Musings + Essays
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More Magpie Icebreakers.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via Posse — this shot makes me smile. The model is wearing this top.

While my siblings and siblings-in-law were visiting earlier this month, we had an interesting conversation about animated Disney characters, and their anthropomorphism. This led to a hilarious discussion about “the most attractive animated Disney characters.” I’m going to use this as a prompt for a new set of icebreakers to answer at your leisure in the comments. I absolutely love (!) your responses to these questions — please join in the fun whether or not you’ve commented before. (You can see earlier installments here and here.)

  1. Animated character crush.
  2. Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had.
  3. Something that would be better if its name were different.
  4. The last thing that surprised you.
  5. Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most?
  6. Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”?
  7. First thing you notice when meeting a new person.
  8. Meal you make when alone.
  9. What could you talk about for hours?
  10. Most quoted movie line in your house.
  11. Your best friend, in three words.
  12. “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering?

I will go first:

  1. Animated character crush. Robin Hood. Duh.
  2. Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had. There have been many. “Boonzie” comes to mind first.
  3. Something that would be better if its name were different. Shrimp. I love shrimp but hate the feeling of the word in my mouth.
  4. The last thing that surprised you. My three-year-old son was using the ice dispenser on the fridge (already a shock – did not know he knew how to operate it? or that he liked ice?), and a few cubes scattered across the floor. “Holy Moly,” he said. Holy Moly?! Where did he learn this?! Little rabbits have big ears. I was also surprised by how much I have enjoyed re-watching the Indiana Jones trilogy with Mr. Magpie. I watch them with an enormous grin plastered across my face — they represent the most transportive of nostalgia trips. We were talking afterwards about how much Spielberg has shaped our understanding of “the phenomenal” (be it dinosaurs, extraterrestrials, religious relics, aquatic predators, etc). Wow — what an enormous contributor he has been to the collective imagination of our generation.
  5. Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most? Sadly, Monica. Clean freak over here.
  6. Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? Neither. In some ways, I am a rule-follower and conformist. In other ways, I feel I have always been a bit of an outsider — a wool-gatherer.
  7. First thing you notice when meeting a new person. Probably body language — do I feel immediately at ease with this person? Do I feel stiff and uncomfortable? I think I gather these clues via body posture, eye contact, etc.
  8. Meal you make when alone. A tartine (open-faced sandwich) using whatever we have in our fridge — avocado with feta sprinkled with a vinaigrette on top, leftover chicken with arugula and a vinaigrette on top, fried egg with sharp cheddar and a vinaigrette on top, etc. The vinaigrette on the top is key for me. One thing about me, guys: I love vinegar.
  9. Most quoted movie line in your house. From “Best In Show”: “You’re going to see a lot of merlot out there” and “Really shake out the arms, guys.” If you’ve never seen this movie, these will make no sense. Even if you have seen this movie, these may still make no sense. But both are completely apt responses to a startling range of questions between Mr. Magpie and I. The merlot one is good when we are processing whether or not to follow a convention that other people/friends/family members are doing, i.e., Mr. Magpie: “Do I need to wear a tie to this thing?” Me: “I don’t know, you’re going to see a lot of merlot out there.” The “arms” one is a sort of sarcastic jab when one or the other of us is in the midst of a project, cleaning something, etc.
  10. What could you talk about for hours? Books.
  11. Your best friend, in three words. Sturdy, sharp-as-a-tack, and passionate. (Mr. Magpie!)
  12. “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering? Answering, thank God.

Shopping Break.

+Chicest linen mini.

+Been into flatforms (if you can’t tell from my obsession with these sandals) — this sneaker-style pair is pretty fab, too. I would pair with a breezy white dress like this.

+Best bra ever, on sale. It’s the only underwire I wear. Otherwise I wear these inexpensive seamless racerbacks.

+OBSESSED WITH THIS BAG.

+The neighbor boys lent my children these graphic novels (there are many in the series, and some sister series, too) and mini is obsessed! She has been sketching her own comics! I just bought her this make-your-own comic booklet, but this Kid Made Modern set would be such a fun gift/rainy day activity, too.

+How cute is this $25 rug for a children’s bathroom or play area?

+Gorgeous white lace caftan. 20% off with code YOURULE.

+Clever snack organizer — would be great for an airplane ride or car trip with littles.

+Love the monogram font on this embroidered tote bag.

+Love the silhouette and color of this stick lamp from Target. All my best Target finds here.

+This ultra-chic Ulla Johnson dress is on sale!

+A caftan from Pippa Holt is #goals. Until then, this Anthro lookalike!

+Martha has a fun new boutique — love this shopping tote and these nautical platters.

+Bottega vibes, part I and Bottega vibes, part II! (Both way less expensive than actual Bottega — of which I love this tiny mini bag.)

+A closet staple, in either or both colors.

+Adore the monogram on these cocktail napkins.

+FUN statement necklace. Would look great with a white dress or tee.

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31 thoughts on “More Magpie Icebreakers.

  1. I’m a little late to respond but just love this!

    Animated character crush: Mr Incredible

    Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had: Monkey Doo

    Something that would be better if its name were different: Ointment

    The last thing that surprised you: Unbeknownst to us our daughter applied for a scholarship . Last week a fedex package showed up with a giant “check,” an award and balloons to announce she was selected. We were floored!

    Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most?
    60% Phoebe 40% Chandler

    Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? At this age, mainstream.

    First thing you notice when meeting a new person:
    Their smile

    Meal you make when alone:
    quinoa, roasted veggies, feta

    What could you talk about for hours? Shared experiences and future dreams, especially around travel & home. My husband and I can talk for hours about knocking down a wall, building a studio/pool house or planning a summer trip.

    Most quoted movie line in your house: “I’m not dead yet” – Monty Python (A surprisingly versatile line most often used when our teenagers assume we’re just “too old” to understand)

    Your best friend, in three words:
    Loyal, forgiving, inspiring

    “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering?
    OOPH, this is such a powerful, thought-provoking statement.
    My father passed in 2013 from ALZ. A few months after his death my mother was diagnosed w/ Parkinson’s. She passed in 2021. In all it was a 16 year journey of caregiving, compassion, frustration, anger and so many lessons in strength. Recently I’ve started to feel a peace, an ability to rest my thoughts, that’s been absent for many years. It sure feels like an answered prayer.

    1. HA – ointment, yes! Good one! And wow – your daughter’s scholarship! What an incredible surprise, and it says so much about who she is!

      Thank you for sharing the wild and intense journey you’ve been on this past decade. I am truly so happy that you’re finding a new level of peace in your life — well-deserved after such a long stretch of caregiving. I am sure it is bittersweet but I’m genuinely happy that you are in a phase of quiet after a long stretch of squall.

      xx

  2. Oh, I love these! Checking back in after a while out of commission — several weeks of COVID, no childcare, and vacation meant decreased blog reading! Happy to be back 🙂

    Animated character crush. I didn’t watch a ton of animated movies or shows growing up, but my whole family loves the Muppets – I’ll say Kermit the Frog 🙂

    Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had. Cherry Queen (I just… loved cherries in 8th grade?!)

    Something that would be better if its name were different. I’m at a loss on this one!

    The last thing that surprised you. The wave of hormones that had me tearing up at various things in the last 24 hours! (Though I’m not actually surprised that daycare drop off after 3.5 weeks together would elicit the tears.)

    Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most? I wasn’t allowed to watch Friends growing up – and never got into it since – but I still know well enough to say Monica.

    Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? I think I present as mainstream (or “basic”) but am a misfit on the inside…

    First thing you notice when meeting a new person. How they make me feel — are they warm? Inviting? Is the conversation easy? The “vibe.”

    Meal you make when alone. If I’m being honest, I’m terrible at feeding myself, so probably nothing, followed by an inevitable hunger that has me gorging on chips and salsa. (And I used to be such a cook! Ack!)

    What could you talk about for hours? People. Not always “gossip,” though that is a guilty pleasure, for sure. But also just – my daughter, family dynamics, old friends and their news, my boss, etc. etc. I’m socially sensitive and always have a lot to say about people.

    Most quoted movie line in your house. There are so, so many. My mom and sister and I were recently discussing all the lines from Austin Powers (LOL) that worked their way into our family lexicon — ironic, since we are not a group for potty humor. But “Evacuation complete…” will always be funny.

    Your best friend, in three words. Here are two: “Dream Operator,” the title of our first dance song, and a phrase that really is so appropriate.

    “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering? Ahhh… I think some areas are answering, and some are still asking.

    1. I love these responses and am so sorry to hear about the round of COVID! Still such a nightmare when you have young children. Such a disruption and impossible to balance with work. I think all of us have a case of PTSD after living through months (even longer in some cases) balancing work with parenting and no extra hands on deck. I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been through this again and glad you’re on the other side!

      Love especially your “best friend in three words” response — he seems like a keeper 🙂

      xx

  3. fun fun!

    Animated character crush — traditionally (i.e. as a child), it was Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid. Kind of awkward because he strongly resembles what my dad looked like in 1989. lol!

    Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had — So many to choose from! Maybe Grace, given to me by my mother to mock my ungainliness as a tween/young teen. (Teasing is our family’s love language)

    The last thing that surprised you — that Rizzoli just published a book this month about The Cobrasnake, whom I have not thought of in AT LEAST a decade. Haha!

    Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? — Misfits for sure, and for life

    First thing you notice when meeting a new person — Their fit! I know that’s a shallow answer, but it’s true. I’ve always been a scoper of clothing.

    Meal you make when alone — I’m with you on a tartine, if we have good bread (which we don’t always have, actually) — or eggs with some sort of veg mixed in and maybe a little rice.

    What could you talk about for hours? — Books and films! I am more confident about speaking about the former as I’ve studied (and consumed) them more. I only took a couple of film courses in French and so I sometimes feel less equipped to talk about films in an educated way. But I LOVE them.

    Most quoted movie line in your house — This isn’t really true as this is a semi-historical answer, but after watching Carnage we spent months saying “Little bit on the Dolgans!” and laughing after a particularly uproarious vomiting scene. Haha, it’s so hard to describe unless you’ve seen the film but quoting the line would always send us into peals of giggles!

    Your best friend, in three words — Gregarious, loquacious, tender-hearted.

    “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering? — Oof. I have been living a string of “asking” years and I’m afraid this one is no exception. I’m hopeful that if all goes well, 2023 will be more of an answering year.

  4. Oh how I adore Magpie Icebreakers!

    Animated character crush.- Not sure if I ever really had one?

    Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had. My trainer used to call me Gumby/Bendy. I am not very strong but I’ve always been incredibly flexible.

    Something that would be better if its name were different. I think I might have to say lisp. Is that even fair to include an ‘s’ when it may cause difficulty or challenges for someone to say? ALSO, not trying to be overtly political, but pro-life bothers me. I like to think of it as anti-choice or pro-birth based on the policies these people/organizations support and purport.

    The last thing that surprised you. My best friend finished a VERY important professional exam series and made a surprise visit home for a long weekend. We got to enjoy quality time, wine and friends together.

    Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most? I think I embody different aspects of multiple characters- Monica’s neatness, Rachel’s financial dependence on her parents later than others might experience, Ross’ intellect, Chandler’s sarcasm, Joey’s appreciation of doing ‘nothing’ on Sunday (at least I think that was him) and Phoebe’s perseverance to find a happy life despite a somewhat traumatic past.

    Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? I’d say mostly mainstream with my preferences and personality but misfit when it comes to past experiences.

    First thing you notice when meeting a new person. Is it bad to say basic hygiene? If there is an unpleasant odor, disregard for basic self-care, I notice immediately.

    Meal you make when alone. I skip cooking and enjoy ice cream in bed!

    What could you talk about for hours? Travel, wine, history, my plans to eventually become an official ex-pat. I finally got my dual citizenship and am going to move to the EU once I decide I am ready to move on from my current company (not anytime soon but it will happen someday!).

    Most quoted movie line in your house. I’m not a big movie buff so a lot of movie quotations go right over my head! TV is my preference 🙂

    Your best friend, in three words. Lifelong. Strong-willed. Dog-lover.

    “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering? I think overall this year has been answering. After a LONG time of asking, it has been so refreshing to get a few answers and see a light at the end of the tunnel. My life isn’t magically perfect but a few things are falling into place- career and finance wise.

    1. I’m so glad you’re in an “answering” phase. A gift to get there after trying times! Thanks for jumping in with these fascinating answers — cheers to ice cream in bed! (#Goals.)

      xx

    2. Melinda, I loved your answer about “what would be better if it had a different name” — I have specifically thought about both of those things (esp. because I did have a lisp until the age of 6) and I could not agree more on both counts! Kudos to you for naming it.

    3. Thank you, MK for that feedback. I know there may be ‘cringey’ words but those are more bothersome on an individual level. The words/phrases I selected have systematic negative impact which is why they frustrate me.

      Jen- Answering has been so wonderful and while I know I will again enter ‘Asking’ phases of life, I am doing my best to savor these moments. Also- ice cream in bed is the best, always. I do my makeup in bed in the morning too by bringing a cordless light-up/magnified mirror into bed. I turn on a recorded show and while I don’t necessarily need a lot of time to get ready, I take advantage of my independence by minimizing any rush as I prepare for the day.

  5. 1. Animated character crush: Never watch (or watched) animated movies much! Never liked them so I will take a pass.
    2. Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had: Cecil
    3. Something that would be better if its name were different: Can’t really think of anything specific, but my first thought in response to this was, oh I HATE the word juicey! Just YUCK
    4. The last thing that surprised you: how grown women still like to have a secret from their “friends”, which they use unkindly. What?
    5. Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most? Monica’s cleanliness.
    6. Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? Started life as a conservative mainstreamer, but once my child entered into the disability world my life turned upside down and now I’m a mama bear defending the drown trodden and misunderstood.
    7. First thing you notice when meeting a new person: 1. If they’re chewing gum it’s a hard no for me. 2. Manners. The rest I can deal with.
    8. Meal you make when alone: Nachos
    9. What could you talk about for hours? Books (sorry for the copycat) and vacations, but my new thing I am attempting is to listen more and talk less. A version of DNE. People like you more if you let them talk and you just listen!
    10. Most quoted movie line in your house: Fixed the newel post.
    11. Your best friend, in three words: Forgiving, kind, honest
    12. “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – This vacillates daily for me!

    1. These are so fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing — “fixed the newel post” is SUCH a good one. We have lots of heavily quoted lines from Christmas Story, too. It’s so interesting, too, how the years that ask vs years that answer can shift day to day during certain seasons. Maybe interesting to ask if it’s a day/week that’s asking or answering?

      xx

  6. Animated character crush.
    Prince Charming from Cinderella. (Just an old-fashioned girl living in a new-fashioned world.)

    Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had.
    Alo

    Something that would be better if its name were different.
    Oxymoron. I love when a word or term is contradictory, however I do not care for the word moron in any sense.

    The last thing that surprised you.
    How something that would typically inspire me to cry didn’t.

    Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most?
    Monica…but I wish I could say Phoebe.

    Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”?
    Mainstream. I have always cared about conforming, Sigh.

    First thing you notice when meeting a new person.
    The way they are dressed and their accessories. I think a person’s style states a lot about them.

    Meal you make when alone.
    A bowl of Cheerios with sliced banana; even for dinner.

    What could you talk about for hours?
    Popular culture

    Most quoted movie line in your house.
    “We have a 2319.” (Monster’s Inc.)

    Your best friend, in three words.
    Hard worker, steadfast, genuine

    “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering
    It is asking, unfortunately.

    1. These are such rich responses! I want to know more about you immediately — what didn’t make you cry and why? Pheobe? etc?! Thank you for asnwering!

      xx

  7. -Animated character crush: Artemis Fowl. Can book characters count?

    Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had: Roo. My middle name, made to rhyme with “Pooh”, a nickname that my best friend had.

    -Something that would be better if its name were different: “Moist” as a descriptor for a well-made cake.

    -The last thing that surprised you: Being told I’m “a great asset” to my work team! Didn’t see it coming!

    -Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most? Monica? Didn’t watch too much of it, but I do love cleaning…

    -Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? The misfits. I was the kid reading Shakespeare during recess.

    -First thing you notice when meeting a new person. Their eyes, and then their diction.

    -Meal you make when alone: Cacio e pepe cauliflower rice.

    What could you talk about for hours? Baking.

    -Most quoted movie line in your house. Anything from “The Birdcage”.

    -Your best friend, in three words: Attentive, cuddly, intuitive. My dog!

    “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering? SO. MUCH. ASKING.

    I love participating in these and reading all of the diverse answers! Thanks for another installment!

    1. I love the workplace compliment — those go so far in making you feel seen, valued, etc, but are shared so sparingly! (Or at least that was my observation while in a more traditional role! Why don’t we praise our colleagues/employees/managers more?!).

      Love your description of your dog 🙂

      xx

  8. 1. Animated character crush:
    Keeping with the animated animal crushes, Justin, the Captain of the Guard rat in the classic 1982 flick The Secret of NIMH. Huge crush on him and his valiant actions.

    2. Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had:
    Freshman year of college: Dow-Jones. Started off as C. Dows which then became Dows which then became Dow-Jones, which actually then became DJ. no longer called that.

    3.Something that would be better if its name were different:
    any name for excrement – they are all terrible. even the actual, medical term.

    The last thing that surprised you:
    When my almost two year old signed a word recently that I had no idea he knew the sign for! (he is deaf, wears cochlear implants, and we try to use both sign and speech in our house).

    Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most?
    Chandler – I too use humor as a defense mechanism

    Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”?
    Mainstream – although I like to classify myself as traditional

    First thing you notice when meeting a new person:
    Hair. Man or woman.

    Meal you make when alone:
    My husband has a more picky palate than I do so anything that he won’t eat. Even if it is involved recipe.

    What could you talk about for hours?
    oooh if I being self aware – myself. I talk about myself way too much, especially with my parents. It something I am working on.

    Most quoted movie line in your house:
    “its a bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off” from Dodgeball. To any aggressive or even semi-aggressive decision that I or my husband make.

    Your best friend, in three words:
    Funny. Tall. Caring: My husband

    “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering?
    I believe asking. There have been many highlights, but I would even say the last year or two have been asking. Here’s to one(s) that answers!

    1. Dow Jones! Haha!! Amazing. I have a few girlfriends from college with crazy nicknames like that, and I still have them saved in my phone under their former nicknames, too 🙂 I’m sure you are still Dow Jones in a few phones!

      Interesting you notice hair first! Fascinating!

      xx

  9. 1. Animated character crush. Miss Piggy, my forever girl crush and hero
    2. Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had. Fruit stand, derived from back in the day when I’d layer on Victoria’s Secret Pear Glace like every other girl
    3. Something that would be better if its name were different. Gouda, too many vowels
    4. The last thing that surprised you. How much I enjoyed the Top Gun remake
    5. Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most? Can’t decide, but definitely not Joey
    6. Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? The misfits, I’m always pulling for the underdog
    7. First thing you notice when meeting a new person. Not so much notice, but always learn their name upfront
    8. Meal you make when alone. Pasta, plate of cheese (not gouda, ha!) and crackers, or a bowl of cereal with fruit, nuts and evaporated milk
    9. What could you talk about for hours? Tie between home decor and telling funny stories about my husband (sometimes he doesn’t think they’re that funny)
    10. Most quoted movie line in your house: Eek, we don’t have one! apparently I really do need to become more mainstream
    11. Your best friend, in three words: Funny, caring, and understanding
    12. “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering? Asking

    1. Miss Piggy! I need to know more about your veneration for her!

      LOL re Victoria’s Secret sprays!! I had totally suppressed that memory. I had so many saccharine scented sprays like that from Bath and Body Works, too — I remember specifically an apple scented one I loved? This, with glitter eye shadow and glitter lip gloss. Yikes!

      xx

  10. Animated character crush. Uncle Stripe 😉

    Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had. Sparky. Not too weird per se but definitely random

    Something that would be better if its name were different. Kombucha. Although my husband would say that kombucha is gross no matter what it’s name was!!

    The last thing that surprised you.
    I was surprised to hear my beloved Beaver Island mentioned on the news this morning as I was driving home from day camp drop off. Unfortunately the news story was about a major fish die-off in Lake Michigan this summer. Yuck.

    Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most? Monica. I, too, struggle to be breezy!

    Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? Mainstream, although the mainstream seems to be shifting so maybe this will change

    First thing you notice when meeting a new person. Their style

    Meal you make when alone. Something that requires zero cooking. Leftovers? A yogurt parfait?

    Most quoted movie line in your house. Probably “I’m the captain now!” From Captain Philips. I also find “she could be a farmer in those clothes” (Clueless) to be surprisingly versatile. And from tv, we frequently say “Coolcoolcool” like Jake from Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

    What could you talk about for hours? Stealing yours – books. Also, my children (not sure even my family is interested in hours of kid stories, tho!)

    Your best friend, in three words. She works hard!

    “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering? Tough to say…maybe asking?

    1. Shout out to all my fellow Monicas in this thread! Does not surprise me but hilarious! I was wondering if there’d be any Rachels.

      Love the way you describe your best friend — you should share this with her!

      xx

  11. Animated character crush.
    Too cliche to say any of the Disney princes?

    Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had.
    Toyd — from my dad, developed during a bad stretch of colic as a baby. There’s a long story my parents tell leading up to it but its actual origin is murky!

    Something that would be better if its name were different.
    I really have no idea! Don’t love the work slacks but there’s pants so not a big deal.

    The last thing that surprised you.
    I find myself regularly surprised by my boyfriend — we’ve been dating for nine-ish months so we’re in a good groove but every once in a while he catches me off guard. Most recently — he’s pretty straight-laced but a couple weekends ago a raunchy joke in Forgetting Sarah Marshall sent him into a complete giggle-fit. He had to walk to the other side of the room to pull it together!

    Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most?
    Monica, absolutely.

    Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”?
    Agree with you here — sometimes in the mainstream, sometimes gladly standing outside it.

    First thing you notice when meeting a new person.
    Hair! Forever jealous of volume and good styling.

    Meal you make when alone.
    Breakfast tacos — eggs, cheddar cheese, avocado and hot sauce in corn tortillas, slightly toasted in the oven

    What could you talk about for hours?
    My family! We’re big storytellers, together and apart.

    Most quoted movie line in your house.
    “Not great Bob!” –Mad Men. No idea how we picked it up but useful in a wide array of circumstances.

    Your best friend, in three words.
    Level-headed, kind, thoughtful

    “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering?
    Answering — after what feels like many years of questioning, trying to appreciate and lean into the general smoothness of this time.

    1. Forgetting Sarah Marshall has that effect! We re-watched recently and found it hilarious, too. I absolutely love this analysis of your family: “We’re big storytellers, together and apart.” I want to come to your family reunion!

      xx

  12. 1. Animated character crush. Bugs Bunny, so weird I know!
    2. Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had. None, I’ve always been Em.
    3. Something that would be better if its name were different. Mussel’s, love them but something is off putting about the name.
    4. The last thing that surprised you. The price to fill up my gas tank =/
    5. Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most? Monica, I can’t go to bed with dishes in the sink.
    6. Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? The mainstream.
    7. First thing you notice when meeting a new person. Teeth/smile
    8. Meal you make when alone. Breakfast, always a variation of eggs.
    9. What could you talk about for hours? Beauty products
    10. Most quoted movie line in your house. Show, The Office. Literally anything Michael Scott has said.
    11. Your best friend, in three words. Loyal, smart, fun!
    12. “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering? Asking, my boyfriend and I have been together 16 months and I’m ready for the next step.

  13. 1. Animated character crush: OBVIOUSLY the Robin Hood from the 1960s original cartoon.
    2. Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had: Bean.
    3. Something that would be better if its name were different: Won’t lie, this one is stumping me.
    4. The last thing that surprised you: When a coworker was let go last week (downer, sorry).
    5. Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most? Monica’s cleanliness, Phoebe’s joie de vivre, Chandler’s wit.
    6. Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? Neither- floating somewhere in the middle.
    7. First thing you notice when meeting a new person: Their smile (or lack thereof).
    8. Meal you make when alone: I live alone, so most of my meals are alone!
    9. What could you talk about for hours? I’ve been getting into Formula 1 lately, so I’ve got a lot of thoughts to share on that subject at the moment.
    10. Most quoted movie line in your house: Not a movie, but a TV show: anything from “I Think You Should Leave,” which is honestly so weird and offbeat that I won’t even attempt to explain my lines of choice!
    11. Your best friend, in three words: Loyal, steady, joyful.
    12. “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering? I believe it’s asking.

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