King Proust the Eighth (WOL)

Oh, I'm working on a new idea for posting that might be really fun! Or really lame. It's a fine line. But be excited! And prepared. So you're good either way.

Question #8: What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Really, what? Um. Chastity, I guess. Charity and moderation seem like they are more important. Not that purity of mind and goal and such is bad, just not as influential. I think. This is one strange question.

What about you?

Proust VII (WOL)

Oh Mondays, how I hate thee. Not to be cliche or anything, but there is a distinct lack of breathing space on Mondays. And sleep. Oh sleep, how I miss you.

Question #7: What is your greatest extravagence?

Finally, an easy one! Books. No contest. Textbooks, fiction books, library books - my bookcase overfloweth. Literally, I'm afraid.

What about you?

And on the Sixth Day There was Proust (WOL)

My favorite day of the week! Now why doesn't the questionnaire ask questions about that? I have an answer for that. Maybe that's why.

Question #6: What is the trait you most deplore in others?

What is with all the hate? Why couldn't we be asking about the traits we enjoy in others? I don't like insincerity, I have to waste time trying to figure out whether I should believe someone or not which is not the most enjoyable way to spend a conversation. Or crudeness. I don't think humor that markets to the lowest common denominator is funny on TV and I still don't think it's funny when someone tries it in person. Especially when someone in person says something from TV that they thought was hilarious. Shudder.

What about you?

5 x 1 = Proust (WOL)

Did you know that some banks are not open on Saturday? Today was a learning experience.

Question #5: What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Well, that's a downer. I would guess that I dislike how much I procrastinate and actively avoid doing things I dislike. I would get so much more done if I would do it now, but there is so much that I would rather be doing!

What about you?

Proust 4.0 (WOL)

Finally, finally Friday. Sweet, sweet Friday. Wait, I'm pretty sure I was supposed to go to class today. Um, oops?

Question #4: What living person do you most admire?

Argh, what is it with people questions?! Sigh. Well, I guess I would have to say that I admire those people who people who see injustice and try to help. The people who head out to third-world countries to do whatever they can to make people's lives a little better. Those who stay in their own country to help those who are so often ignored. I suppose that isn't really one living person - but I think I'm glad that there is more that one of this sort of person. It gives me hope.

What about you?

Proust the Third (WOL)

Opened library. Brain. So tired.

Question #3: What historical figure do you most identify with?

Um, what? Well, I've always liked the poetry of the early American naturalists. Granted, I can't identify with being a wealthy male who likes to camp out in the woods for months on end - but the beauty of nature is an especial province of mine. Right, so Emerson it is. I'm going to bed now.

What about you?

Proust Part Two (WOL)

Yay, I like having this questionnaire! It's cuts out all the time I spend staring at the blank page (or screen, if my internet ever worked) thinking, "Um, what did I do today? I'm pretty sure I woke up - right?"

Question #2: What is your greatest fear?

So this one is hard to answer, simply because I'm afraid of so much! People, dogs, failure, slipping on stairs and careening to an untimely death. The dogs-one is probably going to be a problem if I decide to become a mailman. Which I'm considering. Except for the whole 5-part test, it sounds like a pretty great job! I think this question got derailed, but it's still answered: Dogs! Because they might lead to failure - or my slipping on stairs.

What about you?

Proust: the Beginning (WOL)

I am so thankful that next week, I only have to open the library on Thursday. 7:30am opening time is insane - as are, I believe, the people who are always waiting for it to open. 7:30? What do you possibly need from a library at 7:30 in the morning?

On a non-complainy note, I found an old Proust Questionnaire that my poetry professor gave out a few years back. I thought answering that here would be entertaining - and would prevent me from having to rack my brains for ideas for awhile!

Question 1: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I'm always fairly happy curled up at home with a book and a hot drink. I'd probably be happier had I a certain future, so let's say curling up as aforesaid after a productive day doing something that, if not happiness-inducing, is at least not ripping my soul to shreds. Ooo, with a cat on my lap. And a blanket. Yes, very satisfying.

What about you?

Dude

Conversation overheard on my lunch break:

Busboy (after distributing several sandwiches and collecting the numbers for them from the tables): Dude! (Holds up two of the laminated cards, which read '13' and '42.') The two best numbers at one time - this is so my day!

Sandwich-making-person: Yeah, dude, it's the little things, right?

I couldn't decide whether I should take heart that they were enjoying life or laugh at the copious use of the word 'dude' while doing so. I just ate my sandwich and smiled. After all, I was number '13,' maybe it is my day, too. Dude.

My Favorite Day (WOL)

I think Sundays are my new official Favorite Day. I don't have to go to class or work or meetings, I can just curl up with my books, take naps, and run silly errands simply to enjoy the weather. My kettle is bubbling, the dishes are sparking, and I wish I could find a job that let me curl up at home and forget the world outside my window even exists for hours on end.

Imbolc

As it is Imbolc, a holiday which I believe celebrates creativity and poetry as well, I would like to celebrate as well and share a poem - but I am far too nervous! Ah well, maybe next year I will lose my fear. In the meantime, I am going to go light my candles and write out my celebrations. Hopefully you all enjoyed this day of creativity and rebirth in whatever you turned your thoughts towards.

Snow and Stuff (WOL)

Career Planning is becoming my least favorite class of all time. It's not hard or anything, it's just that I sit there for an hour three times a week and try not to visibly panic about my future. Everyday job hunting seems to grow into a bigger and bigger monster - pretty soon he's going to invade my nightmares!

But I will try to Not Panic. Try, being the operative word here.

The rain yesterday turned into sleet and then snow. The world looks like some silly fairy tripped along and threw a layer of soft whiteness over everything by accident. I'm willing to be so generous with my description now that I'm safely back in the warmth of my house. Yesterday, after I deiced my car to get groceries there were several other descriptors used that revolved more about demonic forces than fairies. It's already melting, though, and I think by this afternoon it will all be vanished and leave us wondering if we made up the wintry morning out of our under-caffeinated heads.

My parents, lovable as they always are, mailed me a package that contained a jor of my Uncle JD's popcorn and a contraption called a 'whirly-pop.' No, I am not making that up. You put the pan on the stove, add oil and corn, then attach this strange-looking torture device to the top. Once it starts popping, you turn this handle until the popping stops and - like magic! - delicious popcorn. Yum, popcorn. With salt, lots and lots of salt. It made for a very good dinner.

Yay February! Let's hope it's a good month - we even get an extra day of it!