Someone Gave Me Homework...Now It's My Turn

So my Boston-based pal, Patrick Larkin has me all tied up in a chain-blogging task which obligates me to share 11 random facts about myself and then to answer 11 questions that he has asked. Not to mention, just the day before, my 'brother from another mother' Bill Ferriter did the same thing!  So, I need to do my homework, and get to work.  For me, it will be 11 Random Facts, and 22 Responses to questions from Patrick and Bill, followed by an invite to 11 bloggers to keep the madness alive--all in the name to get to know each of us a little bit better. Here goes!

My 11 Random Facts

1. My real last name is Croatian and decidedly defunct of vowels - Brkjlacic (changed by my grandfather to 'Birk' about 65 years ago).
2. My mom was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, hence my affinity for the Red Sox.
3. I played and watched hockey for most of my young life, but now barely watch or play hockey at all, except if friends are playing.
4. My wife and I watch "Love Actually" every Christmas holiday.
5. I am a fine singer.
6. My family would disagree with #5.
7. I wake up at night thinking of cereal for breakfast at least four or five nights per week.
8. I had hip replacement surgery last year, and likely will have the other replaced in the next five years.
9. I've had a brief conversation with the #1 ranked golfer in the world in 2011 (Luke Donald).
10. I get really excited to go to the United States, and hope to live there at some point in the future (for part of the year, at least).
11. When the Masters Golf Tournament is on, everything else in my world stops.

Here are the questions from Patrick...

1. Have you ever been to Massachusetts? When I was very young, and again last year when I was at Harvard and Fenway Park. Luckily, I will be back there twice in 2014. I actually believe I was meant to live in MA.
2. What is your favorite sports team (college or pro)? The Red Sox
3. Besides you, name a blogger that you would recommend to others.  David Culberhouse.  In New England parlance, "he's wicked smaat".  Jeff Delp would be a close second.
4. When you were little, what did you dream of becoming?  True story, I actually thought I would be a rock star.  
5. How far away do you live from where you grew up?  400 miles.
6. What is your favorite meal?  Steak, but I have an affinity for smoky flavored ribs.
7. If you were offered a free trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go?  Maui--got married there and can't wait to go back.
8. Do you prefer Macs or PC's?  I like Big Macs, does that count?
9. Other than the birth of your children and/or the day you were married or met your soulmate, what was the best day of your life?  December 20th, 2003.
10. What is the best movie you've seen in the last year? Tough one...love movies but none so great this year -- really looking forward to Lone Survivor in January!
11. What is the last live concert that you've attended? U2 in 2010.

Here are the questions from Bill...

1. Grande Soy Green Tea Frappuccino with Extra Whip or House Blend Black?  House blend black for sure--maybe a dash of cream.
2. If you were going to write a book, what would its title be?  The Perks of Being A Principal
3. Rate graphic novels on a scale of 1-10, with 1 representing “useless” and 10 representing “simply amazing.” If these are the Archie and Jughead variety, I would say "10".
4. What member of your digital network has had the greatest impact on your professional growth?  Honestly, I'd have to say Bill Ferriter.  Chris Wejr would be right there as well, as would George Couros.  I think Simon Breakspear is going to have a huge impact on my thinking in the near future.
5. How do you feel about the holidays?  Tremendous!  Love Christmas.
6. Rate the following movies in order from best to worst:  Christmas Vacation, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated version).  Christmas Vacation is the only one of consequence for me, but my kids love the Grinch.
7. What is the best gift that you’ve ever gotten?  When I was six I got a huge Death Star play set from Star Wars--loved the trash compactor with the foam bricks in it.
8. If you had an extra $100 to give away to charity, who would you give it to?  Children's Hospital--seeing children hurting is heartbreaking.
9. What are you the proudest of?  My family--they have really made the best of the shallow gene pool that I contributed to them :)
10. What was the worst trouble that you ever got into as a child?  When my halo slipped off.
11. What was the last blog entry that you left a comment on?  What motivated you to leave a comment on that entry?  One linked to my post "You're Just Not That Interesting"--I am passionate about the need to examine the way we teach and learn at conferences.

My 11 Questions for 11 others...

1. Ketchup, salsa, or hot sauce?
2. What is one thing that you are a part of (or believe in) that is 'bigger than you'?
3. What do you do that is great?  Not 'good', GREAT.
4. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
5. If you were a breakfast cereal, which one would it be?  How come?
6. What is the one thing (outside of your family) that you absolutely make time for--no matter what?
7. If ________ could be eliminated from your life, you would be stress-free.
8. What is a talent that you have that would surprise those that think they know you well?
9. If you were to give yourself a cool pen name or pseudonym, what would it be?
10. Your favorite movie is?
11. "If schools closed tomorrow, I would go and be a ____________?"

I will link to my 12 (one more because I can) people on Twitter, and hope they have not been tagged yet!

1. Aaron Akune
2. Peter Jory
3. Jeff Delp
4. Simon Breakspear
5. Chuck Bell
6. Leeann Bartee
7. Staci Hammer
8. Tom Hierck
9. Kecia Dennis 
10. Darcy Mullin
11. Tom Schimmer
12. David Culberhouse

And by the way, Merry Christmas everyone!