Tam Velo Club Member Carolyn Yates Answers the Proust Questionnaire
The Proust Questionnaire was a game that French novelist Marcel Proust would play at his parties. He felt a person would reveal their true nature in how they answered. We're asking it with a cycling twist to your fellow TVC members so you can get to know them a little better.
Describe yourself in ten words or less.
Strong willed and independent.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Accepting the things that you cannot change and having the ambition and courage to work hard on the things that you can and want to change.
What is your greatest fear?
Letting myself down.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Tendency to autopilot to defensiveness.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
People who are okay with walking slowly :) I lived in NYC for 6 years and it rubbed off on me! We got places to go and people to see! No time to lollygag! I could probably relax on this a little haha.
Which living person do you most admire?
Stacey Abrams
What is your greatest extravagance?
Signing up for 2021 Ironwoman Coeur d' Alene! The race itself is expensive, having to keep three sports worth of gear up and running, and the training time! time is money right?!?! Totally worth it though! Completing an Ironwoman has been a dream of mine for years...now I just have to make sure the training doesn't kill me!
What is your current state of mind?
I wasn't planning on answering this question but vulnerability and openness are important. I think there is an immense pressure to be "okay" and put on a "good face" when really, sharing struggles can help other people feel less alone in their own struggles. So, my current state of mind is very fragile and easily teeters to depression and severe grief. The past year and a half of my life has been incredibly difficult. After uprooting my entire life and moving from NYC to Boulder, CO to start a new chapter of life with a man who I loved with all of my heart, he decided that he actually wasn't ready and broke things off. I was all alone in this new town, missing my friends in NYC, and completely heartbroken. I decided to stay and continue working on rebuilding my personal physical therapy business (Verity Physical Therapy & Wellness) and dig deep into self-perseverance. But then just a short three months later, COVID hit and shut everything down. So I decided that, after 15 years of being away from family and California, it was time to move home. It was a hard decision but I knew I needed support and my family was waiting with open arms. Shortly after I moved home another tragedy hit; my brother, who is just 16 months older than I am, passed away. He had lost his way a few years ago and struggled with alcoholism. It has been a very tough year for so many reasons. I am so grateful for the TVC group because riding on Saturday mornings is a wonderful distraction! Thank you to all who come out each week and play a part in helping me smile!
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
I agree with Tim's answer! If it's a virtue then how can it be overrated?! :)
On what occasion do you lie?
When I want to get something from someone! Juuuuust kidding! Again, I second what Tim said; so as not to hurt a person's feelings. But even then, I think it is best to speak the truth but speak it gently.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Sometimes my hair does this weird flippy thing. That's annoying ;) But seriously, I try to practice and encourage positive self-talk. We are all perfect and beautiful the way we are!
Which living person do you most despise?
Trump, McConnelll, Graham, Cruz...oh sorry, just one?!?! Oh and all of the Congress men and women who voted against the certification of Biden as president. Their dissenting votes encourage the incredibly heartbreaking divide that our country is experiencing.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Ya but...
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Running; it is my #1 love, my meditation, my happy place.
When and where were you happiest?
Summer/Fall 2017 in NYC. My ex-husband and I had split in May on really good terms. (Side note: him and I got married when we were 22 with all intentions of being together forever of course. But as we grew up, as one tends to do in their 20's..., and after 8 years of marriage, we realized we would be happier apart. We are still friends and I recently had dinner with him and his fiancé.) That summer/fall was the most carefree, exciting, fun time of my life. I had the most amazing time with my girlfriends doing what single women do in NYC; laughing, loving each other, drinking, dancing, supporting each other, commiserating about the dumb NYC men, exploring NYC!
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to play the guitar.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would love to be less defensive.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
What is your most treasured possession?
My bike!
What is your most marked characteristic?
I'm very handy and capable. My girlfriends in NYC would often call me to help them with things like mounting a TV or moving heavy furniture instead of our guy friends. And aside from my couch, I moved all my furniture into my apartment (up one flight of stairs) by myself...that includes my queen-sized bed. I wish someone had videoed me moving that damn bed up the stairs, it would be quite comical to watch! I SHOULD have called for help but I was too impatient and just wanted it done!
Who is your hero of fiction?
Professor Severus Snape. He was the true hero of the Harry Potter series!
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg! I don't necessarily identify with her per se but instead, I strive to be more like her! I admire the ability she had to be calm and use words so eloquently. What an amazing woman she was!
Who are your heroes in real life?
My mother. She has overcome a lot of trials and tribulations in her life.
Who are your favorite cyclists?
Lance Armstrong!!!! Haha. Just kidding! But really, his is the only cyclist's name that I know.
What is it that you most dislike?
Slow walkers ;)
What is your greatest regret?
Not trying harder to mend my relationship with my brother before it was too late.
What is your motto?
I have a lot these days! Not really all "mottos" but daily reminders. - Courage dear heart. - Stay open. - She believed she could so she did. - Every day is a new opportunity to make yourself proud. - Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path. - The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most of every day. - Don't fight for people who are willing to loose you. - Let go of how you thought your life should be, and embrace the life that is happening right now. - Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore
Sunglasses under or over helmet straps?
Haha! Under.
Any lucky charms, stuff or ritual?
The headlamp that my brother gave me. It lights my way on my early morning bike rides and I know my brother is keeping me safe!
Describe yourself in ten words or less.
Strong willed and independent.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Accepting the things that you cannot change and having the ambition and courage to work hard on the things that you can and want to change.
What is your greatest fear?
Letting myself down.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Tendency to autopilot to defensiveness.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
People who are okay with walking slowly :) I lived in NYC for 6 years and it rubbed off on me! We got places to go and people to see! No time to lollygag! I could probably relax on this a little haha.
Which living person do you most admire?
Stacey Abrams
What is your greatest extravagance?
Signing up for 2021 Ironwoman Coeur d' Alene! The race itself is expensive, having to keep three sports worth of gear up and running, and the training time! time is money right?!?! Totally worth it though! Completing an Ironwoman has been a dream of mine for years...now I just have to make sure the training doesn't kill me!
What is your current state of mind?
I wasn't planning on answering this question but vulnerability and openness are important. I think there is an immense pressure to be "okay" and put on a "good face" when really, sharing struggles can help other people feel less alone in their own struggles. So, my current state of mind is very fragile and easily teeters to depression and severe grief. The past year and a half of my life has been incredibly difficult. After uprooting my entire life and moving from NYC to Boulder, CO to start a new chapter of life with a man who I loved with all of my heart, he decided that he actually wasn't ready and broke things off. I was all alone in this new town, missing my friends in NYC, and completely heartbroken. I decided to stay and continue working on rebuilding my personal physical therapy business (Verity Physical Therapy & Wellness) and dig deep into self-perseverance. But then just a short three months later, COVID hit and shut everything down. So I decided that, after 15 years of being away from family and California, it was time to move home. It was a hard decision but I knew I needed support and my family was waiting with open arms. Shortly after I moved home another tragedy hit; my brother, who is just 16 months older than I am, passed away. He had lost his way a few years ago and struggled with alcoholism. It has been a very tough year for so many reasons. I am so grateful for the TVC group because riding on Saturday mornings is a wonderful distraction! Thank you to all who come out each week and play a part in helping me smile!
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
I agree with Tim's answer! If it's a virtue then how can it be overrated?! :)
On what occasion do you lie?
When I want to get something from someone! Juuuuust kidding! Again, I second what Tim said; so as not to hurt a person's feelings. But even then, I think it is best to speak the truth but speak it gently.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Sometimes my hair does this weird flippy thing. That's annoying ;) But seriously, I try to practice and encourage positive self-talk. We are all perfect and beautiful the way we are!
Which living person do you most despise?
Trump, McConnelll, Graham, Cruz...oh sorry, just one?!?! Oh and all of the Congress men and women who voted against the certification of Biden as president. Their dissenting votes encourage the incredibly heartbreaking divide that our country is experiencing.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Ya but...
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Running; it is my #1 love, my meditation, my happy place.
When and where were you happiest?
Summer/Fall 2017 in NYC. My ex-husband and I had split in May on really good terms. (Side note: him and I got married when we were 22 with all intentions of being together forever of course. But as we grew up, as one tends to do in their 20's..., and after 8 years of marriage, we realized we would be happier apart. We are still friends and I recently had dinner with him and his fiancé.) That summer/fall was the most carefree, exciting, fun time of my life. I had the most amazing time with my girlfriends doing what single women do in NYC; laughing, loving each other, drinking, dancing, supporting each other, commiserating about the dumb NYC men, exploring NYC!
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to play the guitar.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would love to be less defensive.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
What is your most treasured possession?
My bike!
What is your most marked characteristic?
I'm very handy and capable. My girlfriends in NYC would often call me to help them with things like mounting a TV or moving heavy furniture instead of our guy friends. And aside from my couch, I moved all my furniture into my apartment (up one flight of stairs) by myself...that includes my queen-sized bed. I wish someone had videoed me moving that damn bed up the stairs, it would be quite comical to watch! I SHOULD have called for help but I was too impatient and just wanted it done!
Who is your hero of fiction?
Professor Severus Snape. He was the true hero of the Harry Potter series!
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg! I don't necessarily identify with her per se but instead, I strive to be more like her! I admire the ability she had to be calm and use words so eloquently. What an amazing woman she was!
Who are your heroes in real life?
My mother. She has overcome a lot of trials and tribulations in her life.
Who are your favorite cyclists?
Lance Armstrong!!!! Haha. Just kidding! But really, his is the only cyclist's name that I know.
What is it that you most dislike?
Slow walkers ;)
What is your greatest regret?
Not trying harder to mend my relationship with my brother before it was too late.
What is your motto?
I have a lot these days! Not really all "mottos" but daily reminders. - Courage dear heart. - Stay open. - She believed she could so she did. - Every day is a new opportunity to make yourself proud. - Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path. - The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most of every day. - Don't fight for people who are willing to loose you. - Let go of how you thought your life should be, and embrace the life that is happening right now. - Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore
Sunglasses under or over helmet straps?
Haha! Under.
Any lucky charms, stuff or ritual?
The headlamp that my brother gave me. It lights my way on my early morning bike rides and I know my brother is keeping me safe!
