16 Random Things About Fave

I’ve seen this exercise floating around the web amongst my friends and thought I’d give it a shot. Upon completion, it was an introspective experience that helped me take a real look at myself while preparing for the future.

And it was fun, too…

Here are sixteen random things about me:

1 I am an only child. I lived alone in college. When I pledged, I crossed by myself. I never had a roommate nor “shacked up” with anyone. I’ve always had this “loner” vibe about myself and used to think I would always be alone – no matter how extroverted I seemed to be.

2 I was a quiet, shy child and teenager. When I decided to go into marketing/communications in college, one of my professors insisted I was too introverted and perhaps college (in general) wasn’t for me. I began thrusting myself into uncomfortable opportunities to speak publicly and meet new people. It was awkward at first and there were times I made complete ass of myself, but over time I began to increase my interpersonal skills. I think this is the single most important thing I’ve ever done for myself.

3 I have what I call a “grooler” fetish. I love all things related to ice coolers and BBQ grills. I could buy a new cooler every summer and barbeque every day of the week. I have square coolers, small coolers, coolers on rollers, even a cooler shaped like a huge aluminum can. Last year, I got one of those grown & sexy CharBroil grills with the cast iron grill bed, so my fetish is totally fulfilled…for now.

4 Cooking is therapeutic for me; so it helps that I’m actually good at it. Aside from the traditional soul food meals I learned from my parents and grandparents, I spent my college years reading cookbooks and trying out different recipes on gracious co-eds who welcome a dish that wasn’t super-sized. Over the years, I’ve created my own signature meals like Jerk Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and Woodsmoked Garlic Shrimp with Pineapple-Jalepeno chutney. After spending all those years perfecting my craft in order to impress women I dated, it’s nice to prepare good meals for one woman who truly appreciates it.

5 I love to paint, although I haven’t done it in over a year. I still have the tubes, brushes and a few unfinished canvases…I just don’t have the time. I like bold colors and lines depicting a musical scene. I went through this “anime” phase where I was painting The Boondocks characters and some of my own creations. I’ve sold a few pieces over the years and plan to finish at least 3-4 paintings by the end of 2009.

6 I have the same best friend I’ve had since I was nine years old. I consider him my brother because he has been there since the beginning, has never judged me and always has my back even to this day.

7 There is nothing more intoxicating to me than being on stage. I don’t care whether I’m alone with a microphone, sharing space with a band or directing a gospel choir in a hot, polyester robe. . .it’s not about the (personal) attention. The rush of exchanging energy with an audience is pure, organic and beautiful to me. I miss being on stage, although I’ve gotten my fix a few times in ’08.

8 I will publish my novel, The Art of Making Love, in 2009. I have two more novels waiting in line.

9 I’ve had locs – off and on – since 2002. Once you loc it up, no other style feels right…no matter how hard you try.

10 My affinity for external, portable hard drives is starting to resemble my cooler and grill fetishes.

11 I am a fan of the feet. I think it started with (the movie) Boomerang. I love well pedicured, soft feet on a woman. I believe painting a woman’s toenails while she lays back and smiles is one of the sexiest things you can do for her. I have encountered strikingly beautiful women with horrific feet game. They were dismissed with the quickness. I’m not as petty nowadays, but fly feet is the jumpoff for me.

12 I used to direct and write music for two university gospel choirs. In the early 90s, I was criticized heavily for taking secular music and converting them with scripture-based lyrics. In haste, I resigned from both posts and resorted to playing at a local Baptist church. Meanwhile, contemporary gospel music evolved into the same style I was creating. In no way am I suggesting that I invented the style, but I often wonder how influential I could have been if I had stayed the course and not let “church folks” discourage me.

13 I’m working on a seven (7) song EP project with four producers from three different countries – and I’ve never met any of them in person. Gotta love the internet!

14 Despite my “Gerald Levert Starter Kit” physique, I am a big fan of physical fitness. I research different workouts, supplement breakthroughs and techniques, which I believe is a blessing and a curse. I workout at least three times a week, but that’s just to keep me from ballooning up to behemoth status. With two gym memberships and a wealth of fitness knowledge, I expect to step my fitness game up something fierce going forward.

15 I had a gap in my front teeth. It wasn’t huge, but definitely noticeable. I was teased about it growing up and always viewed it as unattractive. At 25, I had veneers placed on my front teeth that closed the gap, giving me a “straight” smile. Since then, I’ve had several people compliment me on my smile- something that never happened prior to the procedure. The irony is that now I find “gaps” EXTREMELY attractive on other people and I miss having my own “signature” element to my grill. It’s a classic case of the teeth being “straighter on the other side”

16 I produce a podcast showcasing fantastic soul artists and MCs while providing practical health tips and fun social commentary. It started as my personal audio blog back in ’06 and has evolved into a significant contribution to my social media circle.

This entry was written by Fave, posted on 28 December 08 at 3:59 pm, filed under Life, writing and tagged 16, personal, professional, random, things. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.