....more memey Amy...

"The Proust Questionnaire", taken from The Lisa Book:

Your most marked characteristic?

Either the fact that I talk too much or I'm rarely serious. Frankly, if I'm serious, the next step is furious. Unless I know you well and we're just talking.

The quality you most like in a man?

Lovingkindness. Emphasis on tenderness. I firmly believe that kindness is a mostly unrecognized strength of which there is simply not enough in the world. It's also helpful if he doesn't take himself seriously.

The quality you most like in a woman?

See above. I really don't differentiate by gender. Although instead of the second quality above, I'd say that in women I appreciate a lack of competitiveness over men. That whole thing just floors me everytime I encounter it.

What do you most value in your friends?

Compassion, humor, give-and-take, time.

What is your dream of happiness?

I experience happiness when there is no conflict, no worrying, and a sense of freedom of purpose.

What is your principle defect?

I'm not a good finisher. I like starting things and suck and finishing them. Allied to this is procrastination. I'm a pro at this!

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?

Not knowing your value to the world.

What is your favorite occupation?

Planning, organizing (theoretical), making lists.

What would you like to be?

You know how sometimes you see something and it colors your answer? Had I not seen Amy's answer ("a cat") I would have probably gone the road of "professional bullshitter" or something. However, having seen it, I know must say that I'd really like to be a dog.

In what country would you like to live?

I like the U.S., especially when the Bushies aren't in charge. I could probably adapt easily to Canada. You'd think Britain would be easy, but I'm not so sure. I wouldn't mind being an occasional expat to Greece or Mexico.

Who are your favorite prose writers?

OK, here's the deal: I read too damn much. So, I'm just going to direct you here. There are aothers--like Kent Haruf and Dominic Crossan--but these are the ones I go back to again and again.

Who are your favorite poets?

Didn't I just answer this? Robert Frost, Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson (in small doses), Ogden Nash, Tennyson, cummings, Maya Angelou....

What natural gift would you like to possess?

Tact.

Who are your favorite composers?

Bach (hi Dad), Mozart, Handel.

Who are your favorite painters?

Michelangelo, Turner, Holbein, Raphael, Seurat (how did he do it??).

What is your favorite color?

Blue.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Dad. My oldest sister. People who do (and enjoy) jobs I'd loathe: cops, garbagemen, road construction crews... to the extent that they do their jobs well. Beast. Sparky. Anne.

What is it you most dislike?

Condescension, especially from a peer. Self-righteousness. Mean people who are mean JUST to be mean, for no constructive purpose. Shopping.

How would you like to die?

Old, fast, and painlessly. Or, like George Carlin, blown up.

What is your present state of mind?

Lazy.

To what faults do you feel most indulgent?

Youthful failings (in youth, not in anyone over, say, 30), intensity (is that a fault?).

What is your motto?

If I had one, this would be it: "...what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)