Someday it’ll be 100 things

  1. I have an intense, irrational hatred of plastic-coated paper clips.
  2. Putting things in order soothes me. You’d never know this by visiting my home.
  3. I started wearing glasses at the age of 3.
  4. I very rarely watch network television.
  5. I have met and had my picture taken with my all-time favorite author. It’s one of my most cherished memories.
  6. Bananas make my throat hurt.
  7. When my daughter was born, the doctor told me she had type AB+ blood, and basically accused me of cheating on my husband. We didn’t find out until she was 22 that her blood is actually O+, like me. (OK, that’s not really about me, but it’s interesting, no?)
  8. I can sing “Jesus Loves Me” in Japanese.
  9. I’m allergic to penicillin.
  10. The first love note I ever got was given to me in 4th grade by a boy named David Ford. I still have it.
  11. I have carpal tunnel syndrome so severe in my right wrist that my hand is numb 99% of the time. I’m used to it.
  12. I haven’t spoken to my oldest brother in more than 20 years.
  13. When I ask a question, I prefer to place the (pro)noun before the verb (”Why you are going to bed now?”) instead of the “correct” way. It feels more natural to me.
  14. I believe the grammatical rule against ending sentences with a preposition is archaic bullshit.
  15. Washcloths are one of my favorite items in the whole world. I keep a huge stack of clean ones under the sink, and almost always have a fresh, damp one with me to freshen up with.
  16. There is no recognized religion with which I agree 100%. My own personal faith is made up from parts of many different faiths — primarily Buddhism and Wicca. I usually refer to myself as a Jewiccahist.
  17. I’m a lifelong, diehard fan of science fiction, but I’ve never seen Forbidden Planet, The Day The Earth Stood Still or 2001: A Space Odyssey.
  18. I got my first tattoo at the age of 50. It’s a purple and turquoise yin-yang symbol on my right ankle.
  19. I have had the same best friend for almost 40 years.
  20. The only climate I love more than desert is coastal. For me, the perfect spot to live would be someplace where the desert comes right up to the seashore. Unfortunately, the only time I’ve lived in such a locale was my young childhood in Tripoli, Libya (my father was stationed at an Air Force base there).
  21. I drink at least 16 ounces of milk every day because I LOVE it. If I ever become lactose-intolerant, I’ll be suicidal.
  22. Practicing feng shui has changed my life dramatically, and I absolutely believe in its influence.
  23. I hate loud noises. ANY loud noise. Even the most excellent music becomes obnoxious when played too loud.
  24. I’m so allergic to metal that I can only wear stainless steel or copper. Even gold gives me a rash.
  25. I love the ocean, but hate the taste of seaweed.
  26. My favorite color is pink.
  27. I adore Googie architecture and decor.
  28. If I never had to see any the Star Wars movies ever again, I would be a happy, happy girl.
  29. I could watch a Star Trek movie every night of my life. Any Star Trek movie.
  30. I don’t have the slightest desire to own a Mac computer.
  31. I have a 24-inch inseam. Although I am only 5 feet tall, that is SHORT. My legs are so short, they just barely reach to the ground.
  32. I have a lucky bamboo plant named Ping, which is the Chinese word for balance. It also has geeky connotations, which is perfect for me.
  33. I own more vinyl albums than CDs. Probably five times as many, actually.
  34. I hate lettuce. I take it off sandwiches, and will only eat salads if they are drenched in dressing.
  35. I have a very difficult time going to sleep without a cat on or against me. This is a definite problem when I travel.
  36. I can barely bring myself to drink bottled water because of the bacteria levels in it. The only brand I truly trust is Dasani, and I could be fooling myself there.
  37. I didn’t like The Princess Bride the first time I saw it. I watched it again recently … and still don’t like it.
  38. In my opinion, Gerard Butler is the sexiest man alive. Monica Bellucci is the sexiest woman alive. But ask me next week and I may have different answers.
  39. My two most favorite “vegetables” are actually not vegetables. Tomatoes are fruit, and peas are legumes.
  40. I love bugs and reptiles, but have a phobia of spiders since being bitten by one in Georgia, which made me deathly ill and took more than a year to heal.