25 Random Things About Me

So my first post of 2009 is unifying my online locations, since this blog also feeds my Facebook Notes. The latest craze seems to be creating a list of 25 random bits of information that people might not know about you. I must say, I usually don't complete (or enjoy) these kinds of things. But perhaps I'm loosening up in my middle aged-ness, since I seem willing to complete this task.

1. For the first 30-odd years of my life, if you asked me what my ethnic background was, I would tell you I was half Portuguese and half French. It wasn't until just a few years ago that I figured out that my French ancestors had lived in Canada since the early 1700's, which probably qualified them to be acutal Canadians. Hence, if you ask me today, I will tell you I'm half Portuguese and half Canadian.
2. I have never broken a bone, but I have been in a cast.
3. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher.
4. I'm fairly certain that I could solve intricate mathematical equations, write the next great American novel, and develop a cure for cancer if only I didn't have so many song lyrics trapped in my brain.
5. I didn't get my first real pet until I was 21 years old. Having to put her down a couple of years ago broke my heart.
6. If you can name a crime/cop/detective show from the '70s or '80s, I'm probably a fan.
7. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would live in central New York, but now I can't imagine living anywhere else.
8. I drank legally for only one night in my entire life. When I was a sophomore in college, the pep band took a road trip to Ohio where the drinking age was still 18.
9. When I was about 2 1/2, my next door neighbor and I wandered into our neighbor's garage and painted their steps green.
10. Things I have inherited from my mom include my height, my obsession with keeping things neat and orderly, and my tendency to be almost late to just about everything.
11. Things I have inherited from my dad include my hair, my love for all things chocolate, and my obsession with standing up for the things I believe in.
12. For most of my life I tried to be an athlete, but I'm pretty sure I didn't learn to be one until I was in my 20's.
13. I have arthritis in my left wrist, but it rarely bothers me. Or perhaps I'm just distracted by other aches and pains...
14. The life I live today is about as far away as possible from the life I imagined for myself when I was young, and wow, am I grateful for that.
15. I can break things with my hands and feet, do pushups on my knuckles, and lift heavy stuff. But if you asked me, I wouldn't describe myself as strong.
16. I can wire an outlet or a light switch, use a torch to solder copper pipe or repair instruments, mix, pour and screed cement, install a faucet, hang gutters, swing a hammer to build stuff, and use power tools without too much trepidation. Thanks, Dad.
17. Other than the Basic computing course I took in high school, every ounce of computer knowledge I had when I got my current job came from years of trial and error. And frankly, most of it still does.
18. I love watching Canada geese fly, and will stop just about anything I'm doing to watch and listen.
19. I think everyone ought to save time, and just fall in love with and marry their best friend. It seems to be a good plan, even after almost 17 years.
20. The trip we took to Japan in 2002 was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I have never been so depressed to come back home from anywhere.
21. Without wearing my contacts or glasses, I'm only able to decipher fuzzy shapes and colors.
22. I have lived in four houses in my entire life, though I have also passed through two dorm rooms and five apartments.
23. I love watching football, and think that NFL Sunday Ticket on DirecTV is one of the greatest inventions of our time.
24. Though most who know me would never believe it, I'm actually terribly shy.
25. Even after almost two years, I still catch myself thinking, "I need to call dad and ask him about that."