About Me

You may not know much about me. Or if you do, you sort of had to gather the information from all over the place. So rather than make a mess with this, I thought I'd create a page entirely about myself as well as this blog to make it easier for you to get to know me better. Of course, I don't get too personal as it is out of respect for my other family members. But I do share some information that I've never shared before. I share some very sensitive information and some that I still may not be comfortable with sharing. But I choose to take the risk. Here are some things I have been asked as well as some things I am likely to get asked. Beware, I may get a bit cheeky here:

BASIC QUESTIONS

How old are you?

Probably best that I don't answer this one, as I would constantly have to change it on a yearly basis. But let's just say that I was 22 when I typed this up.

Where are you from?

I come from a land down under. Just a little country they like to call Australia. And just for the record, I'm not from the outback. I live towards the city of Melbourne. Towards the southern border of Victoria.

Any background?

My father's side of the family is Northern European. A mixture of Swedish and Finnish I think. Not to sure about my mother's side.

Do you speak any other languages?

Nope. Just English. And I may have a hard time understanding some who don't speak it very well as it is their second language. I apologise for that.

Do you have any nicknames?

Of course. I have many. Trav, Travvy, TJ, Teej, Tractor, Trazzi-Apples, Travioli, The Travinator, T-Jimmy, TurkeyJerky. I can go on. But mostly it has been teachers either calling me Trevor, or by my brother's name.

How many siblings?

Just one brother. Our relationship is just like most other sibling relationships.

Do you live on your own?

No, and I don't think I will for quite sometime. It's becoming harder for anybody to make a living nowadays. Still live with my brother and parents.

Do you have friends?

A pretty sad question. I do have friends. Just not the sort I get to hang out with. Unfortunately never had that sort. The people that did often bullied me at school.

Do you have a girlfriend?

Nope.

Have you ever been in a relationship?

No, and I don't like my chances.

What do you do?

Don't have a regular job. But I am a casual film and television extra. I'm also a blogger and gym trainee and an unofficial artist. Unofficial meaning that I made it my own voluntary job.

Do you drink or smoke?

No. I'm quite health conscious. I get that from my mother's side of the family. Don't think I'll ever touch a cigarette and I keep drinking to a minimum at all times.

Do you gamble?

No. Got to have money for that anyway. You can see how enticing it can be to throw money for more in return. But the chance and probability of getting a bigger return is not so friendly. I do hope to avoid such activities and accumulate whatever I earn.

Are you gay?

As of now, no. Might never be. But anything can happen. People can sort of discover this at a late age. Either that or they already can discover it but are not ready to openly reveal it. But I am a straight man with great respect for those that represent the LGBT community.

Do you follow any sporting teams?

Yes! Carlton Football Club (the Blues) in the Australian Football League (AFL) and Melbourne Storm in The National Rugby League (NRL).

ABOUT MY BLOG

What is 'It's The Self That Matters'?

Well it's a blog obviously. My blog.

What is this blog about?

It can be about anything artistic. But the foundation is primarily my vision of the topics.

Why the name?

Believe me, I am not fond of the name. But I wanted to call it something that nobody has thought of. And I wanted it to give away as much of the purpose as possible. The two key words being 'self' and 'matters'. It sounds inclusive. Anyone can say it and it can refer to themselves.

How many blog pieces do you plan on doing?

Depends on what comes to mind. I like to ensure it's something I understand well as well as being something that anyone can relate to. But from 2018, I kind of want an even number of pieces listed under each month. Can't explain why, I just prefer it that way.

What's my standard for a blog piece?

For most blog pieces, it's at least eight paragraphs. Each with 200+ words. Like to ensure they are a reasonable length, well-detailed and address everything that comes to mind. Shows how devoted I am to these topics. Every piece is also accompanied with a (1280 x 720) picture that can relate to the piece. Makes for neatness.

Is there any specific structure?

Not at all. One thing that 'It's The Self That Matters' reflects is the idea that nothing is perfect. Not me. Not anybody. Not even the blog. I try to ensure things makes sense so if I do find spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, I will fix them up. But as for how I phrase certain things, that can remain substandard.

So it's just your opinions in long paragraphs?

Well yes. But when I promote my pieces, I encourage for others to share theirs. As I said, the blog is meant to sound inclusive. Everyone's artistic views are welcome. Art after all is about difference. We're not all going to see eye to eye, as we all like different things.

Why so many incomplete pieces?

That tells you of my writer's block and poor time management. Sometimes it's just me waiting for the moment when I feel I have enough information to complete the piece. That can take months.

And ViewerVision?

Ah, well this is a little something else of my own. When it comes to the films and television shows I watch, there lies some common questions within the masses. Some that do leave you wondering and others that you think everybody should already know the answer to. 'ViewerVision' is both the general view and my take on the general viewer's questions. It also accounts for anytime I haven't mentioned something in a previous piece. Something that people may have been waiting for me to answer. As for the logo, I made it myself. Of course certain elements of it aren't mine but the final product turned out better than I expected. Pretty cool huh?

FAVOURITE THINGS

What is your favourite food?

Usually enjoy any meal with cooked chicken or fish, especially when there is cucumber in the salad mix. However it depends on the time of day and the mood I am in. Also can't eat like I used to.

What is your favourite drink?

Nothing alcoholic, that's for certain. And a big no to energy drinks. I tend to crave milkshakes. Either that or the more uncommon flavours of soft drink. In particular flavours such as Cream Soda and Sarsaparilla. Better stop because I might just about drool.

What is your favourite colour?

I love all shades of blues and greens (more-so greens). I love how they represent the beauty and calmness of the natural environment. The sky, the hills, the rainforest, the ocean, etc. However, my favourite greens would have to be those brighter and less natural shades. Erin, Grass, Harlequin, Lime, Neon, etc.

What is your favourite place?

Anywhere with very little people and very little noise. Open space and the sounds of nature. A place where I can be myself and do as I please with nobody passing by and thinking that I'm strange. And no, when it comes to 'doing as I please', it's not what you're probably thinking. Dirty minded people! Haha!

What is your favourite film?

Can't really answer this one. I like quite a few movies. But I suppose if there was one that I adored that has a powerful story in it, I'd be leaning at the moment towards the Disney's 2016 animated film Zootopia (read Zootopia: The Best In Animation for more).

What is your favourite television series?

Well this one is quite easy to answer; Once Upon A Time. Loved it since the first time I watched it six or seven years ago. Of course it finished in 2018, and I'm upset about it. But I have the entire series on DVD and will get around to watching each season again.

What is your favourite song?

Can't answer this one either. This changes quite frequently as well. And there are far too many good ones to pick from.

What is your favourite sport?

Hard choice between Aussie Rules footy and tennis. Perhaps footy. Do watch a lot of both. Now and then I do also watch cricket (more-so the T20 Big Bash League).

What is your favourite game?

Depends on what one means by game. Video game? Not actually a video game sort of person. Like you won't ever see me playing Fortnite or anything like that. I do though enjoy the more classic stuff like Chess and Trivia. I'm a very old school person. Unusual for my age.

What is your favourite animal?

Don't know why anybody would ask such a question. Let's just say anything adorable like a sugar-glider or something that many might not have heard of like a stoat.

What is your favourite car brand?

This is getting a little silly. When it comes to cars, all I want is one that takes me from point A to point B... and has working airbags.

What was your favourite school subject?

I did have good knowledge in Mathematics, Art, Food and 20th Century History. But overall I don't think I had a favourite subject. You can thank the ugly curriculum for that.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

There are too many to count. But there is one that sticks out from Mr. Winston Churchill. "If you're going through hell, keep going".

What is your dream job?

They call them dream jobs for a reason. No point in answering as it will never come true. Besides, I'm still uncertain about what my dream job is.

What is your life-long goal?

Just to know I have given something for the world to embrace. To know I have inspired others and helped make them become better people. Seems cheesy, but it means a lot.

MORE QUESTIONS

What is it you like doing?

I love many things, and I tend to balance them out now and then. Some I do more often than others. Watch movies, listen to music, self-photography, drawing, puzzles, gearing up, etc. It's all a part of me seeking comfort and communicating messages.

What do you wish doing one day?

There are a lot of things that do look appealing. Skydiving, bungee jumping and overseas holidays. There have even been days when I questioned about getting a motorbike license. It's all to do with the seeking of thrill. I'm always wanting to make my own choices and experience many different things. In fact, I encourage all to make their own choices when they reach the right age (read for It's My Life more). You only live once. Then again, I understand parents' concerns. They want their kids to be safe. Which is why I'm very cautious. And when I make decisions, I'm to try my absolute hardest in proving to mum and dad that I'm aware of the consequences which come with each.

Who do you look up to?

Anybody. So long as they express their passion, deliver the goods, respect others and inspire them to do the exact same thing. I have many different inspirations. Artistic inspirations, Realistic inspirations, Scientific inspirations, etc. When I look to comedy, I think of Rowan Atkinson. When I look to sport, I think of Roger Federer. When I look to music, I think of Sir Barry Gibb. It goes on.

What music are you into?

My taste is picky. But it does spread across many different eras. I really enjoy some of the music from the 70's and 80's. Whether it is the Bee Gees, Elton John or Fleetwood Mac. The music I love usually has to see me find an emotional attachment. It needs me to picture an imaginary scene in my head. One that finds my comfort. Music also needs to sound powerful. Not just beat-wise, but message-wise as well. Interestingly, most of the music I listen to is discovered from TV rather than radio. And all of this began from my love for the Red Hot Chili Peppers (read Don't Stop The Music for more).

Are you a hot weather or cold weather person?

Probably cold weather, as it is easier to work in and there are ways I can tackle it unlike hot weather. But after many months of cold weather, you do naturally tend to welcome the summer sun.

Are you allergic to anything?

For so long I've believed I was allergic to pollen. Might still be the case. But I found myself to have been sneezing a lot around dust. Even was sneezing around my Nan's dog (who is no longer around) many years ago. No known food allergies, which is great. No intolerance to any particular foods either.

Any mental disabilities?

I'm not afraid to admit that I was diagnosed with mild Asperger's Syndrome. You don't necessarily notice it with me, but I do have my quirks. I can be very clever and carry information over a long period of time. However, I tend to not know how to use this information at times. My ability to manage time is poor and I'm always wanting to present things well. Despite my poor organisational skills, I constantly try to organise things and I worry whether or not things are locked or shut properly. Despite being fairly creative, I am not quick-witted. It takes a while for me to come up with something clever to say. And I might not phrase things well a lot of the time. I too will admit that I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and I like to arrange things regularly to a way that fits my mood. Finally, I can struggle to maintain eye contact with people. It's sort of a habit, as I like to think it is a mark of respect in ways. Having now confirmed all of this, hopefully you won't look at me any differently. After all, tags and labels don't always necessarily change products.

Any physical flaws or disabilities?

I actually have a few. When I bend my left arm, the elbow side of my humerus bone pops out. There's no pain, but I get concerned whenever I notice it. My right thumb regularly cracks after I don't move it much, and there is less restriction surrounding the metacarpal bone, making it easier to bend compared to my left thumb. My left knee cracks almost every time I bend it. One of the carpal bones in my left wrist crack every time I shake my hand. Finally, I suffer from mild Ankyloglossia. As of now, I'm uncertain as to whether it affects my eating ability, but it can on some occasions affect my speech and pronunciation of certain words.

Is there anything about yourself you like?

I do like how I mean well. How I understand others pain and wish the very best for them. I also admire my ability to use common sense. I know what's right and what's wrong. And even when I do something wrong, I'm taking time prior to it thinking about whether it is the right thing to do. I look at the pros and cons of my choices and prepare myself for any consequences. I also love my ability to show great respect to other people and how I love to return favours. Most importantly, I love to give and I like how admired such a trait can be (depending on what is given).

Is there anything about yourself you dislike?

As I said, I am not quick-witted. I am not a quick thinker in general. I hate how I say things in the spur of the moment without quickly considering when and where I'm saying these things. I hate not knowing where to draw the line, even when I spend a lot of time thinking about what's okay to say. But mostly, it's hating who I used to be. I was stupid and brainless as a child. I hurt other people and animals, never considering how they felt. I showed little understanding of the world, and made jokes about things that were never to be joked about. And I was all about wanting so much without giving anything in return. I absolutely despised the Travis of old, but I know I can't regret any of him as it has led me to who I am today (read The Room For Improvement for more).

How do you wish to be seen by others?

Not any differently to now. I am a fairly shy person and I am rarely one to start a conversation. But when you get to know me better, you will see someone that likes to give off that positive vibe. I try to make people smile and laugh. I can be exuberant and outgoing once in a while, and will find any time to crack a joke when appropriate. I know when to takes thing seriously, and you may see my morality peak through when I don't follow the pack in rule-breaking. I make mistakes and do silly things, but if ever I offend anyone I will stop and apologise. You could say I'm bit of a goody two-shoes.

SMALL STORIES

Most embarrassing moment.

I like to go back when I was a very young kid. It was a time when I slept walked and strangely enough I remember the moment to some degree. I walked into the laundry and grabbed a bunch of worn clothes from the basket. Next morning I woke up and walked straight to the door of my parents bedroom to let them see for themselves. Remember my mum having lost it. I had another pair of pants over my pyjama ones, a school jumper inside out and... this is super humiliating. A worn pair of my dad's underwear on top of my head.

Most mentally painful moment.

Probably grade three camp, when I was allocated a cabin with a couple of my school yard bullies. They joked about me during night and even threatened to beat me up. Thirteen years ago but it is still quite traumatising to this day (read Hurts Like Hell for more). 

Most physically painful moment.

Probably in the same year. Grade three during a gym class when I stood in the wrong spot and had a cricket bat swung right into my face. May or may not have broken my nose, but definitely left it bloodied. Also had a bit of dead gum hanging inside my mouth for much of the afternoon. Lucky no teeth were broken. But it was definitely my most painful experience. And I was at an age when I didn't tolerate pain very well. Probably answers for my ugliness today. Haha!

Darkest moment.

Would have to be just recently as mentioned in a few of my pieces. The period towards the end of June going into July was a time when I was deteriorating at a rapid rate. A form of anxiety that I never thought I'd come face to face with. It was the questioning of my existence. The fear of reaching the end alone and losing everything. The questions haunted me every minute of the day for five days straight. Poor eating. Little sleep. Nobody there to truly understand me. I hid it from my family, as I didn't want to be prescribed with drugs. But all it took was facing the fear and hearing words from others around the word for me to look beyond this demon. I locked it away and buried it deep within my brain. It will never haunt me again.

Funniest moment.

I've had plenty but one sticks out given the unusual location. Lygon Street in Carlton on a cold, cloudy and somewhat wet day. A trip with the school. We we're assigned a task to gather information in groups of four to five. But it was my interaction with an inspirational school friend (read The Revival for more) that went down as one of my most favourite school memories. A tad embarrassing, but I was laughing with him. I was making myself a public nuisance, trying to impersonate one of the school's teachers (more specifically the way they walked). Demonstrated the movement, only to find that I was getting in somebody's way. A guy that was nearly twice my height. My friend nearly lost it, much to the point where he slipped on the wet steps in front of a store. Had me losing it as well. Name of that store? No joke, it was the popular travel agency 'Flight Centre'. My friend nearly took a flight of his own. Hahaha!
Another thing that still cracks me up to this day is how my brother received a Justin Bieber card for his birthday from our grandmother (she was sort of deteriorating mentally at the time). When you open it up, it plays his song 'Boyfriend'.

Toughest moment.

During my middle high school years, I often attended classes in nothing more than a school t-shirt. Even on the coldest days. I did this believing it would build up my immunity, and it did. Never got sick during those years. But when I chucked the jumper back on, I would not long after lose my ability to take on the coldest of weather. That was the case a couple of years ago. I've had many tough moments, but this was one of the toughest that I can very well recall. My parents are close friends with a musician, who was filming a trailer for a tribute act he was planning with some mates. It was in a large building, with nothing to control the temperature in the room. It was also one of the coldest and wettest days I experienced in years. Didn't rug up in layers of hoodies or jackets like I usually did. Just stuck with the odd one or two and that nearly wasn't enough. No disrespect to the friend of our family, but I sat there all day wanting to go home and relax in my warm bedroom. The best thing to come out of that day was seeing two doves getting it on before I walked into the building that morning. Haha!

SILLY STUFF

Name one thing you can't live without.

A brain. Don't think anybody could live without one of these.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, which one would you be?

None. I don't want to get eaten, nor do I want to rot.

One question that annoys you.

'Can I ask you a question?'. For goodness sake, you already did!

If you were rich, what would you spend your money on?

Interestingly, I wouldn't spend it on big houses, fancy cars, five-star hotels, Las Vegas or diamond rings. I'd save most of it and spend some on what I feel like I need for myself. May even put some aside for a trustworthy charity.

What annoys you most?

Whatever is trending today. Most of what is I tend to consider crap.

You find a genie and they grant you three wishes. What are they?

Enough money to get everything I want, a lifetime supply of food and a quick trip around the world.

Laurel or Yanny?

There's a thing called selective hearing. Turn it on and you'll hear whatever you want to hear. I can hear whichever of the two when I want to.

A Scuba Diver or an Uber Driver?

Don't think I could do either, nor would I. Too many risks involved.

Would you throw a party if you're parents went out for the night?

Depends. What's the occasion?

Pineapple on pizza?

F*** yes! What's wrong with that?!

Tea or Coffee?

Don't mind tea. Not really a coffee person however.

Where do you think you'll be in 10 years time?

Won't think about it. Rather live the 10 years first.

If you had kids, what would you name them?

Any name between common and ridiculous. That means no John, Sam, Tom, Mary or Susie and no Apple, North, Sunday, Chastity or Moon Unit.

What three things would you take with you to an island?

Well it would be whatever helps me survive. Duh! Food, water and any one season of Friends on DVD because that's all the friends I will have.

What would you do if you saw a bear?

I'd run over to cuddle it. You didn't say what kind so I assumed a teddy bear.

If you had your own business, what would it be?

I don't know but it would be one supportive of the general community. Open 24/7 and closed on Sundays.

If you had a memoir, what would it be titled?

'Too much time on your hands'.

Best advice you've been given.

Taking the bus? Get off before the Montague Street Bridge.

Can I ask you a question?

F*** off!

Do you have a joke for us?

Well there was this one about the lottery jackpot, but there's no point in sharing it. I never seem to get it myself. Also had another joke about my vacuum cleaner but won't share that one either. It sucks!

EXTRA DETAILS

- My star sign is Taurus, but I don't believe much in Astrology.

- I can be hot-headed. But very rarely do I show it outside my family.

- I can somewhat fear heights, spiders and very small spaces with limited oxygen.

- I like watching YouTube reaction videos. Prefer those over Gogglebox.

- I have been bitten by a spider and stung by a bee.

- The furthest I have ever been from home is Tocumwal, New South Wales.

- Hoodies are always my go-to choice of clothing.

- I once smashed my left thumb into an active fluorescent light globe many years ago. The scar still remains.

- I have never kissed anybody on the lips and the closest I ever got to a kiss was when a girl kissed me on the cheek in year 7.

- I like art. In particular abstract work that embraces the elements and principles.

- I sing in the shower. I even talk to myself at times.

- I love nature walks.

- I can be a procrastinator and hold things off till the last minute.

- I don't trust people very easily. I often test them to ensure I can. Once I do, I am very respectful towards them.

- You will never find me at a night club or rave. Not my type of socialising.

- I like covering myself up, but not for reasons most others share. My reasons are more associated with my character and love for art. I especially like covering up my eyes (with see-through material of course) so I don't have to deal with the eye contact problem.

- I can often lie, as I sometimes tend to find it sounding more respectful than the truth.

- I have a strong liking for comedy. In particular sitcoms and skit shows from the 20th century. Whether it is America's Three Stooges, England's Blackadder or Australia's Fast Forward. My taste in comedy is most likely anything that may not be politically correct in today's day and age. Comedy is great because laughter is the best medicine.

- I'm not a confectionery sort of person. I like chocolate, but not so much jelly lollies.

- I love to give more than take and when I receive praise, I return it. I'm all for reciprocation.

Anything extra you wish to ask me? Let me know and I'll be sure to share it here.

Travis "TJ" James