10 Somewhat Interesting Things You Might Not Know About Me
Sharing my secrets
1. I’m allergic to onions.
No, it’s not just disliking onions. Onions don’t like me. Ever since I was a little girl I would break out in itchy hives if I accidentally ate any, but the full impact of this being a more severe allergy was confirmed on a trip to England many years later.
In a restaurant in London the waiter assured me that the Chicken Alfredo I ordered did not have onions. To my dismay after having difficulty breathing from one tiny bite and guzzling water to dilute the effect, I was then told that the chicken had only been cooked in an onion broth!
What part of allergy did he not understand? And here I thought we both spoke and understood English.
2. In college I met my future husband in a card game.
Two of my friends and their friend I hadn’t met were playing pinochle during a long break between classes.
If you don’t know the game, it can be played 3 handed or with 4 as partners.
When I asked my friends if I could join the game, the conversation went like this.
One friend: “No, sorry Angie. We’re playing for money today. It wouldn’t be fair since we’ve known the game for 3 years.”
Me: “I’ve played cards for money before. And 3 years? I’ve known how to play pinochle since I was 3 years old watching my Dad and uncles in their weekly card game!”
Future husband: “Are you going to get upset if you lose?”
Me: “No, I only gamble what I’m willing to lose. But … I don’t lose often.”
Laughing future husband: “She’s in the game as my partner.”
P.S. We won!
3. I am a night owl.
Don’t risk talking to me until I’m having my second cup of coffee.
4. I’ve been writing professional book reviews for years now.
It all started when I replied to a book reviewer position at Inscriptions Magazine, followed by writing reviews for ForeWord, Atlantic Publishing Company, Sacramento Book Review, San Francisco Book Review, Indie Reader, and Chanticleer Book Reviews. I was even a judge for the Catholic Press Association!
Then I decided to venture out on my own with a book review blog, where in the spirit of writers helping other writers, I additionally promote these authors I review on Amazon, GoodReads, Library Thing, as well as on all social media.
5. I have an autoimmune disease that sometimes saps my energy.
The best way I can describe it is to picture a balloon full of air. One minute it’s fine, then unexpectedly the air all sizzles out at once. Then I’m depleted until I rest to recharge from the flareup.
To control the symptoms I’m on medication, but also need to keep my life in balance through healthful diet, exercise, and adequate sleep.
Most days thankfully I have it under control.
6. I love cruises.
There’s something so therapeutic for me when I’m on a cruise.
Unpacking only once and still being able to see so many places is awesome!
When on shore I love to meet the people who live there and experience new things. When on board I enjoy meeting the other cruise goers and the staff, the spa, the shows, and the casino, as well as total relaxation reading a book on deck under the sun.
Damn you Covid pandemic! I had to cancel my booking for this year since it’s still not under control enough for it to be safe for me to go.
Maybe next year?
7. My grandsons can always make me smile.
Whether it’s my teenaged grandson teaching me something new about technology, discussing his interests, or asking me to tell him about his mother and uncles when they were young; or my young grandson giggling over a poop joke he wants to share with me or showing me how to play whichever game is his latest favorite interest; they hold a special place in my heart.
Just sharing this with you has me smiling.
8. My adult children are a blessing I cherish.
I know how fortunate I am to have the relationship I do with my children, as well as with my son-in-law and daughter-in-law. So many I know cannot say that, so I appreciate them all the more.
We’re a mixture of different personalities, with different opinions, but the glue that keeps us together is a love based on sincere respect for each other and a lot of laughter.
As I like to tease my three children, I’m so happy now that their Dad and I didn’t drown them when they were teenagers driving us crazy!
9. I am happy for my decision to become active again on Medium.
I joined Medium in September 2019, but only posted 3 essays, never taking the time to learn more about the platform.
I thought you post, share on social media, wait for others to find you, and earn if they do. I actually somehow had 21 followers who found me even though I was going about it all wrong.
Then came the infamous email requiring 100 followers to continue to be paid which propelled me this February to actually tackle the learning curve, put in the effort, and then decide if I should be here.
After two months the almost 500 followers I now have after writing, reading, engaging, and following have convinced me this community is where I belong.
10. Looking forward to reading The Salt Path and this collaboration with Scot Butwell & the rest of the group.
Tagging those taking The Salt Path Journey:
Scot Butwell, Evon, Janice Macdonald, Klara Jane Holloway, C.A. Jaymes, Michael L Butler, The Sober Vegan Yogi