The INTERVIEW MEME from lecram’s blog. Here they are questions just for me, with my answers.

joy – here are your questions. Envision the interview taking place on the rooftop restaurant in old Shanghai.

1. What is the one incident growing up that changed your perception of everything?

I don’t know that there is that ‘one’ incident. There are a few, and none of them are things I think I should dwell on for very long. Nor am I inclined to share them publicly. Going from a carefree, vivacious and energetic person to a withdrawn, cautious, fearful, subdued, unfailingly responsible person was the result of many incidents. My perception changed from one of hope, trust, and eagerness to one of cynicism, isolation, and apathy. Been working to turn that around for some years now, though.

2. If you were to pick 3 artists and merge their work to represent who you are visually… who would those be?

I only get three? And of those that come to mind immediately… I don’t think their work would merge well… it’s all different.

Waterhouse, just for the beauty. And I’m sure that has more to do with the models he used, than his overall style… I’ve been told at times (more often when I was younger) that I look like some of those paintings. I pick Waterhouse just because of the visual similarity, though much of what he painted does convey a certain romantic quality that draws me, and is absolutely a part of me.

Klimt, because there’s a kind of romance there as well, but with a dark side, a mystery, an unfathomable oddity that illustrates things I think and feel.

Georgia O’Keefe. Her work was vivid and straightforward. Yet, for all that the subjects simply stood for what they were, the viewer is still left with the impression of something other, something deeper, often sensual or stark.

Yeah, ok, that’s 3.

3. What is “the bottom line” for you?

The “bottom line” in terms of what?

Personally? My integrity, and being treated with respect. You’ll get what you give me, and nothing more. I can’t bear to compromise my integrity, and I require that it be recognized.

Generally? “What is… is.” Life may be what we make it, but there are things out of my control, and it is a constant struggle to remember that I must move past those things. Constant mindfulness of the reality surrounding me, as well as the fact that there are perspectives that are not my own, all seeing what I see through different eyes.

Oh! And lately… Never settle. Never, never, never, settle.

How’s that for a bottom line or two?

4. If you were given the opportunity to “knock on wood” to actualize something… what would it be?

Strangely, I fear this question. I’m afraid to consider it. I’m not sure I’d like what I came up with as an answer.

5. Dim Sum or wanton noodle soup?

I don’t know, but I’d like to find out.

If anyone would like to be interviewed, here’s how to keep the meme going:

Leave me a comment saying “Interview me.” I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions. You will update your weblog with the answers to the questions, and let me know that you answered. If you don’t have a blog, but would still like to play, I can send you the questions, and you can answer them in the comments. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

And so on, and so on… and they tell five friends, and they tell five friends…

And soon we’re building our own network marketing organization and we’re all MILLIONAIRES!

No, wait, nevermind. But the question thing… yeah, that can keep going.