Is there an age or year of your life you would re-live?
16: It might be fun to go back to that age and experience driving for the first time. To feel that freedom you get when you climb behind the wheel and just go. Late 80’s music in the cassette player, hair in the wind (use to have it), and no real commitments.
You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for?
What is your favorite form of physical exercise?
Walking or hiking is a great way to get the legs moving. Nice to get out in nature and get some fresh air. I bought a bike recently so I have been enjoying riding it as well.
How much would you pay to go to the moon?
Not much. I would love to go but I wouldn’t waste my life savings on it.
What have you been working on?
YouTube – it’s a constant. Always upgrading and changing to stay fresh. Not sure it helps but it doesn’t hurt to try.
When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?
Four came to mind.
Close to home: My dad. Grew up without a lot of money. Managed to finish college and get a degree. He isn’t wealthy in money but he had a lot of success along the way. Raised a family and managed to make sure we were all taken care of and loved. To me that’s a success.
Celebrities:
Jimmy Buffett. He had some hits but nothing like Margaritaville. He turned that one song into an empire.
Sam Raimi: He made a low budget movie called The Evil Dead and is now directing blockbusters.
James of the YouTube Channel Dead Meat: Almost 7 million subscribers and is becoming a known name in the horror industry.
When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?
There have been several of those moments in my life, maybe even more than several, but buying a house with my wife, buying my first car, and kids being born. I felt like a true grown up in those times.
If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to?
Me – kidding, I think, but in all seriousness a million dollars to various charities and organizations that help the environment would be the way to do it. Pick 10 and give them all 100,000 each.
What’s something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail.
For some reason rock climbing came to mind when I read the question. It’s the one thing that would be nice not to fail at.
Who are your favorite artists?
Music:
Jimmy Buffett is my number one. Been that way since the Nineties and through all my musical shifts he’s always been there.
Other bands that are favorites are Dawes, Rush, Metallica, Def Leppard, Tesla, and as of late Stevie Nicks has been one I am enjoying a lot.
I have also gotten into extreme metal and if you can handle it Cattle Decapatation and Lorna Shore are a must for me. Also would throw in Ice Nine Kills too.
Books:
Stephen King, Anne Rice, Jimmy Buffett, Agatha Christie
Movies:
Ozgood Perkins has become a new favorite director. He’s the son of Anthony Perkins. He directed Longlegs, The Monkey, and I am the pretty thing that lives in the house to name a few.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
Hiking and Cycling are ways I try to stay healthy and fit. Great ways to pass the time.
Creativity helps my mind stay sharp and I try to read as much as I can.
What’s the trait you value most about yourself?
Honesty. I try to always be as open as I can. What you see is what you get.
What could you do more of?
Grab a book and read for hours. I read at bedtime mostly and rarely beyond that time. Used to be I would never put a book down.
What things give you energy?
A good hike, walk, or bike ride helps keep the mental energy strong so does a good nap.
Getting lost in music helps to keep my physical energy strong. Losing yourself in a song just creates a vibe that makes your body feel alive.
Eating the right foods too. Healthy options fuel me much better than junk food but I do love my junk food. I can’t lie about that.
What would your life be like without music?
Empty. I do not go a day without listening to music. It helps in so many ways. It lifts you up, helps you relax, helps you to be in the moment, passes the time, and many more reasons beyond that. I’d be lost without it.
How do you celebrate holidays?
We usually only decorate and dive deep into Halloween and Christmas. We enjoy putting up decorations and watching movies that represent either one of those holidays. Most other holidays we take it easy and relax and enjoy the time off from work and the school routine. Thanksgiving (we live in the U.S.) is spent with family close by but travel is never part of our holiday plans. Too busy. Better to stay home.
What are your favorite types of foods?
Cinnamon Rolls.
Pizza.
Cereal.
Broccoli – love it roasted with garlic and olive oil.
Cornbread.
Oatmeal.
And there are others but the mind is blank. Trying to cut back on the sweets as I age but anything sweet is also a go to for me. Hard to resist.
How often do you walk or run?
3 to 4 times a week is my goal. I don’t always meet that but that’s what I try to do.
Do you see yourself as a leader?
I stay home with my kids and that leads to a lot of leadership type moments. You run the house – choosing dinners, when chores have to get done, keeping everyone in line for school, etc. – so you kind of have to be in charge. Everyone is looking up at you for whatever they need. In that way I do see myself as a leader even if leading isn’t always suited to my personality.
What’s your favorite word?
Bombastic.
Use it often when something is loud and aggressive. I think I misuse it often but it’s a fun word to say.
A Poetry Journey 