What’s your full name? 

Jessica Arron Yocum

Were you named after anyone?

My middle name was after Elvis’s middle name – though according to his grave it’s spelled wrong.

What’s your average day like?

Kind of uneventful. My fiancée and I have just started a new diet so I spend a ridiculous amount of time looking for new recipes to keep us actually interested in eating.  You’ll find me cleaning, reading, doing laundry, packing a bit here and there for our upcoming move and on a good day I’ll get some sketching/painting done.

Other than that you can often find me hanging out in the bathroom singing a lot of sad songs. 

How far away do you live from where you were born? 

I live about 700 miles away from home right now. 

Is that distance something you think about? Do you any connection to your place of birth?

I don’t really think about it until we have to drive that distance. It’s exhausting. I definitely do feel a connection to Nebraska and I get excited when it’s mentioned in a book or a movie. It certainly isn’t the most exciting place in the world but it’s home. 

What do you consider to be your “home”?

I always refer to Nebraska as home but when it comes down to it I would say that anywhere I’m living with Chase (my fiancée) is my home. 

What’s your ideal way to spend the holidays? 

Holidays are very stressful and family gatherings can be tough to get through! If I had it my way I’d rather just go on vacation to beautiful places. That or we just stay home and watch Columbo. 

What items do you always take with you when you leave the house?

My phone, my wallet and at least one book – though I often have two or three in my bag. 

When you look in the mirror, what do you notice first about your appearance?

The rough shape my poor hair is in. It’s thinning much more than it should be at my age and it gets me feeling pretty low. It’s become my biggest insecurity. It used to be so thick and lovely. The only thing I have going for me now is that it’s wavy so I can at least fake the thickness. 

If you could change something about your appearance, what would it be?

Definitely my hair! And then my teeth. 

What do you first notice in strangers? 

Whether or not they’re looking at me. And then whether or not it’s a kind look. 

What do you think those that know you say about you?

Oh, dear. I fear that some say I annoy them and that I’m not smart. But I think there are others that would speak kindly of me. 

What would you hope they would say? 

I hope they think I am funny and kind and intelligent. 

What do you think strangers notice first about you?

I know that strangers don’t actually give a shit about me or notice much but I feel like many think I am funky or gross looking. I’m always worried about what I’m wearing. I never feel comfortable in my clothes. 

What is your proudest moment? Biggest victory?

I’m not sure I’ve done very much to be proud of though I am very happy to say that I have sold a few paintings. 

What is your biggest regret? Biggest failure? 

My biggest regret is ever getting with my first boyfriend. He was abusive. He changed me. 

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I would be less scared and more ambitious. 

What makes life worth living?

A cup of coffee in the morning. Singing. Sad movies. Mysterious books. Chase dancing to his favorite music. Pets being happy to see you. A good cuddle before bed. And the perfect squishy kiss. 

What is the one rule you try to live by? Do you feel successful at following it? 

I’m not sure how to answer this one. Be kind. Be understanding. Be empathetic of those in different situations. Maybe sometimes I don’t succeed at this but I do try.