20 Questions with one of my nearest & dearest....Julie Foster!

1. Were you named after anyone? 

I was named after my Dad's girlfriend from 6th grade. He had a crush on her, and I guess always

liked the name. My middle name is apparently a female adaption of my Dad & Grandpa's first

names. 

2. Do you like your own handwriting?  

I love my handwriting, even though it still looks quite childlike to me at times. It's starting to look less neat and tidy though, and I find myself pickier about what kinds of pens I use when I have to handwrite things of importance (maybe it's because I actually have fingernails now). It must be the technology taking over, because I find myself writing less than ever, and scrutinizing it when I do.

3. What would your superpower be if you could choose one?

I would be invisible in a heartbeat. The badass in me would rob banks, steal people's drinks off the bar, trip people for kicks, and peep over people's shoulders to see what they're looking at on their cellphones. Just general up-to-no-goodness. Plus, there is no way you wouldn't be really stinking rich. It would just be too easy to get everything you want, and I'm selfish and greedy like that.

4. Are you an Optimist or Pessimist?

I'm mostly a pessimist. If there is a way that something won't end well, I'll overanalyze the hell out of it. I've become more optimistic the older I get, but the realist and critic in me knows that all that glitters is not gold, at least in this little life of mine. I just found that dealing with it as it happens is easier than hanging on to the idea that every thing will turn around for the better.

5. What do you collect?

I collect owl objects. So far I have a wall-hanging, a Bath & Body Works fragrance diffuser, a couple of little home decor objects and a little keychain watch. I've been scouring Etsy for more vintage 70's owl decor, but so far have not purchased anything. I also collect pessimistic thoughts too, apparently. Oh, and music!

6. What are your favourite smells?

I love the smell of freshly laundered linen, pumpkins, red wine, vanilla anything, campfire (but not on my clothes after), coffee shops (especially when getting my Skinny Vanilla Latte fix), and roasting meats.

7. Coffee or Tea?

I like both coffee and tea. Coffee is my go-to in the morning, like most. I like a cup of herbal decaf in the evenings in front of the t.v., especially in the colder months.

 8. Wine or Beer?

Beer over wine. I love wine when I get around to drinking it, which isn't often, and I have to be in the right mood. Beer covers all moods, really. I love to slam a cold beer, and can go through a bunch before it's too late. I like most beer, except Guinness, which can end a St. Paddy's right quick.

9. What is the best thing you've ever eaten? (Where?)

I'm not a foodie at all. I love food in general, but I do get upset when I eat something and I don't like it - especially in a restaurant. I actually get sad about it! I would have to say that I love Chachi's Mac & Cheese. I like simple foods, mostly because I'm down to eat almost anything. I've had amazing pad thai, sushi and seafood meals.

10. Mac or PC?

I love PC still, just as I still stick to Blackberry. Am I afraid? Find Mac a little bit daunting? Who knows... all I know is that my ex had a Macbook and I couldn't figure the damn thing out. I'll stick with the tried-and-true for now!

11. What are you listening to right now?

Round the '2' - Limblifter. I wish this band was still touring - I would love to see them with The Watchmen...maybe all opening for The Hip. I would DIE a good old beer-fueled Canadian death!

12. What career would you pursue in another life?

I would LOVE to be a music journalist (but not the "enemy") I don't care which era...but preferrably now - for the Austin scene, the NYC intimate club nights, the variety of festivals, etc. There are so many bands out there in the past 5 years making waves and paving a new path for our musical future. I would love to pursue them, talk about them, learn where they get their ideas from and be a part of the bigger picture one day for the up-and-comers. The blend of new sounds, electro beats, and visionary ideas is amazing! Think: Pictureplane, James Blake, Youth Lagoon, Burial - this music is ridiculous.

13. What sound or noise to you love?

I love faaaat dubby beats, a whip-your-head-around guitar riff or electro build-up, the sound of people whispering because it trips me out, ocean waves, rain/wind/loud thunder (when I dont have to walk in it), my cat's "happy to see you" meow, kid giggles (especially my niece's), the din of a thousand people in one place for one thing

14. What sound or noise do you hate?

I hate the sound of the radio calling in at work, screaming babies on airplanes and in restaurants (unless I know the baby, then I don't care), kid toys, my cat's "can I have a treat even though I know you're sleeping" meow, women with screechy voices, alarm clocks

15. Mountains or Beach?

Beach all the way. I'm not a cold-weather person and a klutz, so anything mountain-related makes me cringe unless it includes Spanish Coffee in a fire-warmed lounge mountainside. I don't do anything outdoorsy, unless it's in sunshine and beside lapping waves. I can stare at the ocean for hours and love every minute of it.

16.Cook or Bake?

I'm a much better baker than cook. But then, I'm not a sweets loving person, so I can't win. I can't really do either very good.

17. Do you go to restaurants and movies by yourself?

I do now, and just recently, and rarely. I've gone out for dinner by myself several times, mostly because I was either craving something or didn't want to cook. I took myself on a date one night...dinner, movies, walk in the park - the whole nine yards. I like my company, but sometimes I feel like if I spend too much time with myself, I'll go crazy.

18. A Waitress spills a tray of food by your table. You are with a small group. What’s your first instinct?

If a waitress spilled food by my table I would totally help her out because it's in my nature to do the polite thing...but if she was my waitress and she was a bitch, I'd probably look, assess the situation and do nothing - because what goes around come around. Trust me, I've had bitchy waitresses. I don't care what happened to you at home, I don't bring my shit to work and neither should you.

19. What is your favourite fairy tale?

I don't really believe in fairy-tales...and this all goes back to the pessimistic, realistic, critic in me. Nothing happens overnight. Nothing happens for free. Things take work...love takes work...finding the right shoes doesn't equal everlasting love. I wish I did believe in them, maybe my expectations would be different...but I'm not a romantic.

20. What would you tell the 13year old you?

I would tell her to get off the path she was on. She was a narcissistic, foul-mouthed, school-hating cretin. I would have said to strive for a proper education, stop being selfish, and respect your parents because they really are smarter than you think...be more intelligent in your choices, don't take advantage of others and especially don't let them take advantage of you...be more independent, be proud of yourself and like you for you, do the best you can and make the most of it. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't worth something, because you are. Love yourself, and be someone who is willing to be loved.

I'm not sure where to start, and quite frankly where to end. But I'll give it a go :)

I've known Julie since I was in Grade 5. Having a friend for that length of time, is just so precious. She has seen me at my lowest of lows, my highest of highs, and everything else in between.

Julie is my music soul sister. I can always count on her, for knowing practically every song I send her way, and always having some to send me back. 

She is the forever kind of friend, and always will be. Time can pass between our visits, but we pick right back up from where we left off. It's magic. She has my back, and I will always have hers.

She is a beautiful person inside and out, and I am so happy that she is starting to realize this for herself. She has an amazing family, and I am equally close to her sister, Laura (who I hope fills out these questions as well - hint). 

I have many great memories, and I look forward to so many more. 

Cheers to you, doll. You have come a long way, and I am so proud of you. Thank you for being there for me, thank you for your honesty, and for being such a big part of my life. Love you long time.

xoxo NDR