All about you…day 1 of Blogtober 2017

Well, all about me – and, thank goodness. After all, I never talk about myself, do I?

I decided to answer a selection of random questions I’ve been asked in the 8 years I’ve been doing this. I feel like the questions may surprise you more than the answers.

Do you make your bed every morning?

Yes. Always. It makes me feel like I have at least one part of my life organised.

What was your first car?

Mazda Miata – but I bought it when I was 28 and child free. It was a good idea at the time.

What two grocery items do you try never to run out of?

Milk and breakfast cereal. If the worst comes to the worst, we can have ‘breakfast tea’.

At what age did you start doing your own laundry?

11 – well, sorting and putting it in the machine. I probably started choosing the wash etc when I was about 14.

If you could, would you go back to high school?

Nope. High school is a feeding frenzy.

Can you parallel park in under 3 moves?

Always. I live in a city and I like to be able to get as close to the shops or the park or the library as possible.

A job you once had which would surprise everybody?

I worked in the factory that makes sandwiches for M&S when I was 17. I had completely forgotten about it until an old friend reminded me recently.

Do you like Sushi?

Yes.

Guilty TV Pleasure?

Not sure any would be considered guilty – maybe Project Runway? I do love it – it’s a reality show where people use a highly specialised set of skills and succeed based on talent. Bit of a novelty really.

Do you have a pet?

Yes, a black and white cat called Peggy. She’s very good around children but enjoys shitting on the floor instead of using her bloody litter box.

What was your last meal?

A pecan danish and coffee – very hygge!

Sweet or salty?

Depends on the meal. I like salted popcorn but I love Toblerone. In general, though, savoury.

Shoe size?

6 & 1/2 or 39/40. I love shoes – and I have eclectic tastes. These berry coloured pixie boots from George are my newest acquisition.

Have you been in a fist fight?

Not exactly.

Something people do that drives you crazy?

Being unkind.

Something you love to do that others hate?

Make spreadsheets

Who annoys you the most?

Bigots

First thing you remember wanting to be?

A vet(erinarian). I really liked animals as a child.

What bill do you hate paying the most?

Council Tax – I live in a city with one of the highest rates of council tax in Britain. It also has one of the highest deficits.

When was the last time you had a romantic dinner?

I can’t remember

What do you really want to be doing right now?

Riding a horse. Or sleeping!

How many colleges did you attend?

Two – Liverpool University and Liverpool John Moore’s.

Why did you choose the shirt you have on now?

It’s clean! It also goes with my jeans – although that’s by accident, not design.

Thoughts on fuel prices now?

I don’t think we have time for this! Let’s just say that I think that we should all be trying to be more energy efficient and that energy prices are both a result of monopoly and the cost of investment in cleaner energy infrastructures.

With fuel, oil could be cheaper but using more is at a great cost to the environment.

First thought when the alarm goes off in the morning?

Oh…. (I hate mornings)

Last thought you have before you go to bed?

I hope I sleep tonight. (I have terrible insomnia)

Do you miss being a child?

No.

What errand/chore do you despise the most?

Washing up

Up early or sleep in?

Always sleep in and stay up late. Always!

Found love yet?

I’ve certainly found heartbreak.

Favorite lunch meat?

Cheese!

What do you buy every time you go to the supermarket?

Milk

Is marriage outdated?

It depends on the people involved

What famous people would you like to have dinner with?

Mark Ruffalo (I’m shamelessly crushing on him); Michael Kors (he’s so jolly and bitchy); Jonathan Pie (because it can’t all be me perving over men); Reese Witherspoon (she seems so nice) and Drew Barrymore (if you don’t like her, there’s a good chance you’re dead inside).

Ever crashed a vehicle?

The question should be ‘how many times have you crashed your vehicle?’.

Strangest place you’ve brushed your teeth?

On a sleeper train somewhere between St Petersburg and Moscow.

Somewhere you’ve never been but want to go?

San Francisco

At this point in your life would you want to start a new career?

No – but I changed mine a couple of years ago. It’s never too late.

How old are you?

42.

Do you have a ‘go to person’?

Yes. I actually have a couple. We can spend ages apart – and between contact – and still be there for each other.

Are you where you want to be in life?

I’m not far off. Learning that contentment is my goal really helped me see that.

Growing up what were your favorite cartoons?

Dogtagnon and Dangermouse.

What about you do you think has changed since you were a teenager?

So much. It’s difficult to know where to start! Probably the beginning and end is that I’ve learnt to be self sufficient – while also knowing when to ask for help.

Looking back at high school were they the best years of your life?

No. In fact they were probably the worst. My father died when I was 16. That was a highlight.

Are there times you still feel like a kid?

Yes. I still feel like a child at Christmas or if I watch a magic show or go to a fair.

Did you have a pager?

No. I didn’t even have a personal email account until 1998.

Was there a hangout spot when you were a teenager?

Not really. Maybe the pub.

Were you the type of kid you’d want your children to hang out with?

I think so.

Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out to you?

Yes – two. When I went back home as an adult, I bumped into them and they invited me to lunch. I used their first names and it felt extremely weird.

Do you tell stories that start with when I was your age?

Oh yes!

Are you religious?

Sort of. Well, at least, try to be kind and do some good. Without being a complete dick about it.