Saturday, January 31, 2009

My Proust Questionnaire

I first read Margaret Atwood’s Proust Questionnaire when an old roommate’s “Vanity Fair” was left at my apartment in Provo. I was intrigued by the questions, Atwood’s flair and verbal prowess, and how I would answer the questions. Some answers change all the time, but that is what I love about these questions. Without making this anymore dramatic, my Proust Questionnaire--

What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
-Laughing around the dinner table with my family

What is your greatest fear?
-Losing the people I love and not being able to have kids

Which living person do you most admire?
-So many people live extraordinary lives – at this minute, my hilarious and comforting Grandma Joan

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
-Mistreatment of others

What is your greatest extravagance?
-Books and iTunes

What is your favorite journey?
-The drive up to Sundance and though I’ve never done it, driving a country road in England

On what occasion do you lie?
-When revealing what I think will make me or the person asking the question vulnerable

Which living person do you most despise?
-I have only offered to run over one person in my life – only a few special souls know who that is

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
-“Random” “No worries” “It’s all good” “In what universe”

What is your greatest regret?
-Not telling people hard things

When and where were you happiest?
-You know, I cannot answer that question – there are some great moments in my life – the two hours holding Dylan the day after he was born, the moment I found out Jewels was coming to BYU, sitting next to Jenessa on beach chairs in Hawaii reading our books, standing in the sealing room of the Draper Temple, laughing with Tracy on a lazy Sunday morning, dinner with my fabulous Raintree girls at Cafe Pierpont in Salt Lake

What is your current state of mind?
-Tired, anxious, and blissful after spending an hour in the sunshine

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
-My snarky comments that are out of my mouth before I have thought about it

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
-Having strong relationships with my fabulous family and dear friends

What is your most treasured possession?
-My books – in their pages are friends created by fabulous writers, notes and mementos from living friends, and ideas that shaped who I am now

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
-Feeling helpless when others are struggling

Where would you like to live?
-Europe (calls my name even when I sleep)

What is your favorite occupation?
-Sitting deep in conversation with a good friend with a window open bringing in a cool breeze

What is your most marked characteristic?
-As defined by my freshman dorm floor, “Most likely to give someone a dollar for drugs.” Insult? I thought so initially. They meant I give people the benefit of the doubt and believe in the best that people have to offer.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
-Conversationally brilliant, honest, and good

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
-Funny, genuine, passionate, and kind

Who are your favorite writers?
-Marcus Zusak…Jonathan Safran Foer…Mitch Albom…Nicole Krauss…Kate Chopin…Victor Hugo…F. Scott Fitzgerald…Jodi Picoult…Arthur Miller…C.S. Lewis…Jane Austen…John Steinbeck…Jhumpa Lampiri…Khaled Hosseini

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
-I will never commit to having just one. That library that the Beast gives Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” is not enough to contain my fictional heroes.

What is it that you most dislike?
-People who speak with authority about things they know nothing about

How would you like to die?
-To quote the brilliant Margaret Atwood, “Of a painless disease, with a month’s warning, on a spring day, with some good news in hand.”

What is your motto?
-Love Life, Bring Joy

11 comments:

Lauren said...

Yes! I love everything about this blog! The Hutchins' family photo at the top makes my day. And I THINK I know who you want to run over... you mentioned drugs... and you said snarky- a terrific word. I personally like your comments and find them priceless. And now, let me impress you with what little knowledge I have, Proust Questionnaire- a questionnaire about one's personality, stemming from Marcel Proust. Look, me speaking on nothing I know about, which is what you most dislike, which is why I am now stopping this overtly long comment...

Jaclyn said...

Lauren- I adore your comments, and I, too, know very little about Mr. Proust. In fact, when I hear his name, I do not think of his brilliant writing - I think of Max and Lorelai. How literary am I?

Brett, Juliann, and Mae said...

I love when you do these questionnaires or list things (not quiet sure if that is what you call them). I learn something about you every time. Okay, random question wonderful english teacher! Is "everytime" no longer a word or was I always imagining it was. I miss having you hear to laugh with and for keeping me organized. Mae and I love you!

Unknown said...

I was just thinking about you the other day, wondering how you were. I loved reading this. I must say, that your very last answer, is exactly what I think of when I think about you. You are such a genuinely happy person and so kind and loving. Just great! I'm so glad I know you! :)

Bre said...

That was great to read, I would love to talk to you someday, but I'm afraid I'm not eloquent enough. You write beautifully.

Jenessa Hutchins said...

You are so cute. i love your blogs, they inspire me to go write something inspirational as well. Will have to see if that ever happens. By the way i totally think of Max whenever Proust comes up. though in high school as i think you know, proust never comes up so maybe in the future...

Oh and Bonus-i finally have my own gmail so i don't have to be using my alias 'rick'

Love you!

Rachel said...

Jaclyn, you're so great! Thanks for answering all those questions. It was fun to read.

I was working out the other day and got hurt...I wish I had you to work out with again. I'm sure you would have caught me before I fell. (Or told me what I was about to do was a dumb idea.)

Bre said...

That's great that you're coming to AZ sometime. I would love to see you. Keep me in mind when the time comes!

Becca said...

I would love to hear just a handful of your fictional heroes, maybe? (Our lists of favorite authors are freakishly similar!)

The Leakes said...

Jaclyn-your blog completely inspires me! :) You are so clever with words. In fact, I think you should write a book! Also, thanks for the note. I too can't believe how fast our families are growing up and changing. Danny turns 19 in June-crazy! I love that picture of your family you put up, that is exactly how I remember Ryan, Cameron, and Jenessa! :)

Melissa said...

This was fun to read. you are such an AWESOME person Jaclyn! I LOVED seeing this pic of your family too. When I think of Ryan and Cameron, this is still how they look in my mind's eye...so sweet!