1. Who is your hero?
I don’t have heroes. Never have.
2. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
The 9 people I love the most (my family) are here in DFW! It’s not about the place. It’s about the people. We also live in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. We split time between two 3 lettered places, HSV and DFW. I love HSV so much I started a podcast, HSVInsideOut.com.
3. What is your biggest fear?
So many. 😉 Fear isn’t static. It’s always adapting and changing. But I’m not a fool. I have plenty of fears!
4. What is your favorite family vacation?
Don’t have one. Anywhere really. The people matter to me more than the place. These days, it’s me and Rhonda mostly. It suits me fine because she’s THE most important person in the world to me. Give me woods, mountains and more woods. Piney woods are my favorite.
5. What would you change about yourself if you could?
Boy, where to begin? But truthfully, the process of trying to become your best – that’s where the fun is. I don’t spend much time wishing I were something or somebody I’m not. There’s no point.
6. What really makes you angry?
Anger is too strong a word for it. Irked is more like it. Judgmental people with all the answers. Equal to that is hubris.
7. What motivates you to work hard?
Breathing. I grew up as a Baby Boomer. Our folks were World War II’s generation. Hard work was their way of life. It’s all I’ve known. Besides, I learned early on that effort can be a differentiator. It can make up for a lack of talent, which was vitally important for me personally. (smile)
8. What is your favorite thing about your career?
Which career? I feel like I’ve had so many. The favorite thing about my current work is helping others…and seeing them grow and improve. I enjoy playing a small role in helping others achieve their goals.
9. What is your biggest complaint about your job?
I don’t have a job, but I do have a career. Complaints are a waste of time. There are plenty of things I don’t enjoy, but mostly…I do them (or try to) anyway.
10. What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being a Christian. Second, being a Christian husband. Third, being a Christian father. Four, being a Christian grandfather.
11. What is your child’s proudest accomplishment?
You’d have to ask them.
12. What is your favorite book to read?
Other than the Bible (of course), the ones I’m currently reading.
13. What makes you laugh the most?
Things that are funny. 😀 (actually, sarcasm is a big, big player for me)
14. What was the last movie you went to? What did you think?
I’ve never been to a movie. The last movie I watched at home was…I can’t remember. I can tell you that I watch “The Accountant” every time it comes on.
15. What did you want to be when you were small?
Big.
16. What does your child want to be when he/she grows up?
You’d have to ask them. They’re already grown up.
17. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Can I do more than one thing? I’d love to get some sleep. Listening to music and reading would be on the list. Along with writing.
18. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
To watch? College football and NHL hockey. To play? Volleyball. I enjoy trash talking across the net. I’m an avid OU Sooner football fan.
19. Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
Drive a car.
20. What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Something Motown. Like Al Green. Or Curtis Mayfield. Or Marvin Gaye.
21. What two radio stations do you listen to in the car the most?
KTCK – The Ticket -AM1310 / FM96.7 (DFW) – I listen to the Musers every weekday morning (from 5:30-10AM; but I don’t listen to any other shows on that station) and KXT – FM91.7 (DFW public radio which plays great music). With Apple Play I listen to Apple Music or my iTunes library.
22. Which would you rather do: wash dishes, mow the lawn, clean the bathroom, or vacuum the house?
Vacuum
23. If you could hire someone to help you, would it be with cleaning, cooking, or yard work?
Yard work, but it’s not necessary. My wife loves to do yard work.
24. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I assume you mean one meal repeatedly for the rest of my life – as opposed to one last meal. It’d kill me, but I could eat Panda Express orange chicken and fried rice without getting too sick of it. I could also eat cheeseburgers without getting too tired of them. I’m especially fond of Johnnie’s Charbroil Burgers in OKC. And oh, yes…I gotta have the onion rings. You could also give me a fried catfish po’boy and onion rings from Mayeaux’s in Natchitoches, LA. As you can tell, my tastes run to the healthy!
25. Who is your favorite author?
I don’t have just one. It depends on the genre. I miss John D. McDonald as much as I miss any writer. I’ve had a lifelong admiration for Travis McGee. Sidney Sheldon was pretty solid, too. The writing of Hunter S. Thompson captivated me as a teen (and still does today). I enjoy Robert Ludlum. I still take strolls through all their work. Funny that when people ask about writers or authors, I gravitate mostly to fiction writers, but I don’t read that much fiction anymore.
26. Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
Not really. My uncle Pete, my dad’s youngest brother, nicknamed most everybody. He called me “Rondo.” My dad always calls me, “Ran.”
27. Do you like or dislike surprises? Why or why not?
Depends. Surprise parties – I hate them with a passion. I hate being the center of attention. Surprise checks or cash or gift cards? I love them. For obvious reasons.
28. In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
Watch a movie or read.
29. Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
Hawaii. I hate being cold.
30. Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?
Work the perfect job. I’m opposed to the lottery and gambling. Besides, work makes me better.
31. Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
Is Jennifer Love Hewitt available? 😀 My wife, of course. No contest.
32. If money was no object, what would you do all day?
Write and podcast. Sprinkle in some conversations with interesting people and record them. All kinds of people!
33. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
No particular year stands out. But I wouldn’t want to go back anyway.
34. How would your friends describe you?
I have no idea. You’d have to ask them. First, you have to find them. 😉
35. What are your hobbies?
Writing. Listening to music. Podcasting. Reading.
36. What is the best gift you have been given?
I appreciate all the gifts. Most recently (a couple of years ago), listeners of Leaning Toward Wisdom (podcast) supported me to buy a Rode Rodecaster Pro podcasting mixer. That was very gracious and I love it.
37. What is the worst gift you have received?
A gift is a gift. I appreciate them all.
38. Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Thing? Not a person? The thing would be music or words. Pick one, but I “need” them both.
I produced a podcast episode about some necessities: a bowl, a fork, and a glow-in-the-dark plastic mug. The daily thing used to be the plastic mug! It cracked and was replaced by a 30 ounce glow-in-the-dark tumbler (I never use the lid). It’s a game changer because ice will remain frozen for hours in it. It never contains hot liquid, only cold.
39. List two pet peeves.
Only 2? Ninnies. That encompasses TONS of my pet peeves. Ninnies are people who drive me crazy. That’s why years ago I registered the domain, SurroudedByNinnies.com. 😉 That catches both of my pet peeves!
40. Where do you see yourself in five years?
The cemetery is always a strong possibility. I don’t have a 5-year plan. My plans tend to be measured in hours, not years.
41. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Nine: 3 pairs of dress shoes, a pair of hiking boots, a pair of hiking shoes, and 4 pairs of sneakers.
42. If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Invisibility
43. What would you do if you won the lottery?
Repent for having played it in the first place. Go back and see question number 30.
44. What form of public transportation do you prefer? (air, boat, train, bus, car, etc.)
None really, but air probably – only because you get there faster (but the process is exhausting)
45. What’s your favorite zoo animal?
Monkeys! What else?
46. If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?
There’s one big thing I wish I could change, but going back in time wouldn’t likely provide the opportunity. You can’t live people’s lives for them. If I could go back in time AND if I could influence change (aka improvement) in others, there are likely many instances of time travel I’d embrace to help people avoid foolish/destructive choices.
47. If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
People mention religious figures like Jesus. I’d go there, too except I expect to spend Eternity with Him so sharing a meal isn’t really necessary. But otherwise, He’d top the list.
I’m curious about WAY more than 4 people. It’d likely depend on the theme of the meal. Do we want to laugh? Do we want to discuss neuroscience and brain chemistry? Do we want to discuss scripture? Do we want to talk about writing? Do we want to talk about making music? I could easily fill a table around any of those topics and many, many more.
48. How many pillows do you sleep with?
It’s a trick question. I don’t sleep. But when I try, just one.
49. What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep (and why)?
Oh, another trick question. I have no idea. A long time.
50. What’s the tallest building you’ve been to the top in?
Empire State building. Sear’s Tower in Chicago (I think they’ve named it something else now).
51. Would you rather trade intelligence for looks or looks for intelligence?
Lucky me. I don’t have to trade. I’m smarter than I am good-looking, but not by much.
52. How often do you buy clothes?
Almost never, but I do buy flannel shirts and beanies when they’re dramatically marked down. My wardrobe is best described as “comfortably cheap.”
53. Have you ever had a secret admirer?
How would I know? They’re a secret.
54. What’s your favorite holiday?
My wedding anniversary. Does that count?
55. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I’ve done many daring things. Being young and in love and asking Rhonda to marry me was pretty much at the top of the list though. She’s smart, so the risk was quite high she’d turn me down. 😉
56. What was the last thing you recorded on TV?
With streaming services there’s not much need to record anything these days. I do have a few things set to record – like 60 Minutes – but I rarely check them out.
57. What was the last book you read?
WAY too many to list. I’m always reading a few books. Simultaneously.
58. What’s your favorite type of foreign food?
Mexican. Chinese gets an honorable mention.
59. Are you a clean or messy person?
Clean.
60. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
James Garner. Guess it’s too late though. Bruce Willis could fit the bill, too (and I’m saddened by his current condition). No matter. Hollywood will never be that hard up for a storyline.
61. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
5 minutes (to be fair, I’ve never timed myself)
62. What kitchen appliance do you use every day?
Refrigerator
63. What’s your favorite fast-food chain?
I don’t really have one, but I’m a big fan of Panda Express.
64. What’s your favorite family recipe?
I don’t have one. I have favorite family dishes, but I don’t cook any of them. Or have the recipes.
65. Do you love or hate rollercoasters?
Love
66. What’s your favorite family tradition?
Don’t have one
67. What is your favorite childhood memory?
Playing with my Matchbox cars collection. Making forts and playing in the piney woods.
68. What’s your favorite movie?
I don’t have one, but I am fond of the James Garner movies, Support Your Local Sheriff and Support Your Local Gunfighter. I also love Paint Your Wagon with Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin (loved Lee Marvin in that film). It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is also a favorite. Cool Hand Luke with Paul Newman makes the list, too. In fact, anything with Paul Newman gets high marks from me. Did I mention that I watch The Accountant every time it’s on? I do the same when a Bourne movie pops up.
69. How old were you when you learned Santa wasn’t real? How did you find out?
I always knew Santa wasn’t real.
70. Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
I’m still looking for my glass.
71. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of love?
Rhonda could answer that.
72. What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
Music (an electronic device with TONS of music on it, headphones, and some solar charging capabilities). A Kindle device loaded with TONS of books. Lots of notebooks and pens to write.
73. What was your favorite subject in school?
History, psychology, and writing/speech (yep, 3 – not one; did I say that I hated math?)
74. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?
Went to dinner with some Chinese and Taiwanese business guys. Ate too many things I couldn’t identify. Weird.
75. Do you collect anything?
Not really as a collector, but I do have a few things I enjoy. Ballard Street prints (I own 4 and love them). Little knick-knacks here Inside The Yellow Studio (I’m always looking for unique stuff). Books. Music. Notebooks. Pens. Figurines. Unique stuff. Like those face mugs by Chip Fyn in the image header for this website.
76. Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion?
Bell bottoms.
77. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Introvert. I’m an INFJ according to Myers-Briggs.
78. Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Smell is pretty strong. And no, I don’t mean odor – I mean aroma. Hearing is important because listening is critical (and I love music). Sight is strong, but not technically superior. I’m a noticer though – so I’d give that the nod. Sight. I notice EVERYTHING.
79. Have you ever had a surprise party? (that was an actual surprise)
Once. I threatened all involved to NEVER do that to me ever again. Or I’d leave their lives forever.
80. Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?
No.
81. What do you do to keep fit?
For what? You think I’m fit? Thank you. Thank you very much.
Walk. I used to go to the gym regularly until this pandemic. I’m going to start back one day, Lord willing. Unless I die first.
I regularly practice intermittent fasting. I eat between 6 am and noon (not constantly, of course), then I fast from noon until 6 am the next morning. Nothing I’ve done works better for weight management.
82. Does your family have a “motto” – spoken or unspoken?
“You can’t fix stupid.” No, we don’t have a motto, but I may institute that one.
83. If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce?
No ninnies allowed. It would be a country with a tiny population.
84. Who was your favorite teacher in school and why?
Mrs. Dixie Holman, 5th grade. She encouraged me and believed in me.
85. What three things do you think of the most each day?
I think about Eternity and being responsible. That’s the overriding thought each day. And I’m always thinking about my family. Next, I think about how I can provide value to others.
86. If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Avoid Small Talk. Or, Leave Me Alone.
87. What song would you say best sums you up?
It’s always changing. Fountain of Sorrow by Jackson Browne when I’m feeling blue. I’m a big fan of sad songs, even though I’m very optimistic.
88. What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?
I don’t drink coffee. I only meet people at Starbucks for business meetings, but I never get anything to drink. As for the celebrity part, wouldn’t it have to be a Kardashian so I could leverage all the pics that would be taken of us? Surely I could make a few bucks off of that!
89. Who was your first crush?
I Dream of Jeannie. I loved Barbara Eden.
90. What’s the most interesting thing you can see out of your office or kitchen window?
Trees full of squirrels. Chipmunks are fun, but almost too fast to watch for long. Hummingbirds are fascinating.
91. On a scale of 1-10, how funny would you say you are?
I don’t know. You’d have to ask others, but I’d rather you didn’t.
92. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Dead?
93. What was your first job?
Other than chores around the house, it was probably cleaning newly constructed houses.
94. If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join?
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers or Counting Crows although wearing a matching suit and doing those moves with The Temptations would be very tempting (see what I did there?).
95. How many languages do you speak?
One (and some days that’s questionable)
96. What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
Too much like question number 66. None.
97. Who is the most intelligent person you know?
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson seems to be one of the most intellectual person I know of. Ben Shapiro is another brainiac. I know lots of sharp, smart people, but to award any single person with the trophy…I have no idea. When you lack brain “horsepower” like me, admiring the bigger brains on others isn’t hard. Almost everybody is smarter than me.
98. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?
Hermit crab
99. What is one thing you will never do again?
Eat dinner with Chinese or Taiwanese business guys
100. Who knows you best?
I’d assume my wife, but even she’ll tell you she’s not quite sure. The likely answer is nobody. 😉
