The Proust Questionnaire August 2011

This duty night, while waiting for another new referral from the emergency room/ambulatory unit/wherever in the hospital, I got some quiet time off. Supposedly, with the paperwork deadlines looming, and my video interview supposedly for show tomorrow, I'm expected to be neck deep in work. However, the call for "self-discovery" was just too much to ignore, so hey, here I am, answering this...

One of my fave reads is a blog called Topaz Horizon, and one time, Frances Amper Sales in her blog mentioned this concept of the Proust Questionnaire. I happen to like cross-sectional self-discovery views of myself, and with my birthday coming up in a few days, I'm welcoming the chance to take stock of my life. :-)

THE PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE

What is your greatest happiness?

Altruism, I suppose. I get a big kick out of seeing people I love happy and  satisfied with what I did for them.

What is your greatest fear?

It used to be losing my two front teeth, but these days, it’s not being able to make a choice. To be stuck in a dead-end situation. To lose my spirit.
 
What is the traits do you most deplore in yourself?

   I can be idealistic in some ways, and can stretch myself too thin without even realizing it. And I’m non-confrontational.
 
What is the trait you most deplore in others?

When they have a tendency to break promises and disappoint me.
 Which living person do you most admire?

 Dr. Phil. Ok, just kidding.

Ok, Gibo Teodoro in his heyday.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Things I need. Lol…like, i.e. I got me an iPad because “I need to bring my books around with me at all times.”  ;-)
What is your current state of mind?

I like to think that I’m happy, but there always seems to be something that’s missing. An added factor that would make me happier, add sprightliness to my step, and make me a whole better person. Oh, and worried, of course. I’ve got tons of paperwork for the upcoming months to do, and hopefully, just enough time to do it.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

False modesty. I like it better if people are more honest about themselves. i.e. if you’re good, then say so, no sense beating around the bush.  

On what occasion do you lie?

A little white lie…for when I know there is no need to hurt someone with such blatant, honest truth.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
In terms of non-tangible qualities, I’d say “Thoughtfulness”. (Because it takes a lot of smarts and experience and good heart to be intuitive.)  In terms of tangible/physical qualities, I love it when they’re tall, they have beautiful eyes, a great sense of humor and have nice… extremities.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

I think I respect the quality of self-love and confidence in a woman. A self-reliant woman who knows how to take care of herself and doesn’t take no…crap from anyone when she’s in the right, would have to be my choice.



Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“I reckon.” “Sure.” “Ok, cool.” “No biggie.” “Hay Ambot ah..” “Daw gaga ka” “Gaging.” “Eeek.”

“If I want to do something, I really will.” “I need a theme song.”  

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
The heart of my heart? 
When and where were you happiest?
Currently? June 23, 2010, in my condo (while I was applying for my present job), when I had this really cool epiphany.
Which talent would you most like to have?
oh, that’s easy. I’d love to be talented like Rosebud Benitez of “Quickfire: 10 minute wonders”, who can cook scrumptious stuff in 10 minutes without gaining a pound…or breaking a nail. Haha.
What is your favorite occupation?
 Talking to people I know I can help/Taking pictures/ Writing.
What is your most marked characteristic?

The call me “Bibo Kid” at work.  Go figure.

What do you most value in your friends?
Their positivity, their enthusiasm for life.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

I like Holden Caulfield. And Charlotte A. Cavatica. ß lol. Elizabeth Bennet. Jo from Little Women. Sabrina.  Oh, and the Khaleesi, Daenarys Stormborn, because she has serious balls.. ;-)

Who are your heroes in real life?
My mum, pop, Inse, Lolo, and my residency training chairman. 
What is that you most dislike?

I don’t like being taken for granted, I think.

What is your most treasured possession?

My heart,  my spirit. And joie de vivre. 

What do you regard as the lowest depths of misery?

Unrequited love. Trust me, it's the pits.

What is your greatest regret?
So far, nothing yet…I’ve always been stubborn, so I’ve always gotten to make my own choices. I thought perhaps, not being able to take up creative writing back in college, but then hey, my current job affords me all the magic (and fulfillment) I could ever need.
How would you like to die?
In the arms of the one I love, of course. I’m such a corny dreamer that way.

What is your motto?

I’ve always used Cicero’s “It is shameful to intercede without knowledge” for a while now  to sound like  a real smarty-pants, but I grew up with “Aim high and hit the mark.” From my auntie. For now, I’d say Carpe Diem, but that’s like, cheesy. :-)

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I had pictures, but they wouldn't upload. anyway, maybe it's a sign. Ok, back to work, it is. :-)

Love, 

S.