So, I was basically challenged to fill out the Proust Questionnaire (with a bonus question I added). Below are my answers, erring on the side of brevity:

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?

Spiders. My actual greatest fear is that one day there will be another disaster from which we can’t recover.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND?

Antsy. I currently have a lot on my plate, and can’t wait for it be a bit more clear.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OCCUPATION?(WAY OF SPENDING TIME)

Currently, it’s sitting at a table with friends and beers, and pencil/paper/dice gaming. Engages/distracts my math/logic brain, and wakes up my less active art brain.

WHAT HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?

Not any one specifically. It would generally have to be a leader’s Chief of Staff or a similar position – the person who isn’t in the spotlight, but helps keep everything running behind the curtains.

WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?

Perhaps Stephen Hawking? I think most people would have given up long ago, but he just keeps mathing on.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FICTIONAL HERO?

I don’t have a single one, but I’d perhaps have to say that the Bagginses are really up there.

WHO ARE YOUR REAL-LIFE HEROES?

I’m not sure I have one, really. This might be my one cop-out answer.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?

My house, I guess. Technically, the bank still owns most of it, but whatever.

WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU HAPPIEST?

My wedding, perhaps? That was an exceptional day.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST OBVIOUS CHARACTERISTIC?

I’m pretty clever? At least I think I am.

WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE (HATE) IN YOURSELF?

I have this need to know things – sometimes I can’t leave well enough alone.

WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN OTHERS?

The need to put themselves above others. It’s natural, and just about everyone and everything is guilty of it, myself included.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?

My house, and the work/improvements that I put into it.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE JOURNEY?

The 4 1/2 minute bike ride from my doorstep to my “coffeeshop” ( a bar on Decatur St. )

WHAT DO YOU MOST DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR APPEARANCE?

My hair is starting to thin. Boo.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST OVER-RATED VIRTUE?

This is a bit broad, so I’ll go with one of the 7 classical virtues: Chastity. I get the pure of body/mind thing, but ex isn’t a bad thing, and I think a lot of people are hung up on it / place too much importance on it.

ON WHAT OCCASION DO YOU LIE?

Usually to keep a friend from knowing about an upcoming surprise. It takes too much energy to keep a false story “correct” and in play.

WHICH WORDS OR PHRASES DO YOU MOST OVER-USE?

“(oh) for fuck’s sake”

“One would think…”

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I assume this is a mental thing, so I’d say the fact that I tend not so much hold grudges, as create blood feuds. If physical, I’d love to not have my hair be thinning.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?

Making the lives of those I care about better.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?

Exactly where I am, and/or in the woods.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A MAN?

It’s a bit traditional gender-role-y, but the strength/resolve to stand up for / protect / call people out on their bullshit / whatever to those that need it. To not just walk by because it’s someone else’s problem.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A WOMAN?

Oooh, this one is difficult too. It would have to be strength too, or perhaps grace. Women are often still dealt a shitty hand these days, and I see so many that handle it with grace, composure, and strength.

WHAT IS IT YOU MOST DISLIKE?

Mono-culture, and/or those who cannot or are unwilling to adapt/change.

WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST IN YOUR FRIENDS?

Honesty, communication, and promptness.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO DIE?

Painlessly, ideally. If it has to hurt, might as well be doing something worthwhile. And while death isn’t something I look forward too, Earth-bound immortality doesn’t sound great either.

IF YOU WERE TO DIE AND COME BACK AS A PERSON OR AN ANIMAL, WHAT DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE?

A dog, to a caring and good owner/family.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE AN OBJECT TO COME BACK AS, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Something useful, with a long working life. A tool, or perhaps a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. Those things last forever, and who doesn’t love the thing that make cookies and cake?

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO (WORDS YOU LIVE BY OR THAT MEAN A LOT TO YOU)?

“Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.”

– Marcus Aurelius

“Hodor.”

– Hodor

WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?

I think “parents” is the obvious answer. Them, and/or my ex-wife.

WHAT IS BEST IN LIFE?

To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.