Proust Questionnaire

Jake is one of my favorite guy friends; which makes it appropriate that he is the first male to answer the Proust Questionnaire on my blog! I love Jake for his honesty, his humor, and his loyalty to friends. Hope you enjoy his answers as much as I did!


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
This is a tough one because I feel like it's always changing... I'd have to say perfect happiness are those rewards in life you get after working hard for something, or waiting patiently for something you have been looking forward to, and that happiness is the most special moments that are seared into our memory forever. For example this year at Sasquatch when LCD Soundsystem played "All My Friends," my friends and I all embraced each other singing together at the top of our lungs. It was their last song, we were all in the front, and there were thousands of people doing a synchronized dance. I almost cried. Some of us did. It was such a special moment and one where I realized I had people in my life that truly care about me. I would say that moments like that you have in life with your loved ones are what create perfect happiness, and it's important to build those memories so when times get hard you can remember them, and look forward to good times again.

What is your greatest fear?
Going bald.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Tough one, I'm a very modern person... And terrible at History. How about JFK because I can't decide between blonds and brunettes. Boom.

Which living person do you most admire?
Joel McHale. He makes fun of everything that deserves it. Plus "Community" is the second-most funny show on TV behind "Modern Family."

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I think a lot of times I let things bother me so much and then days later I realize it wasn't worth getting upset about. I wish sometimes (internally) I didn't let myself get upset about really small things, like someone writing something you don't like on your status. Dumb stuff like that. I also say 'like' a lot.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I hate it when people give off the vibe that they are more enlightened than you.

What is your greatest extravagance?
I dropped $300 on bottle service at a night club in Chicago this year. THAT was a good decision. Let's see, before I moved to Seattle I bought a brand new Scion tC, it was beautiful. Then Kyle totaled it.

What is your favorite journey?
The first time I went to Alaska for work was a trip. I did a lot of soul searching. And it was the first time I was really 'by myself.' It was awesome.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Purity. However I don't think purity is a negative thing, but... Well, just go see Black Swan and you'll know what I'm talking about.

On what occasion do you lie?
If it protects the other person, or if I am talking to a girl.

Which living person do you most despise?
Either Kim Jong-il or my ex-step dad. They are equally terrible people.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My friends, no question.

When and where were you happiest?
I would have to say now and Seattle. I think picking a time in your past when you were the 'happiest' just makes you sadder.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Singing.

What is your current state of mind?
Anxious!

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
My mom wouldn't worry so much about me and she would find a way to be at peace.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My college degree.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
A dolphin, it would be amazing.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?
A dolphin :)

Where would you like to live?
San Francisco has been calling my name for some time now. I need to talk to that city.

What is your favorite occupation?
Watching sports with my buddy Tyler.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Uh, I guess that most of the times I'm not being serious and say irrational things, but that has changed a lot living with three feminists :)

What is the quality you most like in a man?
One that has at least an ounce of masculinity left. Seattle has a bunch of really nice guys, but a lot are pretty weak and have thin skin. Someone that gives you a firm handshake, but doesn't try to break your hand to prove he's tough and is compensating for something else. A well-balanced guy. And yes, I am straight.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Confidence. Someone that you can be with that lifts you up and has a positive effect on you. Someone that isn't insecure about trivial things or what they don't like about themselves. Confidence is huge for girls these days, in my opinion.

What do you most value in your friends?
Their spontaneous nature.

Who are your favorite writers?
Bill Simmons (sports) and J.D. Salinger I guess.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Wolverine.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My brother Luke is someone I really look up to. He is a cancer survivor and is on his way to becoming a doctor. He has overcome a lot.

What are your favorite names?
Oliver, Cooper, Natasha, Melia.

What is it that you most dislike?
When you make up expectations about something in your head and the experience isn't as good as you expected it to be.

How would you like to die?
Something instant. Like a car crash, or a heart attack. Or in my sleep. Tough question indeed.

What is your motto?
My motto is a great quote from "South Park": "Butters, you gotta learn to chill. Life goes by pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while - and do whatever you want all the time - you can miss it."