An Exceptional Interview

Michael C opens himself to questions every Tuesday. It is August, it is hot, and I thought it might be fun to be "interviewed" by him when he provided the opportunity.

1. Why did you begin blogging?

My first blog started as a "He says/She says" kind of thing with a friend of mine. We covered a few topics and then... it kind of died. I then started a family blog for friends and family rather than sending them updates as to every little thing that was going on in our lives. That seemed to work well, but I did not feel free to discuss other topics due to the audience. Thus, The Exception was born. I can express thoughts, pose questions, and spare my friends and colleagues from having to listen to my mind's curiosities.

The benefits have been exposure to some very interesting people and their perspectives - and a return to the ability to tap into the male mind, if only a little. Having grown very close to a few guys in the past few years only to have them get married and/or move... I missed that male perspective. The Exception and blogs allow me to have that again in a sense, and from all over the world!

2. What is the most embarrassing thing that the Diva has ever asked you?

The Diva truly doesn't embarrass me with her questions. The first time she asked about sex, I was a bit surprised as I didn't expect it so soon. Though I probably should have. She started showing an interest in the biological process of babies when she was about 4.

I am trying to build a relationship with her in which no question is off limits. She asks about anything and everything - neither of us are embarrassed.

Her statements, on the other hand, can cause me to squirm. When she was 3, she informed one of my coworkers that I have big breasts. I could have died.

3. Can you share with us the meaning of The Exception

The Exception - that is me. From the way I dress to the way I think...I am simply an exception to the text books and the statistics. Some go out of their way to be different while others defy their personality to be one of the crowd. I was an exception from an early age. I had two choices - accept it or live a life in conflict. For the most part, "The Exception" is the most direct and simple way to describe myself.

4. If you could do ANYTHING career wise in life, what do you wish it would be?
My dream career is two pronged. I would like to perform serious analysis in my field without fear of the information being politicized or changed to meet an agenda. I am truly not sure that this is possible, but we are talking dream professions!

Then, I would like to teach/lecture in a college setting. I would like to work with people on deductive reasoning, research, analytical models, and encourage them to see all angles regardless of the politics. I would like to teach future leaders and analysts to look at situations through non-ethnocentric eyes.

5. Of all the foods you have ever tried, what is the one meal that could be most enhanced by adding melted cheese

Now this was a challenge! I do enjoy cheese but... probably not as much as some. I love melted mozzarella on different pasta dishes, cheese melted on potatoes is always good...Crackers and cheese are always a nice snack. ?

I feel like I have been in a dull white room with a single light bulb, metal chairs, smoke filled air, soda cans littering the table top, and a man sitting across from me attempting to gain information that I am unwilling to reveal!

But, of course, it wasn't like that! It was actually fun.

Now it is your turn. If you would enjoy being grilled by an exceptional interrogator (with ways of making you talk) then:

1. Leave me a comment saying “Interview me."

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.

3. You will update your blog with a post containing your the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.