—It wasn't anything special. My mom tried her best to make it as good as she could, but everything was limited. I remember I was still happy when I was little, though.
What is your earliest memory?
—When I was 6 my mom took me to the Field Museum for my birthday because I was absolutely obsessed with dinosaurs, and they had just put in the Sue exhibit. I didn't want to see anything else, I just wanted to sit with Sue, claiming that she was going to come to life and we'd be best friends.
How much schooling have you had?
—I completed almost all of high school, but ended up dropping out during my senior yeah. Whoops
Did you enjoy school?
—I did. I enjoyed my classes, and learning any subject I would take. I wasn't the greatest at all of it, but I still liked it.
Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
—Mostly from my mom. She was my only real influence through my formative years, so everything she taught me I picked up. Though in the past few years it's been from my ex, my coworkers, and anyone willing to let me watch and learn.
While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.
—Definitely my mom, for one. I still look up to her a lot. She did so much for me, and sacrificed everything to raise a child. Though, I also had a teacher that I absolutely adored, who was a really supportive force in my life during high school.
While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
—Up until I was 14 I only had my mom. She didn't keep in touch with her parents, and my bio-dad was completely absent. My step-dad and I had a decent relationship, but I I hated my step-brother, and still do actually.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
—When I was really little I wanted to be a singer, and then I wanted to be a zookeeper for dinosaurs, which I didn't find out wasn't a real thing until I was like 12.
As a child, what were your favorite activities?
—I read a lot when I was little, but when it came to friends I actually really liked playing stupid little games, like house or tag. I was so bad at sports, I absolutely hated playing them. My friends loved sports, but usually I just sat and watched them when they would play. I was their own personal cheerleader.
As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?
—I don't know... the same ones I still have? I've always been pretty friendly and happy. I guess I used to be less upfront about my feelings for people. I was more active too, I played a lot outside. When I was a teenager I was pretty messed up, though. I was kind of a bitch, which I think has stuck with me a little bit into adulthood.
As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?
—I had a lot of friends when I was really little; I was friends with almost everyone. By the end of middle school and into high school I was on good terms with people, but I never really considered them friends? I went out to a lot of parties with people, but ultimately I kept myself pretty isolated.
When and with whom was your first kiss?
—My first kiss was when I was 13 and it was with this guy Ben on a dare. He was a "nerd" that a lot of people didn't like, but I actually had a crush on him at the time.
Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
—I am not a virgin, no. My first time— or at least the one I actually count— was when I was 18 and was with my boyfriend at the time.
What is your earliest memory?
My earliest memory is probably vacation to Disney World when I was three. I got to go on the Dumbo ride and it was just the most amazing time ever, oh my God.
How much schooling have you had?
I got a high school diploma, and I took a few college classes when I was in high school, but that’s the most.
Did you enjoy school?
I loved school, actually. I had a lot of friends… More than I can particularly remember right now. It really was the best years of my life.
Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
I guess high school? I took a mixology course before I applied at The Roxy, though.
While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.
My biggest role model was probably my mother. She was so selfless and caring, she knew exactly what people needed and what to say at all the right times. I could only hope to be as amazing as she was.
While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
The only other members of my family were my parents, my parents, so I got along with them very, very well.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child, I wanted to be a princess, typical. As I got older, I wanted to be an actress. As of late, no idea.
As a child, what were your favorite activities?
My favorite activity was probably during Girl Scout cookie selling time. I mean, Girl Scouts was my absolute favorite thing I was a part of, but my favorite time of being in it was definitely that. It was awesome to get to go door to door to sell all the cookies to people and every aspect of it was great, I think.
As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?
I can’t really remember much, I do know that I was talkative - even more so than I am today, and that’s a lot. I was also really out there, I just would keep telling everyone about my personal self. I’d go around and see a cashier and go on and on, “My name’s Jane McKenney, my mommy is a nurse and my daddy is a doctor…. And blah, blah, blah,” a whole lot of junk. Talked about myself constantly, which most kids do, anyway… Although, that sort of ties into the whole talkative thing, I guess?
As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?
I was pretty popular as a child, yeah, I was friends with pretty much everyone, though. I don’t know, I’ve never really been stuck in some sort of social group.
When and with whom was your first kiss?
My first kiss was when I was 11 with this kid named Joey Johnson. He was the cutest boy in the grade! Oh, God, you couldn’t believe. He was in the grade above too, wow, did I score. It was during a friend’s birthday party and us being the cool cats we thought we were, played spin the bottle. When he spun it, it landed on me and it was such a great time for me. Talk about a throwback!
Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
Not a virgin at all. I lost my virginity to my long time best friend Ayden, we were friends since Pre-K and he was the best person ever. We eventually dated in my sophomore year of high school, when I was 15, until the second month of our senior year, after my parents died, when I was 17. We both lost it to each other, which was pretty sweet, I think, and we were both 16 at the time.
Happy for the most part. Kind of chaotic with my mother filling up the majority of my time with music and dance lessons and carting me around all over the state of Texas for pageants--which was kind of stressful to be honest. But time at home was great, I enjoyed growing up on a small farm with horses, chickens, pigs and cows and getting dirty in the mud with my brothers, or just hanging out with my dad when he was home, and learning to cook and bake with mom. So yeah, it was a pretty good childhood.
What is your earliest memory?
Lots of flashbulbs going off at some pageant I won when I was maybe two or three?
How much schooling have you had?
I just graduated from college with a BA degree.
Did you enjoy school?
For the most part. I was one of the popular kids, rarely got picked on too badly and I enjoyed learning. Hated homework, that never changed, hated homework in college as well.
Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
My life skills I learned from my parents, mostly my dad. I learned to be a badass in the kitchen from my mom. The singing, piano, dance and acting came from lots and lots and lots of classes and workshops from the time I was very tiny.
While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.
I'm pretty sure most people have at least one role model growing up, I myself had several. My mom was probably my first role model when I was a little little girl. She always was able to juggle so much to keep the household running smoothly. And with five kids, a part time job, and a small farm to help maintain--she always managed to have dinner on the table when my dad came home from work, and that was very impressive to me for some reason. As I grew up and was introduced to classic films, there was the standard role models for a girl who wanted to be an actress, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn, Greer Garson, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, and of course Marilyn Monroe. They were each screen legends, and I know that Hollywood and the industry is completely different now--but they each represented the kind of lasting impressions in film I hope to leave one day.
While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
We got on well, we had our little tiffs over really stupid things and petty jealousies. But kids bicker and it was never anything that wasn't quickly resolved. As I grew up my relationship with my mother was a bit strained, but she had so many lofty expectations of me and it got to a point where I felt she was living vicariously through me with the whole pageant thing. We butted heads a lot in my teenage years, but since I left home, we're good now. Even if she asks me every time I call home if I'm "engaged yet".
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress.
As a child, what were your favorite activities?
Dance classes, gymnastics, horseback riding.
As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?
Bubbly and outgoing, talkative, daydreamer.
As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?
I got on with everyone growing up. I always had friends, even if I changed friends like a girl changes clothes. I had no real concept of popularity until middle school. I was a cheerleader so that automatically gave me popularity 'status', football is a huge deal in Texas and so being a cheerleader at football games was an automatic door into the in crowd. I still had friendships outside of the popular clique, I was friends with pretty much everyone. My friendship with Avery Brooks is one of my longest friendships and we started off kind of hating each other over a stupid boy.
When and with whom was your first kiss?
I think I was six, and the boy's name was Jimmy Edmunds. He was Han Solo and I was Princess Leia.
Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
No, definitely not a virgin. I don't really want to go into detail, but I was 16 and he was a cheating asshole.
Let me just go consult my birth certificate - wait, nope... don't got that handy. Basically sometime early on March 7th, 1991 in good old LA, CA of the USA. I was supposed to be due on the 5th, but 'lil me was all good chillin' in my Mum's tummy.
Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
Want me to go into detail? Okay, I'll go into detail.
First we got mother dearest; Sydney Vaughn nee Masciolini. Basically the biggest bitch you'll ever meet... don't tell her I said that, or I'm fucked. Actually, let's make sure she doesn't know I said any of what I'm about to - 'cause I'm too pretty to die. She's currently fifty nine, and a five foot fucking ten fire breathing dragon. I love her and all (deep, deep, deep down), but she can be scary. She's a former model turned fashion designer, and knows what she wants. Honestly, I think the only reason she had kids was to ensure they made her a bucket load of money to add to her already overflowing fortune. She's not afraid to tell it how it is, a trait I clearly inherited. Growing up she was never a warm woman, hell, whenever I was around her I avoided eye contact like she was Medusa.
Though let's not put all the blame on her. I've also got a father (I know, shocking right?!). His names Nicholas Vaughn, and he's the CEO of the Vaughn Architectural Firm. He's also pretty damn good at what he does, too. Nine years younger than mother, he's fifty, and the biggest bullshitter to date. 95% of the time whatever he's telling yah is probably horse shit. I'm pretty sure he doesn't even have an honest bone in his body. I mean, yeah, I know he loves his heard of children, but honestly, if one of us were to be taken hostage and they asked for a ransom of a million (which is barely even a dent in his bank account might I add), he'd have a difficult time parting with the money - yah probably thought I'd say he wouldn't do it, but he's not heartless. As I said, he does love us.
And in conclusion, it's clear they were made for each other.
Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
Fucking really? God damn I hate this question. When you've got seven siblings, yah don't wanna have to describe every single one. But, okay, I'll try. Let's go from oldest to youngest, yeah?
First we got Clayton. He's kind of a sore topic, actually. Yah see... he would've been twenty nine this year. Four years ago there was a hit and run, and some fucker left him for dead. He was one of the good ones, yah know? He was always smiling, ever the optimist he was. He was passionate, loving - so full of life. We were never insanely close, but I loved him. He was my big bro, and he didn't deserve to go out like that; his little girl shouldn't have to grow up without a father. You know what, I'm done talking about him.
Second there's Dyson, AKA the biggest douche around. Yah may've guessed we ain't exactly on good terms. Don't get me wrong, he's not a horrible guy, but he's just someone yah don't wanna be around for too long, 'cause somehow he always makes everything about himself. He's one of those egotistical doctor types. Plus, he's also the biggest momma's boy, always greasing up to her and shit. Christ, even thinking about it makes me wanna barf.
Third we have London (with her married name) Barton. She was born 1988, three years before myself. She's not a half bad person, though she can be bitch like the mother, when she feels like it. We always kinda bonded over our hatred for modelling, so there's that. She's super passionate about the environment and shit, which I guess is pretty commendable. Also, she's got a baby on the way, meaning I'm gonna be an uncle for the third time, which I'm super stoked about. Here's to hoping for a boy!
Fourth comes Milah, one of the twins, and a year younger than London. Yah know, thinking about it, we never interacted all that much. It's kinda weird, actually, and I can't really say I know why. I do remember she went through this ridiculously religious phase when she was like sixteen, and carried a bible wherever she went. I'm not sure if she still is, though. We kinda lost touch when she moved outta the country. She was a complete chatterbox, and utterly obsessed with S Club 7 and Brandy, that I remember. It was a challenge to get her to actually shut up.
Fifth is Braxton, the other twin, younger apparently, by only six minutes. Also, the sibling I fucking hate. While Dyson only pisses me off, Braxton drives me up the wall. The guys a fucking arsehole who takes his insecurities out on other people. He's too bitter for his, and everyone else's own good. Sure he's probably got some good qualities somewhere, though I'm still waiting to meet them. I don't care if the parents "never even acknowledged" him, and stopped talking to him after he came out, it didn't give him the right to push Italia down the fucking stairs and attack her daily because "Mum and Dad treat her like some god given gift". Okay, I'm gonna stop before I lose my shit altogether. He just... argh!
Sixth is the best of us, Italia. She's only eleven months younger than me 'cause she was two full months premature. She's the sweetest, kindest girl you'll ever meet, and puts literally everyone before herself. Contrary to popular belief, she's had it pretty fucking rough, though it's not my place to discuss why. Out of all my family, we're definitely the closest, and it's not just because of age. While we're not all that much alike, we understand each other; and in a family like ours, that's something we needed and still do.
Seventh, and last but not least, Reid. Born 1994, he's pretty aptly named, considering he's now a total bookworm. Also, fun fact, he swears like a sailor, and has since he was like ten. Pinky promise I didn't teach him every single one. Overall he's a cool guy, a massive adrenaline junkie, and the most musically inclined of our Brady bunch.
Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.
West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Also, if we're being specific, in a huge fucking apartment building on Sunset Boulevard. It's pretty incredible - my jaw may've hit the ground when I saw my apartment. And if we're being super specific, room... haha, just kidding, I'm not telling you my apartment number.
What is your occupation?
Carpenter... wait, no, that's currently just a dream. A model, actually. Don't try and fight me that it's a good job, I just don't fucking like it. Also, don't ask me why I'm doing it, then. I have my reasons, ones that'll soon come into play so I can flip my agent the middle finger and turn to carpentry full time.
Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks.
Let's see, I'mma just rattle off a bunch a random shit 'bout this hot body. I'm a fucking tall guy, hell, I'm basically the BFG (as long as you don't catch me in a bad mood... or at work, or... okay, scratch that comparison). I'm six foot four, though I think that was a birth right, considering the mother's five ten, and the father's a whopping six foot six. Quite frankly, I ain't got a clue how much I way, though it's probably something like 170 or 180 pounds? I've got a slim, kinda wiry build. I've got muscle, though I wouldn't consider myself "muscular". I'm a pretty pale guy, which is some choice bad luck, considering I'm half Italian. I've got shaggy jet black hair, which I like to think contrast quite nicely with my bright blue eyes. When it comes to clothes, I don't think I have a set style, though I do wear a lot of leather (a lot). I'm pretty fond of muscle tee's too, and skinny jeans are my jam, yah know. Okay, I've got a lotta tattoos, so lemme just list a few of 'em for yah: a cross on my right shoulder blade, a shattered heart on the right side of my chest, a bunch a random ones on my arms (cameras, clocks, Cheshire cat, stars) intertwined with some tribal ones. Also a graveyard on my lower back, rising to my shoulder blades. Oh, and the words, I won't let you break me are written, and wrapped just above my left ankle. I've got a lot of piercings (right nostril, on the left of my bottom lip, and two on each ear - one at the top, and the other at the bottom). I've also got a pretty nasty scar running from my hip to my knee on my left outer thigh.
To which social class do you belong?
Upper?
Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
I can't eat shrimp. If I do, I may or may not die. I'm not sure which, all I know is it hurt like fuck when I had the prick test for it.
Are you right- or left-handed?
I'mma be a righty.
What does your voice sound like?
Deep and sexy, baby... just kidding. Not. My voice is pretty rough.
What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?
I dunno... I guess I say "super" a lot, a variety of curse words, plus I use pet names a lot for females. Like... "babe", "beautiful" and "love". I also say "pretty" a lot.
What do you have in your pockets?
Erm, let me just check. Okay, I got; a screwed up gum wrapper, a condom (just in case, yah know), a few pills in a baggy thing (it's aspirin, don't worry) and my phone.
Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
The basic details are the very building blocks that make up our characters. They help shape who our characters are and what they will become. This task is an exercise in exploring your character's basic details.
Please answer these questions in character. There is no length requirement as each character is different with how much or how little they would tell. Nothing that is read is considered known information to any other character unless specifically told by that character.
Completed samples of this task can be found here (x) and here (x).
Please use read more cuts on your posts and tag them #7950wstask
Task #002 will be posted in two weeks on December 19th.
Tasks are not mandatory, just for fun and character development purposes.
Part 1: The Basics
What is your full name?
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Where and when were you born?
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Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
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Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
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Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.
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What is your occupation?
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Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks.
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To which social class do you belong?
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Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
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Are you right- or left-handed?
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What does your voice sound like?
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What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?
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What do you have in your pockets?
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Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
