What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I don’t watch much movies. For example, I have never seen any of the Star Wars films. I wasn’t brought up on the typical diet of films. My parents didn’t want too much raw imagery in my head growing up.
Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?
Not really, because I always feel like I need to do something. I believe that it comes from a place of unproductivity. Rest is productive but laziness is not. One comes from purpose and intention while the other comes from the lack thereof.
What could you try for the first time?
I could go skydiving. My friend Nick has asked me a couple of times, but I’ve never accepted. This year could be the year of another first!
What makes a good neighbor?
There’s an adage that states “Good fences make good neighbors.” A good neighbor is someone who recognizes their boundaries. This is based on mutual respect and integrity. Otherwise the person will become a nuisance.
This question reminds me of Steve Urkel’s character in the TV show “Family Matters”. He was often the comic relief of the show. His comedic value was shown in the way he constantly interacted with his next door neighbors, the Winslows. He would constantly appear in the Winslows’ house without invitation and inadvertently cause mischief. Often times Steve’s presence in the house caused a lot of consternation to the patriarch of the family, Carl Winslow.
Steve did not know his boundary with the Winslow and a bad neighbor will exhibit the same awareness. Neighbors have to be aware and respect their neighbors boundaries. Otherwise they will be a pain in the side much like Steve Urkel.
What principles define how you live?
I try to live my life as close as I can, to my understanding of the Bible. Without it, my life would be in much worse shape. There are so many principles, but I will be more selective for the purpose of this blog post.
The principles taken from the book of Proverbs are the ones that have had the most profound impact. Solomon was the richest man to ever live, so he must know something about life and how to be good at it (despite his flaws).
Let’s take for example this one:
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…
This infers that your thoughts have the power to manifest your external world. Or put another way, your present circumstances are determined by the thoughts you previously had.
There are a myriad of other proverbs from that book. They articulate profound principles and are worth reading. There are 31 chapters in the book so you can go through the entire book by doing a chapter a day. It will do wonders for your mindset.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
My favorite hobby nowadays is to read and ingest all the political news that’s out there on social media. But it’s mainly through Twitter. (I still refuse to call it “X”.) I can get so lost in consumption that I forget to be a learner and a producer. The news of the day is a very compelling product.
Also, another one of my favorite hobbies is working out, especially in the morning. It’s critical for me to get a good sweat before I start the rest of my day. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something. Therefore, I can check it off my list.
Your life without a computer: what does it look like?
I think I’d be working on a farm somewhere. Honestly.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Keep a schedule and be 15 minutes early.”
Walk with speed.
Both from my dad.
What are your favorite types of foods?
My favorite type of foods are Italian and Chinese cuisine. In most of their dishes there is a rich broth or sauce that accompanies the meal, which I tend to relish and main source of a carbohydrate (e.g., rice or pasta).
For Italian cuisine, my favorite is lasagna, a dish (when it’s done right) has a rich sauce that is layered with the many levels of lasagna noodles, cheese, and meat. My dad first introduced me to this dish and I thank for it to this day.
For Chinese, my favorite has been Beef and Broccoli. The name is self explanatory but there is a sauce that mostly based on corn starch that is so good. When I was in college I would typically ask for extra sauce and drink the excess. I have since matured.
Now I try to limit the calories therefore limit the sauces in my meals. I want to preserve my body for many years to come.
Have you ever been camping?
I have never been camping. I was born and raised in the city, so there was never a great desire to go explore the great outdoors. However, I do recognize that camping brings you closer to nature and takes you away from the comfort provided by modern technology. Camping makes one less reliant on the shelter provided by brick-and-mortar structures that have easily accessible indoor plumbing and electricity.
#postdated