A Day In The Life: Christopher Valen
Name: Christopher Valen
Where did you grow up?
Princeton, MN
Where do you live?
I live in Seward, Minneapolis.
Who do you live with?
I live with a mixture of human roommates and furry ones.
What is your occupation?
I assist in managing Haskell’s Wine Bar downtown.
When did you come out?
I think I was 21.
How’d that go?
I have the privilege to report that it was very smooth!
When do you wake up?
Depends, I try to rise by 8 a.m. as often as I can.
Phone alarm or old school alarm?
Phone alarm, but seriously considering one that I can smack to snooze.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
Stretch, check my email, stretch.
Breakfast?
Yogurt, partner!
Coffee?
Absolutely. Working in the vicinity of an amazing espresso machine has really bolstered this habit.
Cream or no?
I’m on Team Cream.
How do you spend your commute:
I ride the bus, so mostly I stare out the window and listen to Grateful Dead’s most rippin’ hits.
If your job were like a yearbook, what would you be voted? (Class clown, best dressed, most annoying, etc.)
Most Likely To Apply Under-Eye Makeup
What inspires you?
My family and friends! They’re all great, each and every one. They’re always pushing me to be my best.
Do you eat your lunch while working or take a break?
I’m good at inhaling food, so I only need three minutes. I guess that’s a break.
Is your work space tidy or a hot mess?
Tidy.
What’s been your favorite job?
My current one! I love working at a wine bar. This industry is new to me, so I’m learning a lot. Wine is a lot of fun and I get to taste the wide variety we have on the shelves. I’m very lucky to be working everyday with such amazing and nurturing people.
Who are your heroes?
My sister, who has Spina Bifida. The most good-natured person I’ve ever known and also the funniest. I don’t even come close to that one.
Favorite weeknight meal: Go out, take out, or cook in?
Preferably I’d have gourmet delivered three times a day.
Most embarrassing moment:
This one time I saw James Franco on the street and I immediately dropped my cold press.
On a usual weeknight, you are doing what?
I’m usually at the wine bar!
Bedtime:
Strictly midnight. I never stray, ever.
Favorite weekend activity:
Trying to socialize with as many people as I can.
What are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of my appreciation for learning. I try to improve myself in some way every day.
Words of wisdom to share:
It’s really hard to drink too much water. Voting is only one part of our civic duty: get involved in your community, if you are able. I’ve found that one attracts more bees with honey.
