The internet is vast. What’s your happy place?
My happy place involves reading books, magazines, and research all over the world wide web. I would say I’m drawn to fantasy and horror genres the most.
What’s your idea of a perfect meal?
My idea of the perfect meal goes beyond food, it is who you share it with and where. The where doesn’t necessarily mean location but where we are enjoying a shared meal in our lives. Sometimes, it’s eating takeout at home while watching TV.
Which fictional or historical character do you most relate to?
Francie Nolan in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I relate to Francie so much because I am also descended from a tree of Irish immigrants, as the daughter of two hard-working people who sacrificed so much to give me a better chance at life. Furthermore, this quote from the book sums up my approach to reading and books:
“She would never be lonely again, never miss the lack of intimate friends. Books became her friends and there was one for every mood. There was poetry for quiet companionship. There was adventure when she tired of the quiet hours. There would be love stories when she came into adolescence and when she wanted to feel a closeness with someone, she could read a biography.”
Who is your hero? (dead or alive)
My hero must be plural. My grandparents. They helped raise me when my parents couldn’t. They were the archetype of what love and companionship truly looks like, and they fulfilled the literal definition of agape or, “giving to others, sacrificing our time, energy, and resources for someone else without expecting anything in return.” They never missed a game, event, or major milestone in my life – without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Imagine that every type of creature, real or imaginary, is tameable. What would you bring home?
A phoenix. I have a rare neurological pain disorder that burns through my right hip and leg, and the phoenix represents fiery passion and rebirth. For me, every day begins and ends like the lifespan of a phoenix. I must contend with the fire inside of me and rise above it.
You receive an all-access pass to one city. Where do you go?
I would visit Dublin. My family is from Ireland, and I have never been.
Technology makes Westworld-style theme parks a reality. What “world” would you buy a ticket to?
I would want to go to a fantasy world with magic and adventure. If anything, I would want a Westworld version of Jurassic Park or a Sarah J. Maas novel. Sarah Janet Maas is an American novelist known for her fantasy series Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses. Her richly descriptive worlds and characters make for excellent reading and escapism!
You’re granted a 25th hour every day. What do you do with it?
I would probably use it to sleep more. Otherwise, I would use it to work on art projects. I love to draw and sketch various cartoons and drawings from my favorite films and pop culture.
Whether or not you knew it at the time, at which moment in your life did you make the most pivotal decision?
When I had surgery on my hip to fix torn cartilage. It was the catalyst for the biggest change in my health and life. The surgery repaired torn cartilage in my hip (I had damaged my hip playing college rugby). But in the end, the surgery triggered a rare neurological disorder, further delaying my recovery and negatively impacting my health.
Under-the-radar recommendation. What do you love that more people should? (Movie, book, artist, podcast, restaurant, etc.)
• Movie: L.A. Confidential
• Book: The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
• Podcast: SmartLess
• Restaurant: Laurel Tavern, Studio City, Calif
