We are starting a new weekly post called '21 Things You Might Not Know About Me'. This is something where we will be posting about people that either live in our community or have strong ties to our community, in a lighthearted - yet hopefully interesting and fun way - to let people know more about our community members with a fresh perspective. I wanted those with whom I have already spoken to see what it will look like when posted, so for our 1st post, here are "21 Things You Might Not Know About Me: Ben Dryden"
- I was 1st married when I was 20, a father when I was 22 and a grandfather when I was 39.
- In 25 years of driving, I have never received a speeding ticket.
- I am a terrible cook.
- I rarely get sick. Last time I had a cold was over 3 years ago. I contribute that to the 2-5 tall glasses of lemon water I drink every day.
- I've only taken two vacations in my adult life. A trip to the UK when I was 19 and a trip to Florida when I was 27 (I'm now 40). I've just never seen the value in spending money for a short period of time that doesn't benefit me financially in the future. I know... "memories", but I can do that closer to home for much cheaper.
- My right eye is set lower than the left.
- I got the idea for DrydenWire when I was driving to Cadott for one of my daughter's volleyball tournaments and I was running late and wished there was up to the minute scores for local/area sports. I scrapped the idea 2 weeks in and decided on what is now DrydenWire because I couldn’t figure out how to do it, however, I have not given up on the idea and I'm still looking for a partner to launch that website.
- I never wanted my last name to be included in my business but every other name I came up with over 4/mo period was already taken. It was a last minute decision and wasn't thrilled with it - but it’s growing on me.
- I don't care about what vehicle I drive or what clothes I wear, but I have always loved and spent money on technology.
- I am the only member of my immediate family (not including my children) that was born in Wisconsin. Spooner to be exact. My mother, sister, and brother were born in Cook County, Illinois, and my father in Orange County, California.
- When I was 7, my brother Matt ran me over with a riding lawnmower. I was picking up twigs while he was mowing and slipped in front of the rider. My brother turned the key to 'off' when the mower/blades were over my foot, but it left me with 108 stitches and a heel that has caused me issues for 33 years -- thanks, bro!
- I have never been punched in the face - something I'm sure several people have wanted to do though.
- I absolutely despise bad drivers. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS, PEOPLE!
- The two best pieces of financial advice I have ever received were: “It’s not what you make, it’s what you spend” and “Rent your fun, don’t buy it”.
- I have made many mistakes in my life, but I do not dwell on them, nor do I regret them. Compartmentalizing is the key.
- “It is what it is” is my favorite saying of all-time and I use it frequently.
- My wife, Jerusha, and I have known each other since we were teenagers. Her brother was my best friend and she would often come along to the places that we would go. After 22 years of being away (and after I moved back) we met for coffee at Alley Cats in Spooner to catch up on old times. We were married last year.
- I really do enjoy the feeling of doing something - and excelling at it - after I’m told I shouldn’t or can’t do it.
- After mowing the lawn and doing all the trimming and making it look really nice, it gives me incredible satisfaction to look at it when it's finished; sometimes for a couple of hours just sitting in a chair with a glass of lemon water. Not sure why but it is one of the best feelings in the world to me.
- I don’t have a hobby - though not for lack of trying - just have never found something that interests me.
- I was born on Christmas day. The year before I was born my sister asked for a real baby brother for her next years Christmas present.
If you are interested in submitting "21 Things You Might Not Know About Me", please email DrydenWire@gmail.com for more information.
Last Update: May 31, 2017 6:41 pm CDT
