Proust Tag

Proust?  I thought he was an author???  Evidently it's also a recurring interview in Vanity Fair that asks famous people a bunch of questions.  While I"m totally with MCW and have zero desire to be famous (I would be awful at it!), I'll play along with the tag since I adore her!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Spending "the season" (ie- 8 weeks) up north in the summer with my kids (with B coming up every Thursday- Sunday and two full weeks- one in July and one in August).  Each morning would be spent getting the kids to club, a nice run or bike ride for me, and getting lunch ready.  The afternoon would be spent at the beach- gossiping on the beach with my friends, watching the kids in swim lessons and tennis, and reading my "summer reads".  The evenings would be spent making and cleaning up dinner, bathtime (I adore bathtime!), reading stories, and lots of snuggles (at least while they're little).  Sundays, ahhhhh Sundays, would culminate with the weekly Vesper Concert.  My little slice of musical heaven, and mommy's date night with herself!
What is your greatest fear?
That we will face a serious health concern in my family. 

Which figures do you most identify with?
Hourglass ones :)  (Those dang long-legged girls!!!)

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I often don't know when to be quiet, and I can be really judgemental (I am really trying to work on this)

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Arrogance, mean-spiritedness

What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty, consistency, the ability to just be comfortable together

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Ummm..., like, love it!
What is your favorite journey?
So far, motherhood

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Sternness (based on this list).  My favorite two are faithfulness and industriousness.

What is your favorite occupation?
I love being a nurse practitioner.  I feel very blessed to have been called into healthcare- it's perfect for me.  I could definitely see myself as a college professor for nursing as well.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My legs, my ears

What is your greatest regret?
Not studying abroad, moments of unkindness in my past

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Without a doubt, my husband.

When and where were you happiest?
Moments up north with friends and family, at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, drinking cava with B on top of our honeymoon house, watching Spencer develop new skills and learn new things, our after-Christmas dinners at McGinny and Hal's house, and at our pink and green parties (while playing croquet with drink in hand, natch!)

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd be kinder (and I'd have those long legs!)
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Working full-time, getting my master's degree and planning my wedding all at the same time.  Seriously, it was time management perfected!!

What is your most treasured possession?
This is hard for me.  My husband's hair?  My smile?  Spencer's, well, everything?  I guess if it had to be a thing, it would be my wedding ring, the monogrammed Bonannos I wore to my reception, and my external hard drive that holds all my pictures!

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Remembering mistakes I've made over and over and over again without ever being able to correct them.

Where would you like to live?
In my house!!  Otherwise, in Petoskey, Denver, or, for a few years, abroad.

What is your most marked characteristic?
My smile, my loudness, my ability to talk to a wall

What is your greatest extravagance?
My grocery bill.  We love to cook, bake, and eat well.
What are the qualities you most like in a man?
Strength, humor, intelligence, devotion, a good cook :)
Who are your favorite writers?
Daniel Silva, JK Rowling, Robert Ludlum, Jodi Picoult
How would you like to die?
Very, very old age surrounded by my family and friends

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Hermione- devoted, loyal, smart as a whip
Scarlett- fiercely protective, tenacious, strong
Gabriel Allon- thorough, thoughtful, intelligent

Who are your heroes in real life?
My Gram

What is your motto?
I don't think I have one.  Sorry to end on that note!!

This was fun.  I'd love, love, love to see what you have to say about these answers, so tag yourself or just give me a few answers in the comments!