The Proust Questionnaire

Little miss Maddie started out for me as a junior high youth group friend (I vaguely recall making up a Charlie's Angels dance in our church's kitchen?), but has blossomed into a life-long friend. She's gorgeous (as you can tell), very smart, and a soon-to-be Seattleite.


What is your current state of mind?
Anticipatory. It that’s even a real word. I just quit my job after three years. My last day is July 29, and then I’m planning a trip to Europe in August and a big life move to Seattle (hopefully) in September! :)

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Sunday School answer: Jesus! Actually, right now I’m really into the Holy Spirit, whom I hear is one and the same with Christ, but still. And also… Sarah McLachlan because she has seriously created new emotions with each and every song she writes.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Sass and sarcasm (which I’m working on). I’m also known for developing small crushes (“smushes”) in under 10 seconds. Often. Physically, it would probably be my hair… since I rarely cut it…

What do you most value in your friends?
The aspects of them that are fearless and allow them to chase after their hearts’ desires and utterly be who they are and nothing more/less. I value that because it has been such a good example to me.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Besides living and paying rent in Santa Barbara? Whole Foods. And buying (mostly) organic. It’s this new kick I’m on that I’m falling in love with, so it might end up being more than just a “kick.”

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Long story, short…” and then I proceed to trail off for another half hour. Or... "Boo, you whore..." (Mean Girls)

When and where were you happiest?
Usually it involves a sunset look-out, a glass (or bottle) of wine, and uninhibited conversation with one or two of my best girlfriends whom I’ve known in Santa Barbara since Kindergarten. Throw in some fair trade dark chocolate and you have contentment. Or any Christmas Eve. I’d have to try really hard to not be glowing with joy on Christmas Eve.

Which talent would you most like to have?
A perfect singing voice.

What is it that you most dislike?
Waiting. And the unknown. Waiting for an unknown just about kills me and takes all the trust I can muster.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My mom for her strength and work ethic. My dad for his deep belief in and encouragement of me.

Who are your favorite writers?
I feared this question was coming. Annie Dillard. Mark Twain. Roald Dahl. Leo Tolstoy. C.S. Lewis. Carolyn Keene (original Nancy Drew). Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I rarely read books twice, even if I’m in love with them. I feel that there are too many untouched libraries out there to spend time on repeat.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
A lack of self-perception. And flaky-ness.

Where would you like to live?
Non-realistically: Cinque Terre with Jake Gyllenhaal. Realistically: Seattle with a boy who loves Jesus and will sing me to sleep.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I’m going to reach into the future and say the Seattle Half Marathon which I will HOPEFULLY be completing/achieving in November of this year. I am now a runner. And believe you me, it has not always been that way. At all. Like not even close.

What is your motto?
“Know who you are and what your game is” and "Be brave enough to live creatively."