Skip to main content

The IF Factor: Questions Answered #21-30

21. If you had to select the one thing in life you feel the most guilty about, what would it be? 

I think it would be the standard of living we have all become used to enjoying here in the United States. We enjoy running water at the whim of a faucet, indoor plumbing with our toilets, plenty of options for food, and technology that is the essence of luxury. It's a rather guilty feeling I have when I think about other countries and the problems and hardships others have within their lives when it comes to these basic essentials we take for granted. How can you not feel guilty when you see children with no shoes or clothes struggling to simply survive, and we complain about things such as dropped calls or having no service on our cell phones? 

22. If you could rid the earth of one thing, what would it be? 

Selfishness. The world could use some more people that care about more things other than themselves.

23. If you were to close down any charity, which one would you pick? 

There are too many charities out there to really pick one. Especially after the last question of hoping more people would be selfless. However, if I had to pick one, I would go with one of those save the world or whales charities that really does nothing but wastes money.

24. If you could have overheard any specific conversation between any two people, which would it be? 

The conversation between President Obama and the leader of Navy Seals Six in the mission to capture/kill Osama Bin Laden. That would make for an interesting listen.

25. If you could have the hair of any Hollywood celebrity, whose would you want? 

Well, honestly, I simply wish I had hair! Why not go with the hair of David Beckham who is known for his many hairstyles, and the ladies loving all of them. Hey, why not?

26. If you had to describe the most memorable night of your life, what would you say?

My wedding reception.

27. If you would have the power to hypnotize anyone for the day, who would you pick and what would you have them do? 

I would pick OJ Simpson, and have him tell the truth on national television. Even though, you know, we all already know...

28. If you had to name the best album cover ever, which would it be? 

I would have to go with Pink Floyd's, The Dark Side of the Moon. The light, prism, and rainbow is one of the most iconic album covers to the point where it is synonymous with the band. Heck, there are shirts with the same graphic which have been become quite the fashionable look.

29. If you had to choose the one thing that gives you the most comfort, what would you say?

Faith. No doubt or question about it. What else really is there to have comfort in? This world is crazy and too unpredictable.

30. If you could have witnessed one event from your family's history, what would you want to see?

When my parents found each other again here in the States after losing touch for several years. 

Recently Read

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?