Thanks to my friend Glen I have been sucked into the chain "getting to know you" world. I have decided to skip the 11 random facts about myself so that I remain the mysterious enigma that I am. I am also skipping the 11 questions for others as I already know more than I want to about the people around me and I am trying to embrace a more "ignorance is bliss" lifestyle. I will, however, answer Glen's 11 questions since to not would be rude.
- If you morphed into an all-round Olympic athlete, what would be your Winter Sport and your Summer Sport? Tough one as I would pretty much compete in anything if it meant I could attend the Olympics, heck I would even be the equipment guy. However, if I could I would choose slopestyle snowboarding for winter and archery for the summer because these are the first events of their respective Olympics and it would mean I could just hangout and take it the experience for two weeks (with a gold medal hanging around my neck of course).
- What was the most interesting book or written work you read in 2013 (and was it paper or digital)? A tough one as I read some good books in 2013. I think the most interesting book I read was the Sports Gene by David Epstein. It is the rebuttal to books like the Talent Code and Talent is Overrated and discusses athletic achievement from the genetic standpoint. After doing a lot of reading on the 10,000 hours path to success it was interesting to read some of the counter arguments.
- What is a major change you would make to the BC Education system? I would give teachers a new contract with a decent raise. Yes, I know it is not in fashion to say it is about the money but teaching is my job and I am tired of losing ground as part as my earning power and standard off living go. On top of that I actually think the public education system is not in need of a major overhaul. We do a fantastic job of getting educating a very diverse group of learners. Yes, the system does not meet the needs of everyone but often those individuals have needs beyond what an educational system was designed to address. The best thing we can do for our youth is put them with caring, knowledgeable adults and when this happens the system works. Sadly, this seems to be more and more difficult as labour uncertainly, earning power, and public perception is pushing teaching to a second rate job from a noble profession.
- What is a work of art (any genre or form) that inspires or challenges you? I am still a sucker for poetry, even though I don't read as much as I used to or should.
- Considering the wealth of oil in northern Alberta that we seem
anxious to liquidate in a single generation, are you in favour of the
Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline? Well, very current events of you to ask. I am not in favour of Enbridge in the sense that I of course want to see our environment protected and our waterways and wildlife remain for generations to enjoy. However, the more practical part of me sees northern communities dying and I am tired of people having to move south to large urban centers for opportunities and services. Something needs to happen for the the north to remain viable as a place to live and to bring people back and rebuild our towns. If it is not going to Enbridge we need to have a plan for something else.
- What is a food experience that you wish on your children (or nieces/nephews)? food experience? Not sure what this means, I hope they always have enough.....
- If your house was burning, but insurance would cover the obvious
expensive items and your family & pets were safe, what meaningful
artifact would you rescue from your home? I would choose my hard drive with my photos. Real simple and not too deep but I have spent lot's of time documenting my life with my wife and kids and I would want to keep those memories not as much for myself but to share with my kids as they get older.
- If you had to pick a different career than the one you're in, what would it be? I am really not sure about this one. Like anyone I often think the grass may be greener in another career but nothing I can think of would fit my lifestyle and personality as much as teaching so unless I was able to be a professional athlete I have no clue what I would be doing.
- If you were to ever publish a book, what would you like it to be about? Probably a children's book of some sort where I could rhyme, use photos and include sappy motivational messages that I am a sucker for.
- What was a great event or experience in your work life from 2013 (e.g. teacher experience for many of you)? I had a lot of good moments in 2013 but most likely one of the best was getting a little more diversity in my job. Teaching soccer, working at the Sport School and still keeping a hand in social studies has a really nice way to keep things fresh without changing gears entirely.
- What was a great family moment from 2013? Lots of great family moments but I would say the hot days at the lake this summer was the highlight. Nothing beats having family and friends around with lots of sun and water to play in.
Well there you go my first task of 2014 done!
