This post is inspired by the last page of Vanity Fair, a magazine I subscribed to on a whim a few years ago. Of course, the writing is excellent, and the fashion and extravagance of the lifestyles they feature provide a decadent escape into a completely foreign world to mine. In every issue, the last page is dedicated to an interview, in which someone is asked a series of questions that are answered briefly. I decided that these questions would be an excellent way to think and write, just a little bit, and it was nice to imagine being famous enough someday that people everywhere would want to know these little things about me. Here then, is my Vanity Fair interview:

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Peaceful and fulfilling relationships with my loved ones, a career that is rewarding, a home that shelters me, enough money to pay my bills and travel a bit, and warm, sunny weather. 

What is your greatest fear? No contest- outliving my children.

Which living person do you most admire? All the single moms who work while also putting themselves through school. 

What is the trait you most deplore about yourself? A tie between self-doubt and sometimes uncontrollable binge watching.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Rudeness, in any form- speaking, actions toward others, driving.

What is your greatest extravagance? This is not a word I associate with my life. 

What is your favorite journey? The road to personal growth and creating a meaningful life.

On what occasion do you lie? When I put in for a sick day at school, but I just want a paid day off.

What do you dislike most about your appearance? I’m not into disliking my appearance. I’m about being healthy, and the mindset of not liking how I look is not a healthy one.

Which living person do you most despise? Specifically- probably Trump. Generally-  ignorant, overly-privileged white men.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Swear words, particularly the f-bomb.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My children and my partner.

When and where were you happiest? The summer of 2015, in Costa Rica with my greatest loves.

Which talent would you most like to have? Social grace. 

What is your current state of mind? Hopeful. Focused on self-improvement.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would strengthen my sense of discipline.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? My beautiful, talented, smart, and kind children. Though I can’t take full credit, as they’ve been surrounded by all kinds of wonderful people.

What is your most treasured possession? My ability to enjoy spending time alone. 

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Heartbreak.

Where would you like to live? With my partner, anywhere warm and sunny that never, ever sees snow. Ever. 

What is your favorite occupation? Spending time with my children and my partner.

What is your most marked characteristic? My smile.

What do you value most in your friends? Patience with and understanding of my periodic hermetic tendencies.

Who are your favorite writers? Shakespeare, Christopher Moore

If you were to die and come back as a person, or thing, what do you think it would be? I sure hope it would be a housecat.

What is your motto? Be kind. To others and to yourself.