ten things i want to know, and if you don’t tell me, i’ll… i’ll…. well, i won’t know them.
I’m thinking through 8,000,000 things in my life right now, from big issues to tiny wonderings.
Your answers always give me a ton of perspective.
So!
1. Why do you live where you live?
2. Why do you do the job you do?
3. Why are you with the person you’re with?
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be?
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life?
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life?
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend?
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship?
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you?
September 12th, 2007 at 9:58 am
1. Because it is the city where my heart tells me I’m home
2. I love the industry, I love learning and I adore the people I work with.
3. When I’m with him I remember that I’m a good person and things just seem so much easier to handle. He also makes me laugh my ass off.
4. I would have more time! And the three hour meeting this afternoon would be canceled.
5. My relationships.
6. Usually my family.
7. Give some money to my mom, dad and sisters and then use the rest to buy a kick ass laptop.
8. Honesty and feeling comfortable relaxing in PJs with the other person.
9. Dishonesty when it comes to the important things. Little white lies telling me I look good when I feel fat is perfectly fine.
10. Dishonesty and no communication. We can usually work through most things as long as we talk about it and figure out what really is the root cause.
September 12th, 2007 at 10:12 am
Bored at work :)
1. Why do you live where you live? I’m living with my brother at the moment– which was originally a matter of primariy economic conveniance originally. Now, I view it as an opportunity to bond with him one last time before he runs off and does something crazy like getting married. As for why I live near Seattle, well… it still feels like home.
2. Why do you do the job you do? I do IT work for an educational software company. It’s nothing magical, but I’m good at it. It’s also a lot easier to monetize than an English degree.
3. Why are you with the person you’re with? No comment. Hrm.
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be? Courage– just like the lion in Wizard of Oz. Need more ‘umph’ to follow-through with the things I am curious in/passionate about.
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life? Spending time with people I care about.
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life? People who are dishonest or those who manipulate/massage their emotions.
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it? 7% 1-year CD. Yes, I’m lame. Or maybe student loans.
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend? Passion (about anything).
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship? Emotional dishonesty. I actually like the ending to the movie Unfaithful because even though there was murder and infidelity, the couple was still honest with each other.
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you?
“Oh yeah… I’m a scientologist.”
“Oh yeah… I’m gay.”
“Let me introduce you to my mother, Aunt Susan.”
“Let me slip into something a little more… furry.”
Haha. In all seriousness, probably infidelity or emotional dishonesty, or a combination of the two.
September 12th, 2007 at 10:14 am
1. I moved to the Capital of New Brunswick awhile ago for a job…and never left…it even surprises me sometimes.
2. It makes me feel good and like I am contributing to society.
3. He makes me a better person.
4. I’d have more of a commitment to fitness.
5. At the moment…the little alien growing in my abdomen (ALF)
6. That I didn’t take my personal health more seriously prior to trying to conceive.
7. Pay off rest of student loans and take both of our sets of parents out for a great evening.
8. Kindness.
9. Cruelty.
10. Lack of respect.
Looking forward to hearing your answers now!!!!
September 12th, 2007 at 10:22 am
1. Why do you live where you live? because I didn’t choose the house
2. Why do you do the job you do? I don’t do a job, I’m a kid
3. Why are you with the person you’re with? because she’s funny and cute
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be? I like my life as it is
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life? MY MOTHER
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life? MY MOTHER
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it? I would buy a new computer, Lego and a real piano, and save some.
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend? Togetherness
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship? It’s never happened to me, so I don’t really know
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you? If I saw her kiss someone else
September 12th, 2007 at 10:28 am
1. Why do you live where you live?
Vancouver is home. That’s enough, but as a bonus, it’s beautiful, temperate, and there are always fun things to do. It’s close to beach and mountains, and it has all the culture of an urban city with the clean air and nature of the wilderness. And it’s full of wonderful people. And has good sushi.
2. Why do you do the job you do?
I hate my job. I do it because I’m scared to leave my regular paycheque and cushy benefits package and extra week of vacation. I will leave one day though. I’ve been preparing for months already.
3. Why are you with the person you’re with?
Because he is my rock and my soft place to fall. I can be totally, utterly myself with him and he loves me even with all my flaws and vulnerabilities and weird quirks, and I love him. And he’s the most supportive person no matter what it is I want to do. Plus we have similar values and lifestyles and goals so we’re compatible on that front.
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be?
I would have a big enough cash savings that I could quit my job and start up my freelancing business.
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life?
My fiance and my dog.
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life?
My job (seeing a recurring theme here?)
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
Quit my job and start up a business as a wedding planner.
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend?
Someone who loves to laugh
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship?
Rely on me to uphold the relationship (i.e. never email me except maybe in response to an email I sent you; never call to chat; never initiate making plans together). If I matter to you, you should make an effort to ensure we spend some time together. I will also make this effort but I can’t be the only one to try to keep the relationship alive.
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you?
Betray my trust.
September 12th, 2007 at 10:29 am
I loved these questions - so thought provoking! Mine are up on my blog.
September 12th, 2007 at 10:34 am
1. I live where I live now because I visited the area in 1978 and fell in love with the green country side and moved here a year later.
2. I’m retired, but I worked at my old job to put a roof over my head and secure a pension and lifetime medical insurance.
3. I fell in love with my wife when I first saw her in 1963 and I feel the same way about her after 41 years of marriage.
4. I don’t think I would change anything.
5. My family, wife, kids, and grand kids.
6. The inertia of rest. I need to get with the program and accomplish all those things I looked forward to doing after retirement.
7. I would remodel Dorothy’s kitchen.
8. Intellect
9. Betraying a confidence.
10. Indifference
September 12th, 2007 at 10:54 am
1. Because I grew up here and haven’t ever had a good enough reason to move.
2. Because I love to teach. And I love Social Studies.
3. I’m not with anyone because I haven’t found someone who can keep up…or who I can tolerate for long periods of time.
4. Where I love (ie. not with my parents anymore)
5. My job.
6. My job.
7. Invest to make a down payment on a house
8. Loyalty and honesty.
9. Lying
10. Cheating/lying
September 12th, 2007 at 11:47 am
1. I married into this town. bah
2. I do this job because I’m good at it. I sort of still like it.
oh this is depressing
3. I have children with him
4. I would get a different job
5. My children are the greatest source of happiness
6. Where I live. I hate it here!
7. I would pay off a credit card or two (now that is happiness!)
8. A sense of humour
9. Lying is the worst!
10. Drugs. Absolutely 100%
September 12th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
1. I moved here for a boy. This is part of my 12 step program toward being able to admit that I would do such a thing. (Madison is a great city though with many non-boy-related plusses in its favor.)
2. I taught reading because when a child who struggles with reading learns to do it well it can change their entire life. But that job ended last week! Gah! Am unemployed!
3. Because he makes me laugh and he makes me think.
4. I’d get one of these great jobs that I applied for where I actually get to make money by writing. Jobs that are full-time and year-round! And with health insurance!
5. The people I love.
6. Myself. Specifically my lack of self-discipline and courage that keeps me from coming anywhere close to fulfilling my potential.
7. I’d put that sucker directly into the back to live off until I get a great job. Or a job anyway.
8. A good sense of humor. Also trustworthiness.
9. Never following through on plans or promises.
10. Showing a total lack of respect for me, my time, feelings, etc.
September 12th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
1. We moved here b/c my husband works here
2. I like it, and I can work from home
3. B/C I promised “til death do us part”
4. If we’re talking concrete things, and not philosophical, I’d be a lot thinner.
5. Honestly, I don’t know.
6. Don’t know that either. I guess I’m either ignorant or an even keel kind of gal.
7. Get out of debt.
8. Humor
9. Very little is unforgivable, if the transgressor is willing to change. That doesn’t mean I continue the friendship, however.
10. adultery
September 12th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
1. Why do you live where you live? I am lucky enough to live in two places, one near the ocean, one in the desert. Both are paradise
2. Why do you do the job you do? I love my job and have yet to wake up and not want to go to work.
3. Why are you with the person you’re with? He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He is the nices, kindest man, he makes me laugh and most importantly we have always had the same goals and think the same thoughts
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be? His past life
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life? My husband, my dog, my friends
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life? His ex
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it? invest it
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend? Honesty and loyalty
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship? Betrayal of trust
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you? Indifference and cruelty
September 12th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
1. Why do you live where you live?
It was the town where my first job was.
2. Why do you do the job you do?
It’s fun. I love it.
3. Why are you with the person you’re with?
I’m not with anyone.
4. If you could change one thing about your life
today, what would it be?
Find someone to be with.
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life?
A married couple that are great friends.
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life?
Not getting my ass in gear many years ago.
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
Take my friends on a trip somewhere.
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend?
Openess, loyalty, humor
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship?
Betrayal
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you?
disrespect
September 12th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
1. Why do you live where you live? 10 minute commute to work, cheap rent, and great roommates.
2. Why do you do the job you do? Because I get to write most of the day and be around cool people.
3. Why are you with the person you’re with? I’m with me right now, and I’m pretty fantastic.
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be? Scoliosus = no more
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life? The moments where realization hits (on any front) and the small twinge of a small appears on my face.
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life? Ignorance, both from myself, and from others.
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it? Pay off my student loans/give it to my parents so they could pay off the mortgage.
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend? Understanding
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship? Not being a friend anymore.
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you? Lack of drive, ambition, and/or spark
September 12th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
1. Why do you live where you live? The job market is better here.
2. Why do you do the job you do? I know our jobs are supposed to be what we do, not who we are. But I can’t help it. I am a teacher. Even if that weren’t what I were getting paid to do I would still consider myself to be a teacher.
3. Why are you with the person you’re with? I am alone with two dogs.
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be? Hmm, see #3.
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life? I don’t think I can pick one.
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life? The “system”.
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it? Home improvements.
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend? Favorite is humor, but most important is trust.
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship? Betraying trust.
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you? When she moves in with/marries another guy I pretty much figure things are over between us. (Or see #9.)
September 12th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
1. Because after moving around a lot, the Pacific Northwest has always felt like home.
2. I was lucky to start playing the cello at age 5, and consider myself even luckier be able to continue to play and teach it as an adult.
3. Because he likes me for the ‘right’ reasons, if that makes any sense. And he is one of the finest people I know.
4. I’d be better organized with certain aspects of my teaching business.
5. Being surrounded by a supportive family, a great boyfriend and friends.
6. Not having perfect health at the moment.
7. I’d buy a carbon fiber cello for traveling and outdoor gigging (seriously).
8. Loyalty and a wicked sense of humor.
9. Not sure really.
10. Someone who doesn’t get along with and/or does not value his family. That tells me a lot about how he’ll view me down the road.
September 12th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
1. Why do you live where you live?
Because this is where there was a job. Not very inspiring, but when you’re in an industry with a steadily decreasing number of jobs, you do what you have to do.
2. Why do you do the job you do?
Because I love to write and to tell stories, to dig up information and inform, enlighten and entertain people. I love learning about stuff that others aren’t allowed to know and making connections with people. I am constantly amazed at what people will tell me simply because I’m a newspaper reporter.
3. Why are you with the person you’re with?
I’m not with anyone, but that’s OK. I’d rather not be with someone than be with someone about whom I would have a hard time answering that question.
: )
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be?
I’d stop my terrible procrastination habit. I think that would have an amazing effect on all the rest of my days.
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life?
Good friends and my family.
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life?
The feeling of being stuck or that I’m doing my life wrong.
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
Go out for an amazing dinner, buy some shoes and then pay down debt.
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend?
Sincerity.
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship?
Good question; I have no idea because, thankfully, none of my friends have ever made one.
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you?
Lack of ambition and drive.
September 12th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
1. Seattle? Well duh! Because it is the most beautiful place on Earth.
2. Stay at home mom, because I believe it is the most important thing I can do for my kids.
3. Because he is funny, engaging, kind, polite, and the father of my children.
4. To declutter
5. My immediate family
6. The clutter in my house
7. Give it to someone who needs it more than me
8. The ability to make me laugh
9. betrayal
10. Constant bad hygiene is a biggie
September 12th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
1. Because I got laid off twice in one year in Phoenix and my friends all told me to come home.
2. I’m good at it.
3. I’m not with anyone. :(
4. Location. I’d be living it in Italy.
5. My friends.
6. My job.
7. Take a vacation.
8. Honesty
9. Lying.
10. Smoking. ICK!
September 12th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
1. I (mostly) like the weather and the scenery.
2. I do it for the free time. Haha, I’m unemployed. When I am finally a registered dietician, though, it will allow me to get a paycheck for helping people.
3. His sense of humor, bluntness, and fantastic parenting.
4. To not be depressed anymore, or ever again.
5. My son.
6. Debt.
7. See #6.
8. Loyalty.
9. Repeated, unrepentant dishonesty.
10. Abuse and drug use.
September 12th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
1) My house is in this town.
2) It used to be fun and it still pays the bills.
3) You mean the cat I’m with, right? No idea.
4) I’d get a job that allows me more time with my kids.
5) My relationships with my kids and my friends.
6) Combine answers 2,3 and 4 and you’ve got a pretty good handle on it.
7) Buy my mom an airplane ticket to someplace warm and pay down my debt.
8) Someone that is engaging and fun and that generally just makes me laugh.
9) I agree with Sheryl on this one. Who am I that I can’t forgive another? The friendship might not survive, but forgiveness is a humbling thing.
10) Lack of integrity.
September 12th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
1. Why do you live where you live?
Hmmm…well, first of all, it’s gorgeous here. Secondly, my husband is here. Thirdly, it’s a nice distance from the oceans, yet I live IN the mountains. Fourthly, it’s close to hubby’s parents, whom he feels a responbility for…he wants to care for them as they grow older.
2. Why do you do the job you do?
Because it makes me smile. It brings me joy. Every day is different. I learn things from the students I am supposed to be teaching. And, I get two months off, EVERY SUMMER!
3. Why are you with the person you’re with?
Because I couldn’t be with anyone else, I simply couldn’t. He makes me smile and laugh every day. He understands every nuance of my being. He knows when I’m sad and gives me that perfect hug that makes my world seem right. I can talk to him about nothing for hours. When I’m apart from him, even for one night, I feel like things won’t quite be right until I see him again. He is my best bud, my other half, all of those cliche things. And, we’re together because God took us to the other side of the world to make it happen and hey, you can’t argue with that!
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be?
I would live in a house that my husband and I own. I would also love to be a mom, but I’m not sure I would change that, because I think I’m learning a lot.
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life?
Oh, the love of my life! Honestly! He makes me so, so happy! That and my family, and all of my amazing friends. I guess relationships! Relationships with God, hubby, family and friends. They make my world go round!
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life?
Hmmm…gotta say I’m pretty content. I would love to have that house though. Oh, I would have so much fun getting it just the way I like it! I would so enjoy not hearing the snores of my landlord coming through the ceiling each night.
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
Go on a vacation with my hubby to Italy or Australia and give the rest to my sister to pay off her medical bills.
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend?
Loyalty and trust
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship?
Hmmm…I’m pretty forgiving. I think I have to forgive somebody else. I think it’s commanded of me!
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you?
Well, I’m past the point of deal breakers but before it would have been faith in and a relationship with God.
September 13th, 2007 at 12:03 am
1. Why do you live where you live?
I live in Oregon because it’s always been a dream of mine to live here. Then I met my boyfriend on the internet and he lived in this great state. So I moved.
2. Why do you do the job you do?
I need new experiences. I also need to pay the rent.
3. Why are you with the person you’re with?
Because he makes me a better version of myself.
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be?
I would’ve told that girl’s husband that she was cheating on him. It bothers me every other day that I didn’t open my mouth. On one hand, it’s between him & her. On the other hand, I would definitely want someone telling me that my spouse was a whore. It’s a pretty grey area.
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life?
Is there any way to say Jesus and not have it sound lame?
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life?
I feel like I’m between the next phase of my life and the previous one.
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
$3,000 goes into a high-interest CD, and the other $5000 will go towards a new iMac, paying off my car, and paying off some of my boyfriend’s debts.
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend?
The ability to listen. So many people these days are just waiting for their turn to talk. It’s rare to find someone who genuinely listens.
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship?
I can take lying, although I don’t like it. Sometimes it’s just better to not tell someone that their haircut makes their face look fat. But if someone lies and lies and lies about the same thing (much like that cunt I mentioned in question 4), then I consider the friendship effectively over.
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you?
Unfaithfulness and no sense of personal hygiene.
September 13th, 2007 at 6:21 am
1. I moved here 15 years ago for work.
2. To pay the bills
3. Because he chose me and over came a lot to be part of my life. I respect that.
4. Be with the person I’m with today the first time I made the commitment.
5. My family.
6. My ex-husband.
7. Build a porch.
8. Loyalty.
9. Lying.
10. Philandering.
September 13th, 2007 at 10:38 am
1. Vancouver - my life ended up here but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Now I’m here because of love and my family…what better reasons.
2. Because I get to give back, because I get to truly make a difference in people’s lives and…well frankly…I work with the BEST team in the world, I love these people.
3. Because he’s everything I need and he’s everything I’m not. He’s the greatest contradiction in my life. Most importantly, he brings out the best in me.
4. My big arse.
5. Love and family.
6. My big arse.
7. Not exciting…probably just pay off some bills. Depends on who gave it to me…if it was Mother Therese then I’d give it back to the poor. If it was the BC Lottery corp…I’d probably be mostly selfish.
8. Their capacity to be genuine..I had fake and contrived people.
9. Probably lying and deceit.
10. Smoking. Urgh!
September 13th, 2007 at 10:38 am
1. Why do you live where you live?
I thought I’d get a better job if I moved to the big city. Something like 10% of Britain’s population is in London. I was right - eventually.
2. Why do you do the job you do?
It was the first job I got offered, and I was broke. Then I got caught up in a bunch of other stuff and it was just easier to stay on.
3. Why are you with the person you’re with?
Because she’s about the only person who can put up with me for any length of time!
4. If you could change one thing about your life today, what would it be?
I’d give myself loads of energy, so I was never tired.
5. What is the greatest source of happiness in your life?
My other half, I think. Things wouldn’t be fun without her.
6. What is the greatest source of discontent in your life?
That I’m old and tired, and overweight.
7. If you were handed $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
Pay off my grad school debts. I am fun!
8. What is your favourite quality in a friend?
If they share my sense of humour.
9. What is an unforgivable mistake in a friendship?
Deception.
10. What is a true relationship dealbreaker for you?
See the above.
September 13th, 2007 at 11:18 am
1. I live in Vancouver because it’s beautiful. Ocean, mountains, we’ve got it all. And it has Meg Fowler in it. :)
2. Because i enjoy it and it pays the bills.
3. Hmm.. if you mean “with” in the actual relationship sense, then I’m not with anyone. But if you mean “with” in the hetero-lifemate sense.. then I’m with her because she’s amazing and makes me laugh.
4. I would be a singer. With money so I could just sing for fun.
5. Music is a great source of happiness for me.
6. Discontent.. hmm.. I think disappointment in myself in some areas.
7. Buy some coffee, maybe a nice dinner, and pay off my car.
8. Hmm.. I think confidence. And a sense of humour. Or both.
9. Nothing is really unforgivable. Except maybe if they killed me. Or my mom. I wouldn’t forgive them for that.
10. Someone who is needy. Or wants me to be needy. Eek. Needy. Blech.
September 13th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
1. Because my husband got a job here, and we were ready for a change at the time. Philadelphia has really grown on me, and I love living in Center City, but I miss California (specifically the Bay Area).
2. Because I really, truly enjoy it, and because I needed help with childcare. Seriously, I left this job in 2003 before I even got pregnant (because of the move and some management hostilities toward telecommuting at the time), and I loved not working even more than this job. (Of course, I also did some contracting on similar projects. :) But when I freaked out and decided I could no longer be a full-time SAHM two years later, I asked for the job back. And I got it.
3. I love him, I can live with him, and I really enjoy his company. There aren’t many people about which I can say that.
4. I’d probably have a house in the mountains. I miss the house I used to have in the Sierras!
5. My husband and son.
6. My husband and son.
7. Set aside $5K for travel and give the other $5K to charity. It’s what I do with windfalls. Although since I’ve already done that with the windfall I got this year, if someone gave me the money *today*, I’d set some aside for my son’s future and use the rest for travel.
8. The ability to pick up the conversation where we left off, even if we left off 10 years ago.
9. Compulsive lying.
10. As far as romantic relationships go, I used to say “owning cats,” since I’m highly allergic — but then I married a guy who had two. (He bought a HEPA filter for me when he invited me to his housewarming party, before we started dating. I think that’s when I knew. :) For all relationships, I’d refer you to #9.
September 13th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Aside re: Megan’s #3, that was EXACTLY my reason for not being with someone for so many years — seriously, word for word. :-) I finally found someone who *could* keep up and whose company I enjoy as much as my own. It happens!
(I obviously read all the previous comments *after* I posted mine, so that I wouldn’t be influenced. :)
September 18th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
9. Neglect.