What are your two favorite things to wear?

1. My glasses to see you with
2. My dentures to fill out my face
3. A smile because you aren’t ready to face the world without one.

What technology would you be better off without, why?

As a power wheelchair user, I require a lot of technology,but there are a few things that even I can do without, like autocorrect and AI.

If you didn’t need sleep, what would you do with all the extra time?

Being retired and disabled means that I could sleep ten hours per night and still have as much time as I need, even on days with appointments . Although my body moves slowly, my speed has improved to the point where getting ready to leave the house only really takes a half hour more than it used to before my stroke. As far as physical exercise is concerned, I try to exercise as much as my body will allow, but I have to rest the next day, so, again, I don’t think this prompt was meant for me.

Name your top three pet peeves.

I hate it when influencers can’t pronounce the brand names of the products they’re trying to sell. Contact the brand and ask them how to correctly pronounce the name instead of butchering it.

When people cut me off when I’m in my electric wheelchair is one of my biggest pet peeves. Not only do they make me have to stop short, which is dangerous for me, but it’s also dangerous for them because I can easily run into their legs. This is especially egregious when I’m in a hospital and a doctor does it.

If you want to know something about me, ask ME, not the person I’m with. It’s just rude. Again, especially egregious when a medical professional does it.  Most people who use electric wheelchairs can speak for themselves. If they can’t, they will let you know,or their caregiver will.

Who are your current most favorite people?

I’m socially awkward. I’m shy in general and have foot in mouth disease and thin skin. So I don’t have a large circle. The older I get, the smaller my circle gets. My favorite people are my mother, my husband, and my stepdaughter.

What are your favorite animals?

I grew up with cats. I remember the first cat I ever truly loved. His name was Softy, and he was a beautiful black cat with amber eyes, and technically, he was my first few husbands. I used to marry him weekly when I was just a little girl under the age of 6. He was the soul of patience with me. I think that love repeated itself with every cat I’ve ever met. I also think that every cat I come upon knows it.

My love of dogs started later, when my parents got our first husky, Akla, when I was around 12. She was a gorgeous girl. I loved walking with her. She never made it difficult. Never pulled too hard on her leash and always heeled beautifully .I adored her. It was tough for me when she passed away. Unfortunately, I couldn’t love our next husky, Tundra, the same way because I was still grieving her loss. As much love as I have for huskies, there’s no way I can currently handle a big dog anymore. So if I’m ever lucky enough to own another dog, it will have to be a lap dog. And likely will be a mixed breed for health reasons, the dogs’ health, not mine. Right now, the most likely candidate would be a Zuchon. Which is a mix between a Shih tzu and a Bichon Frise .They are very popular in Australia and they’re becoming more popular in Canada now. If you’re curious, they look like this.

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

The beach has always been a no for me, especially now I’m in a wheelchair, but I’ve never been a fan of sand in my nooks and/or crannies. Also, since menopause, it’s just too hot. So if I have to choose, it’s the mountains for me. Snuggling up in front of a roaring fire and sipping on hot chocolate. That sounds much better to me.

What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals?

Grilling up some bratwurst with sides of mashed potatoes and baked beans tonight. We also like spaghetti 🍝. And lastly, beef bourguignon.

Do you trust your instincts?

Looking back at my life, I had the worst taste in men, proven by the fact that I’m currently on my 4th and hopefully final marriage. It wasn’t until I decided to go against my type of man that I chose my current husband, and the choosing is unusual for me too. I used to think that if a guy was interested, then I should be too, never realizing that I was only reacting to the fact that I was in love with love and not the actual person himself . Once I decided to take matters into my own hands, things changed dramatically. I’ve always had a good sense of timing in general. I always seem to know when it’s time to move on from a situation or a job or a location. Yet I still possess a naivety that can get me into trouble. My issue is that I trust people far too much until they prove themselves untrustworthy, even with friends. Once I decided to trust myself, my life became a lot easier.  I only wish I could have come to that decision sooner, but, shoulda,coulda, woulda.