Who Am I Really?

Those of you on Facebook have seen this “25 Random Things” list thing popping up now and then. Well, I was finally tagged to write one, and I have to admit, it was a fun exercise. Here’s the list I posted:

1. Raising a family is the most fulfilling thing in my life.

2. With my wife being an international flight attendant, me a photographer, and Sophie adopted from China, there’s always something to talk about when we meet people for the first time.

3. I hope I’m a good influence on people.

4. I deeply respect a person’s individuality and means of expression.

5. I love riding my motorcycle nearly every day, but have to deal with tangled hair nearly every day. And no, I’m not getting it cut anytime soon.

6. Don’t laugh, but I very much enjoy musical theater and dig show tunes. Did I really just confess that?

7. I studied dance in college, and it gave me deep appreciation for movement, artistry, nuance, form and balance.

8. I taught scuba diving in San Diego for several years, and it was one of the best periods of my life. I miss teaching dearly.

9. I’ve been fortunate to dive the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador three times by setting up liveaboard yacht charters and sharing this incredible experience with friends and former students.

10. I love the way my house smells after a well-cooked meal. Tonight’s fragrance is the result of seared pork chops simmered in wine, rosemary and garlic (however, I did overcook the pork, unfortunately).

11. Although my 20+ years in graphic design were very stimulating and rewarding, the latter years were stressful beyond belief. I also repressed and denied my true calling to photography.

12. I’m fortunate to make a decent living from something I’m passionate about.

13. I enjoy socializing, and can keep a conversation going with just about anyone.

14. When I come across someone I know, I’m often the first to say hello. If I’m wearing sunglasses, I’ll take them off, even for a second, to make an eye connection.

15. I DESPISE the phrase, “Did you Photoshop that?” You’ve been warned.

16. I quietly smile to myself when people claim their camera takes bad photos.

17. Sophie and I want a dog, but we need to convince Nance.

18. I’m still emotionally connected to soul music of the 70s – “There’s a spark of magic in your eyes, Candyland appears each time you smile …”

19. I love my jeans and boots.

20. I play the guitar, but not as often as I’d like.

21. I do miss my surfing days.

22. I’m turning 50 this year. There, I said it.

23. I have a low tolerance for ignorance.

24. My family means the world to me.

25. You may not know it, buy I admire qualities in you, and I’m a better person for it.

25 [asterisk] If you want to know more, call me and let’s do a beer.