This week in the Blogerati Files, clara*s victory dance

Describe your blog in 10 words or less.
A somewhat humorous exaggeration of my pseudo-adventures.

Why did you start your blog? Blogiversary?
My blog was born of frustration on the evening of May 15, 2004. I needed something that was mine alone. I was trying to assert my individuality/personality. All over the internet.

How long have you lived in Toronto?
Nearly three years now. I fell in love with Toronto on my first visit. I knew this would be my home someday and BAM -13 years later I'm a Torontonian. Yeah I'm pretty impulsive.

What's the funniest/strangest thing that has happened to you in Toronto? Did you blog about it?
Well I pretty much blog about anything remotely exciting or slightly amusing. In fact when I couldn't think of an answer to this question I started strolling through my archives. Let's see, we thought the office was on fire and the entire building ran down 29 flights of stairs in 2 minutes. Well I ran, others filed politely. Technically I raced, leapfrogging others when necessary. Plus one time I saw Jean ChrĂŠtien coming out of a restaurant, but there was no leapfrogging involved.

What are some of the changes in Toronto that you have seen in your lifetime?
Since I've been in the city I've seen the TTC fare go up 50 cents. Well I haven't been here all that long. I lived on a farm before this, cut me some slack.

What era, day or event in Toronto's history would you like to re-live and why?
I feel like I missed out on some sort of Torontonian rite of passage by not being here for the Blackout and SARS. I would have liked to have those experiences under my belt. No really.

Who's your favourite Torontonian?
Celebrity Torontonian would be Erick McCormack because I love Will & Grace so much it hurts me. I cried like a baby when it ended. But that might have been the scotch. Favourite real Torontonian that I know would have to be Jeremy, my boyfriend. How cheesy I know. Well he was actually the first person I met that was from Toronto. Picture this - a farm girl goes to university in the 'big city' (Guelph) and meets a quirky metrosexual born and raised in the heart of a city she has always wanted to be a part of. He remains to this day my quintessential Torontonian.

Can we believe everything you post on your blog?
Yes! I never (outright) lie. I'll dance around the truth and blow things out of proportion but that's it. And only if it amuses people. Well me.

Has blogging changed you or enhanced a personality trait?
Dear lord yes! I've been passionate about writing since grade 2 but I only ever wrote fiction and poetry. The sort of light-hearted regaling I do now has made me more present in life. Does that make sense? I notice things more and enjoy them as they are happening.

Do you have a favourite post from your blog?
Right off the bat I think of the controversial feetgina post. I debated whether or not to post it but the desire to entertain and titillate is strong within me.

Have you had your 15 minutes yet?
I thought that's what this was.

Ever met a stranger who already knew you through your blog? How was that?
Yeah I've met a few people who read my blog first, most recently Aerik. It's always gone well, great even. I didn't feel like I had to project my personality as they already had an idea of what I was about from the blog. I liked that. It was much more comfortable than meeting strangers usually is.

Lose any friends or muck something up because of a post?
Nope. I was tutored well in blog etiquette by my 'mentor' Maria. She took it upon herself to introduce me to all things Toronto when I moved here.

You have the opportunity to gather with 5 of your regular readers - who are they, where do you meet and what do you talk about?
Well I'd have invite everyone who can get out there to my parents farm in Niagara Falls. We'd have a pig roast and a chocolate fondue fountain and spend the evening eating, dancing and talking about me. More specifically what we all find so fascinating about me.

What's happening in Toronto right now that the rest of us should be watching?
Toronto Trek 20 July7-9. George Takei is going to be there! It's a fan run convention and it's not just for trekkies. There's stuff for fans of Buffy, Stargate, Anime, Comics, Harry Potter and more. Anything Science Fiction and Fantasy! I'm so freaking excited! This will be my third year attending.

If your blog were a food, what food would it be?
Mint chocolate chip ice cream. It doesn't seem like it should be good, but it really is delicious. Not too sweet, kinda cool, a little fresh. Mildly offbeat .

If you could gather all of the bloggers of the world together into one room and tell them one thing, what would it be?
Let's get out of here before one of those things kills Guy!

Have you ever had a question you wanted to ask random people throughout the world?
Y'know I would love to ask about people's dreams. Not like hopes and aspirations and junk but actual sleeping dreams. Like Mr. Peanut chasing you down a dimly lit corridor with that damn cane. Step step tap, step step tap. Grinning evilly and peering through his monocle...shudder...

Anything else you'd like to add...
I think bloggers are a special breed. Introspective extroverts and extrospective introverts. Love it.