Tossing Salt Presents:
Ultimate X Q&A #99
Random Questions from the Land of Tweets
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

Every day, my Twitter feed is filled with dozens of random questions. This is where I provide the answers. It’s the Ultimate X Q&A. Let’s do this.

Which decade do you think had the best music?

That’s a tough question because I love music from pretty much all periods pre-2005. But I’ll go with 1975 – 1985. The best of the hard rock and album rock mixed with the magic and creativity that was the early ’80s and MTV. It was a great time for music.

What’s your go-to nighttime snack?

When in doubt, chicken nuggets are always the way to go. Tangerines are pretty damn awesome too.

What’s the most painful thing you’ve ever stepped on barefoot?

It could be glass, nails, Legos, or rocks. I’ve experienced all of those. But I’ll go with the Sand Spurs that pop up in the yard. Those little bastards hurt.

Are you usually late or early?

I am always early. In my mind, if I’m on time, that’s the same as being late, and I don’t do “being late”. Dougie don’t play that!

What do you listen to while cleaning?

I’ll usually just go for a mixed playlist on YouTube and crank it up really loud as I clean. But the best artists to listen to while cleaning are Yelawolf, Eminem, and Struggle Jennings.

What would your role be in the Wild Wild West?

Given my anxiety and personality quirks, I’d be the strange old man who lives just outside of town, only comes to town to get supplies, and is known as that “Educated fellow from back East”. Most of the town would know of me and say that I’m a friendly enough guy, but a little on the odd side.

What book/book series would you want to live in?

I would say the world of Harry Potter, but I’d be murdered by the Death Eaters rather quickly. How about the Twilight Series? Chill with both the Cullens and Wolves, being a peacemaker of sorts, and living that small-town life, but with vampires and werewolves. It’d be pretty cool.

Who is the strangest person in your family, and why?

We’re all strange in our own ways. That’s what makes us who we are. And the strangest? I’ll take that title. I’ve earned it.

Have you ever traveled solo? How did you find it?

I did a ride from Connecticut to North Carolina by myself and a few dozen rides between Laurinburg and Wilmington. But aside from that, I don’t travel alone. Those trips were of necessity or for a purpose. I tend to do better if I have someone else in the car with me.

Do you think that being the youngest/oldest/middle sibling has affected your personality?

I am the youngest of five kids, and yes, it had a big effect on my personality and who I am. I learned to be ignored and an afterthought in comparison to the older kids, but I also learned how to play with the parents and manipulate them when needed by watching my siblings. I also learned to suppress my feelings and hide in the shadows when necessary. Yeah, it affected me.

What’s a snack you can’t resist, even if you’re full?

Banana pudding or cheesecake. I admit it. I’m addicted.

Did you get to meet your great-grandparents?

I’ve met my Mom’s grandma, Granny Jo, but I don’t remember it. I was very young at the time, but I’ve seen pictures. The same goes for my Grandpa on my Mom’s side. I know of him and there are pictures, but I don’t remember him. I did get to know my Mom’s mother, plus my Grandma Vick and Grandpa Raymond, from my Dad’s side. Very cool people.

If you were to name a person who brightens your life, who would you choose?

I can name two. My bro-son. The infamous K-Mak, and my currently estranged, but future ex-husband, Eric. I love both of these men and they always make me feel better with their mere presence and being.

Is there something in your life that makes you feel overwhelmed?

Dealing with my Mom. Mom is a dominating type of personality, but she’s also getting more out there at times, and it’s hard to deal with. My entire body tenses up when she comes around and I just have to bite my tongue and watch myself. It’s physically and emotionally draining. I hate it, but it’s my Mom and I have to do what I have to do.

And there you go. Thanks for reading. Comments, thoughts, and any questions are welcome and appreciated. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe. And with that, let’s close up the shop today. Take care and be well, my friends. I’ll see you at the Gorilla exhibit.

Ubuntu!