LIST | 50 Questions

I spend a crazy amount of time researching about writing. About story. About storytelling.

I question. I explore. I take courses. I read books. I attend workshops.

Sometimes I actually write.

Over on the Writer’s Circle, I found a list of interesting questions. It is used for character development which is a concept I find fascinating! In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to ask these questions of myself and see what I come up with – who knows, I may end up being a character someday.

01. Who was the last person you held hands with?

Claire.

02. Are you loud, outgoing or shy?

All three! It depends on the situation. I am a reasonably well adjusted introvert.

03. Who are you looking forward to seeing?

Chloé. She’s been in France since the end of June and I miss her something fierce!

04. Are you easy to get along with?

Yes. If you are willing to be imperfect with me.

05. Have you ever given up on someone, but then gone back to him or her?

Yes. Live and learn!

06. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you?

Tricky. There is no “person” right now, but I have plenty of friends who would step up. Though, normally I’m the one taking care of those who push or even forget their limits.

07. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now?

I live in hope. Yes, I believe I will be in a relationship two months from now.

08. Who from the opposite gender is on your mind?

A few months back my sister suggested a theory to me: that those you knew you when you were younger knew a more authentic and real version of yourself. She thinks it would be a good idea to look to my past to find someone for my future. So yes, there are a number of those of the opposite gender on my mind. Well, specifically the number is 3.

09. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable.

No.

10. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?

Helen.

11. What does your most recent text say?

“Way to go buddy! Proud of you. What do you think?” in response to Caden getting 75% on his math test.

12. How do you feel about abortion?

I am pro choice. But otherwise, it is none of my business what another woman does with her body.

13. Do you like big crowds of people?

Yes, if they’re way over there and I’m safely by myself, right here.

14. Do you believe in luck and miracles?

Yes. I believe you make your luck and bear witness to miracles.

15. What good thing happened this summer?

So far? So many! Both daughters have had an opportunity to learn overseas. In my last-ditch effort to take care of me, I started working out at Orange Theory, saw an endocrinologist, filled the fridge with fresh food, continue meditation and yoga. I took three of four kids to Fredericton to celebrate my aunt’s 90th birthday (I should be so lucky – see above #14.) I caught up with an old friend, in person rather than Facebook, and appreciate the effort he made to see me (and my kids). I learned what my intuition feels like and will pay closer attention in future. I saw “Kinky Boots” and it was fabulous. Cole got a volunteer position that aligns with his passion. We have tickets to the PanAm volleyball – beach and indoor, and baseball. I’m looking forward to more good stuff ahead!

16. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

No. That person would be my former husband. Closing in on a decade ago! Jeez. That’s not good!

17. Do you think there is life on other planets?

Yes. I believe there is life. I do not know if it is like life on this planet, but I do believe there is something.

18. Do you still talk to your first crush?

Yes. He is living a lovely life with his lovely wife. I am happy for him and I’m happy for his still being in my life even if it is only by the occasional Facebook post.

19. Do you like bubble baths?

No.

20. Do you like your neighbours?

I like our neighbourhood. Across the way is Bob and his family who have been lovely. We have new neighbours on the south side and so far so good. The north side have been here since the dawn of time and have far too much interest in what we do in our home! Like? Well enough I suppose.

21. What are your bad habits?

I am impatient. I drink cheap wine. I don’t like cooking. I occasionally bite my nails. I don’t move enough. I don’t have time (see: patience) for insincere social “niceties”. I don’t read all of the books I buy. I let laundry pile up. I let paper pile up, too. I write lists then ignore them. I spend too much time on Facebook. I am super judgy about those who bring infants/poorly behaved offspring to restaurants – though I realize the infants can’t help their behaviour. Too often I will RSVP “yes” and then when it comes to the time of the event I am so overcome with dread? fear? social awkwardness? I come up with an excuse and read a book at home.

22. Where would you like to travel?

I’ve been to almost every state, province and territory, but I’d still like to take a 3-month road trip around Canada and the U.S. someday – and stop at every spot the urge hits to take a photograph. Other than that, I’d like to go on safari in Africa; to Iceland; back to the U.K. to visit castles and pubs; and all the countries that border on the Mediterranean.

23. Do you have trust issues?

Not anymore. As one of my CDFs “trust” is part of who I am trying to be. I believe I’ve succeeded.

24. Favourite part of your daily routine?

After the joy of waking each morning? Greeting each of my children and receiving a hug, kiss, nod, text.

25. What body part are you most uncomfortable with?

Middle. All of it. The breadth of it. Though, I am becoming more appreciative of it and what it has given me. After that it would be my boobs. Who could imagine there could be this much breast on one person?

26. What do you do when you wake up?

Count my blessings.

27. Do you wish your skin was lighter or darker.

Darker.

28. Who are you most comfortable around?

My sister. My kids. My girlfriends.

29. Have any of your ex’s told you they regret breaking up?

Yes.

30. Do you ever want to get married?

Not again. At this age and stage the relationship is more important than the ceremony. But yes, a long-term respectful, fulfilling, kind and loving relationship would be welcome.

31. Is your hair long enough for a ponytail?

Yes, barely.

32. Which celebrities would you like to have a threesome with?

Hahahaha. Ahem. Hmm.

33. Spell your name with your chin.

I don’t even understand this request.

34. Do you play sports?

Not anymore, but I loved tennis, golf and volleyball back in the day. I hope to play them again.

35. Would you rather live without TV or music.

TV.

36. Have you ever liked someone and never told them?

Yes.

37. What do you say during awkward silences?

Nothing. Silence is not awkward.

38. Do you think age matters in relationships?

After a certain point, no.

39. What are your favourite stores to shop in?

Stationery and home décor.

40. What do you/did you want to do after high school?

I wanted to become a social worker or an early childhood education teacher. Then I was going to get married to a great guy and have a big family. I’m glad I got the big family!

41. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

No. Not everyone. (I say that, but I’m such a soft touch it takes a lot for me to realize I should have believed who they were the first time I was shown.)

42. If you’re being extremely quiet, what does it mean?

I’m either sleeping or day dreaming or dumbstruck by stupidity (of others) or angry beyond belief.

43. Do you smile at strangers?

Always.

44. Trip to outer space or bottom of the ocean?

Space.

45. Do you want a roommate?

With benefits.

46. What are you paranoid about?

The ocean.

47. What was the meanest thing someone ever said to you?

“You should have been born a boy.”

48. What was the nicest?

“You have raised wonderful children.”

49. Have you done something recently you hope no one finds out about?

No. As boring as it may be, in this information age, I live my life as though any moment can be thrown onto the front page of the paper. I make choices within that context.

50. What language do you want to learn?

Spanish. So when I travel I can communicate. Kinda.

 

I’m not sure what kind of character I’d make, but I can certainly see how getting the answers to these questions would make for a more intricate and well crafted character in any story I’d like to read.