15 Things

Because, well, I'm a sucker for the list format, because this sort of exercise seems like the ideal way to start a Friday morning, and because Marmoset, who is a dear friend of mine and often filled with good ideas, made me do it:

15 things you probably wish you didn't know about me

1. When I was young, I got several awards for being a nice kid, which makes my friends laugh now. My parents still have the trophies to prove it.


2. Sometimes I still dream about moving back to London, particularly when it's gray and dreary outside. But, I think that I would miss New York far too much.


3. I think that I look much, much better in my glasses. Yet, at formal occasions, I always wear my contacts.


4. My parents tricked me into going into the "friendly" haunted house at Disney World when I was 5. I hated every minute of it--especially since I didn't want to go in to it in the first place. I haven't gone into a haunted house since.


5. I love public speaking, in general, and giving wedding toasts in particular.


6. To this day, my school district requires that a sign reading "check for sleeping children" be placed in the back of each bus. I am largely responsible for this. Go on, ask me the story.


7. I eat based on texture. Anything too chewy or gelatinous is out. So, no puddings, jello, etc.


8. When it comes to relationships, I'm terrified of commitment. Ironically, every time I meet a man who I think might be worth committing to, he seems to have larger commitment issues than I do.


9. I like to pretend that I'm a big film geek. The truth is that there are shocking gaps in my cinematic knowledge. The same holds true when it comes to literature. In fact, I didn't read The Wasteland until I was in graduate school. I'm still not convinced that I missed out on anything.


10. In college, one of my friends told me that he referred to the way I spoke as "Jane Austen speak." Then, a few years ago, I started blogging for work. One of my colleagues said, "I was going to tell you to make the pieces more conversational, until I realized that was the way you spoke." I should be insulted. Instead, I like to think that I speak like someone who was properly educated. I do, however, worry that this makes me sound arrogant.


11. I didn't eat red meat for more than 12 years. When I started eating it again, I didn't eat anything else for a week straight. Clearly, I'm not good at moderation.


12. I'm afraid of falling from heights.


13. According to my sister, I get a certain look in my eyes when I'm about to say something exceptionally obnoxious or sarcastic.


14. I secretly want to be someone's one who got away. I secretly also want to be a socialite, so I'm not sure how seriously you should take this point.


15. I've been known to take 3 showers in one day when it's really, really hot out. In the winter, I'm all about taking baths.
    

Begin Again, Begin Again, Lie Down Across Her

Yes, I'm quoting Samuel Beckett [badly].

Krapp's Last Tape to be precise.

I never said I wasn't pretentious. It's just that it seems oddly fitting given the circumstance. To paraphrase further: strange now to think of that young whelp I once was.

So, yes, it's been quite some time since I've written, here at least. Which is not to say that much hasn't happened. Quite the opposite.

To wit: in the past two years I've moved house, watched several good friends leave the city, made some fantastic new ones, changed jobs, at times felt surrounded by sickness and the eventual recovery there from, even had my heart broken a few times.

It's the last point on that list that I'm stuck on at the moment, perhaps because the latest one is so fresh and was so hurtful. But, I think that it's important to take something from each experience - however unpleasant it may be. So, in this case, here's what I can take away: a cold water faucet that now works properly and the knowledge that, actually, I am quite capable of being in a relationship and not losing part of myself, as I had so long feared. Not a bad trade, really. The rest, of course, will take time. Luckily, that I have.

So, onward, to the next adventure. Hopefully I'll stick with the writing this time. I feel good about it.

I think.

Just who does she think she is, anyway?

Well, friend, that's a good question.

I'm glad you asked.

I really like movies. Like, really, really like them. Perhaps even to the point of unhealthy obsession. I'm strangely okay with that.

For now, let's operate under the assumption that you know me personally (since at this stage, that's a fairly safe bet). This means that you might not be okay with my obsession. Chances are you've probably found yourself on the wrong end of one of my well intentioned discussions. Aren't you lucky? If you think that you are, please keep reading. And, if not rest assured, I won't bore you with any more movie talk (or at least I'll try). By the way, I'm aware that I do this with books, too. Sadly, you'll still have to watch out for this - for all of the obvious reasons, I'm going to have to leave my rants on that subject out.

What makes me qualified to do this? Well, for starters, I've got a computer and a blog. I've got some degrees, too. And, most importantly lots of opinions. If I'm doing this right, maybe I'll even have you caring about them. Here's to hoping, anyway.

And, so without further ado, please enjoy the feature presentation.