Happy birthday, TheFifthElement!

[qimissung]

Happy birthday, Fifth. Hope it was a great day!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHacDYj8KZM&list=FL5KeW0_vjUwZDmK5mPVpH2A&index=1&feature=plpp_video

[Helga]

Happy birthday dear friend, I hope you are having a wonderful day and that your week off has been good.

[Paulclem]

Happy Birthday Fifth.

Have a good one.

[Charles Darnay]

Happy birthday Fifth! Hope all is going well!

[The Comedian]

Hope you're having a great day!

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Happy birthday!

[JuniperWoolf]

Happy Birthday, Fifth!

[OrphanPip]

Happy birthday (I've been slacking on these lately and have skipped some, nothing personal to those I skipped).

[JuniperWoolf]

Happy birthday (I've been slacking on these lately and have skipped some, nothing personal to those I skipped).

Ditto, I'm waiting for the birthday surveys so that I might have something more personalized to say than "happy birthday!"

[OrphanPip]

Ditto, I'm waiting for the birthday surveys so that I might have something more personalized to say than "happy birthday!"

I didn't do one this year, I told Scheh I was going to, then I got busy, then I got lazy. Then Scheh didn't even post a birthday thread, I assume it was out of spite.

[qimissung]

Ahh, happy belated, OrphanPip (I'm sure Fifth won't mind sharing). I'd forgotten you were a fellow Virgo (and Virgos are the best (except for Saggitarrius :D).

[MystyrMystyry]

Happy Birthday The Fifth Element! :party:

[Scheherazade]

Happy Birthday, Fifth! :)


An interview with TheFifthElement:

*Why are we doing this interview thing?*
It seemed like a good idea at the time.

*So, how old are you?*
37 this year, and feeling it.

*If you had a personal theme song what would it be?*
It would probably have to be Declare Independence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P5xSntVWQE&feature=artist) by Björk.

*Are you male or female? *
Female, mainly.

*Which countries have you visited?*
Wales, Scotland, Eire, Spain, Italy, Austria, USA, Thailand. Oh and I've been through France and Belgium, but only passing through. Next year we're going to the Netherlands, camping. I'm looking forward to that.

*Which languages do you speak?*
Taking a line from my nearly favourite movie 'I only speak two languages: English and bad English', but really I speak a tiny bit of French too and an even tinier bit of Japanese.

*If you could live somewhere different, where would it be and why?*
Maybe on another planet would be nice. This one wears me out.

Have you heard the news today, oh boy?
Kim Jong Il died today. It's been a year for news, hasn't it? Revolution, war, riot, disorder, mass shootings in Norway and Belgium of all places. Financial crisis, phone hacking, earthquake, tsunami. And that's just what I can remember. All filmed in shuddery mobile phone video.

*Do you have any pets?*
Yes, we still have a cat. She now pees the bed on a regular basis, but we got a waterproof cover for her bed which is washable so that's that problem solved really. We're waiting for the full dementia to set it, though I think she's fairly well along the way. She came camping with us this year. That created quite a stir. She seemed to like it. If she promises not to pee the bed, she can come again.

*What makes you happy?*
Books. My kids. Not watching the news. Camping.

*Do you feel comfortable in your walk with God/atheism? *
I think I answered this last year. I am neither. Agnostics are often missed out. That's fine though. Keeps us out of the argument. I'm happy, yes.

*Which actor should play you in a movie based on your life?*
Helena Bonham Carter. She's cool.

Who is your favourite Beatle?
Herbie.

*How do you like your coffee? *
I like it latte style with amaretto syrup. Last year I didn't drink coffee at all. I don't quite know what's gone wrong there. I think it's something to do with camping.

*Given the option, what animal would you choose to be?*
I'll stick with human. Every other animal has to spend most of their time keeping out of our way.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Well I wanted to be a writer, and I am of a fashion but not in the way I really wanted. Once upon a time I wanted to be an air stewardess, then a diplomat. I definitely didn't want to do what I do, but it's okay. Mainly.

*What's the biggest fish you've ever caught?*
I caught a silver dollar once but it was already in my fish tank so I don't know if that counts. Then I killed it by putting it in the freezer. Sounds mean, doesn’t it? But it’s quite a kind way to euthanize a fish. It was very poorly, and wasn’t going to get better.

*What makes you feel great about yourself?*
Doing something well. Understanding things. I'm not so great at either of those things at the moment.

*How did you meet your significant other?*
We met at an archery club. I liked the way he held his release.

*What are you naturally good at? (Skills, abilities, gifts etc.)*
I'm pretty good at organising. I can cook. I am an excellent reader. I'm a good listener. I give good advice. I'm fairly good with words. I'm good at learning new things and passing exams. I can do cartwheels, and roller skate. I can pitch a tent. I can procrastinate better than anyone I know.

*What is the one thing you must do before you die?*
You know, the other day I had the thought that I could probably die now because I've probably already reached the pinnacle of what I'm going to achieve. Doesn’t that sound depressing? I don't think there's anything I must do. Maybe pay the credit card bill. It'd be mean to leave that to the kids.

*If you had to teach something, what would you teach?*
Listening skills. People don't listen enough to what other people actually say. Too much filling in inference and making assumptions. It's a prime way to miss the point of someone's thinking. People think in a kaleidoscopic multitude of ways. It's quite fascinating, really. You kind of have to tune into it. I admit, though, I’ve been doing a lot of tuning out myself this year, but it’s been necessary. Maybe it’s necessary most of the time, but if so that seems a shame. Nowt so queer as folk, as me old Mum would say.

*What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?*
I think it's the same as most people. Putting 'duty' before 'happiness'. All those things you feel you 'must' do before enjoying yourself and then all you're left with is a whole load of memories of doing washing and never quite getting around to having some fun. I'm resolved to have more fun from now on. That's my mission for next year.

*If you were to be stuck at a particular time in your life, which one would you choose and why?*
I'd like to be 8 again. 8 is a great age. All fun, little responsibility. Even school is still fun at 8 (almost).

*Do you get tired living life?*
This year, definitely. But it won't last for long. Then I'll get happy about it again.

*What method do you cherish above all others, as means to improving your life?*
I think I might have said this before, but it’s still true. Not trying to ‘improve’ your life. Learning to be happy with the things you have. It’s good to have dreams and goals, but when those dreams and goals are all you live for, and you’re always feeling unhappy with what you’ve got, then you’re missing the point of life. All that really exists is right now, so being or finding a way to be happy with what you have is the best way to be. I guess it’s not quite as simple as that. I mean, if you’re living with an abusive partner then learning to be happy with it isn’t the way to go. But that’s an extreme example. Many people live in a perfectly fine situation and it’s only their striving for something else – greater riches, being slimmer, being cleverer – that really makes them miserable.

*What one thing would you NEED to have on a deserted island if you didn't have to worry over food and water? *
I’d need my husband. In the whole world he’s the only person I really need. I love my kids, but that’s a different kind of relationship – they need me for now but ultimately they’re going to grow up and have their own lives and that’s right and how it should be however much I love having them around. But with my husband it’s different. He’s my best buddy. I’d be pretty lonely without him.

*If you were a king/queen for a day, what would you do?*
I’d give everyone in the country a day off and set up bouncy castles and trampolines on every street. People are much cheerier when they’re bouncing.

*What’s the stupidest forum argument you’ve ever had?*
You know, I can’t think of one. I haven’t been around that much this year.

*What song is in your head at the moment?*
Kate Bush’s Them Heavy People

*Which book are you reading at the moment?*
I’m re-reading The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. I think it might have won the Christmas read this year, but there’s no thread yet. I can’t wait anyway. It’s dead good :D

*What is your favourite quote?*
Don’t have one.

Which comedians or cabaret artists do you like?

I like Sean Locke, he’s funny. Cabaret? Didn’t that die in the 80’s?

*Favorite avatar on the Forum?*
I like Mutatis-Mutandi’s eye.

*Favorite threads?*
None in particular.

What's your favorite sandwich?
I like fish finger butties. You need some kind of red sauce too – ketchup or tomato chutney is nice.

*What is your answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything?*?
What was the question?

Who are some of the nicest people you met on LitNet?
There are lots of nice people on LitNet though it’s gone very quiet recently, don’t you think? If I had to pick a top 3 it’d be Helga, Qimissung and Lady Luck.

What is the limit of your credibility?
Oh, I have no credibility. None at all.

*Favorite poem?*
It’s too hard to pick a favourite, there are too many good poems out there. At the moment, I’ve got a real thing for When You are Old and Grey by W.B. Yeats.

*First novel you remember reading on your own?*
Novel? It was probably something horsey. Silver Brumby or Black Beauty. I really liked the Greek myths, though. The Greek myths made me a reader, but I don’t think I read them in novel form.

*What era do you find most of the books you read are from?*
All over the place. I don’t have a particular era I’m fixated on. I probably read more contemporary fiction than most others but that’s mainly by accident.

*Favorite TV shows?*
I’ve really gone off TV. I like QI, and the recent series Pan Am has been quite interesting. Aside from that, not much.

*Which Forum members would you like to meet in person?*
Helga, Qimissung and Lady Luck :D

*Last words you said out loud?*
I love you too. My daughter gave me a cuddle and kiss before she went out with her Dad.

*Last person you hugged/kissed?*
My daughter, obviously :D

*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’m a portfolio manager for a global insurance company, working in the Marine department. It’s got its pros and cons – I get to do a lot of research into weird and wonderful mariney things like piracy and floating buildings, containerisation, jumboisation of ships, General Average and the risks inherent in coffee beans but on the down side I also get to spend hours agonising over whether to use the word ‘and’ or ‘or’ or ‘and/or’ in a sentence and sometimes it takes three of us and a half hour argument to decide. All in all I’ve found this past working year really tough. The work is fine, challenging but fine. There are rarely two days the same, and that’s hard to come by. I appreciate that side of things. This year has just been too much challenge. We’ve had some new people come into the team and they didn’t want to and they’re making everyone else pay for it. None of us chose it either but hey, right now they can’t see past the ends of their own noses so they don’t see that. They just make everything twenty times more difficult than it has to be, and it’s wearing every time you need to deal with them. And it’s a shame because they are, in the main, decent people trying to do a good job. I’m sure we’ll work it out eventually but for the moment I get a lot of complaining at me or about me and really all I’m trying to do is make things happen and all they’re trying to do is resist. And I understand their resistance, but I can’t do anything about it. So I either try and make it work or give in. And I don’t like to give in, and in my job I simply can’t afford to. So it is hard. Constant battles. Anyway, on the other side I’ve had more involvement with the European offices this year and that’s all been really positive. There are some really good people out there. I’m trying to focus on that.

*What would you like to be if you could change your profession?*
I’d still like to be a writer. I like the idea of the hours, and I can cope with the insane loneliness. It’s a reasonable trade off for the peace and quiet.

*Which one of the seven dwarves are you and why?*
Oh right now it’s definitely Grumpy.

*What is your most outstanding feature?*
My bottom. You can see it from miles away :D

*If you could change one thing about the way you look, what would that be?*
Ah nothing. I think once you start you’d never stop. There’s always going to be something you’re not happy with.

*Which book do you wish you had written?*
Oh so many I lose count. I’ve had a really good reading year this year. I don’t know if I’m just lucky or just getting better at figuring out the kinds of books I like. There are some great female writers out there. I’d feel lucky to be as good as any one of them.

*What book would you recommend to others of all types and ages as a must read?*
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. It’s good for old and young alike, surprisingly good for a kid’s book. Really mystical and spooky and atmospheric.

*What should you be doing at the moment instead of answering these questions?*
Nothing at all.

*Favorite movie?*
It could be The Fifth Element. Or it could be Spirited Away. Or maybe V for Vendetta. Or maybe Rushmore. Or maybe...

*Last movie you watched?
Ponyo. It’s a Studio Ghibli movie. I wasn’t over-awed when we went to see it at the cinema then we watched it on TV and it was great, just great. I love Studio Ghibli. Actually I pretty much love Japanese movies. Try Death Note, it’s cool.

[*How are you going to pick just one favourite painting?*
Well that’s just not possible.

Do you want to buy a banana?
We do need one for the trifle...

*Favorite painting?*

Bowie, yay or nay?
Yay-ish.

*Wonderful Superman or depressing Batman?*
Batman. At least he’s human. Superman is too much to live up to. Although once the new Superman movie comes out it might be Superman, but only because Henry Cavill is the most beautiful man alive.

*Something you want to forget but you never can?*
I’m really good at forgetting. What was the question again?

*If you could relive one moment in your life whenever you wanted to, what would it be?*
It would have to be the birth of one of my kids. Maybe my son’s birth, as his was the first and I’d like to take more of it in.

*What is the best thing that happened to you since your last birthday?*
We went camping :D

*If you could send one thing to the Room 101, one would that be?*
Right now it would be a particular person who I ought probably not to name. No one on LitNet, but you never can be too careful.

*Are you mostly happy with life or are you still in pursuit?*
Mostly happy.

Tell us something scandalous about yourself.
I don’t watch X Factor, or Britain’s Got Talent, or Strictly Come Dancing or any soap operas or football. And I can still make conversation.

*How long did it take you to answer all of these questions?*
I have no idea. Not long. I type fast.

Are you currently intoxicated?
No. I have a headache though, and a cold and an eye infection. Is that enough?

*When will you pay Whifflingpin?*
When he puts his clothes back on ;)

*One final word of wisdom for LitNet users?*
Have fun, it’s underrated.

*What question would you like to ask to the person to be interview after you?
How is your reading year going?

[kiki1982]

happy birthday!

[TheFifthElement]

Thanks for the kind birthday wishes everyone :)

[Paulclem]

Good interview Fifth.

[kensington]

Happy birthday, you seem a very kind person, and I have enjoyed your blog very much.

[JuniperWoolf]

Who is your favourite Beatle?
Herbie.

Haha, good one.


I didn't do one this year, I told Scheh I was going to, then I got busy, then I got lazy. Then Scheh didn't even post a birthday thread, I assume it was out of spite.

Aww, I thought I missed your birthday. I was on your profile a few weeks ago and was like "wait a minute, I thought he was the same age as me." Happy belated, Pip! Have some urine crystals:

http://www.annals.org/content/127/2/119/F4.large.jpg

[papayahed]

Happy Birthday

[Pensive]

Happy Birthday, Fifth! :) I enjoyed your interview.