Don't you just hate the first question you're asked in every single interview? You know, "So... [long pause]... Tell me about yourself." When there's no context to the question provided and you're supposed to create a summary of your entire life's work in 30 seconds or less, and make it seem as if you're not an arrogant person. Yeah, so let me keep it short and semi-sweet, and for once I'll start with my personal life, because that is ultimately what matters the most.
Personal
I...
.... live in Portland, Oregon, where I have a 1 hour commute to the ocean, to the mountains, and to wine country.
.... spend my free time hiking, trekking, backpacking.
.... enjoy the challenges of the world of wine, including those of the palate, language and geography.
.... feel comfortable with any kitchen tool in my hand.
.... am involved in a Sunday night dinner club we call Family Dinner, because none of the members have family in town and we have become each others' family.
.... have developed a passion for growing roses.
.... am a coffee snob.
.... work too much.
Professional
I...
.... am the co-founder and CEO of Shizzow.
.... am employed as a web analyst / project manager at OCP.
.... founded, designed and developed Foodgeeks and Winegeeks.
.... am enthralled with Web 2.x, and love enabling users around the world to socialize with others of like minds.
.... have Bachelor of Arts degrees in both English and Italian from The Ohio State University.
Intruiging Details
I...
.... trained as a mortician for my family's funeral business, but quickly decided to recover my technical passions instead.
.... was accepted to graduate school as a writer of non-fiction.
.... have a plethora of poetry that I've never tried to publish.
.... own an up-right Ms. Pac-Man video system that is currently at my brother's house in Marion, Ohio. Both claim to miss me.
.... am certified as a sommelier.
.... play at least 10 games of Scrabble each week.
.... am known as the tamale pimp by friends, as I purchase homemade tamales in the tens of dozens (gracias Yolanda).
