Ice Breaker – Time Machine
Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.
(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas. If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com. If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)
Question: If you had a time machine, what year would you go to – past or future?
My Answer: The idea of time travel has always intrigued me. I’m not looking to rush things, and I don’t want to live in the past. Picking a year is pretty tough. Just for the fun of it, I think it might be interesting to go back to 1990. This is the year I graduated from high school. I would be more intentional in spending time with my parents, my brothers, and my grandparents. At this stage in my life, I had no idea how the years would move my family geographically apart.
Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!
Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up. Subscribers will get a special deal on the upcoming release of On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field.
Ice Breaker – Your Book
Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.
(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas. If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com. If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)
Question: If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
My Answer: Honestly, until a few years ago, I never imagined writing a book. When I was in first grade, I wrote a book about the colors of the rainbow. I think I still have it hiding in a storage bin in my basement.
I’m excited to be very close to releasing my first “official” book which is still on schedule to release on April 22, 2014. The book is called On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field. This book isn’t just for the runner or athlete. I believe it provides practical life lessons we all can embrace. If you’re stuck in a rut or need a little guidance in finding your way, I’m hoping this book will help you get On Track!
The reality is I have another book in the works. I’m not sure of the title yet, but the book is about developing a mission mindset. I’m excited to share my own story, to provide practical advice, and to encourage readers to become mission minded right where they are. It will be exciting to see how this unfolds.
Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!
Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up. Subscribers will get a special deal on the upcoming release of On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field.
Ice Breaker – Qualified
Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.
(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas. If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com. If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)
Yesterday was an exciting day for my daughter (and our family). She had her first outdoor track meet of the season. She ran the 3200 meters (or 2 mile). Before the race, she talked about qualifying for the conference meet at the end of the season. She thought she could run the qualifying time, but she wasn’t one hundred percent sure it would happen. Yesterday, she blew away the qualifying time by over 30 seconds. Next, she’ll work on qualifying for the 1600 meters (1 mile).
Question: When did you qualify for something? For what did you qualify? What did you have to do to qualify?
My Answer: I went to college for mechanical engineering. I earned my degree at Grove City College an ABET accredited school. This gave me the opportunity to take the Engineer In Training (E.I.T.) or Fundamentals in Engineering (F.E.) exam. This is the initial step in qualifying for the Professional Engineering exam. Before I could take the exam and receive my Professional Engineering license, I had to work as an engineer for at least four years under a Professional Engineer. Once I did this, I had to fill out an application, and I had to sit for the exam. Finally, I had to achieve a passing score on the exam in order to qualify to become a Professional Engineering. Now, many years later, I have to take continuing education in order to maintain my license.
Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!
Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up. Subscribers will get a special deal on the upcoming release of On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field.
Ice Breaker – March Madness
Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.
This week’s Ice Breaker question is inspired by March Madness.
(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas. If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com. If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)
Question: Are you watching March Madness? Who are you cheering for? Who are you picking to win it all?
My Answer: March Madness is my favorite sports time of the year. I used to watch every single minute I could. Now, it’s a lot harder to find time to watch, but I’m sure I’ll catch a few games. I am cheering for Wichita State, Villanova, St. Joseph’s, and Creighton. I’m picking a Final Four of Florida, Michigan State, Creighton, and Louisville with Michigan State beating Louisville for the national championship. We’ll see what happens.
Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!
Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up. Subscribers will get a special deal on the upcoming release of On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field.
Ice Breaker – Billy Crystal (You Look Marvelous)
Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.
Today is Billy Crystal’s 66th birthday. You may know him for his role in movies like City Slickers or Parental Guidance. Or you make know him for his role as a host for the Oscars. Earlier in his career, he was part of the Saturday Night Live team where his character, Fernando, became famous. Fernando was famous for saying, “It’s not how you feel, it’s how you look. And you look marvelous.” Today’s question is inspired by this quote.
(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas. If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com. If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)
Question: How do you feel today?
My Answer: By Friday, I generally feel tired. But honestly, I feel marvelous! I’m optimistic about the weekend ahead. I’m thankful for the week. And I am excited about some writing projects I’m working on these days. In particular, I’m looking forward to releasing an eBook this month called On Track – Life Lessons From The Track & Field. I have plenty of reasons to feel marvelous!
Happy Birthday, Billy Crystal!
Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!
Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.
Ice Breaker – We Are The World
Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.
On this day (March 7th) 29 years ago, a large group of popular singers released “We Are The World” and launched an initiative (“USA for Africa”) which raised money for Africa by selling over 20 million copies of this hit single. If you lived through the 80s, you have to check out the video and remember the great hairstyles and attire of the singers.
Today’s Stretched Ice Breaker is inspired by We Are The World.
(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas. If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com. If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)
Question: What is your cause? What is one cause you’d like others to know about? What is one thing people can do to learn more about this cause? And what is one thing they can do to further this cause?
My Answer: If you’ve been reading here for any length of time, you know the people of Guatemala have captured my heart. This year, I’ll be taking my family back to Xenacoj, Guatemala to work with GO! Ministries. We will be specifically ministering to the widows and orphans of this area (James 1:27). To learn more about GO! Ministries click the link above. Here are a few things you can do to further the cause of GO! Ministries:
- Pray. Pray for guidance and effective ministry. Pray for the widows and orphans.
- Give. On the website for GO! Ministries, there are a few different ways you can give. Every bit helps. I’ve seen the power of a few bucks.
- Go. Go on a short-term missions trip with me to Guatemala. You can make a huge difference by going to Guatemala for a week.
- Share. Share with others about GO! Ministries. And share about our trip.
Here’s our highlight video from last year’s trip:
Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!
Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.
Ice Breaker – Middle Name
Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.
This week’s Ice Breaker question is pretty basic. Some people have several names. Personally, I have one first name, one middle name, and a last name. Someone told me recently that Dikembe Mutombo had nine different names. According to Wikipedia, his full name is Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo. I man at my office has two middle names which is apparently common for those with English heritage. I’ve also heard of some people who don’t have a middle name. And there many people today who have just one name like Prince, Cher, Bono, and Sinbad. Today’s question is all about middle names.
(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas. If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com. If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)
Question: What is your middle name?
My Answer: Mark is my middle name. I’m fairly certain my parents picked this name based on its Biblical connection. Interestingly, there is a person mentioned several times in the book of Acts named John Mark. And he is known as Mark the Evangelist. I’ll have to talk to my parents a little more about this. I wonder if they were anticipating I would be an evangelist like John Mark from the Bible. Or maybe they just thought I’d leave a “mark” on the world.
Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!
Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.
Ice Breaker – Winter Olympics
Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.
The Winter Olympics are coming to a close this weekend. I’ve enjoyed watching the competitions, seeing the athletic efforts, and hearing the stories of hard work and determination. I’ll be sad to see them go. This week’s Ice Breaker is inspired by the Winter Olympics. Maybe your answer will lead to a new sport for future Olympics.
(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas. If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com. If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)
Question: What’s your favorite Winter Olympics sport? What sport would you like to see added to the Winter Olympics?
My Answer: I like most sports represented in the Winter Olympics which it makes it challenging to pick just one. One of my favorites is short track speed skating. I stink at ice skating, but there is something amazing about watching others who have the agility to stand on two thin blades of medal while whipping around an ice rink at high rates of speed. It amazes me there aren’t more crashes as these speed skaters are practically on their sides going around the tight turns.
If I were going to recommend a sport for the Winter Olympics, I would pick something like basketball (isn’t that a winter sport?) or ice fishing. In ice fishing, contestants would have four hours to drill their ice hole, build their ice house, and catch the biggest fish possible. Contestants would be judged on the size of their fish, the quality of construction of their ice house, and technical skill level in drilling their ice hole. It would kind of be like Grumpier Old Men meets the Olympics!
Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!
Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.
Ice Breaker – Valentine’s Day / Your Own Day
Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.
Valentine is the last name of someone in my office. Whenever I see him, I say “Hey, it’s the guy with his own day!” We typically banter back and forth joking around about what a “Stolpe Day” might look like. So today’s question is so much about Valentine’s Day as it is about you.
(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas. If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com. If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)
Question: How would we celebrate a day named after you?
My Answer: What would Stolpe Day look like? Hmmm….
I think Stolpe Day would start out with some physical stretching – just to get loosened up for a fun and busy day. The rest of the day would be about stretching in other ways – primarily by serving others. Stolpe Day would be a day marked by getting outside your comfort zone to help someone else. At the end of the day, people would gather with others to enjoy a delicious dinner and fellowship around the table. Throughout the evening celebration, people would share stories from their day of serving. Each person would explain how they were stretched by their experiences. Before the celebration ended, everyone would enjoy a big dish of ice cream. You can’t have Stolpe Day without ice cream!
Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!
Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.
Ice Breaker – Mt. Rushmore
Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.
This month, we celebrate the presidents. There is not doubt these are people who have made huge sacrifices to lead our country. They deserve to be celebrated, but I’m guessing most people look forward to President’s Day and President’s Day Weekend for time off from work or school and great “deals” at the local car dealership – not for the opportunity to celebrate the presidents. Last week, my brother (David) posted a great question on Facebook about Mt. Rushmore. I thought it was a great Ice Breaker question, and he was kind enough to let me use it here this week. I’m sure he’ll leave his answer in the comments. For the question and my answer, keep reading below.
(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas. If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com. If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)
Question: Who would be on your Mount Rushmore?
My Answer: Obviously, Mt. Rushmore was dedicated to the presidents, but I’d open it up to others. My Mt. Rushmore would include Bono, Mother Teresa, Thomas Edison, and Jonas Salk. I enjoy Bono’s music, and I think he’s used his platform well to raise awareness in the fight to end poverty. Mother Teresa is a great example of sacrifice in her life of helping the sick, hungry, and poor. Thomas Edison represents the field of science and engineering. I love his inventive spirit. And Jonas Salk was behind the ending of polio. His studies and vaccine were ground breaking in the field of medicine, and I think he provides hope to other researchers who are working on cures for other maladies.
Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!
Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.