25 Random Things About Me (I fell victim to this)

1. I've burped less than 20 times in my life. For some reason I'm unable to do it; my esophagus won't open up properly to release the air, so it just gurgles around in my throat and can be really uncomfortable sometimes. I can't figure out what to do about it. I've never gone to the doctor, but since I can't find any answers on the Internet, I assume it's incurable :)

2. Unlike 99% of the population, I don't think The Office is very funny or intelligent. I think South Park is very funny and intelligent.

3. I met Barack Obama in August 2007. I never let anyone forget. Like many, I feel Obama will open a new chapter in American history that will push us in a progressive direction we desperately need.

4. I have a neurological condition called color-graphemic synaesthesia where I perceive (not actually SEE) specific colors for letters, numbers and words upon reading, speaking or hearing them.

5. I once went to the circus and a llama spit directly into my mouth from over 10 feet away. This year I officially overcame my fear of llamas.

6. I have three reoccurring dreams:
1. Tornadoes, destroying things or harming people I love.
2. Choppy rivers or oceans on dreary days (and me swimming in them trying not to drown) and
3. I'm getting married, but I don't have a dress, any makeup on, or my contact lenses in, and my family is pushing me down the aisle and everything is blurry (FYI, my family has never pressured me about marriage or grandchildren in real life, in case you're wondering).

7. I can say all the U.S. presidents from Washington to Obama in order in under 10 seconds.

8. I played softball every summer for six years when growing up because my parents encouraged it and because all of my friends did it, even though I hated it. I also played volleyball in high school and hated it as well. I've never enjoyed any team sports experience. It's the competition and "we have to be the BEST!" attitude I've always been uncomfortable with.

9. For the past four years, I've had a giant plywood clown named Zach in my possession.

10. I think all people (with the exception of serial killers, sadists or those with other mental problems) are inherently good, and have good intentions. A lot of times when people do "evil" things, it's because they are severely confused and think they are creating a better outcome in the long term.

11. I personally believe there is a synthesis in nature and in all of us that was created by a higher power or deity, but I don't claim to know the specifics of what or how.

12. I feel like I'm discriminated against for liking Hanson and Michael Jackson, because I'm constantly having to justify it or defend myself to people who don't take the time to learn about them (in Hanson's case) or open their mind to the fact some people are "weird" and that's not necessarily a bad thing (in MJ's case).

13. I'm obsessed with Wicked the musical, I think it represents elements of #10 and #12 in my list.

14. It sounds cliché, but I'm a strong advocate for equal rights for everyone. Men, women, all sexual orientations, all beliefs, all skin colors, all socioeconomic backgrounds.

15. I just realized my list was getting too political and philosophical, so I will now say that I have never mowed a lawn or changed a diaper in my entire life.

16. For reasons I cannot explain, I think Full House is one of the greatest shows ever. I wanted to be a Tanner daughter so badly when I was growing up. This past spring I visited the Full House "house" in San Francisco that they showed during the opening credits of the show (see photo below) and I met the man who lives there now. A real-life Danny Tanner! I also met Dave Coulier (Joey Gladstone from the show) at Comedy Off-Broadway in Lexington.

17. I personally detest smoking and can't comprehend why anyone would ever start doing something that is more addictive than heroin. However, if someone genuinely enjoys smoking and doesn't care about the health risks involved, then I don't yell at him or her. People should be free to do what they want with their bodies. This leads into how I also can't comprehend how tobacco and alcohol is legal and marijuana is not. I mean, I can understand the historical reasons, but that doesn't mean I think they are just. Just legalize it all, tax the living hell out of it, and don't allow it anywhere in public for the sake of others. Just my opinion :)

18. I hate the word "checklist", just the way it sounds. Not actual checklists.

19. When I was about eight years old, I killed a baby bird that a stray cat was going to eat because I thought I was saving it from the pain and suffering the cat would put it through. I still have issues coping with that today…

20. When I was about nine years old, my friend's dad got a pet snake and bought mice to feed it. My friend and I hated the fact the mice were going to die, so I stayed over at her house, and in the middle of the night we stole the mice and kept them as our pets for a week until her parents caught us and fed them to the snake.

21. As an adult, I have now come to terms with the "circle of life" concept and the animal food chain.

22. When I was a kid, I decided I wanted to be a dog. So for a week straight I walked on all fours, barked at people, and made my mom serve me Cheerios in a bowl on the floor. I was made fun of by my peers for a long time. Even today.

23. Another kid story: I once dropped a chicken nugget on the floor in my kitchen, and didn't pick it up immediately. After ten minutes, I began to feel sorry for the nugget and I picked it up, named it Billy, and kept it as a pet for several days. Mom finally made me get rid of it, so I buried it next to my hamster in the backyard.

24. My mom is by far the most understanding, generous, and amazing person I know. Also my very best friend.

25. One of my life goals is to visit all 50 states and all 120 counties in Kentucky. I'd like to get at least 10 foreign countries on the list too.