Not long ago an acquaintance of mine (could’ve been more if it weren’t for the fact that this person’s relationship with reality is…somewhat fluid) opined that I lacked self-reflection…or something to that effect. It was an unkind allegation, not to mention false. I dig self-assessment. I’ve never run into a personality test or IQ test that I didn’t give a whirl. Though I know they are specious at best I love taking those stupid Facebook quizzes. Oftentimes such evaluations (the real ones…not the ones on Facebook) can provide meaningful insight into one’s life, or atleast confirm things you already suspect. At any rate, I recently ran across this fairly comprehensive exam on Pinterest. Obviously it is meant to help one get acquainted with someone else, but I thought it’d be fun to answer the questions myself. It’s not a multiple choice type of thing…these are essentially essay questions, and they’re rather thought-provoking. Take a gander at my answers if you happen to have some free time, and ponder what your answers might be. The assessment itself is broken down into a few different sections, and for the sake of readability I think it best if I retain that format.

 

 

 

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

I would get a lot more reading & writing done, and probably binge watch more movies & TV shows. Those things probably sound mundane & unproductive, but if I was an ambitious individual who had goals like curing diseases, building a business empire, or procuring tremendous political influence I would have been working on such plans even while sleeping as normal. At this point in my life attaining what I consider to be “pleasurable knowledge” and writing The Manofesto are what I define as productive, while chilling out with a good show or movie is my relaxation.

 

What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own / owned?

I can’t think of one specific piece of clothing, but in general I’m a t-shirt & shorts/sweatpants kind of guy. I kick it up a notch when I go out in public because I’m not a slob, but I enjoy just hanging out at home in my old, beat up, super comfy clothes.

 

 

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Traveling. If I had the resources I would see the country and definitely visit some interesting locations across the globe.

 

What would your perfect room look like?

I’ve always wanted a classy den/study with lots of books and fancy leather furniture. I would probably spruce it up a bit with a nice sound system and a big screen TV. Think “man cave”, but not a Joe Sixpack man cave…more of a Joseph Humidor man cave. Sophisticated & elegant, but still comfortable & friendly.

 

 

How often do you play sports?

I am paralyzed and use a wheelchair, so I don’t play sports. However, I am a huge sports fan and watch ballgames all the time. I do play fantasy football, but I’m sure that’s not the intent of the question.

 

 

What fictional place would you most like to go?

A few places come to mind: Mayberry. The Shire from The Hobbit. The North Pole. 221B Baker St., the abode of Sherlock Holmes. The Batcave. Bedford Falls as depicted in It’s A Wonderful Life. Star Trek’s Enterprise.

 

 

What job would you be terrible at?

Anything requiring mathematics…accountant, engineer, banker. Math just isn’t my thing.

 

 

 

When was the last time you climbed a tree?

Never lol

 

 

 

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal for?

writing

 

 

What is the most annoying habit that other people have?

Oh wow…I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one.

 

 

What job do you think you’d be really good at?

writer

 

 

What skill would you like to master?

A few spring to mind. I would love to be a capable chef. I wouldn’t mind learning a few foreign languages. I’d like to be more comfortable with public speaking. As silly as it sounds I wish I was a better, braver driver. It might be helpful if I was more skillful at charming the ladies ;-).

 

 

What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?

I always thought it’d be cool to be one of those people who spend a summer traipsing across Europe.

 

 

 

If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you would live in for the rest of your life, what would the finished house be like?

I have actually given this considerable ponderation over the years. I wouldn’t want anything too conspicuous…I’m not out to impress passersby. I think I would like to re-create the living room of my parents’ house, my childhood home…especially the 70’s era wood paneling. I would have a huge kitchen with all the bells & whistles, including super modern stainless steel appliances, practically any gadget you can think of, and plenty of workspace. Of course I’d have the tasteful den/study/library that I eluded to previously. And here is where it gets weird. In that study I’d have a Shakespeare bust that, when lifted up, would have a hidden button leading to an elevator that would take me down to a replica of The Batcave from the campy 60’s TV show. In that cave/bunker would be a garage, a music room, a bedroom where I could sleep, & a TV lounge where I could read or watch movies, ballgames, etc. This would be designed so that I could hide from the world and no one would know that I was home. The “garage door” would be hidden and lead to a private access road that would eventually meet with the public road(s), but would otherwise be a secret entrance/exit.

 

What’s your favorite drink?

Iced tea or milk…just depends on my mood.

 

 

 

 

What state or country do you never want to go back to?

I haven’t traveled enough to strike anywhere off my list thus far.

 

 

 

 

What songs have you completely memorized?

Too many to mention. I appreciate many genres of music and love a plethora of songs.

 

 

 

 

What game or movie universe would you most like to live in?

I’m not a gamer at all. As far as movies, I could see myself settling down in the idyllic Shire from the Lord of the Rings & Hobbit trilogies.

 

What do you consider to be your best find?

I’m not really sure how to answer…the question is rather ambiguous.

 

 

 

Are you usually early or late?

I’m almost always early. I can’t stand being late myself and get annoyed with others who are always running late.

 

 

What pets did you have while you were growing up?

We had a mutt named Rags that I vaguely recall. He was an outside dog while I was an inside kid, so we weren’t that close. I also had a frog for a brief time, but he escaped his bowl and was never heard from again.

 

 

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

All people generally want from me is a sympathetic ear. I’m a good listener. I may offer some friendly advice, but I’m smart enough to know that most folks are bad at taking advice.

 

What takes up too much of your time?

I spend too much time watching television & waste too much time online. Due to my job my sleep schedule is totally wacky, so I spend too much valuable time…especially on weekends…sleeping.

 

What do you wish you knew more about?

Many things. That’s always been one of my problems…too many things interest me to the point that I never focused on anything specific.

 

 

What would be your first question after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?

Wow. I imagine I’d be a bit disoriented and want to know where I was, what year it was, etc. Beyond that I suppose I’d be curious about the fates of family & friends after I went into the deep freeze.

 

What are some small things that make your day better?

Little things that make me smile: Snuggling with my puppy…he’s so soft, warm, and cuddly. A glass of iced tea & a gentle breeze on a warm summer day. A big win by my favorite teams – Pittsburgh Steelers, Marshall Thundering Herd, & WV Mountaineers. The aroma of Italian food. A really restful night’s sleep, even if I have my usual Wacky Dreams. Puns. Getting really into a fun & interesting book. People who do funny spot-on impressions. Deep philosophical discussions with my brother The Owl. Anything with BBQ sauce. Nascar night races. What my pal Marc called “sippin’ music”, i.e simple, stripped down jazz or blues without a lot of extra effects. When it’s still daylight at 8pm. Trivia. Laughter, whether it is my own or someone else’s. Dessert. Taking a really good picture. A woman with a beautiful smile, regardless of whether or not she knows I exist (she usually doesn’t). Watching golf on TV, especially the final round of a major. Getting a haircut. Popcorn & chocolate covered peanuts while watching a movie in the theater. When a really kickass song comes on the radio while I’m driving.

 

Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?

Billy Joel. Van Halen. Bon Jovi. Journey. There are probably others that I’m not thinking of at the moment.

 

 

What shows are you into?

I watch reruns of The Andy Griffith Show almost daily. Ditto with Frasier. I love The Big Bang Theory. This Is Us and Designated Survivor are new favorites. I like a few ESPN shows…Mike & Mike, Highly Questionable, Pardon the Interruption. Monday nights are wrasslin’ nights, so WWE Raw.

 

What TV channel doesn’t exist but really should?

I can’t imagine that there is any need for additional television channels…I think we’ve got it covered. I suppose it’d be cool to create my own station…SamTV…and program it exclusively with shows past & present that I love as well as all of my favorite movies.

 

Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?

I respect the accomplishments of many people. However, professional success, fame, & financial gain don’t matter as much as a person’s character, how they live their life, & how they treat people.

 

What age do you wish you could permanently be?

Interesting question. Looking back I’d have to say 19 was a great age for me. Of course anything in the single digits…say the 5-9 age range…would be fun.

 

What TV show or movie do you refuse to watch?

Lately that has become a rather big list. I’ve tuned out all of the late night “comedy” shows now, and I used to LOVE late night television. Pretty much any kind of reality show is a turnoff for me. I detest The View and don’t get how it’s even still on the air.

 

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?

I love fall weekends with wall to wall football. Otherwise, generally I’d be okay with chilling out at home with Rocco, reading a lot, & vegging out with some good movies. I’m not exactly Mr. Excitement.

 

What is something that is considered a luxury, but you don’t think you could live without?

Is air conditioning still a luxury?? It was when I was a kid, but now it’s a must have. Cable & internet are technically luxuries I suppose, although I suspect most people have them nowadays.

 

What’s your claim to fame?

Nothing that I am aware of.

 

 

What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?

I still prefer an actual book to an e-reader. Otherwise I’m pretty open to new technologies.

 

 

 

What’s your favorite genre of book or movie?

I really like biographies. And with movies I prefer to laugh, so a good old-fashioned comedy is usually my preference.

 

How often do you people watch?

Not often. I prefer to keep to myself.

 

What have you only recently formed an opinion about?

I’m pretty opinionated, so I’ve had strong views about most hot button issues for quite awhile.

 

What’s the best single day on the calendar?

I’m partial to my birthday. I also like Christmas & Independence Day. The kickoff of the football season is always lots of fun.

 

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?

I don’t think my interests are that unusual. I’m not into anything that others haven’t atleast heard of. Now whether or not they share my fascination is a whole other thing.

 

How do you relax after a hard day of work?

Snuggle with Rocco. Watch a ball game. Catch up with my friends online.

 

 

What was the best book or series that you’ve ever read?

Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter are great series. As far as individual books, there are just too many to fairly narrow it down.

 

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?

Sadly I haven’t ventured out all that much or all that far. Everywhere I have been is within driving distance. I’ve never even been on an airplane.

 

 

What is the most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen?

Again, such a vague question. I’ve seen many heartwarming moments, in person & thru the magic of technology. Most of the time little babies and/or cute puppies are involved.

 

What is the most annoying question that people ask you?

“Can I help you??” I am in a wheelchair, so especially when I am out & about, getting in & out of my vehicle, inevitably someone wants to “help” me, but honestly those people are usually just slowing me down and getting in my way.

 

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Holy smokes…I’m not sure I could give a 40 minute presentation about anything. I could probably engage in a good conversation on many topics, but a presentation is kind of one sided.

 

If you were dictator of a small island nation, what crazy dictator stuff would you do?

I would probably banish everyone from the island so I could have it all to myself lol.

 

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

Oh there are so many directions one could go with this, but The Manofesto is family friendly so…

I’m going to go off the beaten path and say attend the symphony.

 

Would you rather go hang gliding or whitewater rafting?

Hang gliding. I’m afraid of heights, but I think I’d be more scared of drowning.

 

 

 

What’s your dream car?

a free one

 

 

What’s worth spending more on to get the best?

Lots of things. Brand names are brand names for a reason, especially when it comes to food & electronics.

 

 

 

What is something that a ton of people are obsessed with but you just don’t get the point of?

The Walking Dead. Scandal. Game of Thrones. The Kardashians in any form. Country & rap music.

 

 

 

What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?

I prefer to take things one day at a time.

 

 

 

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?

I haven’t traveled nearly as much as I’d like, so I don’t think anywhere I’ve been really stands out.

 

 

 

What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to it?

caviar

 

 

 

What’s the best thing that happened to you last week?

My birthday was last week and I had a nice dinner with my family.

 

 

 

What piece of entertainment do you wish you could erase from your mind so that you could experience for the first time again?

I’m just going to leave this one alone.

 

 

 

If all jobs had the same pay and hours, what job would you like to have?

writer

 

 

What amazing thing did you do that no one was around to see?

I honestly don’t consider anything I’ve done amazing.

 

 

 

How different was your life one year ago?

Not that different lol.

 

 

 

What’s the best way to start the day?

With kisses from Rocco, listening to some gentle music, & reading. I am not a morning person and I need to ease into the day. I definitely don’t hit the ground running.

 

What quirks do you have?

Oh wow. Well, I have an irrational dislike of the number 3 and its multiples. That’s pretty quirky, right??

 

 

What would you rate 10 / 10?

Probably nothing. My standards are pretty high, plus I always think there’s room for improvement.

 

 

 

What fad or trend do you hope comes back?

Does anyone remember Jams shorts from the 80’s?? I thought they were cool.

 

 

 

What’s the most interesting piece of art you’ve seen?

Though it may sound silly, I have an affinity for Dogs Playing Poker.

 

 

What kind of art do you enjoy most?

I’m not really into paintings or sculpture. I prefer the performing arts, and within that realm I really enjoy people who can do accurate & funny impressions.

 

What do you hope never changes?

Change is inevitable. So much has changed in my lifetime…some of it good, some of it not. I just roll with the punches.

 

 

What city would you most like to live in?

I would prefer to visit a few places before I’d commit to living anywhere. For instance, I think it’d be a lot of fun to spend a week or two in NY City, Chicago, Vegas, or anywhere near a beach…but I’m not sure I’d want to live in any of those places on a permanent basis.

 

What movie title best describes your life?

I have no idea lol.

 

 

 

Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now?

I needed a job. The job was available. It is work that I am physically able to do.

 

 

What’s the best way a person can spend their time?

I believe that depends on the person and varies on a day to day basis.

 

 

If you suddenly became a master at woodworking, what would you make? 

I suppose I could whittle some “knickie knackies” as my Dad calls them and sell things at the flea market. Unfortunately I’m not skilled like that.

 

Where is the most relaxing place you’ve ever been?

my apartment

 

 

 

What is the luckiest thing that has happened to you?

I’m not sure I believe in luck, and if it is actually a thing my life has trended toward bad luck. However, when I take the time to actually look at things objectively and reflect on my life I can see the blessings of God throughout.

 

Where would you rather be from?

I have a love/hate relationship with my home state of West Virginia. I appreciate its tranquil beauty and the solid values that were instilled in me from childhood, but I also recognize & lament the dearth of opportunity, limited worldview, and absence of exposure to better prospects in many areas of life. I have pondered what I as an individual and my life would have been like if I’d have grown up somewhere like Texas or Florida or California. Maybe I’d be more “successful” by the world’s definition of success, but would my personality be different?? Would my family life have been better or worse?? Would I actually be happier?? I don’t think it’s even possible to fathom the answers to those hypotheticals.

 

What are some things you’ve had to unlearn?

I’m not sure I’ve ever had to “unlearn” anything. I’m sure I possess plenty of knowledge that might be considered useless, but that’s alright with me.

 

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

This isn’t my favorite time of year. I’m not a fan of cold weather & snow. But I do look forward to Christmas and as long as it’s football season I can look forward to the weekends.

 

What website do you visit most often?

Facebook. My blog ;-). ESPN. My fantasy football leagues.

 

 

What one thing do you really want but can’t afford?

A vacation in Italy.

 

 

 

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?

I’m a homebody.

 

 

Where would you spend all your time if you could?

I’m not sure about ALL of my time, but I wouldn’t mind spending more time traveling & seeing the world.

 

 

What is special about the place you grew up?

The people. The slow, quiet pace. The solid values that are taught.

 

 

 

What age do you want to live to?

That’s not my call. It’s in God’s hands.

 

 

 

What are you most likely to become famous for?

It is unlikely that I become famous for anything, but I do harbor a desire to write a book and/or screenplay, so if that actually happens maybe I’ll stumble blindly into notoriety.

 

 

What are you absolutely determined to do?

I’m not sure I’m all that determined to do anything. I’m just living my life & doing my thing. I try to treat people well and hope they return the favor. If good things come from living like that I’d be glad for it, but I’m smart enough to know that driven, determined go-getters are more likely to attain success.

 

What is the most impressive thing you know how to do?

Did I mention this is a family friendly site?? 😉

 

 

What do you wish you knew more about?

Lots of things. I am intellectually curious about a whole host of topics. Sadly I am also lazy, cynical, & apathetic…not a great combination.

 

 

What question would you most like to know the answer to?

Why am I here?? What is my purpose??

Wow…that’s pretty deep ;-).

 

 

Whew!! That’s it for Part 1. I’ll get around to the next section when I have time. Until then, have a great day!!