I’m a big fan of questions and prompts as you’ve likely gathered by now. The Share Your World challenge invites us to share a few random bits of information in the form of answers to Cee’s questions of the week. This week’s questions are below. Visit the original entry to play along!

Since we are approaching the hottest part of our summer in the northern hemisphere, what’s your favorite ice-cream or sorbet flavor?

I can’t eat a lot of dairy – more than a little gives me a headache and sick stomach for the better part of a day afterward. But in the past several years, many dairy free alternatives have come out. I remember trying “Ice Bean” made with soy milk in the mid 90’s and finding it awful with a grainy texture and aftertaste. Now, though, some of the coconut milk based ones, in particular are really good.

But my absolute favourite would be lemon sorbet. There’s something about the tart flavour that is so refreshing.

How often do you people watch?

How often do I see people? I’m always people watching. I’m curious about everyone. Living in the city is especially good for this as there are always people doing surprising and interesting things. Someone might be dancing to their own music on the opposite platform, another person could be wearing a cool outfit. I might be touched by seeing a dad reading to his daughter on the subway or a stranger helping an old woman find her way in the city. You never know what you’ll see if you keep your eyes open out in the world. Sometimes, after watching them a bit it’s fun to go talk to them.

If you had a choice which would be your preference salt water beaches, fresh water lakes, ocean cruise, hot tub, ski resort or desert?

Salt water beaches for sure. We have one of the biggest lakes in the world just a short transit ride from home. It’s nice, but it can’t compare to sitting on a beach. A desert is a close second. But really, I love people (see the previous answer) so really, before any of those I’d take a city. Put me in a park filled with people, or a lively cafe and I’m happy.

What did you appreciate or what made you smile this past week? 

I have really appreciated Sage helping me stay on track this week. She’s been an “accountability partner – with teeth.”  The arrangement is simple: I make a list of things I want to get done in the day – Hindi study, work tasks, exercise, household chores. These must be done or I forfeit my spending money for the week. I can earn some of it back the usual way – but that’s not the only penalty. I also clean the cat litter box for at least two days. To me this is far worse than losing any sum of money. As you might imagine, facing that kind of consequence has meant that I am getting all sorts of things done. I’ve had the most productive week in recent memory on all fronts.