My Own, Personal Proust Questionnaire

These past few weeks have been a blur. I started working at Buffer. We got a Chick-fil-a in town. I accepted a full-time spot at Buffer. I found a five-dollar bill in my pocket. Crazy times.As part of my joining full-time with Buffer, I had the opportunity to have my very own introduction on Buffer's Open blog. Part of the introduction involved my answering some questions about, well, most anything I thought would be fun. I answered five of them for the introductory blog post. The questionnaire had nearly 20. I thought it might be fun to fill the whole thing out anyway.What is your idea of perfect happiness?Showing love to others---be it quality time with family, investing in the lives of those I care most about, encouraging people with a kind word, or writing helpful stories that people can connect with.Also, watching a football game with the sound off is pretty great.What is your greatest extravagance?Every summer, I purchase a 36-count case of bottled water. Makes me feel like the Great Gatsby.Which talent would you most like to have?Each time I go to a concert, I wish I could play the guitar or the drums, depending on how cool the band's guitarist or drummer is.Who are your favorite writers?Anne Lamott, Mark Twain, Dave Barry, Gregory Ciotti, Demian Farnworth, and generally anyone who writes from an authentic, transparent, hopeful place.If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?First, I would come back as a bug; I have a lot of leftover curiosities from watching Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Second, I would come back as a dog because they sure seem to have life and happiness all figured out. Third, I would come back as a wildflower atop a western-facing mountain so I could see the sunset every day. Fourth, I would come back as a dollar bill, just to see where all I'd visit (and the things I'd pay for). Fifth ...(I do get multiple reincarnations, right? If not, I'd opt for puppy dog.) Which historical figure do you most identify with?IT's awfully recent history - but history is history, right?A child of the 50s. I love structure.What is your favorite journey?The journey to becoming yourself has been pretty great, but I don't have anything to compare it to. Maybe in other timelines I turn out to be a rock star or a med student or a missionary and don't enjoy the journey quite so much. But this journey to being me has been quite rewarding.In terms of literal journeys, I have a real sentiment for the drive from Boise to Seattle (and back).What or who is the greatest love of your life?In this order: Jesus, Lindsay, Evan, mom, family & friends (tie), New England Patriots football, Dairy Queen Blizzards.Which talent would you most like to have?Every time I go to a concert, I wish I could play the guitar or the drums, depending on how cool the concert's guitarist or drummer is.Every time I watch TV, I wish I could be a doctor, if only to deliver witty lines and save people's lives.If I could have any other skill, it would be to throw a 90 mile-per-hour curveball with my left hand. Baseball teams would clamor for me, I'd sign a guaranteed $100 million contract, start on opening day, cite some emotional trauma causing me to lose my touch, get sent to the bullpen, pitch long-relief for a season-and-a-half, refuse a trip to the minors, and retire with my millions and my family and never work another day in my life.What is your current state of mind?Clear, focused, hurried, and quite pleased with myself.If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?Had you asked me in high school, I could have read you from a list. Today? Nothing.What do you consider your greatest achievement?Being a loving husband, a devoted father, and an honorable son.What is your most treasured possession?I'm quite fond of my Gamecube.Where would you like to live?From a practical standpoint, I'd love to live in the next town over, the one with the best schools and the best opportunities and the nearest Chick-fil-a. That can be house No. 1, and then for house No. 2, I'd love to set up shop in Park City or, failing the cash, a little spot outside of a mountain town here in Idaho, in a subdivision on a golf course but near enough the mountains and the outdoors that it feels less like a subdivision and more like a mountain getaway with pavement, wi-fi, showers, and sunsets.What is your most marked characteristic?Gentleness.What do you most value in your friends?Dependability and consistency - not just in a "show up on time" sort of way but in the sense that I can expect them to be the person they really are around me, all the time, without fail.Who is your favorite hero of fiction?Liz Lemon.Who are your heroes in real life?My wife, my son, my mom, those who live with cancer, those who jump out of planes, and anyone who loves children with special needs.Where are you most productive and happy?Happiest at home. Most productive typing by my lonesome in complete silence very early or very late, about 10 minutes into a terribly unproductive session.What is your motto?Live simply, give generously.Share a picture of something important to you.