Happy Birthday, TheFifthElement!

[qimissung]

Happy Birthday, Fifth! I hope it was a wonderful, magical day!

[qimissung]

"Sagittarians have a tendency to go off on tangents. The archer will take on a great cause with blind devotion and believe that the possibilities outweigh the shortcomings, an attitude that results from his brilliant imagination and progressive thinking. He never fails to present his case with cool, reasonable arguments, sometimes cutting the opposition to ribbons with sharp satire, and yet remaining aloof from the fray, somehow. The fire is always ready to leap forth, however, when anyone unfairly attacks his miracle or his cause of the moment. He's a formidable foe, because he aims straight when he takes the time to focus on the victim. His arrows then rarely miss their mark. They're dipped in clever wit and sharp enough to pierce the strongest armor."

Except for the fact that the pronoun in this refers to a he, this does remind me of you, Fifth. And yes, that is a compliment. :D

[Silas Thorne]

Oh, your birthday's so close to Christmas! Merry Birthday! :)
Keep warm and toasty by the fire.

[Lulim]

Happy Birthday!

[Scheherazade]

Happy Birthday, Fifth!



An interview with TheFifthElement:

Why are we doing this interview thing?
Um, because you asked me?

Are you sure you want to do this?
I think so.

Who killed Roger Rabbit?
Me. He’s really annoying.

Whose footprints would you find in the fridge?
Probably the cat’s. She’s old and going senile and she gets lost. It’d be one of the less surprising places to find her.

So, how old are you?
36 this year. It’s weird, I always attached a special significance to the age 36. I think I always thought it would be the age when I finally stopped being a girl and started really being a woman. I’m not sure if it makes a great deal of sense, but I think I thought I’d have reached a certain level of self-assuredness, gravitas, respectability, something like that. As though it would be the point where I would stop looking around at the world and being confused by it, but instead would be able to fix it with a clear, steady gaze and be sure of my place in it. Needless to say, I don’t feel like that at all. I wonder if anyone ever does. Instead I think that as long as I can keep cynicism at bay, and not let the routine of life wear me down, then that’s going to have to be enough.

If you had a personal theme song what would it be?
Return to Innocence by Enigma

Are you male or female?
Female

What makes you keep coming back?
:lol: not much at the moment. I haven’t been back much since I started my OU course. I haven’t the time. I suppose I never did really, but the OU course really focused me on a goal. I do pop in now and then. There are people here that I like that I’d be sad not to chat to.

Are you happy with the way things are here?
Not always. Sometimes. I guess.

Should JBI get an + beside his name?
? Bizarre question.

Which countries have you visited?
Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Thailand, USA.

Which languages do you speak?
I speak English, and a little にほんご

How do you like your home town?
It’s nice and it’s getting better every day. The kids are going to a local school now, and next year we’re getting a train station. I feel a pretty strong sense of community growing here, which is good.

If you could live somewhere different, where would it be and why?
I’d love to live in Castleton in the Peak District. I grew up in the Peaks, and Castleton is the most beautiful place there, in my opinion. There’s not much to do. A few quaint houses, the ruins of a castle, some pubs, lots of caves and glorious, great green hills. I feel an immense sense of peace when I’m there. After you pass Mam Tor and turn down the slim, steep road of Winnats Pass the valley opens up between the crags it feels like you’re falling into heaven. Bliss. I nearly died once in Castleton. It’s a special place for me.

Do you have any pets?
We have a cat. She’s very old, I think 19 now. She’s going deaf, and she gets lost in the house. Sometimes she meows to go out and then 2 seconds later she’s meowing to come back in, so you let her in and 2 seconds later she’s at the back door meowing to go out. Then you let her out and about a minute after that she’s at the front door meowing to come in. Then you find her in the dining room meowing for her bed which is in the kitchen. She forgets. Poor cat. It sucks getting old.

What makes you happy?
Clouds, the sky, a big fat moon, climbing trees, the colour yellow, hearing my son and daughter laughing, getting to see my granddaughter occasionally, figuring things out for myself, puddles, wellington boots, heavy rainfall, reading a beautiful poem, sleep.

Would you choose a desperate Hope or an unknown Faith?
A desperate hope. Hope is what keeps us going. Faith isn’t really my thing. I don’t have a great deal of faith in anything.

Do you feel comfortable in your walk with God/atheism?
As an agnostic, I feel excluded from this question :(

Which actor should play you in a movie based on your life?
I’d love to say Natalie Portman, because she’s lovely and beautiful and I like everything about her, but she’s not really me. Maybe Helena Bonham Carter. I have a lot of respect for Helena. She’s a great actress, and quite unyielding in the face of pressure to conform.

Who is your favourite Beatle?
The Volkswagon version.

Given the option, what animal would you choose to be?
I’ll just stick with human. Nothing else appeals.

What makes you feel great about yourself?
Hard to say at the moment. I’m feeling a bit glum. Knowing stuff, being interested in stuff. Working things out for myself.

How did you meet your significant other?
We met at an archery club.

Who inspires you most?
My husband inspires me. He’s pretty clever. My kids inspire me. They’re clever and funny.

b]What are you naturally good at? (Skills, abilities, gifts etc.)[/b]
I’m good at getting things done. I think I’m good with words. I’m a good listener and pretty good at giving advice. I’m fairly rational and logical and I’m pretty good at cutting off my feelings and pretending the things that really hack me off don’t and if I pretend for long enough it becomes true. I’m good at convincing myself of things. I’m good at standing up and walking and I ride a bike pretty good too :D

What is the one thing you must do before you die?
Live

If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Anarchy.

What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?
Excitement. I think when I’m on my deathbed I’ll regret having lived so safely.


What method do you cherish above all others, as means to improving your life?
Not wanting to improve my life. Seriously. I think it’s better to work at being satisfied with what you have and the way you are, than feeling like you have to do better. It doesn’t preclude the quest for knowledge.

What one thing would you NEED to have on a deserted island if you didn't have to worry over food and water?
My family.

If you were a king/queen for a day, what would you do?
Sell Buckingham Palace. Live forever off the proceeds :D

What song is in your head at the moment?
None. Absolutely none.

Which book are you reading at the moment?
I’m re-reading a book called Prince by IB Michaels. It’s beautifully written. I’m also part way through The Odyssey which I’m picking through in the evenings. It’s the Robert Fitzgerald translation and very readable. I’m so easily influenced by Simon Armitage.

What is your favourite quote?
Man is born free, but is everywhere in chains.

Favorite avatar on the Forum?
I like Helga’s avatar.

Favorite threads?
Wouldn’t say I have a particularly favourite thread.

What's your favorite sandwich?
Cheese, egg, beetroot and ready salted crisps.

What time of day do you most often find yourself on the LitNet?
During the work day. I sometimes pop by for a bit of light relief.

What are you wearing at the moment?
A long, black jersey skirt and white hoodie. Purple socks.


Favorite poem?
Oh it varies. Depends on my mood. At the moment I’m loving a poem called Eight by Jay Bernard.

First novel you remember reading on your own?
Novel? Not sure. It was probably something involving horses. Or Narnia. Or both.

What era do you find most of the books you read are from?
It’s a mix of modern and contemporary. I love discovering excellent new writers. Tom McCarthy has really pleased me this year. I’ve read two of his books, C and Remainder. They were both excellent.


Favorite TV shows?
QI. QI and QI. Oh, and Battlestar Galactica, though it’s finished now. BBC Four make a lot of interesting programmes too. They’re doing a whole series of programmes about ancient history, the development of civilisation and the Greeks in particular which are fascinating.

Which Forum members would you like to meet in person?
I’d like to meet Helga, qimissung and Silas Thorne.

Last words you said out loud?
OK.

Last person you hugged/kissed?
I kissed my son on the stairs.

What do you do (for a living) to be able to keep your LitNet addiction going? And are you happy with your chosen profession?
I work in Marine Insurance. It’s fine. I liked it a whole lot better a year ago.

Would you rather be an educated fool or an ignorant fool?
As they say, ignorance is bliss!

What would you like to be if you could change your profession?
I don’t know. I never could decide what I wanted to do. I really want to do pretty much everything. I’d have probably made a good lawyer or doctor or teacher. Any of those.

Which one of the seven dwarves are you and why?
It’s a toss up between Grumpy and Dopey.

What is your most outstanding feature?
My ears. They sure stand out :D

If you could change one thing about the way you look, what would that be?
I don’t think I’d change anything. Everything about the way I look comes from my parents. It’d seem disrespectful to them to undo that.

Which book do you wish you had written?
Lost Paradise by Cees Nooteboom. It’s a pretty perfect little book.

What should you be doing at the moment instead of answering these questions?
I should probably be having a shower.

Describe your ideal day, please.
Getting up, taking my kids to school, going home, writing. Sex with my husband in the afternoon. Pick the kids up from school. Nice dinner. A walk. Reading to my daughter. A soak in the bath with a good book. A glass of wine and a chat with my hubby. Bedtime snuggles. Nice :D

Favorite movie?
It depends. I like a lot of movies. The Fifth Element, obviously. But also V for Vendetta, Lost in Translation, Fargo, Fight Club, The Painted Veil (okay, anything with Edward Norton in it), Close Encounters of the Third Kind which I’m watching right now, The Usual Suspects, American Beauty, Pan’s Labyrinth, Amelie, Tokyo Sonata. I like movies a lot :D

Last movie you watched?
An American Werewolf in London. Brilliant.

Favorite painting?
I wouldn’t say I have one favourite. I like a lot of paintings. I especially like the surrealists like Dali and Miro, and I like Picasso and Holman Hunt. A bit of a wide range. My brother in law is an artist, occasionally. I like his work.

Bowie, yay or nay?
Yay.

Something you want to forget but you never can?
Myself. Self-consciousness is a bit of a curse.

If you could relive one moment in your life whenever you wanted to, what would it be?
I think I’d like to relive the birth of both of my children. Pain and all. It’s a wonderfully amazing life-affirming experience.

What was the best thing that happened to you during this year?
I did a 60 mile bike ride on behalf of The Christie Hospital (a cancer hospital in the North West). It was hard work, especially when the weather turned treacherous, but really worthwhile. I raised a bit of money. I’m quite proud of that. I think I’m more proud of the fact that I made it happen, rather than it happening to me. The best things tend to be the things we’ve worked for, or so I find anyway.

If you could send one thing to the Room 101, one would that be?
The ego

Are you mostly happy with life or are you still in pursuit?
I’m between at the moment. I changed jobs in January and I’ve reached that point where it’s become horrible and scary and nasty and I wish I’d never done it. I know it’ll wear off, I’m just hoping it doesn’t wear me out first. My manager is really supportive actually, or maybe a bit protective. Not necessarily the best thing. I’m happy otherwise. I love my husband and kids and, ultimately, they’re the things that matter the most. Work I can handle, I just need to let things work out and stop being scared of making mistakes.

Tell us something scandalous about yourself.
I don’t watch the X-Factor. Yes, be shocked.

How long did it take you to answer all of these questions?
Several days.

One final word of wisdom for LitNet users?
Be nice. It’s only a forum.

What question would you like to ask to the person to be interview after you?
What’s the stupidest forum argument you’ve ever had?

[kiki1982]

happy birthday!

[Maryd.]

Oh have a happy birthday dear.
These intereviews are great. :D
:bday_2::bday_2::bday_2:

[papayahed]

Happy Birthday!!

[The Comedian]

Hope you had great day!

[Helga]

hope you had a wonderful birthday fifth!!!

[Paulclem]

Hi Fifth and Happy Birthday. We share the 21st!

Saggitarians rule!!

[L.M. The Third]

Happy Birthday! I enjoyed the interview. :)

[motherhubbard]

Happy Birthday!

[TheFifthElement]

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone :)

[soundofmusic]

Happy 36; hope you have a great year...I enjoyed the interview

[Virgil]

Great interview. 36 does have the sound of gravitas to it. Happy belated birthday Fifth. :)