The Alphabet Meme
Nicked from lady_rhian, a surprisingly long meme, for your procrastinating pleasure!
All about me, from A to Z:
The Letter A
Are you available? Yes. Especially for parties and special events. Inquire as to rates via e-mail. ;-)
What is your age? 32
What annoys you? Cynicism and negativity, harshness and intolerance towards others and their foibles, literal-mindedness, pettiness, selfishness. I hate it when people are ungenerous towards others, period. I can't stand pretentiousness and inauthenticity, or the sort of snobbery/elitism that's even shallower than all the things it loves to reflexively sneer at.
The Letter B
Do you live in a big house? It's big enough for me and the cats, and to entertain my friends, which is really all that matters to me. :-)
When is your birthday? June 6
The Letter C
What's your favorite candy? I just basically love candy, in all its infinite variety. Except for the peanut-based candies, only because I'm allergic and those might kill me. But other than that, I like to try it all. I even like violet pastilles, and I think hardly anybody likes those.
Who's your crush? It's probably pretty obvious that it's Noel Fielding, although that's a brain crush as much as it is a regular crush. But I wouldn't say no to Johnny Depp or Richard Ayoade or Benedict Cumberbatch, either. Or David Bowie.
When was the last time you cried? Weirdly enough, last night. I don't cry that often, but for some bizarre reason (perhaps a bad dream), I woke up in the middle of the night and had this sudden realization that I might never be in a serious romantic relationship. Which is not a subject that I often think about, much less angst about, but everything feels heavier at 4 AM, and at just that moment it made me feel so horribly sad that I found myself crying. It passed, of course, and now I feel ridiculous for it, but I guess we all need a little cry now and then.
The Letter D
Do you daydream? Very often. I always have. I got in trouble quite a lot as a kid, because the minute the teacher began to repeat her- or himself, I was off in another world, sketching clothes and writing stories and reading chapters ahead in my textbook, and they thought I was slacking or being disrespectful. I was just really bored. I'm very mentally restless, so daydreaming is my default mode when I have a minute of downtime. Some of my best ideas and biggest revelations come while I'm driving, or waiting in line.
What's your favorite kind of dog? I really like dogs, but sadly, for me, the answer is: imaginary. Because I'm quite allergic to dogs. But the good news is that my imaginary dog only makes imaginary messes and eats imaginary food and gets along extraordinarily well with my real cats.
What day of the week is it? Wednesday.
The Letter E
How do you like your eggs? All ways. I really love eggs. Fried, soft scrambled, poached, soft-boiled, hard-boiled. My very favorite method, though, is probably coddled eggs, which you don't find very often, but my mother used to make them as a treat when I was growing up. She had special painted cups to gently cook them in, and it always felt special.
Have you ever been in the emergency room? Yes. Many times.
What's the easiest thing ever to do? Smile!
The Letter F
Have you ever flown in a plane? Yes.
Do you use fly swatters? No. I don't often have to swat flies, but when I do, I use old crossword puzzles.
Have you ever used a foghorn? No.
The Letter G
Do you chew gum? Fairly frequently, I must admit. (My dentist even recommended it, as long as it's sugar-free gum!) But not when I'm going to be around people, much less speaking or presenting.
Are you a giver or a taker? I do absolutely love getting presents, especially surprise presents, and anybody who's ever given me one knows that I gush embarrassingly about them. *g* But truthfully, I am a giver. I really like to surprise other people and make them happy and give them thoughtful gifts. I love doing that. Knowing they're happy really does make me happy.
Do you like gummy candies? I love them. The sillier the shape, the better.
The Letter H
How are you? Pretty good! Bit sinusy, but otherwise, I'm happy and well.
What's your height? 5'3 1/2" But in my mental conception of self, I'm more like to 5'10". ;-) (Which is funny, because whenever people meet me in person, they always say, "I thought you'd be taller.")
What color is your hair? Black
The Letter I
What's your favorite ice cream? Depends on my mood and the day, but I'm generally a fan of the ice creams that have a ton of sticky-sweet extras crammed into them. I admit it.
Have you ever ice skated? Yes.
Do you play an instrument? Not really, no. I can pick out a tune on the piano, but that's about it.
The Letter J
What's your favorite jelly bean? All of them! Except for those buttered popcorn ones; those are vile. But I like all the rest, even the licorice ones.
Have you ever heard a really hilarious joke? I've been lucky enough to hear lots of them. :D
Do you wear jewelry? Yes, every day. I love jewelry and have giant box full of it, though I don't really care for traditional stuff at all. I like quirky, costume pieces with a lot of personality. I like to switch things up, according to my outfit, but I do have a few default pieces that I wear more frequently than not: my studded cuff bracelet, my marble ring or glittery skull ring, my mustache or thistle necklaces.
The Letter K
Do you want kids? I really adore kids, and being around kids, and I sort of always thought I'd have some of my own, but I've made my peace with the likelihood that I won't. And that's okay. Because I have three really beautiful, lovely, smart, funny, amazing godchildren, and I love them like my own. <3
Where did you have kindergarten? What an odd question. Michigan? A Catholic school?
The Letter L
Are you laid back? That depends on the situation. About some things, yes, I'm very mellow and go-with-the-flow. But I'm VERY high-intensity when it comes to work or personal projects, and I have to admit that in general, I'm kind of an intense personality.
Do you lie? At the risk of sounding like House, I have to say: almost everybody lies sometime. But I don't lie for malicious or selfish reasons.
When was your last kiss? On the cheek? Yesterday. Other sorts of kisses are much further in the past.
The Letter M
What's your favorite movie? I couldn't even make a top twenty list; I love too many films. But I am very fond of The Jerk, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles. And Labyrinth. And Stranger Than Fiction. And Galaxy Quest. I should probably pretend that I only like arty and sophisticated films, but that would be a lie.
Do you like mangos? I do! Yum. But I like most fruits.
The Letter N
Do you have a nickname? Bluey! Or Blue. Or Lissy.
What's your favorite number? 21. Not sure why; I just like it.
Do you prefer night over day? I like things about both, but I really am a night owl. Given a whole day, free of responsibilities, almost all of my writing and creativity happens after dark.
The Letter O
What's your one wish? To enjoy my life and help others to enjoy theirs, inasmuch as that's possible.
Are you an only child? No, although I was for eight years. I think I'm a little bit of a hybrid only/oldest child.
Do you wish this was over? I don't really have any strong feelings on the matter.
The Letter P
What one fear are you most paranoid about? Loneliness.
What are your pet peeves? People being judgmental, overly picky, controlling, pessimistic, wallowing in unhappiness and refusing any offers of assistance. Narrow-mindedness. People being reflexively conservative and traditional and opposed to change for no rational reason. Abrasive, aggressive personalities. Meanness and miserliness and smallness of spirit.
What's a personality trait you look for in people? Kindness, creativity, good humor, sharp wit, a keen sense of the ridiculous and absurd. Generosity, both material and emotional/spiritual. Loyalty. Originality and authentic, genuine quirkiness. Sweetness, humility, and thoughtfulness.
The Letter Q
What's your favorite quote? I have many, but this is near the top, from Marilyn Monroe: “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
Does time seem to pass quickly or slowly? Too quickly, on the whole, unless I'm bored. When I'm bored, it drags forever.
Are you quick to judge people? No. My intuition for people is sharp, but I'm very serious about not judging--it isn't my place, and it isn't compassionate or helpful. And in terms of ideas, when you're too quick to judge, you're automatically closing your mind to possibilities--it's a good way to end up quite narrow-minded and dismissive and blind to the connections between everything.
The Letter R
Do you think you're always right? No, although the people around me might say otherwise. ;-) But I always allow for the possibility that I might be wrong or mistaken. Only fools believe in their own infallibility.
Do you watch reality tv? Not really, because most of it thoroughly depresses and/or annoys me. But I do ADORE The Sing-Off. Does that count?
What's a good reason to cry? I don't judge whether or not somebody has a "good" reason to cry! People cry when they're overwhelmed, distraught, happy, sad, stressed, even angry and frustrated. There's no good or bad reason for it; it just is.
The Letter S
Do you prefer sun or rain? Sun! Rain is awful, unless I don't have to go out in it. It makes hair frizzy, and it severely limits shoe options.
Do you like snow? In general, I love it. Don't like driving in it, but other than that, I find it quite magical and beautiful.
What's your favorite season? I love autumn and winter equally.
The Letter T
What time is it? 2:07 Eastern
What time did you wake up? 6:45 AM
When was the last time you slept in a tent? Several years ago, on a camping trip in the Upper Peninsula.
The Letter U
Are you wearing underwear? ...Yes? I'm curious about what the context would be if I weren't.
Do you prefer underwear or thongs? Hipsters, usually, as colorful as possible. Thongs have their place (and that's an "in my pants" joke in the making, if ever I saw one), but I don't wear them every day. And that is much more than you need or want to know about my underwear.
Underwear or boxers? Briefs. I don't find boxers sexy at all, to be honest. They're so baggy!
The Letter V
What's the worst veggie? I think almost anything can be good, if it's prepared the right way. But I'm not very fond of raw celery. It's stringy and has a harsh, chlorophyll sort of taste to it.
Where do you want to go on vacation? Right now? Broadly, the UK. If forced to narrow it down, London.
Where was your last vacation to? This is embarrassing, but I haven't had a proper, purely-for-pleasure vacation since Azkatraz. Which was three years ago.
The Letter W
What's your worst habit? Setting my creative standards so high for myself that they're almost impossible to achieve, wanting to do ALL THE THINGS, wanting to please and/or help everybody, so that I end up overcommitting and thus helping and pleasing nobody.
Where do you live? In a strange and magical place where you can get to Canada by driving south or north.
The Letter X
Have you ever had an x-ray? Many. Many many many. More than I can count.
Have you seen the x-games? Live? No. On television? Yes. Not an avid watcher, but I've seen a bit of it.
Do you own a xylophone? ...Yes. But it is a kiddie xylophone! Though I do know people who own actual xylophones.
The Letter Y
Do you like the color yellow? Depends on the shade. I like it for accessories, to add a punch of brightness and cheer, definitely. But I only wear certain shades when it comes to clothing, because some of them make me look like my liver is failing. My kitchen is painted yellow, though.
What year were you born in? 1979
What's one thing you yearn for? A partner, a soul mate, a companion for all my adventures.
The Letter Z
What's your zodiac sign? Gemini. I was actually meant to be born on the Taurus/Gemini cusp, but I evidently had to make a dramatic entrance and showed up two weeks late. Which just goes to show that certain traits really are present from birth.
Do you believe in the zodiac? Believe is a strong word, but I will say that I find it interesting and sometimes illuminating--a tool for speculation and analysis and exploration, like any other.
What's your favorite zoo animal? All of them? I just really love animals! Although the hippos are hard to love, because they're fairly smelly, and they splatter. But I am really fond of polar bears. And giraffes. And pandas. And zebras. And leopards. And gorillas. And parrots and peacocks--well, obviously. *g*
All about me, from A to Z:
The Letter A
Are you available? Yes. Especially for parties and special events. Inquire as to rates via e-mail. ;-)
What is your age? 32
What annoys you? Cynicism and negativity, harshness and intolerance towards others and their foibles, literal-mindedness, pettiness, selfishness. I hate it when people are ungenerous towards others, period. I can't stand pretentiousness and inauthenticity, or the sort of snobbery/elitism that's even shallower than all the things it loves to reflexively sneer at.
The Letter B
Do you live in a big house? It's big enough for me and the cats, and to entertain my friends, which is really all that matters to me. :-)
When is your birthday? June 6
The Letter C
What's your favorite candy? I just basically love candy, in all its infinite variety. Except for the peanut-based candies, only because I'm allergic and those might kill me. But other than that, I like to try it all. I even like violet pastilles, and I think hardly anybody likes those.
Who's your crush? It's probably pretty obvious that it's Noel Fielding, although that's a brain crush as much as it is a regular crush. But I wouldn't say no to Johnny Depp or Richard Ayoade or Benedict Cumberbatch, either. Or David Bowie.
When was the last time you cried? Weirdly enough, last night. I don't cry that often, but for some bizarre reason (perhaps a bad dream), I woke up in the middle of the night and had this sudden realization that I might never be in a serious romantic relationship. Which is not a subject that I often think about, much less angst about, but everything feels heavier at 4 AM, and at just that moment it made me feel so horribly sad that I found myself crying. It passed, of course, and now I feel ridiculous for it, but I guess we all need a little cry now and then.
The Letter D
Do you daydream? Very often. I always have. I got in trouble quite a lot as a kid, because the minute the teacher began to repeat her- or himself, I was off in another world, sketching clothes and writing stories and reading chapters ahead in my textbook, and they thought I was slacking or being disrespectful. I was just really bored. I'm very mentally restless, so daydreaming is my default mode when I have a minute of downtime. Some of my best ideas and biggest revelations come while I'm driving, or waiting in line.
What's your favorite kind of dog? I really like dogs, but sadly, for me, the answer is: imaginary. Because I'm quite allergic to dogs. But the good news is that my imaginary dog only makes imaginary messes and eats imaginary food and gets along extraordinarily well with my real cats.
What day of the week is it? Wednesday.
The Letter E
How do you like your eggs? All ways. I really love eggs. Fried, soft scrambled, poached, soft-boiled, hard-boiled. My very favorite method, though, is probably coddled eggs, which you don't find very often, but my mother used to make them as a treat when I was growing up. She had special painted cups to gently cook them in, and it always felt special.
Have you ever been in the emergency room? Yes. Many times.
What's the easiest thing ever to do? Smile!
The Letter F
Have you ever flown in a plane? Yes.
Do you use fly swatters? No. I don't often have to swat flies, but when I do, I use old crossword puzzles.
Have you ever used a foghorn? No.
The Letter G
Do you chew gum? Fairly frequently, I must admit. (My dentist even recommended it, as long as it's sugar-free gum!) But not when I'm going to be around people, much less speaking or presenting.
Are you a giver or a taker? I do absolutely love getting presents, especially surprise presents, and anybody who's ever given me one knows that I gush embarrassingly about them. *g* But truthfully, I am a giver. I really like to surprise other people and make them happy and give them thoughtful gifts. I love doing that. Knowing they're happy really does make me happy.
Do you like gummy candies? I love them. The sillier the shape, the better.
The Letter H
How are you? Pretty good! Bit sinusy, but otherwise, I'm happy and well.
What's your height? 5'3 1/2" But in my mental conception of self, I'm more like to 5'10". ;-) (Which is funny, because whenever people meet me in person, they always say, "I thought you'd be taller.")
What color is your hair? Black
The Letter I
What's your favorite ice cream? Depends on my mood and the day, but I'm generally a fan of the ice creams that have a ton of sticky-sweet extras crammed into them. I admit it.
Have you ever ice skated? Yes.
Do you play an instrument? Not really, no. I can pick out a tune on the piano, but that's about it.
The Letter J
What's your favorite jelly bean? All of them! Except for those buttered popcorn ones; those are vile. But I like all the rest, even the licorice ones.
Have you ever heard a really hilarious joke? I've been lucky enough to hear lots of them. :D
Do you wear jewelry? Yes, every day. I love jewelry and have giant box full of it, though I don't really care for traditional stuff at all. I like quirky, costume pieces with a lot of personality. I like to switch things up, according to my outfit, but I do have a few default pieces that I wear more frequently than not: my studded cuff bracelet, my marble ring or glittery skull ring, my mustache or thistle necklaces.
The Letter K
Do you want kids? I really adore kids, and being around kids, and I sort of always thought I'd have some of my own, but I've made my peace with the likelihood that I won't. And that's okay. Because I have three really beautiful, lovely, smart, funny, amazing godchildren, and I love them like my own. <3
Where did you have kindergarten? What an odd question. Michigan? A Catholic school?
The Letter L
Are you laid back? That depends on the situation. About some things, yes, I'm very mellow and go-with-the-flow. But I'm VERY high-intensity when it comes to work or personal projects, and I have to admit that in general, I'm kind of an intense personality.
Do you lie? At the risk of sounding like House, I have to say: almost everybody lies sometime. But I don't lie for malicious or selfish reasons.
When was your last kiss? On the cheek? Yesterday. Other sorts of kisses are much further in the past.
The Letter M
What's your favorite movie? I couldn't even make a top twenty list; I love too many films. But I am very fond of The Jerk, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles. And Labyrinth. And Stranger Than Fiction. And Galaxy Quest. I should probably pretend that I only like arty and sophisticated films, but that would be a lie.
Do you like mangos? I do! Yum. But I like most fruits.
The Letter N
Do you have a nickname? Bluey! Or Blue. Or Lissy.
What's your favorite number? 21. Not sure why; I just like it.
Do you prefer night over day? I like things about both, but I really am a night owl. Given a whole day, free of responsibilities, almost all of my writing and creativity happens after dark.
The Letter O
What's your one wish? To enjoy my life and help others to enjoy theirs, inasmuch as that's possible.
Are you an only child? No, although I was for eight years. I think I'm a little bit of a hybrid only/oldest child.
Do you wish this was over? I don't really have any strong feelings on the matter.
The Letter P
What one fear are you most paranoid about? Loneliness.
What are your pet peeves? People being judgmental, overly picky, controlling, pessimistic, wallowing in unhappiness and refusing any offers of assistance. Narrow-mindedness. People being reflexively conservative and traditional and opposed to change for no rational reason. Abrasive, aggressive personalities. Meanness and miserliness and smallness of spirit.
What's a personality trait you look for in people? Kindness, creativity, good humor, sharp wit, a keen sense of the ridiculous and absurd. Generosity, both material and emotional/spiritual. Loyalty. Originality and authentic, genuine quirkiness. Sweetness, humility, and thoughtfulness.
The Letter Q
What's your favorite quote? I have many, but this is near the top, from Marilyn Monroe: “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
Does time seem to pass quickly or slowly? Too quickly, on the whole, unless I'm bored. When I'm bored, it drags forever.
Are you quick to judge people? No. My intuition for people is sharp, but I'm very serious about not judging--it isn't my place, and it isn't compassionate or helpful. And in terms of ideas, when you're too quick to judge, you're automatically closing your mind to possibilities--it's a good way to end up quite narrow-minded and dismissive and blind to the connections between everything.
The Letter R
Do you think you're always right? No, although the people around me might say otherwise. ;-) But I always allow for the possibility that I might be wrong or mistaken. Only fools believe in their own infallibility.
Do you watch reality tv? Not really, because most of it thoroughly depresses and/or annoys me. But I do ADORE The Sing-Off. Does that count?
What's a good reason to cry? I don't judge whether or not somebody has a "good" reason to cry! People cry when they're overwhelmed, distraught, happy, sad, stressed, even angry and frustrated. There's no good or bad reason for it; it just is.
The Letter S
Do you prefer sun or rain? Sun! Rain is awful, unless I don't have to go out in it. It makes hair frizzy, and it severely limits shoe options.
Do you like snow? In general, I love it. Don't like driving in it, but other than that, I find it quite magical and beautiful.
What's your favorite season? I love autumn and winter equally.
The Letter T
What time is it? 2:07 Eastern
What time did you wake up? 6:45 AM
When was the last time you slept in a tent? Several years ago, on a camping trip in the Upper Peninsula.
The Letter U
Are you wearing underwear? ...Yes? I'm curious about what the context would be if I weren't.
Do you prefer underwear or thongs? Hipsters, usually, as colorful as possible. Thongs have their place (and that's an "in my pants" joke in the making, if ever I saw one), but I don't wear them every day. And that is much more than you need or want to know about my underwear.
Underwear or boxers? Briefs. I don't find boxers sexy at all, to be honest. They're so baggy!
The Letter V
What's the worst veggie? I think almost anything can be good, if it's prepared the right way. But I'm not very fond of raw celery. It's stringy and has a harsh, chlorophyll sort of taste to it.
Where do you want to go on vacation? Right now? Broadly, the UK. If forced to narrow it down, London.
Where was your last vacation to? This is embarrassing, but I haven't had a proper, purely-for-pleasure vacation since Azkatraz. Which was three years ago.
The Letter W
What's your worst habit? Setting my creative standards so high for myself that they're almost impossible to achieve, wanting to do ALL THE THINGS, wanting to please and/or help everybody, so that I end up overcommitting and thus helping and pleasing nobody.
Where do you live? In a strange and magical place where you can get to Canada by driving south or north.
The Letter X
Have you ever had an x-ray? Many. Many many many. More than I can count.
Have you seen the x-games? Live? No. On television? Yes. Not an avid watcher, but I've seen a bit of it.
Do you own a xylophone? ...Yes. But it is a kiddie xylophone! Though I do know people who own actual xylophones.
The Letter Y
Do you like the color yellow? Depends on the shade. I like it for accessories, to add a punch of brightness and cheer, definitely. But I only wear certain shades when it comes to clothing, because some of them make me look like my liver is failing. My kitchen is painted yellow, though.
What year were you born in? 1979
What's one thing you yearn for? A partner, a soul mate, a companion for all my adventures.
The Letter Z
What's your zodiac sign? Gemini. I was actually meant to be born on the Taurus/Gemini cusp, but I evidently had to make a dramatic entrance and showed up two weeks late. Which just goes to show that certain traits really are present from birth.
Do you believe in the zodiac? Believe is a strong word, but I will say that I find it interesting and sometimes illuminating--a tool for speculation and analysis and exploration, like any other.
What's your favorite zoo animal? All of them? I just really love animals! Although the hippos are hard to love, because they're fairly smelly, and they splatter. But I am really fond of polar bears. And giraffes. And pandas. And zebras. And leopards. And gorillas. And parrots and peacocks--well, obviously. *g*