An Interview with joeblack

I love interviews. Always have. I love the tough questions, the banter, the back and forth. I love the insight that comes from answering questions that you didn’t see coming.

In the 32+ years I’ve been writing this column, I’ve actually used this space to have a couple of interviews. I’m going to do that again today. But with myself in both roles. Just a fun little bit of creative thinking. So here goes.

What did you have for breakfast today?

Really? That’s the best you can do? Same as always. Scrambled eggs. Almond flour pancakes with maple syrup. Chocolate almond milk. If it were Sunday, it would include Benton’s bacon. Always.

So what does 65 feel like? 

I don’t know. I’m still trying to figure it out. I know that it sure doesn’t feel like I thought 65 would feel like. 

Mountain or beach?

Do I have to decide? I guess it would have to be the mountains but I don’t want to live in a world that doesn’t have beaches.

What are some of your fondest memories?

Growing up in a place where I could get up on a summer morning, hop on my bike, and not be expected home until dinner time. Boy Scouts. Getting married. Finding my career. Having kids. Watching those kids grow up. Grandkids. And then there was high school football.  One of the best things I've ever done.  Playing with kids that I grew up with.  Coming together as a team.  Winning a championship. 

Did you learn anything from that?

Oh yeah. I learned that if you work hard at something, you can achieve it. I learned the value of being physically and mentally prepared so that you can take on anything. I learned the joy of physical exertion and the satisfaction of putting everything you have into something bigger than yourself.

What’s the biggest mistake you ever made?

I don’t really agonize over mistakes I’ve made. I actually embrace most of them. Now don’t get me wrong-I’ve made plenty of mistakes. Lots, actually.  (Some I’ll never admit.) But the person that I am today is in large part because of those mistakes. Most of the time I learned from those mistakes and even when I didn’t, they’re still responsible for helping me become who I am. And I’m pretty OK with that. 

But surely you would change something about your life. 

Oh for sure. The people I’ve hurt. I wish I hadn’t done that. Some opportunities I’ve missed. I wish I had become kinder and gentler earlier in my life. I wish I had been a better husband and father. I was too busy trying to figure out who I was back then. I wish I had learned to leave my comfort zone behind a long time ago. 

So what’s next for you?

More adventures. More getting outside that comfort zone. More time with my wife. Ride a bike.  I want to teach my grandchildren how to play tennis. And how to love unconditionally.

When are you going to retire?

I get that question about ten times a day. I’m not retiring any time soon. I’m having too much fun.