Made famous by Marcel Proust, the questionnaire was originally found in English confession albums popularized in the 1800′s. Varieties of the Proust have been used for years as a form of interview to give insight into the personality of its subjects. We’ve always found them interesting and just couldn’t resist the chance to submit a few of our favorite people to one. We’ll be occasionally sharing our proust interviews from our team members and other favorite folks here on the Xfinity Local On Demand blog.
Our new Xfinity Insider, Vanessa G., is the first to answer our slightly shorter version of the proust.
What is your current state of mind?
To share and communicate a positive vibe.
What is your most marked characteristic?
A daily dose of good sense of humor.
What is your favorite occupation?
I love to indulge in new knowledge. I keep informed, enjoy reading and engaging in a fabulous conversation with someone that has something enlightening to share. I believe every human being regardless of age, education, or experience has something significant to contribute.
Who is your favorite painter?
When I discovered Frida Kahlo I was immediately hooked. It was not only the paintings, it was her. A woman of extreme passion. She was an artist and intellectual in the 1930’s, a time specially in Mexico where not a lot of women were educated. Despite her success internationally, she always kept very true to her roots and people; she felt a big sense of social responsibility.
Locally, I love Miguel Paredes. His art is a mixture of urban, latin american, and japanese imagery. His paintings have such a global appeal and are so cheerful. They can easily speak to anyone. I admire the universal language his art has accomplished.
What is your favorite food and drink?
Peruvian ceviche. I love Peruvian food in general. As far as drinks, Mojitos. A fresh concoction of lime juice, crushed mint, sugar, and rum amidst the tropical paradise we live in, it’s a definite pleasure.
What are your favorite places in South Florida?
We are blessed with the proximity of the sea which can always, almost immediately, shift your state of mind. I love Key Biscayne, going boating and coming back hungry to amazing seafood. Whenever I’m in a Latin American “nostalgia” mood, I love the grass-fed beef “asado tastings” at Gaucho Ranch. Fire pit, master grill man, healthy beef, argentinian malbec, and a nice soiree of friendly beef eaters, it’s truly a treat! South Florida is a such a versatile location. You can find so many different experiences here.
Who are your favorite authors?
It really depends on the time of my life. I have gotten hooked on various authors at different points like Herman Hesse, Isabel Allende, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. These past months I have been reading Edward De Bono. He developed a theory on creativity called “Lateral Thinking”. I enjoy his writing style, very straight to the point, almost like a mathematician with his words. 10 years ago, there was no way I could have gotten into his writing style. Timing, like in everything, plays a big role, even with your reading.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
This will probably sound crazy, it’s Megamind. I saw the movie recently. It’s hilarious. Megamind starts as an evil outcasted villain and becomes the“happy hero” saving “Metro City” and getting at the end the girl he loves. He exemplifies the individual struggles of transformation and how in moments of conflict, it is really love and determination that makes us do great things. We all have the potential to be better, even self declared villains.
What is your favorite color?
Depends on the mood. I love blue to relax. I like the brightness of yellow and orange for a happy beach day.
What is your favorite animal?
The sea world has always struck me. There is something very solemn about what takes place in deep water, from sea horses to sharks, or schools of fish in coral reefs. I love mammals too. I find the elegance of a horse striking. I see kindness in a grass-eating cow. There’s a lot of dignity in a pride of lions and a lot of warmth in dogs. I could go on and on. Picking one it’s narrowing and impossible.
What is your greatest fear?
Stagnation individually and as a society.
What is it that you most dislike?
I dislike when people lack the attribute of being upfront. Learning to communicate everything, good or bad, in an effective clear manner is essential for development.
What is your greatest indulgence?
FOOD! FOOD! FOOD!
What do you most value in your friends?
The beautiful times we share.
What is your favorite journey?
Life is a journey and there are many different journeys within it. All journeys are transformational by essence, but that transformation does not kick-in unless we are open to it. I enjoy journeys that begin from love and not hardship. They are less impacting and more fulfilling because you start it from a point of love already.
What is your most treasured possession?
Personality wise, my good attitude. As far as an actual possession, my traveling boots. They are super comfortable and have gone with me everywhere, from Israel to Argentina. I have a very special attachment to them.
When and where were you happiest?
People should think of happiness as a daily vitamin you need. Thinking in terms of when you were happiest it’s sadly limiting. It implies something absolute and removes any possibility to taste the wonders each day brings. In speaking of my present moment, I’m healthy, feel vibrant and excited to be working with Comcast. This new endeavor has brought me moments of happiness on a professional aspect.
How would you like to die?
Quickly and happy please. I have a lot of respect for people that endure long degenerative diseases that affect greatly their quality of life.
What is your motto?
“Optimism is the best strategy”.
