12 questions

A friend, knowing I was feeling a little uneasy about an upcoming lunch "date" (after all, it's been 30 years since I dated anyone!), sent me a list of 12 questions I could ask the lady about. While I'm truly not so nervous as to need a crib sheet, I did find the questions intriguing, so I'll share with you my quick responses. See what yours might be....
 
1) Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
Wow, making one choice is tough. If we're talking living folks, probably Donald Trump would get my nod, purely to see if he's as bad and as brainless as I think he is. Love to see if I could talk some sense into him (I'm always up for a challenge). If we're talking past personages, Mohandas Gandhi would get my invitation (although, dinner might be somewhat awkward in that I expect his diet and mine might be quite different).
2) Before making a phone call, do you ever rehearse what you’re going to say? Why?
Can't see the need to ever rehearse a phone call, per se. But I might review notes ahead of time if it's an important call with a defined goal.
3) What would constitute a perfect day for you?
Just being able to spend it with a special lady and my puppies.
4) When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?
I sing, hum and whistle every day. I sang to a couple of hundred people two days ago at the Legion as I do every Friday evening with The Midlandaires band.
5) For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
My mind. I've got a high IQ and that creates confidence, allowing me to think neat thoughts as well as hold down my own in a discussion about most things.
6) If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
I grew up in a family on the crossroads of Main-Street & Normal. I would change that if I could. You see, my parents were the kind of compliant folks who never ventured outside the confines of how they were supposed to be. Seems there was some kind of rulebook that authorized the canons of life, and woe betide the person who dodged it. Me? I was the push-back kid. The rebel. The one who was ready to challenge the norm. I just didn't see the value in not shaking things up a bit from time to time to see what was really there.
7) What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
My two sons, Charlie and the late Jamie.
8) What do you value most in a friendship?
Respect. Honesty. Loyalty. Caring.
9) What is your most terrible memory?
The phone call when I learned of my son's death. I will never forget that.
10) How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?
It's been an "up 'n down" relationship over the years. But she's 99 years old and needs protection, so I'm there for her, offering unconditional love.
11) When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?
At my son's funeral, in front of 600 people. By myself? Several times since.
12) What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?
Having a great sense of humour (something I'm always thankful for), I'd say the answer is "virtually nothing". Seems to me there's a light side to everything.

C'est ça

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