If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?
Typically, I have a beard and, being a little portly, I have been called a bear in the past. The main reason I agree with this is that I sleep way too much; to the point that I get made fun of by friends and family.

What was your favourite vacation?
A few years ago, I got the chance to go to Fiji and it blew me away. The locals were very friendly and the fishing was amazing on top of the many different islands you can visit to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. Some of the world’s best snorkelling and scuba diving is located in Fiji. If that is your thing, this is the place to visit!

What is the best gift you have been given?
This one is easy. When I was in grade nine, my parents bought me a basketball net for the garage driveway. I remember being so excited that I just started running around. It was so unbelievable that I could now play ball any time. Friends from around the neighbourhood would join me to play 3-on-3 almost every day the weather would permit. And, since my high school was a block from my house, we couldn't get to my place fast enough to start playing.

What’s your favourite family tradition?
Growing up, Christmas was always at my parent’s house and typically included 40 or so members of my extended family. The chaos around that day was something I thought was normal for all families. As I got older, I came to realize that not everybody experienced Christmas like me. Looking back, I remember a lot of stress peeling and mashing potatoes and straining the peas and carrots, but there are also some great memories of having everyone come together at least once a year!

What is your favourite season?
No question, it is spring. Busy season will soon pass for another year, the weather is getting warmer, playoff hockey and basketball, March Madness, the Masters, and, most importantly, after June 1, I will be out on the Bow River fishing for browns and rainbows!

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
The early 1900’s, but only for a month or two of hiking, camping and fishing in the pristine wilderness. Of course, I’d have to be outfitted with today’s gear and bring enough food, just in case the animals aren’t as plentiful and naïve as I imagine.

What cartoon character best represents your personal philosophy?
Donald Duck. Wake up every day and give it your best shot. When you decide to do something, get it done. A little innocent mischief keeps life interesting. If things don’t go your way, it’s ok to vent and try again tomorrow.

What was your first job?
Swimming instructor / lifeguard. I was pretty good at the teaching half of the job. It was really rewarding to help kids overcome their fear of water or just improve their skills. My lifeguarding needed some work. Unfortunately, I couldn’t yell loud enough or look scary enough to stop kids from running on the pool deck. Luckily, falls were few and far between.

What is the strangest idiom you have ever heard and what does it mean?
입이 심심해 (eeb-ee shim-shim-hae) - it’s a Korean saying that literally translates to “my mouth is bored.” I couldn’t stop laughing the first time my wife said this, but now it’s one of my favourites. If your mouth is bored, grab a tasty snack. Problem solved!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
In a cabin in the Rocky Mountains. Close enough to come back to Calgary in case of an emergency or to catch a flight to the beach and yet far enough away to escape the stresses of modern life.