I’ve been tagged by Frankie Parker (shout out to the BMB comment group!) for Mrs Lister’s Q&A meme, inspired by similar questions in the Guardian magazine a few weekends back.
It’s always fun and surprisingly revealing doing this type of ‘interview’, so let’s begin:
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Nelson Mandela. Enough said.
When were you happiest?
The birth of my first son although most of that day I was anything but happy. After hours of labour, breaking water over hubby’s shoes, pointless gas and air, scary heartbeat monitor and C-section cuts that I could feel, I was pretty damn sorry for myself. But that moment when I heard my baby cry and they placed him in my arms… Happy doesn’t do it justice.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
So many moments, so little word count. What stands out is walking from Ladbroke Grove to Wimbledon (there was a tube strike) with my skirt tucked into my knickers. Not one passerby said a word until I was well south of the river.
Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
Probably plane tickets. Or my hubby’s 40th gift.
What is your most treasured possession?
My family.
Where would you like to live?
I adore London but I’d love to have homes close to family in Abuja (Nigeria), Nice, New York and a holiday getaway somewhere blissful.
What’s your favourite smell?
The way my kids smell, at any time of day (outside the poop factor). My husband, when we’re hugging. Vanilla.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
I’d have to say Nia Long. She’s even played a Nigerian chick before (in The Secret Laughter of Women). Or possibly Caroline Chikezie.
What is your favourite book?
Wow, this is one of those impossible questions. Can I pick a handful? For impact, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. For the writing, Beloved by Toni Morrison. For the character, She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb. For the language, Tales from Ovid by Ted Hughes. And for guilty pleasure, Riders by Jilly Cooper.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Picking my teeth in company.
What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?
Batwoman, so I can represent for my son, Batboy.
What is your earliest memory?
I’m sure I have earlier ones but there’s a photo of me on my 4th birthday with my hair all primped and holding this doll in a bag. I remember that day well, the dress I was wearing and how flipping fabulous I felt to own that doll.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Too naughty to mention so I’ll pick the tamer ones: American Idol, Crunchie bars and Celebrity Baby Blog.
What do you owe your parents?
Education, a strong moral compass, a seemingly endless family tree, a love of books, an open mind and a stubborn nature.
To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?
My dad, for not being there when he passed away.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My three men.
What does love feel like?
Sometimes wrenching, mostly liberating.
What was the best kiss of your life?
The first kiss I shared with my husband.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Definitely. You know. Anyway.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
Secretarial temping for British Gas. Fun times.
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
There are some major lowlights I’d like to skip over but those episodes have made me who I am. I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, maybe tweak a little.
What is the closest you’ve come to death?
I’ve come closer to hell than I have to death.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being a mother.
When did you last cry, and why?
After a blazing row that picked at old wounds.
How do you relax?
Winding down with hubby on the sofa. Glass of wine. Hoola hooping.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Having unlimited resources (in every sense) to fully pursue my dreams and create the life that I imagine for myself and my family.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
This too shall pass.
And now I’m tagging Diary of a First Child and Mummy’s Little Monkey. Over to you, ladies.
This was an awesome read!
Glad you enjoyed it :-) Would actually love to see more Q&A responses from the Facebook family too, not just fellow bloggers!
I just love it Uju – also I can’t stop thinking about you in a Batwoman costume. I’m falling in love with you all over again now…..Da na na na naa naaaaahhh…..BATCHICK!!! *swoon*
Ha ha, I would just LOVE to swan around town with my own theme song – and of course a rocking costume. I did actually consider changing my blogging name to Batmummy since that’s what Ezra designated me back when he was deep into being Batboy, now he’s a bit less obsessed!