Maryland Bachateez Danielle challenged me to write 20 things about myself that nobody (or a small few) knows about me... (Danielle... why... T_T) But as I knew it was the risk when I signed up, here we go: 1) I’m the youngest of three children in my family; I have two older (biological) sisters. I think that a significant reason for that is because a: I was the biggest one that was born and b: I was the only one Dad saw being born. After me, Mom said “There, you have the son! That’s all for me!” 2) Speaking of my sisters, I have another thing besides my gender that distinguishes me from them. I’m the only one in my family who didn’t go to a HBCU (Historic Black College/University) for their undergrad degree. I ended up going to Mount Saint Mary’s College (fondly known as The Mount) which is located in Northern Maryland. If you’re ever on the road to Gettysburg, PA, you’ll likely pass by it. 3) I’m pretty much a lifelong Marylander; lived in it all my life, and proud resident of Prince George’s County. I’m aware that some people think less of the county and not entirely without cause. But it’s my home! 4) Okay; there is one exception to the above fact: during the summer between my Junior/Senior years of college I worked for the National Park Service at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. It’s located in Gettysburg very close to the battlefield. I wasn’t officially the park ranger, but I was one in all but official title. Man I miss that uniform and badge… T_T 5) The fact that I’m a practicing Catholic isn’t much of a secret (those who see my medals know it kind of gives it away.) Most people don’t know however that in my younger years I has seriously considered and even pursued the priesthood. (What happened? Long story I’m NOT telling on FB.) 6) Speaking of my Catholic Faith, I’m still rather active in my home church of Holy Family and help out whenever I can. I frankly grew up there and still go there since it isn’t that far from Forestville. It’s one of the few things that take priority to my duties with the salsa community. (Fortunately they seldom conflict outright.) ^_^ 7) When I was very young there was an interesting story in regards to my 12th Birthday. I had a party in my basement and several of my friends/classmates were there. Eventually they had asked if dance music could be played. Leta (one of the older sisters mentioned above) said that would only happen if someone danced with me. I panicked so much I tried to escape up the stairs. It would be quite some time later before I gathered the courage to even dance with a girl. (I know; considering what I do for fun now, many would find that very hard to believe.) 8) I did play football for a little bit during my first two years of High School. I… wasn’t very good at it. I did get a reputation however as someone who would not give in even if there was no chance of making it and would persevere. 9) I was actually on the track team briefly in both grade and high school. I threw the shot put and the discus. 10) When I was going through the basement of my parent’s house a few months ago, I found something that was given to me my junior year of high school: the Pope John Paul II Disciple of Christ Award. When I feel that I haven’t done much to make a difference in the world, it gives me motivation and reminds me that once upon a time, I did make a difference and I still draw breath; so I can still do so. 11) A lot of people don’t think I drink. I do drink on occasion but it’s very rare. In fact while in college, I could be at a big party and be the only person in the room who would not drink. You can imagine that this meant when I turned 21, certain friends were waiting with pineapple juice/vodka in their hand and a gleam in their eye! 12) I’ve only traveled out of the US once; during a weeklong trip to the Canada side of Niagara Falls. I’m certainly not as well traveled as both of my sisters are… T_T 13) My first salsa teachers were Ann and Dan Roman. For those who never heard of them, they used to teach at Clarendon Grill before Keith Givens took over. One thing I’ve always wanted to go, since I have dancers who regard me as their first teacher now, was to do a “generations” photo. Now if I could just find my camera… 14) I’ve been dancing since 2002; which means I’ve been doing it for 11 years! I’ve missed celebrating my 10 year anniversary last year but perhaps I can celebrate in 2015. By then I will have danced for 13 years and be a teenage salsero! ^_^ 15) My guilty pleasures: I love to watch the Comedy Central Roasts and the online show “Death Battle.” I wouldn’t mind be roasted one day myself. 16) My Bachelor’s Degrees from the Mount were in Philosophy and History (double major) and I have a Master’s Degree from Strayer University in Business Administration. I actually graduated from Strayer with a 4.0 GPA! 17) People often ask if I like salsa or Bachata more. The official answer: do I really have to choose? 18) I’ve always wanted to learn a foreign language. Of course I took some classes in high school and college but they weren’t my strong suit. And ideas on what I should learn? 19) I can space out rather easily and if I focus on something, I can generally tune out anything else. So if you approach me and I seem dismissive/cold, I might be focusing on something and it takes time for me to snap out of it. 20) I generally don’t talk too much about myself. Not sure how interesting the above was, but I usually don’t think of myself as too interesting (although I know we tend to be our own worst critic.) So Danielle, just to give an idea of how hard it was for me to think of 20 things… ;)
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 00:10:06 +0000