It’s Q & A Day

Robin asked : If you could teach the readers anything, what are you an expert at? 

A: I often wonder if the old adage: Jack of all trades, master of none, was written about me. I guess I have become somewhat of a Renaissance man over many years and many professions. I'd say it has helped me, more than hurt me. One of the most positive aspects, as I see it. Is that it has created in me, a thirst for knowledge. I love to read, and I gravitate, towards more non fiction titles as I once told you. So, it would be disingenuous on my part, to claim to be an expert on anything. However, I did make a living, for nearly 25 years, as a karaoke DJ. And what I came to realize, was that it was really about pleasing the people most. 

I could teach you a great deal about how to run all types of equipment, how to work a song rotation, and the best way to protect your equipment, but learning to handle a crowd, well you either have it, or you don't. And I figured out rather early, that the ones that had it, eventually were going to become your competitors. Meanwhile, they just pick your brain of all the stuff, that it took years for you to figure out, until they think they're ready to strike out on their own. 

I drew crowds. I was the only karaoke show that I was aware of, that not only charged a $5 cover charge, but would routinely have a line of people waiting to pay it! I was good at my chosen craft. I dare say, that I was even great. I worked my audiences, and being entertained was something they expected which would bring them back night after night. I enjoyed what I did, and only quit due to health reasons. 

While laying in a hospital, after having my first stroke, that's right, I said my first, a doctor held my chest xray, while summizing that I was a two pack a day smoker. He was in disbelief when I told him I hadn't smoked a day in my life. The moral of that story, is never let someone tell you that second hand smoke will do you no harm! I'm living proof, that's not the case. 

As I said before, you have it or you don't. Public speaking is not for everyone. It's not about imagining that your audience is in their underwear. If you are an entertainer at heart, you will eventually learn to master a crowd, but I suppose I could help you get there faster!

I want to do something with my life, so that someday when I get out of this bed, I can point to my time here as productive, and not wasted. I don't know yet, what that something is. Maybe I'll write a book, or I'll go back to school, or I'll learn another language. I haven't decided yet. Perhaps you have some ideas. 

I need to challenge myself. To give myself something to reach for, that makes me a better person. I am open to your suggestions, although I reserve the right to make the final decision. 

Before my stroke, I was enrolled at Purdue University in Health care Administration. I carried a 4.0 GPA. I was pretty proud of that. So, that's the direction I'm leaning, although I would probably change my major. 

At this point of my life, I'm not looking for a vocation, I'm just interested in the learning. I've always said, if I ever stop learning, I'll stop living!