So I'm teaching a lesson about Mesopotamia, right? And I'm listing the things offered to the god Abu as part of his daily meal. I list a bullock and a student asks what that is. I honestly didn't know, so I said "Amanda, why don't you look that up?"

Five minutes later she raises her hand and says "Mr. J, I found it. It says it's a castrated bull. But I don't know what castrated means."

"Thanks, Amanda," I say. "So a bullock is a type of bul-"

"Wait, Mr. J! I can look up castrated!"

"No Amanda, that's really alright."

"But Mr. J! You say we're always supposed to look it up!"

I am funny, eloquent, and a great guy

Masters thesis will be done by the end of the summer, after which I'm considering a move to Columbus, Minneapolis, or staying right here (I'll go where the best job is).

In the past four years I've taught six subjects, coached two forensics(competitive speech and debate) teams, and directed three musicals.

Public speaking. Like, really good. Someday it's going to make me a really fun career and a not-shabby amount of money. In the meantime I love being a teacher.

I've also been told I'm not a bad artist. And my writing isn't shabby either.

I have world champion level hugging skills.

Hopefully that I look them in the eye, show that I'm excited to meet them, and learn their name right away.

That enthusiasm prompts people to think I'm gay. I don't know what that's about...

Books: Of Mice and Men, Ender's Game, Wicked

Movies: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Matrix

Music: Folk, Jazz, 80's

Food: Mexican, Italian, greasy bar food

1. My computer (sad but true)

2. My sketch pad

3. My iPod (I do a lot of travel and nothing beats hours of free podcasts)

4. A job I love.

5. Debate. I love good conversation.

6. My pancreas.

How I shouldn't think so much.

Trying not to feel like a loser for being at home reading, even though that's exactly what I want to be doing.

You're willing to ask me tough questions that challenge me.

You're willing to answer tough questions that challenge you.

You do not rule people out merely because they are conservative or liberal.

You wear neat hats.

If you like Twilight or Grey's Anatomy I'm not interested, even if you claim it's "just for mindless entertainment".