Some of my favorite things
On the last page of People magazine, and inside quite a few publications, you might notice a short celebrity bio. Things like, “What’s in your fridge right now?” or “What’s your favorite color?” Nothing hard-hitting or too serious. It is a banal interrogation, but I enjoy reading it.
Another newspaper, down the street and around the Block, used to interview local celebrities in the same friendly, chatty style. It was a chance to get to know our slightly famous neighbors, people like Marty Griffin, Sally Wiggin, or Jalapeno Hannah the Pirate Pierogi.
I’ve always wanted to be the celebrity interviewed in that section. I’ll never be as famous as a purse-carrying pierogi, but I’m opening my slam book and giving you a chance to know me better – even though no one asked.
Here are my answers to life’s easiest questions – in essay form.
What’s your favorite color?
When my nephew Max was little, he once asked me this question. I opted for green, and he said, “No. Nunny picked green.” I’m not sure why he had such strict rules about color selection, but he forced me to choose again. I designated blue as my second-round draft pick.
Don’t tell Max, but my favorite color is still green. The color of grass between my toes in the summertime. Blue, however, is a close favorite.
P.S. It’s OK to have a favorite color as an adult and anyone who says otherwise is a big, giant poopy head.
What food will we find in your refrigerator?
Open the refrigerator door and you will be greeted by iced tea, store-bought or freshly brewed, from unsweetened to sickeningly sweet Southern style (I’m an equal opportunity sipper).
For some reason, there is a bottle of A1 Steak Sauce in there. I don’t use steak sauce. It may have come with the fridge.
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
I’d be a dolphin. Ideally, I would like to be able to change back and forth like an Animorph, because I’d get bored eating fish. I almost picked a hawk or an eagle, but their diet is disgusting.
Did you know that there’s a whole sub-genre of romance books about people who can change into animals? It’s true, and there is at least one where a dude becomes a dolphin.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia with cherries and chocolate chunks. Unfortunately, ice cream and I are on a break (blame lactose intolerance).
What’s your favorite book?
I’ve read most of the classics – in comic book form. Does that count?
What is your favorite quote?
“What you can do, or dream you can, begin it; boldness has genius, power, and magic in it,” commonly attributed to Johan Wolfgang von Goethe. It’s a great quote. It opens you up to a myriad of possibilities. With our imaginations, we can do anything, and be anything, including a chance to be someone who gets to share a list of their favorite things.