day. Not so. As we log our entries on the social networks, our connections have grown. Though I will be disappointed if not named the winner. I can truly say I will be happy for the eventual winner. This runs counter to my nature, 'cause don't you know I WANNA WIN!!! ;-p The decision cannot be an easy one. Each and everyone of us brought something to the table, and we continue to do so each day in our cyberspace worlds. Gotta love Jason's "public service announcement", and how could you not want to help Tricia with Organ Donation efforts?? And just how did Mark get that interview?? (Is my green w/envy showing??) It has even been suggested, and heartily agreed, that there be a reunion, date, time and location, to be determined. How cool is that!?!?
One can only hope that this sense of community continues once the winner is announced. I, for one, would hate to lose the new members of my "extended family". Only time will tell......tic toc, tic toc, is that dang clock running any faster yet!!??
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
NFL/Monster.com/DOF part II
In the 10 days or so since returning from the NFL/Monster.com/DOF New York City trip. I do not believe there has been more than 5 minutes go by without a thought about or memory of the competition. I am sure that many of, if not all of the of the contestants, are having the same experience. When I think back to how life was 11 years ago, I just have to pinch myself to make sure it is real! Back then, I was still fighting my addictions, and living in a lean-to next to the expressway. There have been many little steps in my journey back to humanity. But just how far I've traveled along that road, was never as apparent as now. No way on God's Green Earth, would I EVER have been in NYC. Taking advantage of the opportunity presented by The NFL and Monster.com. A chance to live the dream of NFL fans everywhere. It doesn't get much better than this!! (Well....maybe a little..hint, hint!! ;-p)
Along these lines, if I am named the winner I would like to invite my Kansas City(the Enemy), and San Francisco(the other enemy), brothers to be my guests at the NFL Draft. It is my understanding that the winner will be allowed two guests at the draft day proceedings. I can think of no two more deserving (could be 28 others kinda close) people. The bonds formed weekend before last, are ones that I truly hope last a lifetime. Getting to know and hang out with my fellow contestants was a full on BLAST!! Talking trash, swapping war stories, discussing our teams strengths and weaknesses, all while being treated like royalty. One could become accustomed to such a lifestyle rather quickly. I do find myself looking back fondly, as I mentioned above, wishing that it didn't have to come to an end so soon.
I will continue to update this page in the last days before the decision is announced. With some luck (and having my myriad prayers answered), I will be allowed to continue sharing my thoughts via this blog. Recounting each and every moment of the life as the Inaugural Director of Fandemonium. Now off to bed with me, time to offer up another prayer!!
Along these lines, if I am named the winner I would like to invite my Kansas City(the Enemy), and San Francisco(the other enemy), brothers to be my guests at the NFL Draft. It is my understanding that the winner will be allowed two guests at the draft day proceedings. I can think of no two more deserving (could be 28 others kinda close) people. The bonds formed weekend before last, are ones that I truly hope last a lifetime. Getting to know and hang out with my fellow contestants was a full on BLAST!! Talking trash, swapping war stories, discussing our teams strengths and weaknesses, all while being treated like royalty. One could become accustomed to such a lifestyle rather quickly. I do find myself looking back fondly, as I mentioned above, wishing that it didn't have to come to an end so soon.
I will continue to update this page in the last days before the decision is announced. With some luck (and having my myriad prayers answered), I will be allowed to continue sharing my thoughts via this blog. Recounting each and every moment of the life as the Inaugural Director of Fandemonium. Now off to bed with me, time to offer up another prayer!!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Last weekend and the "months" since.....
It has been a week since my NFL/Monster experience. On one hand it seems like only yesterday. Yet the waiting for the decision seems to have taken forever. I want to personally thank all those invloved; The NFL, Monster.com, NFL Films, MEC Access, BBDO, and all the staff at the Marriott, for the chance of a lifetime. It is truly an experience I will never forget.
Let's back up and revisit the scene last week: I arrived in the early A.M. on Thursday morning. After checking in and catching up on my sleep, I dutifully reported to the Lobby to start the process. The MEC Access people were fun, and friendly amid all the chaos of the NFL film crews setting up our little sound stage. Once this was done, we did our initial Bio filming. I wonder if the film crew knew what they were in for!!??
The MEC/BBDO/Monster team must have been pleased with the make up of our group. There was not one contestant that lacked personality, knowledge, or passion for their team. From Chris, Ramsey and Sam, the youngest ones, to Coach Joe P our oldest. I found this truly amazing.
Once our filming was complete, we took a short break, then returned for our first feast. I must admit to loving the way we were spoiled all weekend. After dinner, we got our first "briefing." We went around the room, each of us introducing ourselves, our hometowns, and our respective teams. Much playful banter was tossed about, I was absolutely having the time of my life!!! Getting to know one another was interesting to say the least. It struck me as funny that Jason, the San Diego fan is from Washington DC, Chris, the San Francisco, fan is from Eastern Pennsylvania, and Jodie, the Seattle fan is from Philly!! Not to mention our resident Pokemon, Onyx, the Minnesota fan, lives in Hawaii!! We were looking forward to a long Saturday, so most of us went up, and got some sleep.
Friday started with us gathering in our Main Floor HQ, and receiving our updated marching orders. Teams were established NFC/AFC East, West, North and South. We were then taken upstairs to meet our fate. LOL This was another of the many great experiences, playing a Family Feud style NFL Trivia game, with Micheal Strahan as Host/Moderator. Micheal is a very funny man, and definitely knows how to play to the camera. Working with him was a lots-o-fun, would love to do it again!! After the Trivia Game, which My West team lost, we proceeded to the Locker Room interview. The "TV Analyst", was none other than Rob Riggle of Daily Show and SNL fame. One of the highlights of my weekend was getting Mr. Riggle to bark like a Chihuahua. He swears it was a Doberman, hopefully the footage will survive the cutting room floor, and you can make your own decision. ;-)
This was followed by the "Chalk Talk" filming. Where Mr's. Riggle and Strahan gave the gathering our "pep talk" for the upcoming days activities. In true Hollywood style, this of course occured well after the "days activities." Finally we went in front of Strahan and Riggle, where they gave the contestants various words and scenarios for us to create a 30 second Locker Room Pep Talk. They didn't understand my "reach between your knees, grab your ears, and give a vigorous yank (removing your head from your anus) remark. But my delivery sure seemed to have them fired up to try!!
We again retired to HQ for another sumptuous dinner, and received our "call times" for the next mornings Boardroom filming at NFL Headquarters. Those with later times headed out for a little sightseeing. Those of us that were heading out at O'dark thirty, went upstairs and TRIED to get some sleep.
My alarm went off way too early, and I drug my happy little self down to HQ. We had been separated into new groups, and my fellow early risers were quite a striking bunch. We were then escorted to NFL Headquarters, where I am convinced Heaven exists. The memorabilia, and pieces of NFL history that are displayed prominately, are a Football fan's dream come true. Waiting for our turn in the Boardroom in the Lombardi Room, was pretty amazing. We filmed more pep talks with Rob Riggle, just to keep us loose.
Being mic'd up, while watching the gathered masses watch Onyx's turn on CCTV, was kinda surreal. Is this really happening? How freaking cool is this!?!? Then it was my turn. Walking into the Boardroom, and seeing Micheal Strahan (as D. Trump), and Jamie Dukes(from NFL All Access), was without a doubt the biggest highlight of the weekend for me. All in all I felt I did well. Especially when you consider the butterflies that were fluttering inside my belly.
To top off the morning, we had a filmed "exit interview" with Rich Eisen, from the NFL Network. At this point I am pretty sure I have died and gone to heaven. I don't believe my feet touched the ground as I walked back to the Hotel. A quick trip up to the room to pack, a run up to 7th Ave, for a giant Pastrami sandwich, and the weekend had come to a close for me.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to participate in the NFL, as The Monster.com Director of Fandemonium. At this point all I can do is wish, wait, and pray. What a wonderful time it will be!!
Let's back up and revisit the scene last week: I arrived in the early A.M. on Thursday morning. After checking in and catching up on my sleep, I dutifully reported to the Lobby to start the process. The MEC Access people were fun, and friendly amid all the chaos of the NFL film crews setting up our little sound stage. Once this was done, we did our initial Bio filming. I wonder if the film crew knew what they were in for!!??
The MEC/BBDO/Monster team must have been pleased with the make up of our group. There was not one contestant that lacked personality, knowledge, or passion for their team. From Chris, Ramsey and Sam, the youngest ones, to Coach Joe P our oldest. I found this truly amazing.
Once our filming was complete, we took a short break, then returned for our first feast. I must admit to loving the way we were spoiled all weekend. After dinner, we got our first "briefing." We went around the room, each of us introducing ourselves, our hometowns, and our respective teams. Much playful banter was tossed about, I was absolutely having the time of my life!!! Getting to know one another was interesting to say the least. It struck me as funny that Jason, the San Diego fan is from Washington DC, Chris, the San Francisco, fan is from Eastern Pennsylvania, and Jodie, the Seattle fan is from Philly!! Not to mention our resident Pokemon, Onyx, the Minnesota fan, lives in Hawaii!! We were looking forward to a long Saturday, so most of us went up, and got some sleep.
Friday started with us gathering in our Main Floor HQ, and receiving our updated marching orders. Teams were established NFC/AFC East, West, North and South. We were then taken upstairs to meet our fate. LOL This was another of the many great experiences, playing a Family Feud style NFL Trivia game, with Micheal Strahan as Host/Moderator. Micheal is a very funny man, and definitely knows how to play to the camera. Working with him was a lots-o-fun, would love to do it again!! After the Trivia Game, which My West team lost, we proceeded to the Locker Room interview. The "TV Analyst", was none other than Rob Riggle of Daily Show and SNL fame. One of the highlights of my weekend was getting Mr. Riggle to bark like a Chihuahua. He swears it was a Doberman, hopefully the footage will survive the cutting room floor, and you can make your own decision. ;-)
This was followed by the "Chalk Talk" filming. Where Mr's. Riggle and Strahan gave the gathering our "pep talk" for the upcoming days activities. In true Hollywood style, this of course occured well after the "days activities." Finally we went in front of Strahan and Riggle, where they gave the contestants various words and scenarios for us to create a 30 second Locker Room Pep Talk. They didn't understand my "reach between your knees, grab your ears, and give a vigorous yank (removing your head from your anus) remark. But my delivery sure seemed to have them fired up to try!!
We again retired to HQ for another sumptuous dinner, and received our "call times" for the next mornings Boardroom filming at NFL Headquarters. Those with later times headed out for a little sightseeing. Those of us that were heading out at O'dark thirty, went upstairs and TRIED to get some sleep.
My alarm went off way too early, and I drug my happy little self down to HQ. We had been separated into new groups, and my fellow early risers were quite a striking bunch. We were then escorted to NFL Headquarters, where I am convinced Heaven exists. The memorabilia, and pieces of NFL history that are displayed prominately, are a Football fan's dream come true. Waiting for our turn in the Boardroom in the Lombardi Room, was pretty amazing. We filmed more pep talks with Rob Riggle, just to keep us loose.
Being mic'd up, while watching the gathered masses watch Onyx's turn on CCTV, was kinda surreal. Is this really happening? How freaking cool is this!?!? Then it was my turn. Walking into the Boardroom, and seeing Micheal Strahan (as D. Trump), and Jamie Dukes(from NFL All Access), was without a doubt the biggest highlight of the weekend for me. All in all I felt I did well. Especially when you consider the butterflies that were fluttering inside my belly.
To top off the morning, we had a filmed "exit interview" with Rich Eisen, from the NFL Network. At this point I am pretty sure I have died and gone to heaven. I don't believe my feet touched the ground as I walked back to the Hotel. A quick trip up to the room to pack, a run up to 7th Ave, for a giant Pastrami sandwich, and the weekend had come to a close for me.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to participate in the NFL, as The Monster.com Director of Fandemonium. At this point all I can do is wish, wait, and pray. What a wonderful time it will be!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)