10 things

I was tagged by Melissa a while ago to list 10 random facts about myself... and don't worry, Melissa, I haven't forgotten! Sorry, friends, I don't promise that this will be interesting. Only random. Here goes...

1. I've lived in over 20 different houses, apartments, and townhouses. No, my family is not in the military. We just like to move!

2. When I was little I wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up.

3. True story: one time, when I was 20, I was in London by myself and completely lost. It was 11pm, I was in a sketchy neighborhood and had no idea where my hostel was. I silently prayed that God would show me who I should ask for directions. Right then I stumbled upon a restaurant with a bright red sign that said, "ASK." I walked inside and found a waitress who just happened to work at the hostel and offered to walk me over there. Ever since then, I haven't been afraid to pray for the small stuff.

4. My first memories are of my dad putting together a red bicycle for my mom, swinging on my blue Smurf swingset, and playing with a little toy with squirrels on it at Kristen's house.

5. I love to speak German, or try to anyways.

6. I'm an avid runner, probably due to the fact that I didn't make the cheerleading squad in 9th grade. My whole existence revolved around being a cheerleader (didn't I notice how tall and lanky I was?!), but my dreams were squashed when I didn't see my name on that list. My dad kept encouraging me to try cross country instead and what do you know? I ended up loving it! Funny how your life changes in a split second like that. Now I can't imagine a life without running! Thanks Dad.

7. Now for a story about how my mom shaped my life... I remember coming home from school one day in 7th grade and telling my mom about how one of the teachers was organizing a trip to Italy and Greece. The trip was going to cost over $1000 and I had no hopes whatsoever that I would get to go. I was just telling my mom about it casually, like, "Oh some kids are going, but only the rich ones." My mom shocked me when she said, "We'll find a way for you to go." To this day I have no idea how they paid for it, I know they didn't have the money. But 2 things happened as a result: I went on an amazing once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip when I was 13, and I began to realize how much my parents would sacrifice for our happiness. I probably have no idea.

8. OH man, this is ending up not being about me at all! Getting back on track...
I like sweet tea. But I love sweet tea that is decaf, sweetened with Splenda, and brewed with one peach teabag.

9. My favorite thing to do is what I did this afternoon: lay in the hammock under a tree out by the water, read a really good book, and doze off. This was made possible by Chase deciding to take a random 2 hour nap. Thanks Chase!

10. I don't like going to concerts. Neither does Eric. We're perfect for each other!

Since I'm now supposed to tag someone else, I'll just echo Lindsay's thought: Kristi needs to start a blog!!!