My name is Mark and I was born and raised just outside of Rochester, NY. I love my home town/city and always talk it up to people who will listen(because it's pretty cool)! I moved to Virginia to pursue a career as a high school Spanish teacher. I enjoy bar trivia, disc golf, and outdoor activities. I'm a longtime fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Buffalo Bills. While in my car, I'm usually listening to 103.7 or a Weezer cd because I don't have an ipod. Also, being from Western New York I call what most people would call "soda" by the name "pop". Finally, I mispronounce the word bagel. I really enjoy running and mystery novels.

I'm really enjoying my fourth year of teaching high school Spanish outside of Richmond. Still exploring the Richmond area and all it has to offer. Looking forward to chaperoning a summer trip to Spain with my school this year! I'm preparing to run the Monument Ave 10K for the fourth time, and am looking to break 40 minutes. This spring I'll also be coaching for the first time at my school (JV girls soccer).

Being a loyal and generous to my friends and family. Volunteering to help out my students and colleagues. Being a loyal fan of the Cubs and Bills year after painful year. Pretty good at knowing trivial things. Genuinely appreciating simple and everyday things. Making the best of any given situation and staying positive.

I have a cool scar on my left arm from a sledding accident (though people tell me I should say I was saving a baby from a shark).

Books - Catcher in the Rye, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, murder mysteries in general

Movies - Big Lebowski, Bottle Rocket, Tommy Boy, Pineapple Express,

Shows - Seinfeld, The Simpsons, Law and Order (all varities), The Office, 30 Rock

Music - Weezer,Ben Kweller, The Rentals, Incubus, Credence Clearwater Revival, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phantom Planet (and not just the song from "The OC"), Beastie Boys, Smashing Pumpkins, 90s alt rock in general, The Avett Brothers

Food - Mashed potatoes, Chick Fil A, Diet Flavored Colas, Stews and chilis, anything hearty and delicious. Food in general is pretty great. Not very picky at all...just no mayonnaise.

1. My family
2. My water bottle
3. My contacts/glasses (I'd be pretty blind).
4. The Chicago Cubs
5. Cash in pocket
6. A good pen

How I can improve my teaching.

Unwinding after the week and making an effort to get out there and enjoy the limited time of the precious weekend.

I watch some really trashy reality tv usually reserved for teenage girls like Teen Mom and The Real Housewives series.

If you'd like to get to know me!