The Interview

I was honored recently to receive an interview request from Dan Hughes, noted British cultural anthropologist, parenting expert, and Diet Coke addict. Here is his penetrating interview with me:

What subject you teach your son do you feel least confident with?

Math, without a doubt. Only because my foundation in math is like a rickety old bridge that wasn't built quite right. I can do the work, but the process is kind of shaky, and it feels like my mental calculations might fall apart at any time.

I have great confidence in almost every other subject. Language skills have always been a strength. I was almost the spelling champion of my sixth grade class, only my teacher disqualified me for not spelling "Atlantic" with a capital "A"... Thirty years later, I'm still bitter about it and refuse to swim in that ocean. History is a favorite subject, and something that I seek out in books and magazines.

So, while teaching my son, I only have to fake my enthusiasm with math. I put on a brave face so he doesn't see my fear. The last thing I want to do is pass along my insecurities about numbers.

What did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be the next Steven Spielberg. Or George Lucas. Whichever one would give up his throne to me. From the age of 12 until about 20, my goal was to become a movie director. At some point reality set in and I set my sights on the world of television production. Eventually I started thinking about the news industry, both TV and radio. You see, my goals kept getting smaller and less ambitious. My last gasp with film and broadcasting was as a radio DJ in college.

What do you sing in the shower?

"Standing In The Shower Thinking" by Jane's Addiction.

Also, "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles. And "Earn Enough For Us" by XTC.

Mostly, though, I try to respect the restraining order my family has issued against my shower singing.

Where did you meet your wife?

She was a bridesmaid, I was a groomsman. Mutual college friends were getting married, and for months they kept telling us about each other. We didn't actually meet until the wedding rehearsal. It was love at first sight. Our first date was the day after the wedding. I'll never forget how incredibly geeky and awkward I was (which is easy because I'm still geeky and awkward) as we ate dinner at the Biscuitroot, watched The Naked Gun at the Kenworthy, then laughed over dessert at Karen's Ice Cream Shop (this all took place in Moscow, Idaho). A year and a half later, we were the ones getting married. We recently celebrated our 17th anniversary.

What is your bank account number and credit card details?

Curious you should ask me this. I just recently received the same query from an attorney who represents certain financial interests in Nigeria. I'm not at liberty to discuss the details, but let me assure you that very soon I will be hosting a daddy blogger retreat on a private island in the Bahamas - all expenses paid!