A year-end meme
gacked from all and sundry- just killing time until I can tell 2007 to well and truly go fuck itself . . . But anyway, Happy New Year!
Do you believe in fate?
In sort of a general sense. I think some of the major things we are and do have already been determined, but that we have a considerable degree of autonomy in our day-to-day decisions. It's not really a rational thing at all, just something I feel. Plus, I'm kind of obsessed with the idea of predestination.
At what age do you think you became an adult?
Hasn't happened yet. Maybe because I haven't had children?
If you had an unlimited budget, how would you change the place that you live?
I would very possibly buy the house I live in, or another one like it here in Jacksonville. I love it that much.
If you could visit one other place in the world, where would it be?
Not fair. I have a very long short list. Don't make me choose just one.
If you had a spare hour every day, how would you spend it? .
Writing
What was the most gratifying experience you ever had?
Huh. That's hard. I've been lucky to have a lot. Anything from doing something nice for someone else, to being lost in a really good book, or some wonderful music, or seeing something beautiful.
If you had to give one piece of wisdom to the rest of the world, what would it be?
Don't take anyone or anything for granted.
What was your first job? What did you learn from it?
Teenager helping out in a daycare center. I learned that while I love small children, I don't want to spend all my time with them.
What do you hope to accomplish in the coming year?
Figuring out what the hell I want to do with myself.
If you could choose one fantasy story to live inside of, which would you choose?
Hee. I was just saying to someone the other day that I desperately want to live in G.R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire. I know it's scary, dangerous and dirty, but oh! the adventure! the romance! I would insist on being a noble though, so I don't get slaughtered on my first day. That would be a bummer.
If you could live in a different time period, what period would you pick?
Around 1800, provided I get to be a Royal Navy Captain, with a ship. I know, I'm demanding!
What part of your daily routine would you like to eliminate?
The getting up in the morning part
Have you ever had a supernatural or paranormal experience?
Nothing aside from the occasional uncanny feeling, or prophetic dream. But nothing I can say is particularly special.
What quality makes another person attractive to you?
Sense of humor, intelligence, and kindness. The first two without the third don't do much for me.
Can money buy happiness?
No. But it sure can make life a lot easier.
If your mother had to describe you to a stranger, what would she say?
Hahaha! Picture a strong German accent, then, "My oldest daughter, she is not only beautiful, but the smartest person I have ever met, the best student who ever was in her school, and almost as funny as me. I do wish she didn't think quite so much, however!"
Have you ever had a recurring dream?
Frequently.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Political Science. It would have been History, except that I had a rotten History teacher.
If you could choose to be a pop culture megastar or an unknown super-genius, which would you pick?
Super-genius, please. Although I wouldn't mind being incredibly wealthy.
Do you believe that everybody has a soul mate?
I don't believe that each of us has just one other person we are perfect for, but I do think we do occasionally run into someone we really click with on one or more levels.
How has keeping an online diary changed you?
I think it's made me more articulate, and a bit more conscious of what I'm thinking and doing.
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your favorite person?
Talk all night.
What is your earliest memory?
Looking at my baby brother.
If you could build your dream house, what would it be like?
I would prefer to have a very old house, and remodel a bit, if necessary.
What’s the best book you ever read, and how did it change you?
War and Peace. I seem to learn new things from it every time. I learned that as individuals, we really don't mean shit. Stuff is going to happen to us and around us, no matter who we are or what we do.
What do you like to do on a rainy day?
It rains a lot, so I try not to let it upset the routine. But if I'm in real rainy-day mode, I'll walk the dog, read, drink tea, play the piano.
Is there a voice of reason in your life? Is it you or somebody else?
Often it's me, otherwise it's my mom or my father-in-law.
What quality makes a person beautiful?
Kindness and contentedness.
You are given $100,000 to spend on yourself - how do you spend it?
Pay bills, down payment on this house, give away some, take a trip with what's left.
If you could pick one skill to master, what would it be?
Writing.
Who is your favorite relative?
My father.
Do you think you are finished growing up? If not, when do you think it will happen?
No. If it hasn't happened by now, I kind of doubt it will.
If you could pick one celebrity to look like, who would it be?
Catherine Zeta-Jones- face and body both, please.
What makes you comfortable?
A genuine smile.
If you could remove one trait from yourself, what would it be?
My current lack of direction.
What was the worst book you ever read?
Can't really pick just one. Although recently, I read something by Laurell K. Hamilton and thought it was really bad.
What is something you’ve had to learn that you wish you hadn’t?
That a lot of people can't be trusted.
If you had to pick the three happiest moments in your life, what would they be?
Sorry, can't do that.
If your life was a television program, which one would it be?
Something like Six Feet Under
Have you ever been in love with somebody who could not return your feelings?
Yes. It seems to happen from time to time.
Do you consider yourself a spiritual person?
Definitely.
Do you think that your life is controlled more by yourself, or by others?
I think we control a lot less than we think, and at the same time, can control a lot more than we think. The two big things that really determine the course of our lives and personalities are where we're born and who our parents are, and we have no control over those things. However, we have control over our own actions and the way we react to others, and those things have so much to do with how successful and happy we are.
Have you ever had to take the blame for something that wasn’t your fault?
Yeah, although I made sure it wouldn't happen again.
Have you ever been helped by a stranger?
Yes.
What scares you the most?
Honestly, after this last year, I can't think of a single thing that scares me very much. .
What person had the most positive influence on you when you were growing up?
My paternal grandmother. I think I will always strive to be like her.
What was the dumbest thing you ever paid money for?
Where to begin?
Do you think love conquers all, or are there some things even love can’t fix?
No, I think there are some hurts that can't be overcome by anything.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
For the first time in my life, I don't know.
What is your best talent? Do you share it with other people?
I can make people laugh and see the bright side of things. It only works when I share. :-)
What is your favorite music? Has it changed as you’ve gotten older?
I listen to much wider variety than I used to, but hearing or playing Chopin still touches my heart like nothing else.
What’s the best gift you ever got for somebody else?
Judging by the response- many shrieks, hugs for the next three hours- the Go Diego Go! boat I got my nephew for his 3rd birthday.
If you could get one present this year, what would it be?
I'd like my once-considerable self-discipline back
What is the most useful thing you own?
My trusty, un-glamorous van
Do you have any special holiday traditions?
The day after Thanksgiving, I start listening to Bach's Christmas Oratorio on continuous loop until New Year
What do you have to be thankful for?
Um. (just kidding, sort of)
Family
Friends
Pets
Home
My Church
My Abilities (if I can find them again)
Who’s the wisest person you know?
A lovely, 90-year-old German lady
If you could pick any person to be the leader of your country, who would it be?
Me. I don't really trust anyone else not to screw it up. Actually, I don't even trust myself, but it would be good for the control freak in me.
If you could change one thing about your best friend, what would it be?
I have more than one best friend, but I would like for all of them to live closer.
Did you have a favorite toy when you were young? Do you still have it?
A doll named Erika. She had curly blonde hair and a pouty lower lip.
What’s your favorite season of the year? Why?
Autumn. I love the colors of the trees and the sky, and knowing that cold weather is coming.
If you could pick any person to have a fantasy relationship with, who would it be?
It varies almost daily. Lately though, I've been alternating between Jaime Lannister and Jon Snow. I need to come up with a mega-MarySue in which I can have both.
Do you believe in fate?
In sort of a general sense. I think some of the major things we are and do have already been determined, but that we have a considerable degree of autonomy in our day-to-day decisions. It's not really a rational thing at all, just something I feel. Plus, I'm kind of obsessed with the idea of predestination.
At what age do you think you became an adult?
Hasn't happened yet. Maybe because I haven't had children?
If you had an unlimited budget, how would you change the place that you live?
I would very possibly buy the house I live in, or another one like it here in Jacksonville. I love it that much.
If you could visit one other place in the world, where would it be?
Not fair. I have a very long short list. Don't make me choose just one.
If you had a spare hour every day, how would you spend it? .
Writing
What was the most gratifying experience you ever had?
Huh. That's hard. I've been lucky to have a lot. Anything from doing something nice for someone else, to being lost in a really good book, or some wonderful music, or seeing something beautiful.
If you had to give one piece of wisdom to the rest of the world, what would it be?
Don't take anyone or anything for granted.
What was your first job? What did you learn from it?
Teenager helping out in a daycare center. I learned that while I love small children, I don't want to spend all my time with them.
What do you hope to accomplish in the coming year?
Figuring out what the hell I want to do with myself.
If you could choose one fantasy story to live inside of, which would you choose?
Hee. I was just saying to someone the other day that I desperately want to live in G.R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire. I know it's scary, dangerous and dirty, but oh! the adventure! the romance! I would insist on being a noble though, so I don't get slaughtered on my first day. That would be a bummer.
If you could live in a different time period, what period would you pick?
Around 1800, provided I get to be a Royal Navy Captain, with a ship. I know, I'm demanding!
What part of your daily routine would you like to eliminate?
The getting up in the morning part
Have you ever had a supernatural or paranormal experience?
Nothing aside from the occasional uncanny feeling, or prophetic dream. But nothing I can say is particularly special.
What quality makes another person attractive to you?
Sense of humor, intelligence, and kindness. The first two without the third don't do much for me.
Can money buy happiness?
No. But it sure can make life a lot easier.
If your mother had to describe you to a stranger, what would she say?
Hahaha! Picture a strong German accent, then, "My oldest daughter, she is not only beautiful, but the smartest person I have ever met, the best student who ever was in her school, and almost as funny as me. I do wish she didn't think quite so much, however!"
Have you ever had a recurring dream?
Frequently.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Political Science. It would have been History, except that I had a rotten History teacher.
If you could choose to be a pop culture megastar or an unknown super-genius, which would you pick?
Super-genius, please. Although I wouldn't mind being incredibly wealthy.
Do you believe that everybody has a soul mate?
I don't believe that each of us has just one other person we are perfect for, but I do think we do occasionally run into someone we really click with on one or more levels.
How has keeping an online diary changed you?
I think it's made me more articulate, and a bit more conscious of what I'm thinking and doing.
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your favorite person?
Talk all night.
What is your earliest memory?
Looking at my baby brother.
If you could build your dream house, what would it be like?
I would prefer to have a very old house, and remodel a bit, if necessary.
What’s the best book you ever read, and how did it change you?
War and Peace. I seem to learn new things from it every time. I learned that as individuals, we really don't mean shit. Stuff is going to happen to us and around us, no matter who we are or what we do.
What do you like to do on a rainy day?
It rains a lot, so I try not to let it upset the routine. But if I'm in real rainy-day mode, I'll walk the dog, read, drink tea, play the piano.
Is there a voice of reason in your life? Is it you or somebody else?
Often it's me, otherwise it's my mom or my father-in-law.
What quality makes a person beautiful?
Kindness and contentedness.
You are given $100,000 to spend on yourself - how do you spend it?
Pay bills, down payment on this house, give away some, take a trip with what's left.
If you could pick one skill to master, what would it be?
Writing.
Who is your favorite relative?
My father.
Do you think you are finished growing up? If not, when do you think it will happen?
No. If it hasn't happened by now, I kind of doubt it will.
If you could pick one celebrity to look like, who would it be?
Catherine Zeta-Jones- face and body both, please.
What makes you comfortable?
A genuine smile.
If you could remove one trait from yourself, what would it be?
My current lack of direction.
What was the worst book you ever read?
Can't really pick just one. Although recently, I read something by Laurell K. Hamilton and thought it was really bad.
What is something you’ve had to learn that you wish you hadn’t?
That a lot of people can't be trusted.
If you had to pick the three happiest moments in your life, what would they be?
Sorry, can't do that.
If your life was a television program, which one would it be?
Something like Six Feet Under
Have you ever been in love with somebody who could not return your feelings?
Yes. It seems to happen from time to time.
Do you consider yourself a spiritual person?
Definitely.
Do you think that your life is controlled more by yourself, or by others?
I think we control a lot less than we think, and at the same time, can control a lot more than we think. The two big things that really determine the course of our lives and personalities are where we're born and who our parents are, and we have no control over those things. However, we have control over our own actions and the way we react to others, and those things have so much to do with how successful and happy we are.
Have you ever had to take the blame for something that wasn’t your fault?
Yeah, although I made sure it wouldn't happen again.
Have you ever been helped by a stranger?
Yes.
What scares you the most?
Honestly, after this last year, I can't think of a single thing that scares me very much. .
What person had the most positive influence on you when you were growing up?
My paternal grandmother. I think I will always strive to be like her.
What was the dumbest thing you ever paid money for?
Where to begin?
Do you think love conquers all, or are there some things even love can’t fix?
No, I think there are some hurts that can't be overcome by anything.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
For the first time in my life, I don't know.
What is your best talent? Do you share it with other people?
I can make people laugh and see the bright side of things. It only works when I share. :-)
What is your favorite music? Has it changed as you’ve gotten older?
I listen to much wider variety than I used to, but hearing or playing Chopin still touches my heart like nothing else.
What’s the best gift you ever got for somebody else?
Judging by the response- many shrieks, hugs for the next three hours- the Go Diego Go! boat I got my nephew for his 3rd birthday.
If you could get one present this year, what would it be?
I'd like my once-considerable self-discipline back
What is the most useful thing you own?
My trusty, un-glamorous van
Do you have any special holiday traditions?
The day after Thanksgiving, I start listening to Bach's Christmas Oratorio on continuous loop until New Year
What do you have to be thankful for?
Um. (just kidding, sort of)
Family
Friends
Pets
Home
My Church
My Abilities (if I can find them again)
Who’s the wisest person you know?
A lovely, 90-year-old German lady
If you could pick any person to be the leader of your country, who would it be?
Me. I don't really trust anyone else not to screw it up. Actually, I don't even trust myself, but it would be good for the control freak in me.
If you could change one thing about your best friend, what would it be?
I have more than one best friend, but I would like for all of them to live closer.
Did you have a favorite toy when you were young? Do you still have it?
A doll named Erika. She had curly blonde hair and a pouty lower lip.
What’s your favorite season of the year? Why?
Autumn. I love the colors of the trees and the sky, and knowing that cold weather is coming.
If you could pick any person to have a fantasy relationship with, who would it be?
It varies almost daily. Lately though, I've been alternating between Jaime Lannister and Jon Snow. I need to come up with a mega-MarySue in which I can have both.