Proust Questionnaire

I enjoy reading Vanity Fair magazine. The last page usually carries the Proust Questionnaire that a celebrity gets to fill out (right now they have a feature on their site that allows you to fill out the questionnaire, then compares your answers to find which celebrities’ answers are a close match to yours- my closest match was Nora Ephron and surprisingly, Donald Trump). It’s quite entertaining and a neat way to round off your reading experience. Apparently the origin of the questionnaire is traced to a parlour game played in Parisian salons back in the day…but like most good things it endures. I thought that would be a good way to ease back into blogdom- I tried to be honest, not giving each question too much thought, rather going with the first answer that bubbles up when I consider each one.

What is your idea of perfect happiness

 Being surrounded by my best friends and favourite family to share a moment and good food.

What is your greatest fear?

 That I will die unexpectedly/tragically before I have achieved my life’s purpose.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Queen Victoria. 

Which living person do you most admire?

 Stephen Lewis

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

 Conceit

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

 Smugness

What is your greatest extravagance?

Words: Books, magazines, music

On what occasion do you lie?

 When the recipient of the lie cannot deal with the truth and even then, by omission only.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

 My feet. Too wide.

When and where were you happiest?

 Mombasa,  April 2009

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

 I would be more disciplined and finish all the projects I start.

If you could change one thing about your family what would it be?

 Not a thing.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

 Being a connector. Introducing friends to each other and watching new friendships flourish.

If you died and came back as a person or thing what do you think it would be?

A world-famous entertainer with real musical ability.

What is your most treasured possession?

 My music and books

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Being ignorant of how unfulfilled one’s life is.

Who are your heroes in real life?

 African women

What is it that you most dislike?

 Social Injustice

How would you like to die?

 At 100+, drink in one hand, family beside me, my head resting on an open book.

What is your motto?

Nothing is Rocket Science- How hard can it be?