The Proust Questionnaire

I've completely stolen this Proust Questionnaire from Deviled Megs, who had promptly stolen it from another blogger. This is just an excuse for me to post something. We all have days when we just can't come up with something to blog about all on our own, so we beg, borrow, and steal. I am no different.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I'm with DM, that the idea of perfect happiness changes with age. I also think it changes with your place in life. I have moments of perfect happiness, I'm sure. I know that I've been much happier since quitting my job and moving to Sticksville - the knot in my shoulder is gone, and the stress level is almost nil. Perfect happiness for me can be attained by finding time to curl up somewhere with a good book. It can be riding a horse. It can curled up watching Pride & Prejudice with a cup of hot cocoa while it's snowing outside, and a cat on my lap. It can be laughing until I cry with my best friend. It can be hanging out with my mom at Great America or Six Flags. It can be getting a daddy hug.

What is your greatest fear?

Being a complete and utter failure.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

I honestly have no idea.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Procrastination. Not to mention I am my own worst critic.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Arrogance and selfishness.  I'm going to stick with DM's answer here. Although I'd like to add hatred or intolerance.

What do you most value in your friends?

Their honesty. The fact that they are there for me when I need them. They let me be there for them. They can make me laugh until my stomach hurts and I have tears streaming down my cheeks.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Dude. OMG. Really. Seriously. And a modest amount of curse words - the Empress would be proud. ;o)

What is your favorite journey?

Probably the one I am on. Even though it gets frustrating, I really know it will have an amazing ending. I am going to stick with DM's answer. I don't for sure what's in store for me on my new journey, but I'm excited to give it a whirl. It's all new to me; I've become the student once again. I'm sure there will be bits and pieces of cattle ranching and publishing that I won't be fond of, but so far, it's an interesting journey.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Politically correct. Wait, is that a virtue? It is now.

What is your favorite occupation?

I'm happiest when working around animals.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

Well, instead of writing a novel, I will say my knees.

What is your greatest regret?

Believing I'm not smart enough to handle the chemistry and math required to apply to vet school.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

The who would be my family. Without them and their support, I'd be nothing. The what would be books. And horses.

When and where were you happiest?

I will have to refer you to the first question.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would like to be a bit more bold. I can be quite shy, the severity of it depends on the situation I find myself in. And the company.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Falling face first into cow shit-mud and not eating said cow shit-mud.

What is your most treasured possession?

My genealogy paperwork. Then pictures.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Loneliness (again, have to agree with MCW) I'm going to stick with this answer, too.

Where would you like to live?

I'm liking Sticksville. I enjoy small towns, it's such a different atmosphere. I hate the city.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My thumbs! lol

What is your greatest extravagance?

Books, typically. Or movies. I'm seriously going to have to cut back now. Although, I was cutting back prior to this, so it can't be too hard now!

What are the qualities you most like in a man?

A sense of humor – and not just because ALL girls say that, but if someone can’t genuinely make me laugh and doesn’t get my sense of humor, then we have no shot. I'm going to agree with DM, here. Although I'm going to add integrity, passion, and kindness. And a really nice Wrangler butt.

Who are your favorite writers?

Jane Austen, Dean Koontz, Jen Lancaster, Sharon Lathan, Kathy Reichs.

How would you like to die?

In my sleep.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Elizabeth Bennett and Odd Thomas. Yeah. I'm weird like that.

Who are your heroes in real life?

All of my grandparents, my immediate family, my friends, and of course, the wonderful men and women who serve our country.

What is your motto?

Is it bad I that I don't think I have a motto?

And I think I am supposed to "tag" some people, but I'm feeling lazy or generous, so if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged for a questionnaire.