Jen and JD's interview questions
1) where in the world are you happiest?
Tragically, but honestly, at home with Jerad. Usually home has the ability to be a happy place no matter where it's situated. Beyond that I am happiest in my hometowns of Sydney and Bowral, and in the cold desert air at Joshua Tree.
2) name three things you absolutely love to do (cheatery ahead!)
• I like quiet time to make fiddly things with my hands - creative things, like creative projects, or cooking. I particularly like to attempt intricate and involved things, and I enjoy mundane things like pulling the flesh out of a lobster shell, or making tortellini.
• Travel and walk... together. I will go almost anywhere, and enjoy aspects of travel that many find tedious, like being in airports, riding in trains, and being lost and confused. I love everything about travel - the fear, the homesickness, the excitement, absorbing new sensory experiences. I can easily walk from dawn to dusk in a new place. This contradicts what I said above, doesn't it? I like to travel, and I like to go home, and then I like to travel again...
• I love to think and discuss - I love hypothetical scenarios, talking about possibilities, ethics, proposals, cultures, histories and policies. I like ideas and learning.
• I love to eat amazing food.
3) do you have fond memories of your childhood?
Yes, really great memories. Actually, almost no bad memories. I spent long summers roaming a rural region with a gang of friends, building shelters and avoiding snakes. I had a lovely home life with a family who I loved. My upbringing was strict and a lot was expected of me, but I had a lot of fun, and there were always a lot of magical things to look forward to, like family gatherings, Christmas, and holidays.
4) your ideal vacation would be (unlimited time and money)...
This would be my dream come true. Jerad is coming with me. I would want to pack a backpack well, buy some comfortable boots, and hit the road with no real plans. I would like to travel through South America, Asia and Africa. I want to see Turkey, India, Iceland and Russia, and I'd like to re-visit Malta, Italy and Tokyo. I could probably manage two years of nomadic living... if I didn't have cats.
5) what fruit best describes your personality?
I dunno... banana? Something not everyone likes by itself, but goes great in banana bread and milkshakes? Mushy. My skin is thinner though.