Sponsor 7 Q+As with Lance, owner of Dixon Graphics! Thank you for making all of our ideas come to life. Every time we pick up a poster or the programs, it feels like Christmas! The quality of your work made us look amazing.
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1. What are you grateful for today?
I am grateful for a garage to park my car in. Seriously, I’ve never had one before and it’s wonderful in bad weather!
2. Tell us about one of your friends and what you love about her.
My wife, Kerry, is my best friend. I love her single minded pursuit of excellence, whether it’s parenting, yoga, her teaching career, or that one Nina Simone track with that perfect rendition of an old jazz standard. Kerry’s high standards seem to elevate everyone around her, including myself (especially myself).
3. Describe one of the best days of your life.
My sister sent me 12 nearly expired coupons, each good for one free container of laundry detergent. I could only use one per store so I started on my way to 12 different grocery stores one evening. I turned on the radio and The Grateful Dead Power Hour was just underway. I spent my evening listening to some rare live tunes and picking up a year’s worth of free detergent. I thought to myself, “These are the little moments we need to enjoy in life” and as ridiculous as it sounds, I still remember how I felt driving around Champaign that night.
4. What’s the best lesson you learned from your mother/grandmother?
My grandmother enjoyed quiet, simple things like sitting on her porch on a nice summer evening. Thinking back on it, I learned how to appreciate stillness. Equally important, she taught me not to boil the ravioli too long!
5. We’re all unique. What is your special gift?
I think I have the ability to be the calm in the storm. I don’t rattle easily and I can focus when I’m surrounded by chaos.
6. What could women be doing to make their community a better place?
Both men and women should be active in the community in whatever way pleases the individual. The key is activity. Take a walk around Porter Park, bring the kids to the Boneyard Arts Festival, check out the latest exhibit at Krannert Art Museum. Simply inhabiting public spaces is one small way to strengthen our ties to the community (who, in fact, also inhabit the same public spaces).
7. What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
Swim in the ocean. I just feel like shark bait in the ocean.
