Joe Lamberson: Pinball, World of Warcraft, and Public Service

Wow! I had lunch with Joe Lamberson at Baldarotta's at the Lincoln Square Mall in downtown Urbana. Joe did a last-minute switch up on the location, but I am so glad he did. I had never been there before, so it was great to try somewhere new. It had been so long since I had been to Lincoln Square that I was surprised at how many businesses were there. Apparently, malls aren't dead yet.

Had to get some advice on what to order from Joe. He said the Porketta and Sausage were their specialties, so I went with the Sicilian Sausage Sandwich with Sicilian Salsa as a topping. Only mistake I made was being too much of a wimp and went with a mix of hot and mild instead of going with the full hot. I think I could had handled the heat. Joe had The Baldarotta and seemed to love it. I really need to try it if I go back again. I hear they are looking to move to a different location in downtown Urbana, and they have already taken out the gelato shop that they had. The meal was great, but can you imagine a nice gelato for dessert?

Question that I have for you all, is Urbana a better food city than Champaign? The last couple of places I've been to in Urbana have been excellent. Champaign seems to have them beat on quantity of places, but Urbana might be pulling ahead in quality. Nothing better than a little CU rivalry to stir up the comments section.

But enough with the food, let's talk about Joe. It didn't take me long to realize Joe was a great guy. Not only was he super nice, but he's married to a video person! I really think video editing ability should rank high on anyone's list of attractive traits of a potential spouse. But apparently, video editing skills were not what brought this happy couple together. Can you believe it was a shared history of working at a school newspaper and playing World of Warcraft were the things that clicked when they found each other on OK Cupid. I've always questioned whether online dating worked or not, but damn it worked wonders in this case.

Joe and Jenny (and their kid) are such a great couple! Love how compatible they are. Joe let me know that Jenny was far cooler than he is, but I think Joe is pretty cool, so that brings us to the question: What's cooler than being cool? If you know the answer to that, you are probably old and have great taste in music. He also mentioned that she is a ranked pinball wizard, but this writeup isn't about her, so I'm not going to mention that. If she wants me to talk about her, she needs to have a meal with me herself. Ha.

Joe has a job where he is always on call and if something big comes up, he has to respond. I would think that would take a toll on a family, but Joe seems to have his priorities straight. He tries to do as much for his kid as he can. When I asked what he does when he isn't at work, he said that it depends on what the kid wants to do. Trampolines, parks, walks, recreational centers maybe starting to take an interest in pinball are top of the list for fun things to do. Joe's first priority is his kid which is what it should be.

Another thing that keeps him busy is going back to school to get his master's degree. He is doing an online degree at UI Springfield in Public Administration. Joe says he likes being the guy behind the guy at work, but I have a feeling that he would be great at being the guy out front. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in a city leadership role if he stays with the organization. The guy has smarts, savvy, and determination. You have to be determined to put in the 10,000 steps he walks every day. I have trouble with half that amount, but I am inspired to maybe do better and get healthier. We will have to see how much determination I have though.

When I asked Joe about advice, he has gotten that has made a difference in his life, he was quick to quote his boss Chief Tyler, "Growth causes disruption. Even a plant can't grow without disturbing the ground." It is a good reminder that sometimes we need to get a little kick out of our comfortable paths and try new things in order to grow. Sounds like his boss is very good at pushing Joe to become the best person that he can be. It is amazing when a true leader brings out more in people than even they thought was possible.

As for advice to others, Joe advised to not just show up, but go all in. Wherever you are at give them a reason to know why you are there. Sometimes I've been known to just be quiet in the back, but it is good advice to step up and do all you can do. My old boss told me to never lower my standards if I am working a gig that doesn't pay well or isn't the best work, but instead do the best you can even when it is a small job. There are no small roles, only small actors. Don't be a small actor.

Probably the most profound thing that came out of our lunch today, is how much years of playing a game has made such a difference in Joe's life. He says he has played World of Warcraft with the same group of guys for seventeen years. They have become good friends - they have been to each other’s weddings. And not least of which, his shared interest in the game with he now wife was one of the things that matched and lit the initial spark that eventually grew into their love for each other. So, all of you people out there who think playing games is a waste of time, just look at the happiness that it has brought to Joe and Jenny. Bet he had no idea that it would have shaped his life as much as it has when he started playing 20 years ago.

*Check out the bonus screenshot that Joe sent of Dalambo (spelling?), his character in WoW.

So, thank you Joe, for making the time to have lunch with me today. I know you have a lot to do, but it was great to get to know you a little better than I did before. And also, thanks for the restaurant recommendation. Such a good place to get a sandwich.