What I Like to Do When I'm Not Working . . .
Though far from a perfect dad or husband, a big priority for me is my family. Life is full of distractions and even good opportunities can obscure our vision and commitment to what is most important. Success at work is important and attractive, publications bring a kind of immortality, service to important causes I care about, and success in my hobbies are also important to me. However, I try not to let those keep me from attending to my most precious relationships with my wife and kids..
I have a lovely wife, Rachel, who, in a moment of weakness, agreed to marry me in 1993. We have a daughter, Alaina, and a son. Both were born in December so Christmas "Break" is hardly that in our house! Rachel has a master’s degree in Communication Studies as well and teaches part time at UNCW while also being an accomplished "solopreneur" as a speaker and writer.
Music also plays an important part in my life. I have been a part of several worship bands in local churches and enjoyed that a lot. I've also been in a band with several faculty members here at work. We started 20 years ago as a loose collection of guys just trying to survive an on-campus talent show. We enjoyed ourselves so much we decided to keep at it (I have no idea whether the folks in the audience enjoyed it!). Eventually we became The Schoolboys and we played about once a month at area clubs and restaurants and the occasional private party. I play keyboards and harmonica and sing. I really enjoy blues influenced rock and R & B. You can check out our sound on the website! We've closed out that project after 20 years unless someone throws down some huge donation for a reunion. What's next? Not sure! I write songs as well to explore emotions and ideas that seem worth it.
Okay, my family, my hobbies, now, what is my escape? HOOP! I enjoy basketball a lot too. Prefer point guard and defense. A bounce pass that gets a guy a lay up and has the defense talking to each other is my idea of a good time. Now that I'm not so hyper, I've actually got a jump shot. My Dad played high school ball in Brooklyn NY and even some small-time college ball. He was an old-school shooter (two handed set shot just like on Hoosiers) and always regreted that they didn’t have the three-point line when he was playing. He’s also pretty sure that Bernard King (NBA top 50 legend) broke his Fort Hamilton High School scoring record.
Feel free to drop in and talk more about life and the "big picture" issues that should be a key part of your college experience. I'd like to hear your life story too!