25 Random Things About Me

1. I cannot tolerate artificial sweeteners. The commercials that compare Diet Dr Pepper to donuts, cookies, cake, or some other dessert just tick me off. Diet drinks just taste like nasty chemicals to me. Yup - I can taste Splenda too. YUCK!

2. On that note, I have a difficult time drinking a full can of "coke" (any type of soda) in one setting. 99 times out of 100, I'd much rather just have water.

3. The exception is Dublin Dr Pepper! I can slam back one of those no problem. YUM!

4. I love music - any type of music. However the two I listen the most on the radio are ol' school R&B (think 80s/90s - 107.5 FM) and Christian. Try combining Chris Tomlin with some LL Cool J... "you placed the stars in the sky, and I'm gonna knock you out - HUH..." (OK, that's just wrong!)

5. I am blood type O negative - the "universal donor" - therefore get calls from Carter Blood Care often.

6. In addition, I am CMV (cytomegalovirus) negative, so my blood is the only type that can be given to preemies in the NICU. (We have no idea how I am CMV negative, as I went to public schools, was a pediatric nurse for almost 5 years, and a public health nurse for 2 years before having kids of my own!)

7. I carried my twin boys (in utero) up the Notre Dame Cathedral Bell Tower and then hiked over to Sacre-Coeur. (Whew!)

8. I have lots and lots of Titanium in jaw/mouth from a HUGE craniofacial surgery in December 2001.

9. I love Colorado and the mountains, but hate being cold!

10. A doctor once separated my mom and I for questioning, thinking that my parents were abusive since I showed up one week with bad whiplash and the next week with a concussion and extreme bruising from my face down to my hips. I mean, why's it hard to believe that a young lady tried to ride a steer and then fell off of a horse running full speed the next weekend?! It's all really funny now...

11. I've gotten into leeches while hiking in the Himalayas (India)!

12. I have an irrational fear of snakes. Nope, being in India in 2002 when it wasn't the safest time to be there wasn't scary at all... but don't even get me anywhere the snake house at the zoo!

13. One of my few regrets is not trying out for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders when I had the chance.

14. Another regret is not becoming a Thespian.

15. Part of the reason (for both) is that I was PAINFULLY shy and insecure about myself up until recently.

16. I have an weird gift of remembering lyrics - especially obnoxious jingles/commercials. Anyone remember the McDonald's menu song from 1989 (the little records - yes RECORDS - that you received in the mail)? I do - every word of it.

17. I have seen Rocky Horror Picture Show (the live, participation ones - not just the movie) multiple times. I still remember most of the audience participation part, since I have that kind of crazy memory.

18. About the only thing I am "intolerant" of is "intolerant people."

19. I make up ridiculous nicknames for my kids. Crazy names such as "Jakey Juice" for Jacob, "Queso" (or "Cay-so") for Caleb, and "Gabril Goo" (spelling intentional - said "Gay-bril") for Gabe. They all have stories behind them, most of which were created in a sleep deprived state.

20. I took Ballroom dance lessons before Dancing with the Stars made it cool. I got pretty good too! I'd LOVE to pursue it again now, but my "partner" (Jon) isn't on board! :-)

21. I am certified through the Radiant Child Yoga program to teach kids yoga, but have never taught a formal class.

22. I find dry, stupid humor, like Napoleon Dynamite and "Your Mama" jokes very funny!

23. I am glad that I get to stay home with my kids, but I REALLLY miss being a nurse.

24. If I wasn't married with kids, I'd probably be in the Peace Corp or a nurse in a third world country (most likely India).

25. I am addicted to Sprout's Farmers Market. I love that place!