What I Enjoy – Carlene McCaughey
Occupation: Community Advocate
Family: Husband Robert McCaughey; together, we have five grown children
Years in the North State: I was raised here from 1970-1989 and moved south. I came back four years ago.
What do you enjoy most about living in the North State? There is so much to explore in our area, but my favorite is our creeks. I love finding a great swimming or fishing hole in the middle of the forest. The sound they make is so therapeutic and I love finding heart rocks to add to my collection.
If you could have dinner with any cartoon character, who would it be? I like true crime stories, so I’d definitely accept an invitation from Wonder Woman for dinner. I bet she would have some fantastic adventures to share with me.
What’s the silliest thing you believed in as a kid? I was obsessed with bullfrogs and I was told if I kissed the right one it would turn into a prince, but the wrong one would give me warts. (Yes, I tried. I got neither. It doesn’t work, folks.)
What’s your go-to karaoke song? I have Mixed Spasmodic Dysphonia, so when I can’t talk, I can sing or scream—which means I sing a lot. My favorite is “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” but the most requested is “Harper Valley PTA.” I love classic country.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Did you like it? Octopus. It was chewy and tough—I didn’t like it.
Best pieces of advice you’ve received? To be criticized by an enemy is to be criticized, but to be criticized by a friend is to be loved. Know the difference.
If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be? I’d love to play guitar. My father, brother, and son are all talented musicians and my dad even has two gold records from the ’70s.
If you could swap lives with any historical figure for a day, who would it be? Ada Lovelace. She was a true computer science pioneer. Her notes on the analytical engine and algorithm design were visionary. She’s often considered the world’s first computer programmer. Her legacy still inspires STEM students today, my son included.
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things (not people) would you want to have with you? Food, fresh water and a working satellite phone so I could call to be rescued IF I was ready to leave.
If you could live inside the world of any book for a week, which one would you choose? Even though I’m not what you would call a Harry Potter book fan, it would be so much fun to live in a world where that kind of magic really did exist!
