people I love, people who love me
25. What are the most impactful events that have happened to me thus far? "impactful"??
24. What do I want to improve about myself?
my health is, again, a pain in the neck (literally). I would love to be through with a seemingly endless project in that regard—about which I should have some news on Wednesday. I am 10 days into another project which should be done around January 15, which could result in far fewer (or no) headaches. Finally, after a brief setback over the weekend, I'm back on track to get fit and back under control again after picking up some quarantine weight.
If the question is, 'what are the events that have had the greatest impact on me thus far'—my answer is, a number of years of higher education, marriage + divorce, living alone for several years (is that an event?), losing my dearest friend, and, well ... see the title quotation. 
30. What do I lack confidence in? 
41. Where do I feel most at home?
26. What are three valuable life lessons that you’ve learned?
(a) a slip beneath a skirt is never a bad idea
(b) when in doubt, take the photograph
(c) it's almost always rewarding to buy from a kid's lemonade stand
27. Where will I be in 10 years?
I will finally be able to say, "I'm sixty years old, and [blah blah blah]"
28. What am I most looking forward to during the next 5 years?
changing jobs, paying off my car, getting a new computer (shhhh), and taking a really nice trip
29. What could I give a presentation on with no preparation?
neutrality in the Second World War. Or how to (and how not to) use power of attorney. Or the best places to travel by car in the time of the virus.
woodworking, walking in heels, public speaking, eyeliner, cooking roast beef
31. What do I judge myself about?
failing to pick up nuances that others see clearly. Being slow to figure something out, the last to know.
33. How successful am I in life?
if you're looking for a net worth number, my answer will disappoint. My success is qualitative, subjective, emotional, and ever-changing.
34. What is on my bucket list?
leaving the country. Kissing in the rain. Being published.
35. When do I feel most comfortable?
just getting through with work on the last day before a long weekend. It's as close as I ever get to the "snow-day" feeling from when I was a kid.
For what it's worth: I loathe snow, but I loved snow days. My brother and sister and I would leap out of bed on likely snow days to listen to the radio and peer out the window to watch for buses. We lived close to "the bus barn" so we could usually tell by the lack of buses on the road more quickly than we got the news by radio. Once we knew we'd been released from school, all Hell would break loose. We'd plow through some cereal and then into our snow clothes before heading outside to play. Snowmen, igloos, snowball wars, sledding, snow angels... we did all that stuff. It was a fantastic time to be a kid.
36. What makes me uncomfortable?
socks that are too tight, alcohol with bubbles (other than beer), or being put on the spot to tell a joke
37. What stresses me out lately?
money, Christmas cards, and the weather
38. How do I deal with stress?
write, exercise, online shop for stuff I don't need and can't afford (and won't buy anyway)
39. What drains my energy?
contact with my boss
40. What gives me life?
unexpected contact (real mail!), new things to read, flowers, the yard bunnies, good food, and photography
in flannel PJs, under a heap of blankies, drinking tea and reading
42. What are 4 fundamental beliefs that I have about life?
a) I can find a job that I am perfect for, that is perfect for me, at which I can make more than enough money
b) Some people I meet are pleasantly intrigued by me
c) I have worked hard for what I want in the past; I can do it again and be successful
d) Being happy, satisfied, or content is positive and need not be apologized for
43. What are 3 limiting beliefs that I have about myself?
a) I need to have things right before [some other thing] can or should happen
b) Poor choices or mistakes from the past will follow me, in some fashion, always
c) My education limits me more than it empowers me
44. What are 5 empowering beliefs about myself?
a) I am lovable
b) I have pretty eyes
c) I often do a great job of reminding people that I care about them
d) I will get back into my good habits
e) I can write well
[from here; the title quotation is by Louise Glück, from "The Reproach", part of 'The Triumph of Achilles' in The First Four Books of Poems]
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