11

By Dr. Will

This blog post is inspired by Krissy Venosdale's post Eleven. Here are eleven random facts, followed by an answer to each of Krissy's eleven questions. 

Eleven Random Facts About Me:

1. I never, ever make the bed.
2. I order the same two things at restaurants, unless I am at an Italian or Mexican or sandwich spot. Those two things are a burger or a steak.
3. I am a converted Apple computer guy. Shhh... Don't tell my Mac friends.
4. I have a huge sweet tooth. Ice cream is my kryptonite. 
5. I cannot get enough of watching TV and movies. So much so that I went to film school. Yes, I have a B.A. in Radio, TV, and Film.
6. I broke my collarbone in my early teens.
7. I don't like eggs, cheese without meat, oatmeal, grits, shrimp, okra, or white milk. 
8. I think Chuck Bartowski is the man. Chuck was/is my TV show, except for the last season. They jumped the shark.
9. I was pretty much a C student in high school until the 11th and 12th grades. 
10. Last year, I wore a size 12 shoe; this year I wear a size 13 shoe.

Now, eleven answers to Krissy's questions… 

1.  What inspires you most  of all?

Engagement and dialogue and talking with people. Meeting new people of participating in discussions invigorate me. I get excited. I feel alive. I am energized by the exchange. 

I am inspired by my faith. One of the things I love most about Islam is seeing the many different faces and races at prayer. With so much drama and racism and sexism and folks segregating themselves. It's refreshing to see people not seeing you as a color, but as a brother and part of the human community.

2.  What is the best food you’ve ever tried while traveling?

When I used to live in Boston, the best food I ever ate was at a Dominican spot in Jamaica Plain. They made the best arroz con pollo. The lady would ask "Quieres jugo de pollo?" Do you want chicken juice on your rice? 

Do I? 

Claro que si!

3. What is your favorite holiday? Why?

My favorite holiday is any time I get to spend time with my wife. We have so much fun together. Traveling with her is the best. I am geeked about our next trip.

4. What is one school supply that you could not teach without?

Since I am an instructional technologist, the one school supply I absolutely need is my Macbook. Without, I couldn't deliver one workshop or do any of the other administrative aspects of my job. While I am thinking of it, I also need the internet. 

5. What’s your typical morning beverage?

I don't have a typical morning beverage. I prefer tea over coffee, but I normally don't make time to make myself a cup. My first beverage of the day is usually a soda. Yikes!

6. When you fly, window seat or aisle?

Easy. Window seat. I love looking out the plane and seeing what everything looks like. 

7. Describe the best teacher you had when you were in school.

My best teacher was my dissertation chair. Dr. Alyce LeBlanc is a champion of her students. She also knows how to get tough and how to get the best out of her students. Dr. LB will forever be a mentor. 

8. Do you enjoy cooking? Anything specific?

I can't say that I enjoy cooking. I very much do enjoy eating. 

My best dish used to be spaghetti, but my wife has bested me with hers. Currently, I am quite fond of my steak. However, I think the crockpot and the marinade do all of the work.

9. What book are you currently reading?

I am not currently reading a book. I read a lot of blog posts and magazines. My favorite magazine is Fast Company. Though, I am looking forward to buying Eric Sheninger's new book Digital Leadership. 

10. What’s your all time favorite movie?

"When Harry Met Sally" and "Brown Sugar." 

11. If at the end of your life, there is just room for one word on your grave marker, what do you think it will be?

Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah (SWT).