#403. "you can't make homes out of human beings, someone should have already told you that."

Age: 36

Relationship Status: Single

Occupation: Law Firm Administrator     

Income: $130,000/year

Astrological Sign: Capricorn

What is something you look forward to every day?

Two things: hearing birds chirp and doing my skincare routine.

Describe how your year thus far is going, using only three words:

Adventurous, pleasant, introspective.

What is the most valuable thing you have earned?

Enough money to travel.

What is the most precious thing you have lost?

A memento box that contained cards/letters from my deceased dad and my deceased dog’s favorite toy (the box was stolen from my trunk).

Fill in the blank: if loving _____ is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

Red Vines.

Is there a moment in your life where preparation has met opportunity? Did you take it?

Yes, I did. The current position I’m in at the law firm I manage.

In a room full of people, who are you looking for?

Those with kind eyes or a contagious laugh.

What is the most impactful, published piece of writing you have read?

(this could be a book, a poem, an article, a study, etc.)

“For Women Who Are Difficult to Love” by Warsan Shire.

…you can’t make homes out of humans

someone should have already told you that…

When I am self-loathing, I tend to…

Ruminate on all my flaws, playing the soundtrack of lies in my head that says I’m not lovable.

When I am self-loving, I tend to…

Be around people who love me or being in nature.

If you had endless amounts of talent and skill, what would you want to be famous or known for?

Basically, I’d want to be Anthony Bourdain. A writer/documentarian. Someone who gets to explore the world and other cultures by breaking bread with others and then passing those lessons on to others who may never get to leave their home.

How does the best relationship in your life make you feel?

In short, it makes me feel still and seen. My mind and body are in one place, not racing to others, and I don’t have to explain myself to her.

When do you feel most inspired?

When I’m in nature or outside in general.

What is something that your inner child needs to hear from you?

You’re not too much, and your value is not determined by how you look.

What is something that your future self needs to hear from you?

Slow down and be present; invest in meaningful friendships.

Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you had made a different decision, and do you wish you had?

Sometimes, to the former question, not really to the latter one. I like to think that in another universe, I did make a different decision and got to explore where life led me after. But in this universe, I’m where I’m meant to be, for better or worse.

If money were no object, what is one thing you would have an unlimited supply of?

Airline points.

What is the most predictable thing about you?

I will cry. At the sentimental things, the simple things, the sad things, the frustrating things. Tears will fall from these eyes, haha.

What is the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you?

My best friend and I ending our friendship after 18 years. I was never so sure about anything other than her being “my person”.

Describe a time that you were in awe of your own courage or bravery:

I don’t think I’m a particularly brave person. I’m risk-averse. I think the only time maybe was when my dad was dying in the hospital from lung cancer.  My mom was not in a position where she could decide to remove him from ventilation. I made the call. I was surprised by my being able to face his death head-on and to watch him pass.

BONUS: Tell me something good.

For the first time in my adult life, I have real hobbies. I birdwatch, and I joined a boardgame group. It’s helped me gain a group of friends finally, in this city I’ve lived in for 5 years.