TOPAZ HORIZON

My favorite section in Vanity Fair is the Proust Questionnaire. I think it's great they choose old people to answer it. Yes, old! Old people have seen and experienced a lot so I always get amazed and inspired by their frankness and wisdom.

Me at 34. Some say old, some say young.

Now, at 34, I'm not old. Well, depends on who you ask. I had a laser facial last week and someone Tweeted me, "Do you recommend that facial on me?" And I Tweeted back, "It's best for those in their mid-30s and above." And she replied, "Ugh, that's old!"

Anyway, I want to answer the Proust Questionnaire every year, just to see if my answers will change. I imagine that as I grow older, the answers will change. I hope not, though! I want to believe that at 34, I know myself. But life is always surprising!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Cuddling in bed with my husband Vince and son Vito.




What is your greatest fear?
Losing Vince and Vito.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Laziness.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
That abominable combination of laziness, arrogance, insecurity and, strangely enough, entitlement to the fruits of others' labor!

Which living person do you most admire?
Right now, I admire Gwyneth Paltrow for her achievements in her field, her constant evolution, her love for her family and friends, and her style. But I admire anyone who makes their own dreams come true.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Generosity.

What is your current state of mind?
Overwhelmed!

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Virginity.

On what occasion do you lie?
When telling the truth will hurt the person unnecessarily.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
Quiet authority. Not a lot of men have this, sadly.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Unconditional love.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Actually, very, and ten thousand years.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband and my son.

When and where were you happiest?
My wedding in 2007 was fun. But now? It's every time I'm cuddling with Vince and Vito. That's every day. I'm a lucky girl.




Which talent would you most like to have?
To dance really well!

What is your favorite occupation?
Mine.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Passion.

What do you most value in your friends?
Their insistence that I am worth loving.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Samwise Gamgee.

Who are your heroes in real life?
The generous people, like my husband, my in-laws, my mother, my friends.

What is that you most dislike?
Cowardice.



What is your greatest regret?
Ignoring my mother when she was alive.

How would you like to die?
Quietly, when my son already has his own family, love and happiness. Yes, I can leave this life then.

What is your motto?
"The brave may not live forever, but cowards never live at all."