#417. embracing your fun side, eating junk & an emergency hot air balloon landing

Age: 51

Relationship Status: married

Occupation: writer

Astrological Sign: Aquarius

What is something you look forward to every day?

Food. It’s the one thing I actively plan and think about and get genuinely upset when it’s disappointing.

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

Inspired, productive, hopeful.

What is the most valuable thing you have earned?

Probably my university degree.

What is the most precious thing you have lost?

Hmm the wording makes me think not family or pets. Youth is definitely something I feel I’ve lost. I haven’t really lost any “things” that were precious.

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

Eating meat.

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

I tend to collect things that I think will be useful in the future, and so many times I’ll find the perfect thing I need for a project or to repair something from the bits I collect.

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

It depends on the reason I’m there… if I am networking or something like that, I will look for the people who look like they are in charge or like they have some importance. If I’m in a room for a party, I will look for someone I know. If it’s a reception, I look for the waiter.

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

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

I’ve read a lot of impactful things but one thing that I think about a lot is the book Flowers for Algernon. It constantly reminds me how much easier it must be to be ignorant.

When I am self-loathing, I tend to…

Doom scroll, not take care of myself, eat junk.

When I am self-loving, I tend to…

Take care of myself, crave getting out and seeing others.

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

My books. Or something musical (singing/playing an instrument).

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

Free, calm… calmer than when I’m alone, fully loved.

When do you feel most inspired?

When I’m in nature. Not uncomfortable though, so road trips, walks, being near water. Especially around trees.

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

Your age has no power over your ambition, and you can embrace your fun side anytime you want and not care if it’s considered ‘immature’.

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

I’m trying.

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

All. The. Time! I never wish I had made a different decision because I wouldn’t want to miss out on something I do have.

I do imagine what times would be like if I had grown up thin vs overweight, or if my adhd had been diagnosed when I was young, or if I hadn’t been deterred from being a writer in high school.

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

Sushi.

What is the most predictable thing about you?

I’ll always choose an Asian restaurant if asked where to eat.

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

I have so many… I went on a hot air balloon ride, and we had to do an emergency landing in a field. I had to jump out of the basket upon landing and use the ropes to pull the balloon down so it didn’t take off again.

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

I saved my life when I flew from Canada to Brazil for weight loss surgery in 2007. I spent 3 weeks there recovering and even went on a rainforest tour 3 days after open surgery. I lost over 230lbs(110kg) in total.

BONUS: Tell me something good.

The absolute best feeling in the world is when you are chosen and shown affection. When an animal nuzzles you, when a child falls asleep on you, or when a partner reaches out for an embrace or even just touches your leg.