Friday Top 5: Questions I Get Asked

Well, Friday’s here again, and along with it another installment of the Friday Top 5!

It’s funny, but I can almost always predict in new situations and with new people what variation of five questions they will ask me. That’s because for most of my adult life I have gotten the same questions so often I have down-pat answers for each one at this point. And I also throw in a telltale chuckle at my own expense to punctuate my answer. To honor those five questions I’ve decided to list them here. Had you met me outside of this medium you would probably have asked me these questions too.

5. How old are you?

People have often told me that I either look older or younger than I actually am, and by sizeable margins. Apparently I have a face that is difficult to assess, age-wise. I remember the first day of school a few years ago I asked my ninth graders how old they thought I was. One of them raised his hand and said, “63,” and he was dead serious. I laughed, but I was the only one laughing. They honestly thought I was 63 years old. Eek. It goes the other way too. I used to be able to tell people I was 18 and they would believe me. While I can’t do that anymore, anything from 25 to 30 people will trust is true.

4. How tall are you?

I am very tall. Not freakishly tall like Manut Bol or anything, but tall enough to make an impression on most people when I initially meet them. I like to keep them guessing, though, so I generally beat around the bush when they ask me this question. Eventually we’ll get around to the fact that I’m 6’5″ and inevitably they will know someone that tall or taller. At which point I say, “Good for them.”

3. Don’t I know you from somewhere?

No, I don’t think they’re hitting on me or anything, although that line does sound awfully cheesy. But I do have a large network of acquaintances and associates from all walks of life. While they seem to recognize me, they don’t often recall my name or where they know me from. Because I have an amazing memory, I generally know exactly who they are and where I know them from, but I like to play this game where I let them guess. I know, I’m mean.

2. Do you play basketball?

See: Number 4.

1. What are you reading?

If you’ve ever met me even just once (and I wasn’t working — heck, sometimes even when I am working, depending on the job), I usually have at least one book with me. That’s because in pretty much every free moment when I’m on break, or when I’m not writing, I can be found reading. So, when you carry around books as often as I do, people can’t help but notice them. I get asked this question multiple times every single day. The problem is that I read several books at once so my following question is usually, “Which book would you like to hear about?” That’s another way I find other readers out there. We are a wonderful community indeed.

Sam

P.S. – I’m reading The Cuckoo’s Calling, The Risk Agent, and Hadrian’s Wall. Thanks for asking.

Friday Top 5 Archive