AN INTERVIEW WITH THE SCOREKEEPER

Philip doesn't understand what a blog is. He uses the computer...plays cards online...googles his scores...researches sharks and whales...but that's about the extent of it. He came in the other day from the neighbours and told us she had asked if dad was on the computer...working on his 'bloob'? (she actually said blog). When he needs the computer to check his scores and I'm on it, he gets very frustrated. And when mom asks him why he's upset, he replies, "Dad's doing his blah..blah..blah again!" If you think about it...he's absolutely right!

So yesterday, in light of the festive season, and the swiftly approaching 'big day', I asked Philip if he was wishing for anything in particular 'under the Christmas tree'? I sensed him struggling, so I asked if he had any favourite movies, or games, or 'things', that he might like...like socks...or underwear...or pajamas? He laughed at the mention of the latter...shrugged...then assured me he had lots of favourites...not to worry...Santa would take care of it! And he will!

But it got me thinking. What are Philip's favourite things? His mind-set...his perspective on life, on material things...on need and greed...is so different from ours. Or is it! So I decided to create a list...then interview him. He sat with me at the kitchen table, where I grilled him on his 'favourites'. He loved it...has no idea what I'm doing with the information...or the pictures we took.He's very trusting. Two minutes after the 'interview' and the 'photo shoot', he was busy writing...recording...reliving the highlights of the day's sports events. After all, he is the Scorekeeper...he's got work to do...the press can wait!

So here is the result of that interview. Hope you find it as revealing and entertaining as we did.

Favourite foods:

Treat? Gummy worms

Can't watch wrestling without them!

Breakfast? Cheerios

He got started really young...one day his 'mug shot' will be on the box!

Lunch? Tomato sandwich / Dinner? Perogies

He has a real obsession for sour cream...knows it comes with perogies...asks for them often. He would eat an entire 500 ml tub of sour cream if we let him! (wonder what sour cream tastes like on Cheerios?...do we dare suggest it?)

Snack? Chocolate pudding

...or any reasonable facsimile thereof

Fruit? Banana

Vegetable? Asparagus

Honest...he loves it! Won't ever miss dinner if he knows we're having asparagus. By the way...Diane (aka Julia Child ) prepares it superbly... to perfection. (this is Friday...right?)

Beverage? Zero...Coke or President's Choice

Restaurant? A&W

Is it the Pappa Burgers...or the Mammas who serve him? Hmmm...

Favourite sports:

Baseball Team? Toronto Blue Jays

Hockey Team? Detroit Red Wings

If you didn't know by now...you 'ain't been payin' attention!

His wall of fame!

Yes he does take that jersey off now and then...for its annual washing!

NFL Football Team? New England Patriots (he's a traitor to 'Thiessen Team Dallas'!) CFL Football Team? Hamilton Tiger Cats

NBA Basketball Team? Phoenix Suns

All-time Favourite Sports Player? Mark McGwire

I was puzzled by this...asked him what about George Bell? His immediate and rather decisive reply..."Duh...did George Bell ever hit 70 home runs in one season?" (I'm not about to argue with the Scorekeeper!)

Thought I'd throw him a curve. Philip's not a golf fan...but in light of all the recent 'hoop-la' surrounding the above pro (?), asked him his opinion of Tiger Woods. "He's a great golfer", he answered. "Anything else?", I queried. "No, why?", Philip asked. (if we could all just see the good!)

Favourite Entertainment:

Movies? Comedy...Home Alone...Musical...Grease...Action...U-571

TV Sitcom? Home Improvement

TV Action? Wrestling (surprise...surprise!)

Gummy worms anyone?

Favourite Wrestler? Undertaker

Female Singer? Shania Twain ( now listen carefully...Philip may have some disabilities...but blindness isn't one of them!)

Male Singer? He named off all 4 Back Street Boys!

Male Movie Star? Johnny Depp ( I reminded Philip that Depp had just recently been acclaimed 'sexiest' man alive...did he not feel slighted? Here's Philip's response...word for word..."No, he's a movie star...I keep scores!" No sexy score keepers I guess!)

Female Movie Star? Sharon Stone (don't ask!)

Favourite Band? Back Street Boys

Miscellaneous Favourites:

Colour? Red (anybody seen my cell phone?)

Holiday? Christmas (gee...ya think!)

Hobby? Scores (wasn't sure he understood the term 'hobby' since he's always been very clear that his 'job' is scores. Explained to him that a hobby is something you do after work...like reading...or listening to music. "So, since your job is scores, Philip, what might your hobby be?", I asked. Without hesitation... "Scores!", he replied. No multi-tasking for Philip...he's clearly focused!)

Card Game? Crazy Eights (and he's remarkably good...just ask Aunt Sherry!)

Wrap up:

As a wrap up to the interview I thought I would just throw some names at him and asked him to respond with the first thing that came to mind. Here goes...

Stephen Harper...never heard of him (not so different from most Canadians, eh?)

Barack Obama...no idea

Elvis...boring music...boring movies

Bill Gates...no clue

Mark Twain...Shania's husband?

Mickey Mouse...Walt Disney

Moses...the wheels were turning...but couldn't remember

Jesus...He died on the cross

Santa Claus...presents

As we head into Christmas, let's not forget the 'reason for the season'. Enjoy your family...your friends...your faith...your favourites.

Philip will...you can count on it!