I was born and raised in Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada (which is in the Southeast corner of BC); it's very rural, very mountainous (population of around 7000) and I couldn't wait to get outta there.
However, a lot of the people I knew in high school either never left (despite swearing that they would, first chance they got) or have come back. I'm appreciating my hometown more now that I left, but I don't think I could live there again.
I am thirty-something but still feel twenty-something.
My Dad’s side of the family is Russian, my Mom’s side is Scottish and Irish.So yeah, I’m definitely a Heinz 57.
All of these nationalities are known for their tempers. Yup. I’ve got one of those, although I tend to do a slow burn for a while until I explode.
I have one sister, who’s 2 years younger. We’re pretty close.
I have a MASSIVE extended family (on my Mom’s side) and would love to do more work on our family tree
I was (and still am) a tomboy. I definitely do not like ‘girlie stuff’.
I’m so horrible at Math I needed tutoring in Grade 2!
However, I love English and writing (hence this blog); my original dream was to be a published writer (or journalist or editor) but I don't think I'll ever attain it (sigh).
I took French up to Grade 12 and still remember a fair bit of it even though I'm by no means fluent. I do not speak Russian.
I ultimately chose teaching as a career because I wanted to share my love of literature with teenagers.
BUT I didn’t graduate from university. I am degree-less due to burnout. Long story. It’s probably best not to go there.
I am trying to finish my degree through Canada’s open university but it’s taking ages because it’s difficult to find the time due to work etc.
I hated high school; I was considered a ‘geek’ and bullied. Other than English class, school clubs like Interact and Amnesty International were the only things I liked.
I used to be fairly proficient at piano playing until I had to give it up; I reached Grade 8 in the Toronto Conservatory programme.
I would like to get back into it though, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be "good enough". I would like to learn to play Irish jigs and Jazz, not just Classical
I have struggled with clinical depression.
I am not very ‘techy’ with computers and do not know how to program/write HTML on my own--I'm sure glad I have my own personal 'Resident Techy' to help me out, or I'd really struggle!
I crack my knuckles and pick my nails.
I am a Christian but not of one particular denomination.
I am a Mum to a little boy--he was the best surprise gift I've ever had.
I like children's literature and can't wait to introduce my son to all my favorite books.
I feel most comfortable in mountains but am growing fond of flat spaces also.
I am a 'disgrace to the Canadian race' as I cannot downhill ski.
I am not particularly athletic but I enjoy outdoorsy things like cycling and hiking.
I am afraid of trying things like kayaking and rock-climbing because I’m afraid I’ll look stupid in front of the "hardcore people". See also the next item.
I am a klutz. (in some instances more than others—like when I’m dancing or when I inevitably find something to trip over)
I would really like to try curling, though.
I met my hubby, online through the Tori Amos mailing list (called Really Deep Thoughts); we just started out as penpals (honest!)
I have been living in England since we were married.
I work for Asda, which is a grocery chain in the UK owned by Wal-Mart.
I do wear glasses (I’m very myopic).
I was a greeter at Asda at one time.
I have hay fever and asthma.
Living overseas has made me very passionate about Canada.
I cannot drive.
I always have a book ‘on the go’ and cannot fall asleep without reading something first.
The only genre I am not particulary 'into' is science fiction/fantasy.
I find it difficult to read ‘classic’ novels like The Brontes and Dickens because of the sometimes-difficult language but I still enjoy them.
I particularly like biographies and finding out about how the world works.
My secret indulgence is to read ‘trashy' magazines like People and women's magazines.
My not-so-secret indulgence is chocolate--especially 'proper' chocolate.
I have never taken illegal drugs.
I do not smoke.
I have never been drunk.
I need a minimum of 2 cups of coffee in the morning in order to wake up properly.
But once I’m awake I’m a pretty perky person (caffeine aside!). Some might say I'm 'too loud'
I get shy in groups, especially if I don’t know people very well.
But I enjoy meeting people, especially from other cultures.
I like observing people and just listening to what others have to say.
I like learning slang and colloquialisms from other languages and countries.
My motto where food’s concerned is "I will eat (almost) anything as long as it’s not tied down".
I have eaten a prairie oyster. (It does NOT taste like chicken!)
I am not a vegetarian but am not a mega-carnivore either.
I like to cook and I find baking therapeutic although I don't have time for it anymore.
I ‘read’ cookbooks.
I have a collection of almost 200 Beanie Babies.
I watch Coronation Street.
I have never seen an episode of Big Brother/Pop Idol/Fame Academy. But I do like Survivor.
I do not get obsessive about famous people.
I have never met a famous person.
I have a very eclectic taste in music; I like almost anything except R n B and most Country.
I like straying from ‘the beaten path’ where music’s concerned; I like World, Celtic, and music not necessarily in the Charts at the moment.
I like comfortable clothes; think LL Bean/Land’s End/Roots.
I love all things 80s.
I cry at some weepy movies like Fried Green Tomatoes and Dead Poet’s Society.
I have owned and worn a pair of Birkenstocks.
I do own a tie-dye T-shirt.
I do not like wearing skirts and high heels.
I am a very loyal friend and do not give up on people easily (even when they give up on me!)
I have high expectations of myself and am ‘hardest on myself’ when I make a mistake.
I don’t like criticism.
I don’t like hearing the sound of my voice; I can't sing very well.
I prefer dogs over cats; I would love to own a Border Collie someday.
I like to laugh.
I am a sensitive soul.
I am not very good at lying or presenting a "fake self". With me, it’s very much WYSIWYG.
I can be very sarcastic and have to watch my tongue.
But I love ‘sarcastic’ humour and my favourite is British Comedy.
I love getting mail—either email or snail mail.
I wish I had time to write more letters to my friends and family but I love getting 'care packages'.
I am better at buying a pressie for someone else than buying something for myself.
I get homesick easily.
I am sort of crafty. I like doing things like decoupage and making my own greeting cards and scrapbooking but cannot paint or draw to save my life.
I like handcrafted and homemade things.
I am a slob by nature but living in a small house with no closets has forced me to improve on that.
I do not like housework.
I am a wuss when it comes to pain and I also get squeamish at blood and guts (and have to look away during ER or shows showing surgery).
I rarely wear makeup.
I like wearing perfume though; my favorites are The Body Shop's perfume oils and my favorite expensive perfume is Eternity.
I tend to print, not handwrite things. I have yukky handwriting.
I can keep secrets.
I freak out at spiders and snakes.
I have weird dreams sometimes which I vividly remember.
I like flying.
I haven’t travelled very much but want to.
I tend to analyze myself too much.
I put myself down far too often.
I find it difficult to take compliments.
I become quite attached to the people behind the blogs that I read.