It’s Not A Mystery Why I’m Answering 10 Unique Questions

/ Ally Bean

Life can sometimes be a mystery.

While it’s true that I enjoy writing stories that entertain and doing research that informs, the reality is that sometimes I don’t have anything going on in my real life that is blogworthy.

And you do realize, my little moonbeams, that I give you only the best, right?

Welp today is one of those times when my life is rolling along smoothly but I can’t think of anything to talk about. So instead of fretting about my lack of blog fodder, I decided to do the following.

See what you think.

I read THIS INTERVIEW with Kelly Hoppen in The Guardian’s Saturday The Q&A column. In this weekly column asks celebrities fun questions.

I perked up when I saw that Kelly Hoppen was an interviewee. About 10 years ago when I was first learning about interior design principles, Hoppen’s books explained many of the concepts to me.

Her words + photos made sense. Not that I’m as enamored of neutrals like she is, but I enjoyed her approach about how to create a cohesive style for your home. That’s what I needed to learn.

Anyhow as I read the interview I thought to myself, I like these questions and will take the juiciest ones to create a snazzy little blog post that is cheery and authentic.

Obviously it’s no mystery why bloggers like questions, they’re an easy way to craft a blog post by replying to someone else’s queries. In fact, should you be in search of something to write about, feel free to answer these questions on your own blog [if you have one] or pick a few to discuss in the comments below.

10 Unique Questions

1 – What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I’m a wimp about making phone calls.

2 – What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Cruelty, whether it be physical or emotional

3 – Describe yourself in three words
I am light-hearted, truthful, and creative. [Also, because describing yourself in five words is better than doing so in three, I am organized and empathetic.]

4 – What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I have rosacea so my face looks red all the time.

5 – What is your most unappealing habit?
Involuntarily rolling my eyes at empty-headed people, especially those talking inflammatory gibberish or wearing face paint in support of a sports team

6 – If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
The passenger pigeon, a species that went extinct in 1913 at the Cincinnati Zoo when Martha, the last one, died

7 – Who is your celebrity crush?
Natasha Lyonne [especially in Poker Face and that’s no bull shit]

8 – Which book are you ashamed not to have read?
While I’ve read Olive Kitteridge, I’ve not read any other books by Elizabeth Strout and I know that many bookish friends are crazy about her writing.

9 – What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
“I’m sorry we don’t sell alcohol on Sundays in this grocery store. This is a dry county, but if you want to buy some beer you can drive 20 minutes from here into the next county over where they sell alcohol on Sunday.”

10 – What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Kindness happens, often when you least expect it, so stay open to the possibility and don’t close your heart to its existence.

~ ~ • ~ ~

165 thoughts on “It’s Not A Mystery Why I’m Answering 10 Unique Questions”

  1. Questions one and four; deplore about myself; what I dislike about my appearance: I always struggled with myself and my appearance because I grew up with a very critical, hyper-controlling parent. I finally reached a point where I’ve managed to drop most of that personal angst. It can take a while, but it can be done!

    I enjoyed the Kelly Hoppen piece. Cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lynette, I’m happy you were able to overcome your early programming at the hands of your controlling parent. If we’re honest, we all have to unlearn some of the things we were taught, or subjected to, as kids. No personal angst is a good goal. Yay!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Interesting list Ally Bean.
    Deplore is a strong word in those first two queries. #1-maybe too quick to anger. Is “blatant stupidity” too strong for #2 I wonder?
    I need six words for #3- trying not to give a f**k
    #4- thin lips, as I age they seem to be disappearing entirely

    I’ll end with #9- I once had a guy I met in a bar, after one date, tell me I was weird instead of just saying goodbye and never calling again. Sadly I also encountered (a few times) someone I once loved calling me things I won’t write here.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, you may answer any of the queries in anyway that is true to who you are. 😉 In fact I agree that blatant stupidity is a wonderful answer to #2.

      I understand why you need six words for #3, I found it difficult to come up with only 3 so I expanded my answer. What an odd thing to have someone say to you. Weird can be a compliment but I guess that guy didn’t believe that. You’re better off without him… or the other guy.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. I hate making phone calls – definitely a phone wimp. In fact, tomorrow I’m doing a gold stars and demerit post and one of my gold stars is for making an unnecessary phone call!

    Least favourite thing about my appearance. It’s horrible but the first thing that came to mind is “so many things!” Sigh.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Elisabeth, I enjoy your gold stars and demerit posts so I feel honored to know about one ahead of publication. Good for you making that unnecessary phone call. It takes gumption to do that.

      I imagine that when you get down to it you could find just one specific thing about your appearance that you didn’t like— and let the other things go. Just saying no need to dump on yourself.

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  8. Oh, you totally got me with that last answer. “Kindness happens.” Love that answer. And this one too, “Involuntarily rolling my eyes at empty-headed people, especially those talking inflammatory gibberish or wearing face paint in support of a sports team”

    So I’m giggling — but with an open heart. Love these answers, Ally! Happy Tuesday!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Wynne, these questions were fun to answer, especially because I didn’t overthink the answers going with what instantly came to mind. My involuntary eye-rolling has the potential of getting me into trouble, but it just happens. You understand.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Ally, how interesting that there are so many of us who are averse to making phone calls. I wonder what that’s all about. Early phone trauma? I am definitely one of the Elizabeth Strout fans—I stayed up late last night finishing her latest book, and now want to reread her entire list. I think people either adore Strout or are left cold by her. Count me in the first group. And … kindness … always. Fun questions.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Donna, I didn’t realize how many people didn’t like to talk on the phone, either. I just thought it was my own weirdness, but it’s nice to not be alone.

      I must be in the left cold category when it comes to Strout. I dunno… I want to read more of her books, and maybe I will, someday.

      Yep to kindness, it’s not necessarily guaranteed but it can be there.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Deborah, I’m with you about texting, easier to get to the point, less awkwardness. I know that for me my dislike of telephones comes from my childhood when my father, a doctor, would get a call and immediately leave the house [usually to go to a hospital]. As a kid I resented how phones interrupted our family time.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Oh….I’ll need to mull and noodle about your questions. After I stop laughing about your answer to #7. Natasha Lyon in “Poker Face” was an experience. And the fact that you summoned a tagline I’d forgotten? I’m rolling! Love it. And of course – that, too? No bullshit, Ally Bean. 😜 (P.S. Rosacea stinks. Just saying…from a fellow rosy one.)

    Liked by 2 people

    • Vicki, for me Natasha Lyonne is a hoot, especially as Charlie Cale. I’m hoping the series comes back for a second season. And yes, having a red face makes me look like I’m embarrassed which I’m usually not. Yay to genetics, eh?

      Liked by 1 person

      • She’s one of a kind, for sure. Her look, her voice, her mannerisms. And yes – I hope there’s a season two coming. Have you watched “His Three Daughters” – I think it’s a Netflix film. She’s spectacular in it. Heavy to watch but compelling. She steals the show IMO. As for perpetual rosy, red cheeks. Gah. Yes. If I’m in the sun unprotected for 30 seconds I look like a hot house tomato. Not angry, embarrassed or about to pass out. Just RED. 😲

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  12. I’ll save these questions for the (certain to be) time when I need a blogpost topic. Thanks.

    Like you, I have a low tolerance for stupid people, but an even lower one for stupid women. I take it personally every time. I guess I just feel that it’s incumbent upon all women to NOT be stupid since we continue to have to fight so hard for our basic rights and to be taken seriously.

    Liked by 3 people

    • nance, the questions caught my eye because they were different than most prompts I see within blogland. Plus I like to keep things fresh around here. Use them when you will.

      I take your point about stupid women who should know better but don’t. Gibberish, world salad, annoys me on many levels, but to see a woman indulge in it to get attention for herself is dismaying, maybe more so than when men spout gibberish.

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  13. I love these sorts of questions because I enjoy learning more about other folks. My oldest daughter also has rosacea, but it didn’t start until she had her first baby. Is it hormone related? Nobody else in our family has had it. I can’t believe you’ve slept on all those great Strout books, but you will not believe that I’ve never heard of Natasha. But I don’t watch movies or much scripted TV, so I know very few actors anymore. Feel free to quiz me about the Brat Pack though!

    LOL on the Sunday alcohol. We used to have a restriction about not being able to buy it before 10 AM on Sunday, but they lifted that a few years back, thank goodness!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bijoux, I like these kind of random questions too. It seems friendly to answer them, suggesting others might do the same. Like how personal blogging used to be. Just talk about something.

      My understanding is that rosacea is hereditary and if you have German or Scottish/Irish ancestry you may have it. I’ve tried laser treatment for it and it helped some.

      I don’t watch many movies but do enjoy scripted TV shows so I’m aware of Natasha Lyonne. She plays kind of nutty characters that make me smile.

      First there were no alcohol sales on Sunday, then sales after 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, then after 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, then finally we could buy alcohol all day on Sunday. My guess is the county figured out how much revenue they were losing while the nearby county made money, so the county gave up trying to force us to be sober.

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  15. These are some interesting questions, and I love all your answers, Ally. Add me to the list of people who hate making phone calls. I also don’t like answering the phone! Caller ID is so awesome! Especially right now with all the political surveys. We get about 5 calls every day, and I don’t answer any of them! I always have to laugh when I see the United States is calling!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Michelle G., apparently there’s a whole community of people who avoid telephones, landlines or cells. For some reason I’m not getting any political survey phone calls this year. Of course I never pick up if I don’t know the number so that may be the trick to it— just like you not answering when the United States is calling.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. This is an interesting list. I’m laughing at the beer buying one. I’d say my thin hair as a result of undiagnosed celiac disease for decades is the worst thing about my appearance (but when I was younger it was my height – felt like I stuck out, then I married a 6’4″ guy and had tall kids). I’d say the thing I dislike about myself is a toss up between being somewhat long winded (it’s accepted and appreciated at times, but other times I feel icky later, thinking I went on and on), combined with being an open book. Better out than in, as Shrek would say, but not sure that is what he meant. If I was gonna describe myself in a five words, I’d say: funny, hard working, caring, sensitive, and how does one say, Taker-on-of-all-the-things.

    Liked by 1 person

    • ernie, I thought these questions were worth answering. Thanks for doing so. The whole buying beer saga, that happened when we first moved here, is one that’ll stay with me forever.

      It’s great how you no longer worry about your height, but sorry about your hair situation. I know how you feel if you think you’ve said too much for too long and people are just staring at you. Was it what you said or the fact you were talking for so long?

      I like your five words, think you’ve described yourself to a T. As for how to describe your last characteristic, Glutton for Punishment comes to mind. 😜

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  17. Well, I loved reading your answers, Ally! And I love how all of your words about yourself are positive, which makes me realize I need to do some work in the realm of thinking more highly of myself.

    These questions are TOO HARD, and I would cry if I wrote the worst thing someone has said to me. So I will stick to celebrity crush: PAUL RUDD. I love how goofy he is, I love how his eyes sparkle, I love his look. Please, please, please don’t let there be some secret monstrousness about Paulie R. I love him so.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, I’ve no doubt there are negative words that’d describe me, but I’m not putting that energy out into the world hence I leaned into positive words. You can do the same.

      These are difficult questions‽ Interesting. Hadn’t thought of them like that but I believe you. I like Paul Rudd, too. Especially in OMITB where he shines… even after his character’s death.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. You know what? I am an all-start at making phone calls and I actually like this about myself. I have to make phone calls all day long at my job and I rarely even think twice about it now. I’m going to have to start giving myself some pats on the back for this.

    I read an Elizabeth Strout book once and it derailed me into a mental health crisis, so I don’t think you should read anymore! No regrets!

    Liked by 1 person

    • NGS, my husband made phone calls all day long at his job and never once thought a thing about it. I consider him, and you, brave. Phones unnerve me.

      You’re the first person I’ve met who isn’t a fan of Strout books. I didn’t take to her style, but read Olive Kitteridge because of its award. I don’t want any mental health crisis so I take your point, and will leave her on the shelf.

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  19. Two things, I am busy teaching our grandson how to roll his eyes when his mother lectures him (she loves me) and about #9. The worst thing ever said to me was “I hope you end up unemployed and homeless.” I thanked him and made sure he got to enjoy the insides of a jail cell.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Danny, I like knowing that you’re teaching your grandson how to roll his eyes, it’s a life skill. And what a lousy thing for someone to say to you. Regardless of the situation, it seems excessively unkind.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Great questions and even better answers! I often feel that I don’t have anything interesting to write about, at least publicly (lately, I’ve been writing in my notebooks, stuff that is not ready for prime time). So thank you for the suggestion of answering questions.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marie, I write many, many things that’ll never be published here. Not ready for prime time is right. But usually when it comes to blogging I have something to talk about that happened recently. However, when that doesn’t happen it’s back to an old-school blog post wherein I answer questions. Anyone’s questions it’d seem.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. These are fun; a variation of the famed Proust Questionnaire (which I only know about because Vanity Fair magazine has it at the end of every issue).

    I once asked someone I was just starting to date the question about naming one thing that they didn’t like about their appearance. I did begin by offering one about myself. The woman refused to answer, which on reflection I realized said more about me than her. I never did that again!

    You’ve just taught me about the passenger pigeon. – Marty

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marty, a while back I answered the Proust Questionnaire on this blog. I’m always up for interesting, thought-provoking questions. They make for good blogger filler.

      I can see how your date might have not liked your question, regardless of how sincere it might have been.

      The passenger pigeon story has haunted me since I first saw Martha stuffed at the zoo. It seems profoundly sad, especially when you see her staring back at you.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Cruelty is the worst, but I also do not like passive-aggressiveness, unnecessary combativeness, and general negativity. I think my best trait is that I get excited about things for other people, so you’d probably roll your eyes at me as I think it’s fun when people wear face paint. I mean, live your truth, sports fans! If ever I go to an NFL game I am going to have a little fence to hold up and hopefully my husband will hold up a D, otherwise I’ll look insane.
    I have a lot of celebrity crushes but my current one is Jimmy Smits, as I’m watching NYPD Blue season 2. I’m wondering if I could get my husband to pretend he’s Jimmy Smits for Halloween. Or maybe I’ll just imagine he is.
    I think my worst trait is I get way too upset about things like shopping carts not being returned to their carrels.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicole, I think of passive-aggressiveness as a kind of cruelty so I’m right there with you. If you go to a NFL game you’ll see lots of drunken yahoos with face paint, getting in your way, blocking your view of the field, so hang onto your fence and letter D lest they get smashed.

      I haven’t thought of Jimmy Smits in years. He was on LA Law, right? If you get your husband to dress up like him for Halloween, who will you be? Your worst trait is understandable, albeit when it involves other people doing things correctly you may be powerless.

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  26. I, too, am a wimp about making phone calls. You’d think we’re both millenials 😉 I clicked on the link to the source of the questions, and I have to say that I felt myself feeling put off by that designer–and then wondering how just a few simple questions with such short answers can give such a sense of a person. None of your answers were really surprising, except I was suprised at Natasha Lyonne as your celebrity crush. Not sure why? Wondering if you’ve ever seen her 1999 movie But I’m a Cheerleader? It was playing at a second run theater a while back and we went to it not knowing what it really was. Her charisma was all there, way back then. Now it’s kind of a cult classic. Anyhoo, I’m rambling. Just one more thing: You don’t have to read more Elizabeth Strout. I like her and all, but I don’t think there’s anything there you have to feel bad about missing.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rita, I’d not thought about how not using the phone was a millennial thing, yet you’re right. You didn’t like Kelly Hoppen’s vibe? I was 180º the opposite. I thought she sounded like more fun in real life than her focus on neutral-centric decor lead me to believe. All of which doesn’t matter because the interviewer asked some good questions which is what I was after. I don’t know a thing about Natasha Lyonne except when I’ve seen her on TV shows. Strout books have been popular among my friends and while I want to adore them like my friends do, I dunno… her writing doesn’t hit with me.

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      • I like Strout OK, but I don’t LOVE her the way some do. As for Hoppen’s vibe, I dunno? Maybe I’m just jealous. 🙂 I think it was her answer to the sex, fame, money question that made me roll my eyes (not my best trait).

        Liked by 1 person

        • You’re right about how people LOVE Strout stories and talk endlessly about them while I try to gin up a little enthusiasm. As for Hoppen, she wrote books that clarified what interior design was all about, gave me ideas about what to do. The books came into my life at the right time. I’d not thought of her in years, truth be told.

          Like

  27. I too dread calling on the phone since I sometimes get tangled up on what I want to say and sound like an idiot. There is no time to proofread like you can with a text! Cruelty and hypocrisy/lying are hot button issues for me, especially in today’s political climate. I’m a big Strout fan; I haven’t read all her books but have enjoyed the ones I have. My younger daughter has a bad case of rosacea and (in my opinion) isn’t doing what she needs to to mitigate it. Not my business. Sigh.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Margaret, yes, yes, I sound like an idiot too. And agree that with a text I can proofread so that I feel like I am being articulate. I’d consider hypocrisy/lying to be a kind of cruelty, so I’m with you there. I know people adore Strout but somehow she doesn’t resonate with me. As for rosacea, over the years mine has gotten worse then better leaning back into worse again. You can only do so much because genetics wins out in the end.

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  28. No.1 – me too, me too! Why do we dread the phone calls? I tried my hand at sales once, it was not for me. No.9…hilarious, you always know how to tickle my funny bone Ally, and as for No.10, never a truer word said (or written). For a blog post at a time when you had nothing to say I think you’ve delivered the goods and then some. Thanks for the smiles 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rae Cod, I worked in sales and marketing research for a while. It was hell for me to talk on the phone, but it was a job when I desperately needed one so I did it.

      #9 is a true story from when we first moved to this then remote little city. Now we’re all grown up and buy our beer any day of the week.

      Thanks for the compliment. I try to add some value to blogland in my own way and these questions are my latest offering.

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  29. I love this! I’ve been puttering around in the blogosphere for much of the day today and have yet to determine what I want to blog about this week. I think you’ve just inspired me! I love Natasha Lyonne too. Poker Face is one of the best shows ever, in my opinion. I hope there will be another season.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rhonda, usually there’s something that happens in my life that I can use as a hook for a blog post, but not this past week. I can’t complain really, all is good here.

      I agree about Poker Face. Love it and have my fingers crossed that there’ll be a second season just as kooky as the first one.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. I spent the day at driver safety class, I’m not sure my mind is up to these 10 questions. I’ll tackle as many as I can. 🙂 #1 I’m sick of planning dinner 7 days a week. #2 Procrastination #3 Dependable, caring, organized #4 I could always lose 20 lbs. #5 I nod my head when listening to someone. #6 Don’t have a suggestion #7 Harrison Ford, but we’re both getting a little long in the tooth. #8 Don’t have a suggestion #9 A physician who basically told a loved one to go home and die peacefully. If you’re wondering, yes, I sent letters to everyone in his change of command and then found someone who provided exceptionally care and resolution. #10 Life is truly a journey with many ups and downs.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Judy, thanks for answering these questions. I adore your answers. I understand about planning dinners, it comes to a point when I say whatever and make PBJ sammies. I’ve no doubt you are dependable and organized. Your blog proves that over and over. You’re a head nodder, duly noted, not sure to do with that revelation.

      A doctor said that! Oh my, that is unexpected. Aren’t they more into finding ways to heal you? Glad you moved onto someone else. Agree about life is a journey, and not a smooth one at that.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Laughed at the sports face paint part. My biggest pet peeve is inconsiderateness, but cruelty is a much better answer. I suppose mine includes yours, and I probably think inconsiderateness first because I witness it often, unlike cruelty, thankfully, though I know, of course, that it’s out there everywhere.
    Also laughing at the no alcohol sales on Sunday. I feel your pain. Where’s the Hynekin for the win?? 😉

    Liked by 2 people

  32. What a great bunch of questions! I don’t like making phone calls either… I will when necessary, but I’d much rather text or email. I also have (mostly mild) rosacea, but I think my choice would be my thinning, fine, straight hair. I love Judy’s answer about disliking having to plan meals 7 days a week. Although I try to also plan as many leftover nights as possible, far too many dinners have to be planned, shopped for, cooked, and cleaned up.

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    • Janis, same here. I can make calls and do so, but if there’s a way to avoid it I avoid. Rosacea is annoying, but I’ve had it all my life so I’m somewhat resigned to it. Sorry about your thinning hair. I hear ‘ya about planning meals and then making them. Of course it’s better to have food and the ability to cook it, than not. 🤔

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  33. Hi, Ally – Great questions and answers! I can also be a wimp about making phone calls…. I seriously thought this was just me.
    I haven’t read Olive Kitteridge, but I have read several other books by Elizabeth Strout. Spoiler alert: I liked some more than others. ‘My Name is Lucy Barton’ was my favourite so far. ‘Amy and Isabelle’ was not for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Donna, glad you liked these questions. I felt like an old-school blogger when I shared my answers. I’ve been surprised by how many people don’t like to make phone calls, too. I have Lucy Barton on my shelf but read a few pages then put it back… for another time. Or maybe never. I dunno, her writing doesn’t grab me.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. I must confess to NO.1 and agree with NO.2. Quirky, honest, great sense of humour to NO.3, Double chin no matter how fit and healthy weight I am plus thinning hair. NO.4. Well, NO.5 is impatience and people who don’t make the most of their opportunities in life. Good taste and good manners for NO.6. – okay just kidding on that one. NO.7 Thankfully none. NO.8 None NO.9. You’re not my friend at school. NO.10 Knowing that when life throws us a curveball, resilience and humour will get us through one way or another.
    Fun questions and amazing what topics pop up when you least expect it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, laughing about you also not being a phone person, we are legion. Your three words are perfect, I could say those too. Interesting and pragmatic answer to #5. Do you suppose you really could bring back good taste and manners? Give it a go, I’d be there for it. I’m smiling about the worst thing someone has said to you. I take it was a while ago! Love, love your #10. So true about resilience and humor, I hope to have them all my days. Thanks for answering the questions. It’s fun getting to know people better.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Yes, that classic line from childhood “You’re not my friend”. Good taste was a reference to your interior design and my horror of people who horde, and gnomes in the garden. Well, good manners could be aligned with respecting ourselves and others.

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        • I couldn’t be a hoarder yet I know my friend’s mother was one. It’s a weird mindset that is skewed, but also sad. So much stuff everywhere, I just couldn’t. Good insight about good manners mean respecting ourselves, hadn’t thought of it like that and you are right.

          Liked by 1 person

  35. Oh, this is a fun list. I also have rosacea and I feel your pain (and redness). I used to think I hated stupidity more than anything else, but now I’m with you. Mostly. Cruelty, especially to animals and children, is at the top of my list. However, there are some folks that are too stupid to know they’re stupid. I’d really like to point out to them, in excruciating detail, how stupid they are, even though that seems kind of cruel.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Autumn, glad you like the questions. I thought they were different enough to be worth answering + to do so makes me feel like an old-school blogger. A throwback.

      I know EXACTLY what you mean about how some people are too stupid to know they’re stupid. I’d like to correct them, but know it’s pointless because they’d never get it and like you said it might be cruel to do so. Maybe.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. The stores in Vanuatu, where we lived for almost three years, shut down at noon on Saturday and didn’t open until Monday morning. It drove my husband nuts. He liked to shop, and since he worked five days a week, Saturday morning didn’t give him much time. He wasn’t looking for booze. He wanted to go to the hardware store.

    I had to look up Natasha Lyonne and Poker Face. Cute.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicki, I remember when I was a kid all the stores closed on Sunday, but your Vanuatu example is much worse. I can imagine how frustrating it was for your husband. Hardware supplies aren’t something you can just do without like the booze I was looking for.

      Poker Face is a cute TV series. Lyonne’s character is loosely based on Columbo so that’s fun too.

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  37. Your traits are similar to mine Ally, but I lack organization in my life. I could have told you where anything in this house was before walking/blogging/photography. I despise cruelty too, especially bullying. I’ve written before about how I was bullied after we moved here from Canada. It was cruel and by my classmates AND my teachers. One day I will write about a stalker I once had and I had to get a PPO – no worries about him now as he committed murder/suicide, first taking out his wife, a long-time friend and colleague of mine, before turning the gun on himself. I only said “good morning” to him and nothing more and certainly didn’t invite his attention.

    I don’t know that celebrity, nor that author. I am making some headway in reading again, albeit slowly. I hate that hobbies I once enjoyed have been forsaken and I am striving to improve that about myself. Once a guy said to me “you are geographically undesirable, so move closer or we have to end this relationship.” So I said “goodbye – good riddance” – I believe in speaking my mind, especially when people are rude. Kindness is important, but so few people are kind and give of themselves – more often than not, they have ulterior motives, expectations, or are “kind” to make themselves look good. That is self-serving kindness and I am very turned off by that.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, I’ll admit that over the years my definition of being organized has changed. I used to be uptight about everything being exactly where I wanted it but now I’m more “a place for everything and everything near its place.” That’s how I envision being organized.

      I’m sorry about the bullying during your school days. That is definitely a form of cruelty. Scary about the stalker guy and what a story about him as well.

      I, too, have found that hobbies I used to do are now often on the back burner, with new priorities taking their place. I don’t know if that’s just how a person ages or if I’m more lazy now.

      I’d be leery of anyone who wanted you to move house or else no relationship. I think you did the right thing to say good riddance. I hadn’t thought about how some people use kindness as a cover for their ulterior motives. You are right, of course. Phonies walk [and blog] among us.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Ally, I hope my decluttering efforts started this year can set a permanent trend because I seriously wonder how three people and a bird lived here and it was “neat as a pin” as the saying goes.

        The bullying was awful and my father had a temper, so I didn’t say anything at home. The one teacher paddled me for no reason and when she accused me of making filthy phone calls to her home on Easter Sunday, I went to the counselor’s office and called my mom to call my dad at work (mom didn’t drive). Teacher was suspended. Another teacher laughed at my Canadian pronunciation of some words. The stalker was scary and embarrassing. I had to tell the administrative partner at work at the Firm as he started sending me letters and postcards at work. He knew where I worked as I once worked with his wife and we sometimes “talked shop” while waiting in line to board the bus or on the bus, so he was privy to our conversations. The Firm suggested the PPO – we didn’t do domestic relations law so an associate helped me draft the request and I had to go to the hearing and represent myself then go to the sheriff’s office to have the PPO served to him at work. An ordeal! They were not allowed to take the same bus as me and when I saw her downtown in the business district, she would look the other way.

        I started a book this week – I like Nicholas Sparks and began his new book and today I took a watercolor class; these were two of several resolutions I made to myself once I retired. Yoga and studying French will be in 2025.

        Rude people and phonies I steer clear of when possible.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I cannot imagine how you endured your elementary school experiences. Clearly it was a different time when teachers weren’t empathetic and got away with more reprehensible behavior in the classroom. Back then teachers were more enforcers than educators, at least that’s how it was where I grew up.

          The stalking situation sounds awful. Sorry you had to endure that, but glad you put a stop to it. I’d have been scared by it.

          I like your plans for retirement, those are actionable items that are fun! With you about rude people and phonies— who often seem to fade away once I call ’em out. Go figure, huh?

          Liked by 1 person

          • You’re right about the teachers back then … it was an awful transition from when I loved school in Canada, then absolutely hated it after we moved here.

            Thankfully, the PPO put an end to his nonsensical postcards, letters and floppy disks (this was 1997). I heard the story of the murder/suicide on the radio news that morning before I left for work, but a bus buddy asked me if I’d heard about Dave and Carrie. I was in a daze the rest of the day. The communications he sent to me were so out there, hoping to get rid of Carrie and we could start a life together.

            I have to wait until my neighbor comes home from work every night to read as her howling and whining dog inside her house makes me unable to concentrate on reading. I have to put on white noise sometimes while online.

            I hope I have my retirement groove together better in 2025! I’m glad we’re both good judges of character!

            Liked by 1 person

  38. I love phone calls. Today, texts and emails often mean no one will answer their phone, but I persist. My friends understand, and know that if they really want to get in touch with me el pronto, they need to call. I have brought myself to the point of being willing to text someone and say “Call me when you can.” My customers know that I check my phone when I get up, at noon, and at the end of the day. Otherwise? Voicemail, baybee!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, oh I rarely answer my phone, only when a handful of people call. I’m intrigued that you like to use your phone and can understand how it works for you. Good job training people to know your phone hours. Voicemail is becoming a rarity in my life, friends + family don’t seem to use it anymore, only doctors’ offices.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I wonder if my affection for phone calls isn’t a result of life experience. When I was young, the telephone was our hi-tech. The first phone I remember, c. 1949, was black and sat on a desk. It had no dial of any sort. You picked up the receiver and the nice lady said, “Number, please.” I had to memorize our phone number and address before I was allowed to leave the yard, at about three years old. I still remember it: 1906.

        As pre-teens and older, we spent hours on the phone. If we were lucky, the cord was long enough that we could find a room (or closet) to talk in private. The big rite of passage was getting my own phone, in 1957. It was a Princess trimline, and I could sit and talk with friends in my own bedroom. As an adult, even in the 1990s, when I lived aboard a boat I had to walk up to the one payphone at the marina to make a call, and ‘phone credit cards’ were common for making long-distance calls.

        In short, “phone” and “freedom” are inextricably linked for me — I suppose it’s analogous to what the coming of cell phones meant for these new generations.

        Like

        • How interesting that you associate phones with freedom. I understand how phones were a big part of your young life and evolved dramatically from telling the operator the number to dial [plug in] to having your own Princess trimline phone. What a hip chick you were!

          My dislike of phones stems from being a little girl and when the phone rang, more often than not, it was for my father, a doctor, who was being called away to the hospital. I resented phones for disrupting my happy family time, taking my Daddy away, so I envision them as intrusions.

          Liked by 1 person

  39. I’ll resist the temptation and only answer one of the questions. The trait I find most deplorable in others is the inability to see anyone else’s point of view but their own. People love to preach about freedom, then tell others what they should and should not be doing, particularly when their choices don’t affect anyone else.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pete, hear, hear! You have hit the nail on the head with this comment. I, too, see this happen and cannot abide it. Telling other people they have to live their lives like you live yours is infuriating and not at all what freedom is all about. Great answer!

      Liked by 1 person

  40. I’m gonna be answering these too, but as always I have no idea when they’ll be published. I think later this week, but who knows? I have to get better at remembering my publishing scheduled and what posts I have in line there 😝.

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    • AM, I’m impressed that you have a publishing schedule and that a link to my post is going to be part of it. Once upon a time I planned all my posts but now I’m a pantser, writing about random things when the mood strikes. Like this post!

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  41. Great list, Ally!
    Three. (I have to use words for numbers, because my computer constantly formats numbers in a list.) I overthink way too much. I can be silly. I am easy to please. Give me a piece of chocolate and I am good for the day.
    Eight. I also read Olive Kitteridge when a supervisor begged me to do so. It didn’t have quite the appeal to me that it did to her. But I never read The Brothers Karamazov, which is the favorite book of a friend.
    Nine. “It’s cancer.” My mom, my dad, and now my brother have said this to me about themselves. Words no one wants to hear.

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    • L. Marie, it’s amazing how a little bit of chocolate can make a person’s world seem so much better. I overthink too much, also. That’s why doing this post off the top of my head was liberating [if that makes sense].

      I’ve not read The Brothers Karamazov and plan to keep it that way. Olive was a disagreeable character which didn’t bother me, instead it was the way the story unfolded that didn’t float with me.

      Oh those are awful words to hear. I’m sorry your family has had to say them to you three times. That’s not fair…

      Liked by 1 person

  42. I had to run into the comments because I absolutely love posts like this!

    I can totally relate—I hate making phone calls too. I’d much rather send smoke signals, Morse code, or anything else instead.

    I also love Natasha Lyonne.

    I was tempted to answer these questions here, but I think I might turn them into a blog post instead. I’m currently working on another post inspired by questions, and I think you might enjoy it. I hope you don’t mind if I share the link to the article here for you.

    https://orionmagazine.org/article/louise-erdrich-orion-questionnaire/

    Liked by 2 people

    • Kari, I thought of you when I composed this post, knowing you’d like it. From a psychological perspective it’s fascinating to see who jumps onto blog posts like this one and who passes on them. There’s something going on there having to do with how open or closed you are? [Rhetorical question, just musing.]

      Thanks for the link. I wasn’t familiar with the Orion questionnaire but love it, of course. Explaining who you are takes some introspection, but also leads to some great conversations.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. Great interview! I feel like I’ve known you a lifetime. And I discovered we share the same sales-deplorable trait. I do not like to pick up that opine and call someone. Anyone. I’d rather write a letter.

    Liked by 1 person

  44. I have a reddish, high forehead and my hair is so limp I can’t wear a fringe, so 🤷🏼‍♀️ Everyone tells me, have you tried a fringe? Argh.
    I don’t like phone calls, either. I have some friendships that function on Whatsapp voice messages and if one of them calls, I know it’s an accident 😆 I won’t pick up even if I notice it ring, but instead I’ll send a voice message asking if it was an accident. Last time a friend answered: Definitely was, I didn’t even notice!!!! 😃😆🤣 As long as we’re on the same page!

    Liked by 1 person

    • The Snow Melts Somewhere, don’t you just love it [not] when people tell you the obvious solution to a problem, like you were too feeble-minded to think of it? Your fringe issue sounds like one of those times.

      Your voice mail with friends is priceless. I adore that y’all know what you’re really doing by ignoring what you’re doing. This makes sense to me. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  45. 1 – What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
    Social anxiety.

    2 – What is the trait you most deplore in others?
    Unkindness and mean-spiritedness.

    3 – Describe yourself in three words
    Stubborn, giving and problem-solver.

    4 – What do you most dislike about your appearance?
    My hands – they look like old lady hands and always have.

    5 – What is your most unappealing habit?
    Impatience with idiots or idiotic “rules”.

    6 – If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
    No earthly idea.

    7 – Who is your celebrity crush?
    Oh jeez, that’s random. I’d have to think harder about it but off the top of my head let’s go with Matthew McConaughey (he’s easy on the eyes!) 😉

    8 – Which book are you ashamed not to have read?
    Can’t say that I have one.

    9 – What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
    Shockingly enough, I can’t think of anything at the moment. But I know tonight, when I’m trying to go to sleep, one will come to me. (that’s usually when they do)

    10 – What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
    To be kind in words, thoughts and deeds. It DOES matter.

    On another note, you mentioned (at least I think it was you) in the comments to Elisabeth’s post about our likes/dislikes about our homes, that you had a new front door installed. Can I ask who you found to install it? We’ve tried several times to have ours replaced but can’t seem to find someone competent or confident enough to do so. Not that we can replace it now; but that info might be important in the future when we re-visit the issue.

    Like

    • Gigi, I relate to your social anxiety. I have to take many deep breaths before I do anything with people. Your three word description of yourself is wonderful, insightful. I have old lady hands, too. It just happened one day and there’s no going back. Yes to McConaughey and to kindness. It took me a while to get onboard the kindness train, but now it’s second nature.

      Our door and sidelights are from a company called Provia. It’s a custom door sort of, in that they have many stock styles from which to choose then your door is made to fit your style choose/dimensions. It was installed by a local company that sells ProVia products. They did a wonderful job and besides looking pretty the door is energy efficient.

      Like

  47. I enjoyed all your answers, Ally! I laughed out loud about the alchohol because I encountered that as well when we first moved to TX. I didn’t know anything about dry counties…and I didn’t know they won’t sell alcohol before noon on Sundays!

    I specially love #10. Kindness. We need more of it!

    I am blanking out on a few so I’m going to answer the ones that I can easily answer right now.

    1 – What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Oh, how do I choose? LOL But I hate that I am awkward in many social situations. It’s getting better as I get older but I wish I were more savvy, you know? Sigh…

    2 – What is the trait you most deplore in others? Jealousy and meanness. Together, they bring out the worst in people.

    3 – Describe yourself in three words. Stubborn, shy, simple.

    7 – Who is your celebrity crush? Not sure I have any since I don’t watch TV much or read about celebrities but I remember my sister talking about a movie Thor and I it looked and admired Chris Hemsworth! LOL

    10 – What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Kindness goes a long way, always.

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    • M, the whole idea of a dry county took me by surprise. And the Sunday it happened I was so busy, then to have to drive to the next county over just about did me in. I understand feeling awkward in social situations. No matter how often I’ve socialized it rarely feels natural.

      Yep, jealousy + meanness make for a disagreeable person, one to avoid. Chris Hemsworth is a good answer to the crush question, well done. Also with you about kindness, a little helps, a lot is even better. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

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  48. Surveys are a classic standby for writer’s blog! I’ll answer a few of these.

    What is the trait you most deplore in others?
    Extreme conservatism. The closer the dial gets to MAGA, the worse.

    What do you most dislike about your appearance?
    When I met blogger Shelly a few weeks ago, she said, “You’re pretty short.” So…THAT.

    If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
    The pre-mobile phone era.

    Who is your celebrity crush?
    This is an ever-evolving list that has included Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Mila Kunis, Kate Winslet, and Emma Stone. Impossible to narrow down.

    What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
    Don’t be afraid of change; embrace it!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mark, I’m with you on the extreme conservatism. It does no one any good, even those who cling to it. Gotta keep with the times.

      I don’t know how to respond to you being short in the eyes of blogger Shelly. I’m not sure that being so, if you really are, is something to dislike about your appearance but who am I to say?

      I’m not a fan of mobile phones so I like your idea. Let’s make them extinct, eh?

      Your celebrity crushes are varied and understandable. Good choices. And agree that embracing change is the way to go if you want to live a sane life. Like you can stop change? Me thinks not.

      Liked by 1 person

  49. Interesting questions Ally, and thank you for sharing your answers. As I’ll – probably – use these questions myself sometime, I thought I’d pick up on one. You mentioned that you’d only read Olive Kitteridge and have not read any other Elizabeth Strout books, despite them being beloved of many folk. I didn’t like Olive Kitteridge (the book), and just couldn’t warm to it. I did read another of hers later (I can’t remember how that came to be now), and she has since wormed her way into my psyche. But I can totally understand how you chose not to go further with her books based on that one. I remember thinking that Pulitzer prize winners weren’t my kind of reads after seeing she’d won that one.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, that’s exactly what I thought after reading Olive Kitteridge, I wondered about Pulitzer Prize winning books in general. I may try to read another Strout book at some point, I mean people do adore her, so what do I know?

      If you decide to use the questions I’ll be interested in reading your answers. These questions seemed different than most, more unexpected, which leads to some fascinating answers. And you know I love that.

      Liked by 1 person

  51. Pingback: Well, obviously… – A weirdo with…

    • Dana Shalabi, so glad you answered the questions, too. I figure it’s part of the fun of personal blogging to engage with questions like these once in a while. Thanks for playing along.

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  55. “Olive Kitteridge” was the first Elizabeth Strout book I read and I’ve read a couple more. My plan is to read them all! It’s been interesting to see how Olive has changed over the years, but remaining a complicated, fascinating character!

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  56. Hi Ally.
    I don’t know who Kelly Hoppen is, but I enjoyed her interview. I also looked at Liev Schreiber’s answers; how fun.
    Natasha Lyonne is such a great actress. I might too have a crush!
    I’m laughing about the No Alcohol sales on Sunday, being a terrible thing to say to you. We used to have that in Florida and also experienced it in TX, though I don’t know that it’s still a thing.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suz, I don’t know that Kelly Hoppen had a big following in the US but I liked her way of explaining design concepts so I remembered her when I saw the interview. I also liked her interview answers.

      The no alcohol sales on Sunday was how it was when we moved here 25 years ago, but slowly the powers that be relented. First it was alcohol sales on Sunday after 1:00 p.m. then after 10:00 a.m. and then FINALLY all day on Sunday. The heathens had won and the capitalists were happy. 🍻

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