This Blog Temporarily Closed

Have you ever been doing something routine, like doing the dishes, and had a completely random thought? Like, "Hey, I have a blog!" Oh yeah. I promise to get some pictures together and post something soon. In the meantime, here's 25 Random facts about me, recycled from Facebook:

1. I cannot sleep when I have something on my mind. It's 11:15. I should be trying to wind down, but no. I have this 25 Random things list on my mind and can't rest until it's done!

2. I met my husband, David, when we were both working at the Ridgeway Four Movie Theatre. We've don't get back there too often, but it will always be a special place for us. The smell of popcorn always takes me back....just kidding.

3. I love the beach, but not getting in the water. I am terrified of sharks! I saw the movie Jaws when I was 10 and slept on my parents' floor for a week. I still do not like even getting in the swimming pool alone. He might be there, lurking in the deep end. Maybe I should get some therapy for this issue...

4. My sister and I have the same recurring dream, often on the same night and often when we sleep in the same room together. (which hasn't happened in many years) We are little, like 6 and 8, and we're driving my Mom's old car, Goldy. I think I'm working the pedals and she's steering. Maybe it's a metaphor?

5. I have two kids, Chandler(6) and Callie (3). Yes, we got Chandler's name from "Friends", but he is not named AFTER him. (Come to think of it, Gum would be perfection.) Chandler actually named his sister. After we found out we were having a girl, we were reading names aloud from one of those name books. Chandler, who was 2 at the time, latched on to the name "Callie" and chanted it for three hours. It stuck. I have miscarried 3 babies and our family doesn't feel complete yet. We are hoping the Lord will bless us with one more.

6. I hate buffets. I try to avoid them at all costs. Any one time I surrender, I will be the one with hair in my food.

7. When I was younger, I wanted to be a writer or an actress. I used to write all kinds of plays for my friends and I to act out. Then as an adult I developed a fear of public speaking. Isn't it ironic, don't ya think?

8. Ever since I was a little, I have loved to read. I used to hide in my closet with a flashlight late at night, so my Mom wouldn't catch me. There was a time when I had drifted in the genre of mindless chick lit. A Book Club friend recommended a new author, Elizabeth Peters. She is amazing. Ever since then, I can't go back to pointless romantic drivel. (I am NOT including Twilight in this, as it most certainly does not meet the criteria.) Anyway, I love a good story, surprises, and of course, happy endings.

9. I detest seafood. I have serious psychological issues with it. Maybe it has to do with the sharks. There was a time when Dave couldn't order it at a restaurant and expect to sit next to me. I have since learned to breathe through my mouth. So I guess worst possible food scenario for me would be a seafood buffet.

10. I love to travel. I start to get itchy if I don't have some sort of trip planned. I only have one stamp in my Passport, which is about to expire. My Dad took my sister and I to Amsterdam many years ago. Langstraat is Dutch, in case you were wondering. Dave and I hope to go to Europe some day. And Hawaii. We have been on 3 cruises. We're taking our 4th in March, this time with kids. It will probably be a little different.

11. I love roadtrips. I could drive forever. Calories from a gas station convenience store off some random exit don't count. We used to drive across country to Arizona when I was a kid/teenager. Once I got that learner permit my family would go to sleep and I would just keep driving and driving. Man, our blue Dodge van could fly!

12. I started girls night out about a year ago with some good friends. I didn't even know a piece of me was missing until then. Don't worry, it's found now. It's nice to be with other women who "get" you. We always have a blast and I feel like I'm 16 again! And then I come home, hopefully a better, refreshed, mom and wife.

13. I loathe laundry. It is never complete. Even if your hampers are empty, there is always the clothes you're wearing. I look forward to when the kids are old enough to do their own laundry. (and vacuum, and clean bathrooms, etc.)

14. I haven't been on a bicycle in a very long time. (Rumor has it you never forget how.) When I was 15 I fell off and scraped off half my face. It was for real, one big scab. I want to start riding with my kids, so I am planning on getting a bike for my birthday. I am hoping to get back on that horse, uh, bike soon.

15. I love to cook, but not clean up afterwards. And I usually make a big mess. In the past 2 weeks, I have made a volcano cake for Chandler and a butterfly cake for my niece, Morgan. I think there may be frosting on the ceiling.

16. One thing I want to do before I die is.....be on a game show! How's that for a life's ambition? I'm not really sure which one. Too bad "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" isn't on anymore. Autumn, I saw you were on Family Feud and I am so jealous!

17. I have a tatoo on my ankle. I regret it. If I had unlimited funds, it would be lasered off. Maybe one day. I got it shortly after I turned 18, just because I could. I guess it's a permanent scar of my wild and crazy days.

18. I have been in the real estate closing industry for 12 years, since I was 18. Yikes! It started out as a part time job during college and somehow turned into a career. It's less of one now that I'm back to part time. But I've learned lots of interesting things. When Dave and I were buying our house, the loan officer and I were talking about our mortgage. When we got out, Dave said, "It's like you were speaking another language in there!" I guess the home buying/selling will always fall under my side of the relationship.

19. I think most of you know that I am a Mormon or a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Faith and family are the two most important things in my life. Yes, we are Christians and No, we're not a cult. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

20. I have a squemish stomach. It has gotten better with motherhood, but I still cannot stand the sight of blood! My Mom was hoping I would be a nurse like her. No chance.

21. I am a huge University of Memphis Tiger Basketball fan. Last year's national championship game was heart breaking. I'm hoping will get that title some year soon! My Dad has 6 season tickets, so we get to go to some games. The kids are big fans too. Callie mainly likes to wear her cheerleader outfit, while Chandler wants to know when we're getting the barbeque nachos. Sigh.

22. Dave and I have moved 8 times during our marriage, all within the Memphis area. We're back in my hometown now, Germantown, and will probably be here for a while. At least until he decides where he's getting his doctorate. I'm thinking University of Memphis. (How about them tigers?)

23. I love most kinds of music, though I'm not really a fan of R&B or rap. Dave has something like 500 CD's and has found my musicial education somewhat lacking. I don't need to know who sings it or what year it came out to sing along. I like to think I have expanded his musical horizons too. He's been to see George Strait with me twice. I think he even liked it. He drew the line at the New Kids on the Block reunion tour. Good thing they didn't come here.

24. Somedays I can't believe I drive a minivan. No offense to those of you who really heart yours, but I certainly don't. It is practical. And the kids have ground up goldfish crackers into all the seats, so I guess it's best I don't care. Someday when I am old and gray, I think I will miss the minivan. And the car seats. And the Wheels on the Bus CD. Today, not so much.

25. I am really and truly blessed. Every time life gets hard, I start making a list of all the blessings I have and I am overwhelmed. Especially the blessings that money cannot buy. I am even thankful for Facebook and blogging and the chance to reconnect with all of you! So do me a favor and make your 25 Random list! I would love to read about you!