365 Questions: Can you keep a secret?

WEEK19

129.        What limiting beliefs about the world are you holding on to?

Hmmmm.  I just wonder if we’ll be able to get it together in time to save the environment. By some accounts, it’s already too late but I like to think we can turn things around, or at the very least halt the process.

130.        How would you describe your childhood?

For the most part it was pretty idyllic. I grew up during a great time when kids could leave home in the morning and stay out unsupervised until dinner. We had great adventures. I was also blessed with a stay-at-home mother and a father with a good job. As my sister likes to say, we grew up in a one horse town and our family owned the horse, so we didn’t want for much. That being said, it wasn’t perfect. I loved my mother but she was a woman of very extreme emotions and the flavour of our days was pretty much dictated by her mood. I kept a diary for several years and many of my entries start with, “Mom is in a good/bad mood today.” But, the diaries also reference a lot of fun with good friends.

131.        What were you like as a teenager?

Again, if we reference the diaries, I’m sure I come across as a typical teenage girl: obsessed with losing 10 pounds, getting great marks and finding a way to get that certain boy to notice me. I was fairly quiet, and a band geek. Insecure but I liked to get involved. Basically, the social introvert I am today. 

132.        If you could send a three-sentence email to the entire world, what would it say?

Let’s all promise to treat people the way we’d like to be treated. And this includes the earth. There is enough for all of us.

133.        What, if anything, would you change about your life if you knew you were never going to die?

I would continue to eat better and exercise more so I could continue to enjoy life to the fullest.

134.        If you could start this life over, what would you do differently?

I don’t think I would make many changes but I would definitely start saving money earlier and adopt a healthy lifestyle at an earlier age. I would practise guitar and piano more often and learn musical theory.

135.        What moves you?

I’m a pretty sensitive soul and can be moved by hearing a beautiful piece of music or someone talk about the person they love. Any baring of the soul affects me. I cry during commercials, movies, songs, books, poetry readings . . .

WEEK 20

136.        If you could go back to school and study one subject, what would it be?

While I do love music, I think it would be cool to be able to speak another language so I’d probably take French.

137.        Have you forgiven yourself for past mistakes?

Yes. I’ve learned that there really aren’t any mistakes . . . just data. Everything is a lesson and every experience has created the person I am today. And, I’m pretty wonderful.

138.        What would you do if you won the lottery?

I would retire and I would also spoil my friends. I would likely start some kind of foundation or charity – probably geared to youth or seniors. If I won the lottery today, I would go to Europe and go to as many Springsteen shows as possible (bucket list item to see him in Europe).

139.        What is true strength?

Being authentic and doing what you say you're going to do.

140.        Are you good at keeping secrets?

Generally, I’m pretty good. I wouldn’t say I’m perfect but I keep the big ones.

141.        Do you think routine is important?

I’m a creature of habit and routine but I know it’s not for everyone. For me routine helps me be more productive and achieve my goals.

142.        Which fictional character do you wish was real?

There are so many. It would be cool if there really was a super hero like Iron Man.

365 Questions: Weeks 16 to 18

WEEK 16
108. What question do you hate to answer?

Well, I’m not really enjoying this question right now (just joking!). I would have to say that the question I don’t like to answer is “What do you want to be when you grow up?” At 54, I think I’m still figuring that out. I’ve never been much of a career person – I’ve always placed more importance on the people I work with. If you have a supportive team surrounding you, what you do doesn’t really matter. I like what I do, but it doesn’t really define me.

109. What cheers you up?

A good comedy can cheer me up but I usually rely on the kindness of my friends when I need a big pick-me-up. They always come through for me.

110. What’s your favourite time of day and why?

I know what my least favourite time of day is (morning) but it’s hard to pin down my favourite. I’m a night hawk so I tend to be more creative in the evenings, but, if I had to pick one favourite time, it likely would be around 5ish as that’s when work is over and I can get on with the business of having fun.

111. What’s the biggest turnoff in someone else?

I’m not a big fan of negativity or endless complaining. My sister says that you’re allowed to tell your story (vent) to three people. After that, it’s just whining. If there’s something wrong in your life, fix it. If you can’t fix it, find the appropriate people who can help you fix it. But complaining about the same thing over and over again, does not accomplish anything.

112. What one thing do you think people will say about you at your funeral?

I hope they will say that I made them laugh.

113. What was the best day of your life and why?

I think every day above ground is pretty good.

114. Do you really listen when people talk to you?

I really try to be an active listener.  But because I’m a problem solver, I can fall victim to trying to think of solutions when someone is telling me a problem . . . rather than giving them 100 per cent of my attention. 

WEEK 17
115. Is your life complicated by unnecessary things? If so, what are they?

I’m trying to declutter my house right now. I wouldn’t say it’s complicating my life but I’d like to have less stuff.

116. Are you a giver or a taker?

I’m a giver to the max.

117. What does love taste like?

Hmmm. Love tastes like a number of things: minty toothpaste, red wine, sweaty skin.

118. Do the people in your life bring out the best or worst in you?

I’m pretty lucky in that I am surrounded by positive, like-minded people who inspire me to be a better person. I have pretty much eliminated those who drain me.

119. What three things in your life would you change and why?

I would have less stuff (see #115). I would be in a committed relationship. While I’m enjoying the dating process, I would like to have that part of my life settled. I would like to have a bit more deposable income to do a few more things around my house.

120. What mistake have you made again and again?

Not having enough faith in my own intuition and I've made some poor choices because of this – stayed in a bad relationship longer than I should. Didn't change the oil in my car in time. I usually like to poll the audience (my friends), however I’m learning to trust my instincts more often.

121. When was the last time you took a big risk?

Did I mention I’m single and dating? In trying hard to present my authentic self on a consistent basis, I open myself up to vulnerability which is always a risk.

WEEK 18
122. What have you learned from your parents?

I learned the importance of giving back to your community from my mother who was an active volunteer. From my father, I learned the importance of having strong faith. 

123. What’s your favourite word and why?

I love the word minutia. I just love the way it sounds.

124. How many times have you fallen in love?

Three times.

125. Are you at peace with yourself? Why?

I’m pretty Zen at the present time. I’m pretty happy with who I am right now and what I’m doing with my life. 

126. What do you like to get lost in?

I can get lost in a good book or a lover’s eyes.

127. What makes you smile?

So many things make me smile: when a favourite song comes on the radio, puppies, watching my friends enjoy themselves, a witty remark, and so much more.

128. Do you typically listen to your head, heart or gut?

When it comes to work, I definitely listen to my head. But in everything else, I probably listen to my heart most. That being said, I’m learning to give my gut equal consideration.