Ten Things You Don’t Know About Me

Jumping on a writing prompt to regain some mojo

Hmmm, when you take a backseat on Medium for more than 24 hours, you miss things.

I overlooked the initial post by Iva Ursano encouraging writers to write ‘their list of things readers didn’t know about you,’ but I did see Adrienne Beaumont’s version.

Whenever I’m tagged in a challenge, I try to rise to the occasion, and I am honoured to be mentioned.

I’ll admit this one almost had me beat to the point of not participating. I’ve shared so much about my preferences, dislikes and habits here, it took me some time to come up with a list of 10 things readers don’t know about me.

But, of course, there are many! Without further ado, here are some things I have not shared to date. They’re in a random order as they came to mind.

1. I like things done my way

It’s a trait that can be highly inhibiting, and writing has rendered some challenges associated with this tendency of mine. Grammarly is the first irritating perpetrator who tested my sanity; they suggest corrections that I initially agreed with because I figured they knew more than me, but now I tend to diss them, realizing they’re generic and full of shite!

At work, it’s a bit of a problem. There are so many things that bother me I have to shut my mouth as I don’t want to diss my wonderful colleagues. But, when I see alcohol swabs being gently opened by tearing the top layer off slowly and then fingers all over the 2x2, contaminating it before it hits the skin or a rubber vial, I shudder.

Rip the damn thing open, people — and don’t touch the side you are now going to cleanse!

2. I’m terrified of flying

This may seem a little strange, given the number of times I have flown. It’s the fact I have no control; I like to know what’s going on — and being in cattle class while two pilots are steering the ship from the nose scares the bejesus outta me. My dilemma has been accentuated by having the privilege of seeing the cockpit and knowing how many controls they have to deal with.

I’ll fess to checking the flight crew out beforehand as they walk onto the plane as we passengers are patiently waiting in the boarding area. If they look like they’ve just left flight school, I have a sense of dread. Do they really know how to get this big bird off the ground — and keep it there?

Being married to an air traffic controller hasn’t helped either. I still remember one of our first overseas jaunts when he was in the jumpseat, and I was down the back. Our takeoff was delayed ‘due to air traffic.’ Not so, he informed me mid-flight when he escaped the cockpit to stretch his legs. The delay was because a piece of essential equipment was malfunctioning and had to be replaced before departure!

Being ‘in the know’ is often scarier than being in the dark; I also know this from being a nurse!

BTW, blaming air traffic is a classic cover-up line…

3. I used to scorn weird-looking or tattooed people

I could never understand why someone would wear attention-seeking clothes or need to have tattoos — until my daughter started dressing alternatively, and my son got inked.

I’ve learned so much from my kids; that people have hearts and souls despite clothes and appearances. Just because someone may look odd or have sketches and quotes embedded on their skin doesn’t mean they are messed up.

They’re still awesome people with a brain; they’re humans with feelings and don’t deserve your critical looks and negative judgement.

4. Before my divorce, I never made any decisions

I was not the breadwinner; my husband was. I tended to agree with what he wanted to do or spend money on because I genuinely felt it wasn’t mine. Yet, I raised our kids and did the most important job, ensuring my kids were educated, kind, and thoughtful souls.

As much as it can be scary having to make big decisions alone and manage finances independently now, I haven’t messed up — yet.

5. I could never understand how people had weight issues

As a kid, I was as skinny as a rake. I could eat anything I wanted and never had to watch calories or even exercise.

Oh boy, did that ever change as soon as I had my beautiful bairns! It’s a relatively new battle I’ve had to struggle with. I have no lifelong appreciation or need for exercise to fall back on.

I now get it — and sympathize enormously with those who have always struggled.

6. I’ve never had a dog as a pet

I’ve had cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, budgies, and even a sheep — but never a dog.

Now that I live in a small apartment, I would be reluctant to do so; they need room to roam — and require walking. I can’t imagine dealing with dirty paws and enduring frigid temps. Picking up warm poop is a turn-off too.

I love dogs — but having one as a pet is not on the list of must-dos. I will gladly walk and cuddle yours, though!

7. I would have loved to have been an actress or on a stage

Whenever I watch a movie, I’m in awe of the performance and the storyline. If I go to see a show, I yearn to be up there, entranced by their talent. I can’t dance for shite, but watching entertainers strut their stuff is thrilling.

As much as I know that ship has long sailed for me, I appreciate the hard work that goes into theatricals and admire the talent we are lucky to have at our beckoned call, whether at a live show or on the tele.

8. I don’t wear designer clothes

I have never been a fan — probably because I don’t have the finances to cough up the money for high-end brands. Walmart is totally cool for me. What I do wear designer-wise is thanks to my daughter. Freebies are the best!

9. I’ve never spent time on the West Coast of Canada

Having a layover at Vancouver International Airport doesn’t count. I’ve heard so much about Banff and the Rockies yet never had the time/reason/opportunity to get there and explore the area more.

It’s on the bucket list.

10. I’m not into make-up

The only thing I religiously apply each day is a dash of eyeliner. I feel naked without it. Pre-Covid, I also wore mascara and lipstick but now, what’s the point? My mascara always clumps and leaves an unsightly mess — I swear the heavy breathing from the mask is a contributory factor in the ensuing mess — and the mandatory face attire negates the need for lippy.

And there you have it, a little more of me.

I notice the blokes aren’t participating in this. Rodrigo S-C, Thief, Anthony O’Dugan, Jparton, Ian Hanson, Hudson Rennie, Graham Cooke, BichoDoMato, Chris Zappa, Christopher Lovelace… spill the beans!

Chicka’s are famous for being more open, but surprise me/us and share more about your masculine selves.

Don’t be shy now…