Welcome to the first post in my new series: “Favorites.” These posts will be a space for me to reflect on the wonderful things I appreciate (or, occasionally, the things I dislike). I use the word “things” in an effort to not limit myself here; in one post I may discuss a video game I enjoy, while others may be rambles about food, a film, an athlete, music, etc. My goal is for this series to help you, the reader, learn a bit more about the guy behind the keyboard (me). Let’s start with some basics:
Favorite Type of Food: Mexican
Honestly, I can’t narrow it down any further than that. I’m a massive foodie, and I’m not picky at all. Therefore, naturally, there are a TON of foods I enjoy. But if there’s one type of cuisine I could eat like 5 days out of the week, it’s Mexican.
Runner-up: Chicken Wings
Favorite Color: Red
Why is it that a favorite color is one of the first things that gets brought up when we get to know someone? This isn’t something I feel too strongly about, but I do really like the color red (Go Dawgs).
Runner-up: Purple
Favorite Video Game: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
I really only discuss them with a select few, but video games are probably my favorite form of entertainment. Video games are such a unique art form in that they allow for an unprecedented level of interaction between the audience and the medium. They’re also incredibly versatile: I could be invested in a world where I have to make tough, morally questionable decisions OR I could be mindlessly talking to a friend online while the game serves as background noise. TES V: Skyrim takes place in a fictional fantasy world known as Tamriel. In Tamriel’s province of Skyrim, you play as the Dragonborn, a protagonist who becomes what you make of him/her on a journey to defeat the dragon Alduin. Like all role-playing games (my favorite genre), you must complete quests and interact with your expansive environment. I have really fond memories playing Skyrim since it’s release on 11-11-11. In fact, I own three separate copies of the game…
Runner-up: Halo (I’m gonna leave this broad and say the whole franchise; more on this another day)
Favorite Indie Game: Celeste (I don’t think I’ve ever seen a game’s soundtrack, gameplay, and overarching lesson align so flawlessly)
Favorite Album: To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
I could gush about TPAB, Kendrick Lamar’s magnum opus, for hours and hours. Instead of playing it safe and creating an album full of radio hits after he put himself on the map with Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, K-Dot fuses rap with jazz, spoken word, and funk. Rich with commentary on racial inequality, mental health, and American culture, this is an album that I really think should be studied in colleges around the world. *Chef’s Kiss*
Runner-up: Discovery by Daft Punk (How can an album evoke so much nostalgia yet sound like the future? I miss you Daft Punk, please come back.)
Favorite Sport to Play: Golf
I imagine most people would say something like basketball or soccer for this, but not me! I’ve been playing golf seriously since I was about eight years old. My dad got me a set of plastic clubs as a kid and I never looked back. From the age of ten through the end of high school, I played competitively. Like it was then, golf has remained a way for me to bond with my dad, uncle, and cousin.
Runner-up: Taekwondo (I’m a second-degree black belt (ง︡’-‘︠)ง)
Favorite Sports Teams:
Georgia Bulldogs – I guess I’m focusing on the football team here. They’ve been the topic of constant conversation during my time as a student, and there’s just nothing like the atmosphere inside Sanford Stadium on a Saturday. The 2018 Rose Bowl is my favorite football game of all-time, and it’s pretty cool to see guys like Nick Chubb tear it up in the NFL. That all being said, my love runs deep for all of our teams. It’s been a good time.
Atlanta Falcons – Let’s just not talk about the Falcons right now. I’d be surprised if we won more than 5 games in 2020-2021 (I hope I’m wrong).
Atlanta Hawks – I have so many great memories revolving around the Hawks. I think during the special 2014-2015 season (when we won 60 games), I watched all but two games. And now, the future is so, so bright. Trae Young is a bonafide star, John Collins is a future all-star, our rookies look great, and our other core pieces indicate that we’re building towards something special. It’s all so exciting.
Special Shout-outs: Atlanta United and the Atlanta Braves – While I don’t hold the same level of interest in soccer or baseball as I do other sports, these two teams have been so fun to watch recently. I love me some Josef Martínez and Ronald Acuña Jr.
And that’ll do it for now! I wanted to talk about books, films, and my favorite athletes, but I just couldn’t narrow them down, so look out for future content! This was really fun for me to write up, so I look forward to more “Favorites.” Until next time, peace.
Thank you for sharing. It’s like I have known you my whole life now
Lol I love that you mention the “runner ups” helps add some ~dimentionality. Asking about favorite colors is pretty arbitrary and meaningless but maybe that’s why it’s remained a staple question, your share doesnt have any stake in the game. Anyways Kendrick should definitely be studied in colleges I agree.