When I started this blog, I wanted a space where I could express myself anonymously — a small corner of the internet to think, reflect, and record my life. I know it’s a little self-indulgent, but I’m not here to push my views on anyone. I just want to document my thoughts and ideas as they come.
For something different, I asked ChatGPT to come up with twenty “getting to know you” questions — and now I’m going to answer them.
1.What is your favourite hobby or pastime?
I have a few favourite hobbies and pastimes. The first is origami — I love making paper cranes. I’ve actually folded a couple of sets of a thousand cranes. Legend has it that anyone who folds a thousand cranes is granted one wish. I’m still waiting for mine to come true, so I think I have a few owing! I also love to read and write, and I’m not sure if this counts as a pastime, but I’m fascinated by bioluminescence — things like fireflies and glow worms. I’ve travelled to see bioluminescent mushrooms in Mount Gambier and glow worms on the Gold Coast, and I’d love to see more.
2. What is your fondest childhood memory?
My fondest childhood memories come from our family farm, somewhere between Owen and Balaklava. I remember catching skinks with my brother and having barbecues out in the scrub. The old farmhouse would probably terrify me now — it had that haunted-house kind of feeling — but as a kid I didn’t seem to mind, which is funny considering how scared I was of everything else.
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I’ve been lucky enough to visit four incredible places — Tanzania, Antarctica, Cambodia, and Vietnam. If I could return anywhere, I’d choose Antarctica, because I think I’d appreciate it even more now as an older woman. I’d also love to explore Europe in depth one day, and I have a long-held dream of going on a world cruise. Later this year, I’m actually heading back to Cambodia, which I’m really looking forward to.
4. What is your favourite book, movie, or TV show?
If anyone ever asks what my favourite book is, I’ll always say Dracula. Two others that tie for second place are Frankenstein and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. My favourite movie is The Terminator, and my favourite TV show is a ’90s series called Northern Exposure. I absolutely love it, and I think it’s about time I binge-watched the entire series again.
5. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
My greatest accomplishment might seem small, but it means a lot to me. Back in 2009, I applied for a job at Centrelink’s call centre after seeing an ad in the paper. I went through the interview process and was successful — out of more than a thousand applicants, only fifteen people were selected. I still consider that an accomplishment, and I’m proud of it.
6. What is something you're passionate about?
I'm passionate about human and animal rights.
7. What is a talent or skill you wish you had?
I wish I could read and play music — especially the piano. It’s such a beautiful instrument. My favourite piece of piano music is the part at the end of Eric Clapton’s Layla, when the piano and guitar come together. I absolutely love it. I’ve added a YouTube link below — it’s not the official video, just the song itself — but if you’re reading this, give it a listen. At around three minutes and nine seconds, the piano comes in, and it will blow you away.
8. What is your favourite food or cuisine?
I’m not really a foodie. I’m a vegetarian, and I’m not overly adventurous when it comes to food — though it’s something I’d like to change.
9. If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?
If I could meet any historical figures, I’d choose Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. I’m not saying I think they were good men, but I would be fascinated to speak with them — to hear firsthand about the revolution and learn about their lives.
10. What is your favourite season and why?
I find it easy to enjoy all the seasons, but I think my favourite is winter. I love rugging up and putting the heater on, though it can get a bit too cold sometimes. So really, I’d say I like all the seasons — just nothing in the extreme.
11. What is a place you've always wanted to visit but haven't yet?
I’d really like to travel through Europe. In particular, I’d love to spend time in Italy, Germany, France, and Greece.
12. What is something that always makes you laugh?
I recently came across some of Carl Barron’s videos, and he actually made me laugh out loud. Watching his shows made me want to see live comedy again, but I’m not sure if — or where — that still happens in Adelaide. There used to be a place called the Comedy Club, but I don’t think it’s around anymore. Something to look into.
13. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have one superpower, I’d choose invisibility. I know it’s a little voyeuristic — hiding and being in places you’re not supposed to be — but I’d love the idea of slipping in and out of somewhere completely unseen. And from a practical perspective, imagine travelling somewhere like France. If you went to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa, you could walk right up to the front and avoid the crowds without bothering anyone.
14. What is your biggest fear or phobia?
I don’t know if this counts as a phobia, but I cannot stand watching people brush their teeth. It goes even further — I can’t stand the smell of someone after they’ve brushed their teeth. It literally makes me sick. When my brother recently stayed with us, every time I went into the bathroom after he brushed his teeth at night, I threw up. I’ve always been like this, but it’s definitely gotten worse over the years. I think it might be something I should seek help for.
15. What is a goal you hope to achieve in the next year?
That one’s simple. Over the next year, I want to finish my degree, become a serious and devoted student of mosaics, and — most importantly — finally fix my sleep problems.
16. What is your favourite way to relax or unwind?
I relax and unwind by watching Ancient Aliens. I have all the available episodes on my Apple TV — I think it’s around 175 — and I watch at least one episode every day.
17. What is a tradition or ritual you have in your life?
As I mentioned above, my main ritual is watching at least one episode of Ancient Aliens every day.
18. What is a piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
The advice I give to younger people — and the advice I’d give to my younger self — is to be specific and deliberate in everything you do.
19. What is something that never fails to brighten your day?
Flowers.
20. What is a dream you have for the future?
My dream is to have the skills to create both visual and written artwork and earn a living from it. I’d like to buy my mother a unit and have an apartment of my own in the city. I also want to get an artist's studio at The Mill on Angas Street also in the city. After that, all I really want to do is travel — to see more of Europe, return to Antarctica, and explore more of Australia. And one of my biggest dreams is to go on a world cruise.
