Andy Selsberg, author of YOU ARE GOOD AT THINGS: A Checklist, let us in on what a Wednesday is like for him. From teaching composition classes at John Jay College, to being inspired to go for a run by our questionnaire find out what it's like to be Andy Selsberg.
What time did you wake up?
9:30. But I like to be up before 9.
Did you make your bed?
No. But I handle many other household duties! Grocery shopping, cooking, vacuuming...
Where did you spend your day?
At home. Teaching two freshman composition classes at John Jay College. Wandering down Broadway.
Who did you see/call?
I rarely call anyone in these texty times. Though I used to love long calls, with the cordless, out in the yard at night...
How many times did you check Facebook or Twitter?
Don’t have a Facebook account. Refreshed Twitter more than necessary.
Did you respond to reader mail?
I spent time editing and queueing submissions for dearoldlove.com
What did you do on a book project today?
I tell myself that everything counts as working on a book project, even though I'm not sure that's accurate.
How did you procrastinate?
The same way so many do --- browsing for new boxer shorts online. Watching old episodes of The Simpsons.
What did you accomplish?
Hard to say just yet.
What did you want to accomplish?
Keep my classes entertained, and on a path to being better writers and thinkers.
What was the weather?
Unseasonably warm.
What were you wearing?
Jeans, checked shirt, pea coat. The uniform.
What did you read?
LIGHTNING RODS by Helen DeWitt, on an e-reader.
Did you listen to music, if so what?
Been into The Promise Ring for a week or so.
What was the healthiest and unhealthiest thing you ate?
Healthy: fruit smoothie. Less healthy: spicy potato chips. I like to walk around while eating potato chips. It’s very self-conscious. I’ll think: “I’m walking while eating potato chips. How fun is this?”
Did you exercise?
I went for a very short run, even though I didn’t feel like it, because I was filling out this survey. Maybe America would be more fit if everybody had to fill out daily questionnaires.
What was the best part of the day?
Eating a crisp apple.
What was the worst part of the day?
Realizing that the crisp apple I just ate was gone.
Any surprises today?
Three students in one of my classes all work at the same Abercrombie store.
What device did you use to answer these questions?
2009 MacBook. I usually take notes by hand in a Field Notes notebook, with a Uni-Ball Vision Elite pen.
