Fellow bookworm and blogger Megan of Literary Life adopted the novel idea of the Proust Questionnaire on her blog, which I am going to steal borrow to post here, with additional questions from the loyally Proustian publication, Vanity Fair.
What is your most marked characteristic? I would hope that it was strength; which a certain friend of mine says makes me come across as an “ice maiden”. I’d rather be an ice maiden than a pushover.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Strength, intelligence, companionship.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Un-fakeness. And un-vapidness.
What do you most value in your friends? Loyalty, and being surprised by just how loyal they can be. And knowing me inside and out.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? My inability to keep my mouth shut!
What is your favourite occupation? Wedding planner, big cat keeper, historian (if I had the discipline), vintage buyer, writer (shock! horror!).
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Generally, I subscribe to Mia Freedman’s notion of contentment: “Bombarding myself with pop culture, diving in deep and splashing happily around…” Also, it’s something that takes me by surprise. My happiest times have occurred when I’ve least expected it; designing and executing a tower out of straws during a Year 10 sociology class; shopping at Big W with my Mum one Friday evening; attending a Target fashion show in the scorching heat to see Whitney Port with my cousin; this past weekend during a Pictionary tournament at a friend’s house and at The Way We Wear vintage fashion market.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? I cannot fathom that and hope to never experience it.
In which country would you like to live? The US of A, baby. However, I am beginning to warm to the country I do live in.
Who are your favourite writers? It’s no secret that they are Dominick Dunne, Mick Foley and Mia Freedman.
Who is your favourite hero of fiction? Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird, Gus Bailey from Another City, Not My Own, Robert Langdon from The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, The Lost Symbol, the rabbits from Watership Down, Chandler Bing from Friends (well, he is a FICTIONal character!).
Who is your favourite heroine of fiction? Um, like, Bella Swan from Twilight. Not! Scout Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird, Belle from Beauty & the Beast, Elphaba from Wicked.
Who are your favourite composers? Does Michael Jackson count as a composer? If so, I will add Lennon & McCartney and the blokes from INXS to that list.
What are your favourite names? Jude, which is my mother’s maiden name and is just beautiful for a boy.
What is it that you most dislike? Not getting what I want. Also, loud iPods on the train/tram/bus when I’m trying to read, people with low personal hygiene standards and bad spelling and grammar.
Which talent would you most like to have? Singing and playing piano.
How would you like to die? With those closest to me being prepared for it. There is nothing worse than having someone snatched from you with no warning.
What is your current state of mind? Inspired, but stressed.
What is your motto? Everything happens for a reason.
What is your greatest fear? Getting Alzheimer’s or dementia. I would rather die than not remember.
What is your greatest extravagance? Magazines. Clothes.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Spontaneity. There is a lot to be said for routine!
What do you dislike most about your appearance? My skin.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Like, OMG.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? This here blog… Wow, I’m sad!
What is your most treasured possession? My mind and my books. Some superficial items like clothing and vintage items. My laptop (even more so once I upgrade to a Mac!).
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Marie Antoinette and Cleopatra. Oh, the tragedy! Also, Belle from Beauty & the Beast, even though she’s not technically an historical figure.
Which living person do you most admire? Mia Freedman and Mick Foley.
What is your greatest regret? Giving up on my dream.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Reading.
