Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – Anna Purdy

Anna Purdy is a writer, adventurer and provost of the mind. She works as a copywriter and technical writer for businesses locally, nationally (and sometimes internationally). Anna has a delightfully sharp wit that makes me feel very at home around her – she is wonderfully incorrigible. She can be found at annapurdy.com as well as KissMeImCooking.com (her food blog). Seek her out.

What was your first job?

Good old-fashioned shopgirl — I worked the fine china and kitchenware department in a now defunct department store chain.

Describe a typical day in your life.
I work out and write 5,000 words a day, either in my creative personal projects or for freelance jobs. But I’m always writing that many a day, every day, no matter what.

What advice would you give the younger you?
“It’s okay you have no idea how to do it. Just start writing.”

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Mine is rather heavy. When I was about 15 my mother found out her student at the university, at which both she and my father taught, had been sexually assaulted by a professor in another department. My mother, never being a quiet Cajun, rattled bones all the way to the top of the university food chain — and got fired for essentially insubordination. My father’s job was also placed in jeopardy as he stood by his wife without wavering because they both knew what was right. My mother eventually got hired back and the girl went on to live a happy life. I learned then that no matter what it’s your values and your backbone that make up who you are and to never lose sight, never let go of that.

What values do you live by?
Read often. Don’t be a jerk. Apologize when you are wrong. A good friend and gin can cure anything.

What do you most appreciate?
My talent and my inability to ever give up.

What is your favorite journey?
The one I’m always on.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
In my head.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
“I don’t care if you are a garbageman or marry a garbageman, as long as you are happy.” my dad.

What book would you tell everyone to read?
This is almost too painful for me to answer! But I suppose Alice Through the Looking-Glass.

What is the best thing about where you live?
That I never meet a stranger anywhere I go.

How do you “let the good times roll” ?
It starts with a hot cup of coffee in the morning and ends with a hot cup of coffee the next morning, texting people to see who made it to whose home.

What did u want to be when you grew up?
I’ve known I wanted to be a writer since I can first remember being alive. I thought everyone always did until I got a bit older and realized there were other options. I was very surprised!

What is your motto?
“The world is too serious not to laugh at it.”

How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who was passionate and magical.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
“You can always run away to Paris!”

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?
Coffee. Humor. Heart.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I don’t think any are fit to print. I can tell you I am famous for the phrase, “Don’t worry — I’ll figure it out.”

What is your favorite word?
Passion.

What do you collect?
Teacups! Teacups and matching saucers! Give me all your pretty teacups and saucers!

What food could you live on for a month?
Gumbo. Easily.

What would you change about yourself?
I wouldn’t mind having a tail.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?
Probably Rufus T. Firefly. And if you know who that is without looking it up we should be friends!

Describe yourself in five words.
Incorrigible. Silly. Tough. Kind. Mischievous.

What is your idea of happiness?
Maintaining a peaceful and accepting state of mind.

What is your favorite movie?
ROAD HOUSE! I’m known for that. Also Victor/Victoria. If you watch those two movies you pretty much can know everything about me.

What music defines who you are?
Louisiana roots music.

What do you most regret?
Not being who I really am much sooner.

What question do you wish I’d asked?
“Would you like to grab dinner?”

What would the answer be?
“Of course I would!”