Breakfast Bite

From Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Name a trait you share with your parents or your children.
I am funny and am big on self deprecating humor. Let's face it, there's nobody who can make me look like a fool like I can. I love telling funny stories, being loud and otherwise amusing. If I don't know you well, it will take me a while to warm up. If you do know me well, then you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Soup
List 3 qualities of a good leader, in your opinion.
A good leader makes a decision and stands by it.
A good leader is honest, even when it hurts.
A good leader is fair.

Salad
Who is your favorite television chef?
I hated Rachel Ray for like, a million years, but she's so damn cute and has finally won me over. I love her recipes, I love her no big deal attitude and I love that she's also self deprecating. One thing I hate about RR: every reference to EVOO.

Main Course
Share a story about a gift you received from someone you love.
My mom was so proud when she scored an awesome deal on a red suede bomber jacket for me. This was back in 1990 when bomber jackets were all the rage. Anyway, it was my birthday present, and she hid it from me, so anxious for a "big reveal." Well, the sneaky impatient type that I was, I found the coat tucked behind some big winter coats in the front hall closet. It was a double edged sword: I was so excited about the gift, and yet I kind of felt crushed for ruining the surprise. The night before my birthday, my mom just couldn't wait any longer. She whipped the coat out with this huge smile spread across her face, just beaming at her clever gift. I totally played it up, jumping up and down, feigning my surprise. To this day she talks about how excited she was to give me the coat, and my big surprise in receiving the gift. She has no idea I busted her surprise, and I don't have the heart to tell her.

Dessert
How do you react under pressure?
I am calm. I might pop out a swear word or two, but other than that I do well with keeping things under control. NB-C, a former photog at my former shop famously said that I have veins of ice water. I think she might be right, but that doesn't mean I'm a cold hearted bitch.