1) I met Dr. Ruth — yes, that one.

2) I admit, I did throw away Dad B’s shoes in retaliation. Just kidding. I’m waiting until he doesn’t suspect a thing.

3) When I went camping for the first time, right after Chris and I started dating, I took two top sheets (for the hammock) from the two guest-bed sheet sets, my towel and washcloth, and the only two pairs of pants I owned — which included a 4-year-old, perfectly broken in yet totally hot pair of jeans that would not come close to fitting me today. Dad B threw it all away. He claims that, despite being walled in by the pile of everyone’s stuff, he thought the white bag meant trash. There are no excuses when it comes to jeans.

4) Chocolate and coffee are required to soothe the ills of jeans shopping. Lots of chocolate and coffee — which doesn’t help the next jeans-shopping trip… 

5) Don’t tell Dad B (he’ll think I’ve gone soft), but I adore him and his teddy-bear heart :)

6) I hate hate hate plastic. Have since I was old enough to drink out of glass and complain that water out of plastic tastes funny.

7) I have an itsy bitsy Pyrex addiction.

8) My brother can files nails better than I can. WAY better than I can. And in 1/10th of the time.

9) I have an excuse: I trimmed my nails twice a week for piano while he learned to file his nails just so to get the best sound for playing classical guitar.

10) My biggest pet peeve is guests not closing the toilet lid before flushing. Hey, my *toothbrush* is in there!

11) I’ve got to be the only English major who loves to manage finances. Things either balance or they don’t; they’re right or they’re wrong — it’s great! And, as I was telling Chris the other night, MoneyWell makes the budgeting part feel like a fun kids game or something :)

12) The way Astara’s ears half stick out to the sides and half flap up and down as she walks makes me smile. Always.

13) I’ve never broken broken anything, but I’ve fractured my nose, sprained my neck twice, and have bad knees, hips that pop out of place, and a bad ankle and wrist. And that’s just what’s wrong with my bones…

14) As a college student, working out with the old ladies at the Y who didn’t have to modify squats, lunges, etc., made me feel pathetic :)

15) I wish I spent more time with and was closer to my sister-in-law. And Chris’ siblings and my cousins.

16) I can’t use a blow dryer for my life.

17) I’m fine in 4″ stilettos, but I’m an absolute klutz in tennis shoes and a moderate klutz in any type of flat.

18) You see, I was going to be taller, but then God saw I was going to marry Chris and knew I wouldn’t date him unless he were at least 4″ taller, so God stopped my height right there even though my feet were already long enough for a 6′ frame.

19) I slept in a Bolivian hammock for over a year, and it’s the best bed I ever had (not that that’s saying much). If we didn’t rent, I’d have at least one for the yard, one for a couch, and one for napping.

20) When I think about Chris and Astara, I think God’s love is ridiculous. And amazing.

21) I work as a writer and editor, but I didn’t use paragraphs until I was at least 12.

22) I used to imagine that people in pictures could see me even though I knew it wasn’t true. Still creeps me out sometimes.

23) Waxing doesn’t phase me, but the dentist makes me really, really nervous.

24) I’ve never been a bridesmaid or a maid of honor, but I guess all’s fair since I never had any either :) I have been bride, flower girl, pianist, and just plain moral support.

25) I can’t get enough of how Chris’ eyes crinkle up when he’s really, truly happy :)