Skip to main content

The IF Factor: Questions Answered #441-450

441. If you could pick one famous person to be your neighbor, who would you have next door to you?

Harold Reynolds. He's not super famous, but the guy is well-known enough to be pretty awesome to live next to. Being able to talk baseball with Reynolds would be a pretty sweet deal. 

442. If you could change one thing about your home, what would you make different?

Well, since I live in an apartment in New York City, I guess my answer would be to live in a home...with space, a backyard, a garage, and a basketball hoop in the driveway. Yes, sometimes I jones for that life - sue me. 

443. If you had to choose the most important single event of this current century, what would win the honor?

September 11th, 2001. I truly believe our world change in many ways following those horrible tragedies.

444. If you were asked what to put in a new breakfast cereal box as a gimmick, what would you pick?

Coupons for more cereal. That's the adult in me. The kid in my would say toys, but kids don't play with toys anymore. So maybe a free download of a future video game yet to be released? 

445. If you could change one thing about your city or town or neighborhood, what would you alter?

Less crime. New York City is as safe as it's ever been since growing up here. However, being even safer would be nice, especially in some neighborhoods. 

446. If you had to pick the most important quality for a leader of your country, what would it be?

Integrity. 

447. If you had to describe your worst medical experience, what would it be?

I guess it would be the three surgeries I had on my feet as an infant. It delayed my walking, and changed my active life forever. 

448. If you could go back in time just long enough to tell the founding fathers of America one thing, what would you tell or warn them of?

Abolish slavery from the beginning. Imagine if the slave trade never happened, what would race relations in our country - even the world - be like. Also, if granted a second chance to ask another, I would ask for them to clarify the "right to bare arms" amendment which has left us to too many interpretations for so long.  

449. If you could eliminate one habit you have, what would you stop doing?

Staying up late. I'm easily a night person - it's when I blog, get work done if needed, and do my best thinking. However, as I get older, I'm learning I can't burn both ends as well as I used to. And getting up early is more important now than it has ever been. And shockingly, getting up earlier just works better as an adult. 

450. If you could have witnessed any biblical event, what would you want to see?

To be there when the stone was removed and the guards realized Jesus was not in the tomb. I can only imagine what that day was like when everyone realized he arose. Imagine that?

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?