Proust Questionnaire

I'm working on a new feature for the AWG Website- a "Meet the Board Members" spot in the form of a Proustian Questionnaire. If you read "Vanity Fair," you'll recognize the format as the last page of every issue- the one where a famous person answers questions about his or her esprit.

For those who don't know, Proust was a French intellectual and writer whose weighty tome, A la recherce du temps perdu, has overwhelmed and intidmidated many a student of French literature. I will say, however, that his famous description of the taste of a madeleine (a delicious French tea cake) transporting him back in time to a distant memory is one of my favorite images in literature, perhaps because it is so true. Don't we all have those Proustian moments when biting into a sweet or smelling something cooking creates in our minds powerful images of times past? It happens to me often, and after my memory recedes, I always, always think of Proust's madeleines. I'm knutz-- I know.

Back to the point: The Proust Questionnaire is based on a popular party game from the late 19th century, wherein guests were asked to answer certain soul-searching questions which were then shared around the room, and everyone oohed and awwed and enjoyed learning deep things about their friends. Thrilling, I know, but this is what happened when people didn't have t.v. or Wii. The questions are now called "Proustian" because he answered them twice in his life, as a young teenager and then later as a young man, and the change in his answers apparently shows the depths of his literary genius. I can't attest to that, but I can say that answering these questions is an intellectual challenge. They really make you think about yourself, and the results are fun. I just did it and thought I'd share my answers, just for shits and giggles. Maybe you might want to play along too? If so, leave your answers in the comments or link to a similar post on your blog.


Here goes... Kate's Proustian Questionnaire, Age 30.

- What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

My education.

- What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Comfort—a cozy couch, a glass of red wine, a crackling fire, a good book, a dog at my feet (or on them, whichever the case may be)

- What is your current state of mind?

I am Unsure.

- What is your favorite occupation?

Reading

- What is your most treasured possession?

My wedding ring.

- What is your favorite journey?

To a new place.

- What is your most marked characteristic?

My good looks. No really—my sense of humor? I have no idea.

- When and where were you happiest?

Childhood.

- What is it that you most dislike?

A lie.

- What is your greatest fear?

Death.

- What is your greatest extravagance?

Books.

- What living person do you most admire?

My mother.

- What is your greatest regret?

Not getting a useful degree.

- Which talent would you most like to have?

To play the piano.

- Where would you like to live?

Near friends.

- What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Being incapable of providing for oneself or one’s family.

- What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Independence.

- What is the quality you most like in a man?

Responsibility.

- What is your most admirable trait?

Intelligence.

- What is your most deplorable trait?

Self-centeredness.

- What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Insincerity.

- What do you most value in your friends?

Lovingness.

- Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

James Bond.

- Who are your heroes in real life?

Those who attempt to improve life for others.

- What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Being good.

- Who are your favorite writers?

Hemingway, Shakespeare.

- On what occasions do you lie?

When necessary.

- Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Like- I use it entirely too much-- makes me sound like a Valley Girl.

- If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My career (or lack thereof).

- What are your favorite names?

Jack, Elizabeth, Bernard (must be spoken with a British accent, “Ber-nerd”)

- How would you like to die?

Without knowing.

- If you were to die and could come back as a person or thing, what would it be?

A beloved dog.

- What is your motto?

“If you’re going to do something, do it right the first time.”

Another "Free" Lance Article

I received a rather crazed email from someone who shall not be named (ah-hem) implying that my silence here was attributed to possible espionage activities-- perhaps I'd gotten abducted by enemy agents and was lying forgotten in a dank basement somewhere while waiting for the government to pay my ransom? But since I'm not a spy (but think it would be fun if I were (aside from the kidnapping of course)... that would make quite a statement on a business card, wouldn't it? Kate Houston - International Espionage), you can chalk up my lack of posts lately to the fact that I took a little hop up to London for the weekend to play with Jamie and Steve. We had tons o' fun, and we never even left Chiswick!

Aside from train rides and too much wine, how else have I been keeping myself busy lately, you ask? Well, I've been very crafty and am currently working on several Christmas gift projects (Family- you are fairly warned), and I've been volunteering for the AWG, the American Women's Group of Paris. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I am SO not the Junior League type. I barely made it out of two years of sorority life alive! But, this group couldn't be further from what I initially thought it would be. Instead of lots of boring requirements before any fun can be had, this group exists mainly to provide the Anglo residents of Paris with a means to socialize. Yes, there are many charity activities one can participate in, but during any given week, I can also tour a museum, go to an antiques auction, a fashion show, or sample wine with an expert. In other words, it's a lot of fun! And, because I needed something to do, I offered to help out in the office. This quickly turned into my wowing the ladies with my oh so exceptional computer skills (you should be chuckling now) to the point that I am now producing the weekly newsletter (okay- make that, you should be guffawing). I am also writing articles for the website, the first of which was just published: http://www.awgparis.org/2008/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=76&Itemid=69. I know- the photos are wonky (I had nothing to do with that), but the writing is all mine. And unlike that horrid harpy over at the Shakespeare site, my editor here did not impede on the integrity of my work. So while I'm not going to be paid for this (sorry, Dad), I'm enjoying the fact that I am serving a greater purpose than just fulfilling my own daily desires. That's not a bad feeling at all.

And, just to keep all in the loop as to The Broad's non-abroad life, the house closes tomorrow. That's right, as of 3 pm on October 7, Hubby and I will no longer be home-owners. THANK BLOODY GOD!!!! This also means that the adventure, while drawing to a close in Paris, is no where near over. Goody!