I’ve been kind of stuck. Mired down by thoughts and words and feelings. And I just need a break. I forget sometimes I need light and fun too. I have pages full of starts and stops and I realize I just need to step back and let some things process before plunging into them.
In light of my need for some levity, I give you my list of 29 things you never knew you wanted to know about me but now know anyway.
1.) The sound of my husband cracking up laughing is one of the rarest most precious sounds to me. Most of the time, he kind of chuckle-laughs but when he really laughs, it makes my heart happy.
2.) I am a bad driver. I just am. Parallel parking makes me break out in cold sweats and I hate driving in the city by myself.
3.) I’ve never given a compliment I didn’t mean, and am honest to a fault. Don’t go shopping with me or ask me if I like your hair unless you want the truth.
4.) I once watched The Sixth Sense and was so scared I made Josh walk me to the bathroom when I had to go in the middle of the night. For like 3 days in a row. Yeah, we don’t really watch creepy movies anymore.
5.) My favorite ice cream flavor is pistachio but gelato is even better.
6.) I am an ugly crier, swollen eyes, red runny nose. Nothing subtle about me crying. I am a gulping, sobbing mess and it doesn’t help that I’m Asian and my eyes kind of swell shut when I do cry, which isn’t very often. Unless I’m pregnant, then all bets are off and I cry about everything.
7.) I am not sentimental about cards, even ones that say very nice things. I end up throwing them away. I do, however, save letters.
8.) My love language is acts of service but as I’m getting older, I think words of affirmation might be one too. I’m not sure, tell me something nice and we’ll see.
9.) I once got into a food fight with subway sandwiches and my sister-in-law, it was actually a serious fight and sadly wasn’t in my childhood but occurred at 24 years old. I have a temper. We made up… after I got the mustard out of my hair.
10.) I am obsessed with makeup counters and Sephora and have about a hundred different eye shadow shades but most of the time leave the house with no makeup on.
11.) I am actually really shy but can force myself to be outgoing when I need to. I’ll put myself out there if it seems someone else is uncomfortable. Otherwise, I’m often happy in my own little world. It takes me a long time to get close to people but once I do, I am fiercely loyal. I get that from my mom.
12.) Speaking of which, my mom is the person I admire most in my life and the person I am closest to besides Josh. I only hope Kaia and I have that kind of relationship when she grows up.
13.) I have started a lot more things than I have ever finished.
14.) I have known Josh for 17 years and sometimes can’t believe he still likes me. I would never admit it to him but I can be a pain in the butt. I have been forgiven a lot more than I have forgiven. Plus, I still think he’s super hot.
15.) The sight of Judah cuddled up reading to Kaia and Nehemiah makes me proud to be a mommy. I love their relationship.
16.) I would equally love camping with my family to staying in a fancy hotel and being pampered.
17.) I always feel sophisticated when I am drinking wine, even though I know nothing about wine except that I liked it red and I can’t drink it anymore because of migraines. And I feel cool when I drink beer, especially a really good micro-brew in the bottle. I know that I am a dork.
18.) I’m not fond of the” pop in” because I am often in my pajamas in the middle of the day. I would always be in my pajamas if it weren’t tacky for a woman my age to go out in them. Some of you bloggers have inspired me to start making more of an effort. But still, call first, really.
19.) I almost killed a turtle when I went surfing with Josh. Hey, he got in my way. The turtle not Josh.
20.) I never wanted to be a mom or a wife, but couldn’t imagine my life without my kids and my husband even though I am still not ”naturally Maternal,” and often feel I am failing at both jobs.
21.) I wish I could sing and play the guitar and secretly fantasize about it, especially when I should be worshiping. When I’m home alone, I totally sing at the top of my lungs and dance around. Another reason to call first.
22.) I have very high expectations and often disappoint myself more than any one else ever could.
23.) I have absolutely no spatial reasoning whatsoever. I cannot put left overs away in the right sized Tupperware container and I have no idea how many people attend my church. I’d say 100 and it would be like 650.
24.) I once jumped off the end of the world.
25.) I am deathly afraid of heights and have had to lay down on my stomach in tall buildings to the horrible embarrassment of my friends. I also scream going across tall bridges. San Fransisco is a nightmare for anyone in the car with me.
26.) I hate the smell of lavender but think it’s gorgeous and love baking with it.
27.) When I walk by a window and see my reflection, I sometimes pretend I’m window shopping but really I’m checking my hair and teeth and outfit.
28.) I want my blog to grow so that I can have opportunities to do what I dream about, but I’m scared to say those dream out loud.
29.) Sometimes, I just need to make lists and take a break and listen to my husband laugh and eat pistachio gelato, while snuggling with my kids.
Well, there you have it. Now you know a bit more about me and will totally be watching me when I walk past a shop window to see whether or not I’m checking myself out. What are some things about you that I never knew I wanted to know. Whoa, say that 5 times fast. And leave a comment. I really do want to know.
I loved this! It made me smile. I recognised myself in numbers 6,18,22,23,27 – and especially 28.
3 interesting facts about me:
- I thought I’d be a rubbish mum and was scared but it’s been easier and more joyful than I ever imagined. (I know many people have the opposite experience…)
- I always thought I’d be a missionary overseas and love hearing about and praying for cross-cultural mission.
- I can play the flute to Grade 8 standard and love singing opera arias, although I don’t get to do it much any more.
Nice to know you a bit better!
Tanya Marlow recently posted..The Sweater/ Frost
Tanya,
I totally thought I’d be an overseas missionary as well and have that same love and I definitely haven’t ruled out going someday. You can sing opera? That’s so cool. I cannot sing at all and my musical abilities pretty much end after I push play on my iPod. It’s fun to get to know you too.
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
I.LOVED.THIS. No, seriously. Now I know why I just love your heart so much. We might be long lost sisters. Not only do we both have Judahs (which is such a seriously rad name, by the way), but also 1, 2, 4, 6, 13, 14 (except not w/ your hubby… mine), 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25, 27, and 28. See? We’re both so cool, Alia.
Yes, I felt that too. We could definitely be besties. And yes, Judah is one of my favorite boy names, obviously.
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
I love so many of these, but #23 is probably my favorite because I’m the same way. I also have no understanding of time. When my grandfather died I kept telling people he was only in his late 60′s. My mom overheard me once thought I had lost my mind. Turns out, he was in his early 80′s. Sometimes when I remember that I’m 36 I don’t believe it at first and I actually have to DO THE MATH!
Weird and sad all at the same time, eh?
Thanks for this, it was fun!
Connie recently posted..Gratitude – October 31st (as well as days 28-30)
Totally, I’m off with age a lot! My grandmother died at 63 and I remember thinking she was like 100. Although, she hadn’t aged well. My friends know not to ask numbers, age, size, or directions. Other than those things, I do alright.
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
I imagine being a cowgirl.
Now that I know you better, I wish we could hang out again.
Maggie S. recently posted..To Edify
A cowgirl, huh? Like in the old days or a modern one on a ranch? Or just the outfit? Or just the horse and boots? I love this, Maggie! I know, I wish the conferences were closer to home and everyone could come and visit. Are you going to Blissdom this year?
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
I’d hang out in jammies with you any day, Alia Joy! I’d even give you notice
And oh my goodness, does your daughter ever look like you! I can’t imagine #12 not coming true…she has such kind eyes.
So fun getting to know you more, friend!
Nikki recently posted..The Discipline of Listening {When I First Heard Him}
Yeah, we’re pretty tight now. She is such a sweetheart. And yeah, we totally need to hang out, I would even put on clothes and meet you.
Looks like Allume will be in SC next year. Still planning on going? I would love to get together.
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
Alia, I love your voice here–just *you*, how you are willing to be wide-open. You are way courageous, friend. Hmm, a few things about me?
- I can’t parallel park, either. . and I get myself lost (usually with a pack full of kids in the car) whenever I have to drive to the city
–I am very disorganized and get overwhelmed when trying to deal with clutter (thus I have a closet right now that has clothes piled up on the floor and is begging to be dealt with)
–if I didn’t have to be somewhat responsible, as a wife and mom, I eat lots of twizzlers and bread and jam for meals, that’s it.
–I have the same feelings as you about my blog . . maybe it would be great to talk about this?
Bless you!
Jennifer recently posted..Walking towards home
I can relate to the disorganized closet. I can barely get in there right now. It needs serious help. It would be great to talk about bloggy dreams and feelings. We should chat. Maybe we can set that up soon. I’d love to delve into some of that.
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
I cracked up all the way through this… laugh out loud funny!!! Ummm… can I just say – I am coveting your cheek bones right now… seriously – those are beautiful!!! Things about me…
1. I am afraid to say – “I’m a writer” afraid of this dream of mine – because really I just scratch thoughts down.
2. I love drugstores – I love everything about the make-up aisle and have absolutely no self-restraint when it comes to cosmetics – it’s a weakness or… an addiction
3. I am working on my 15 year BA – a guidance counsellor told my naieve 17 year old self that I should just stay home and make babies because I wasn’t smart enough for post secondary education – I believed him until I turned 35 (6 years ago)
4. I can have a potty mouth – I mean trucker type potty mouth – I used to pay my kids a quarter for every swear word and then they wisened up – I stopped paying them when they asked for a toonie ($2 in Canada speak) – God is really working on this one with me… Taming the tongue is hard work!
5. I am madly, deeply and truly in love with my husband of 21 years – he has held my sometimes fragile heart in the palm of his hands with such tenderness – and there are days when I’m not a nice person – but never, not once has he ever crushed my dreams or my spirit
6. My kids are awesome – I know, I know I’m biased – but they are. They drive me crazy!!! sometimes but they’re awesome
7. I love reading blogs – love reading other stories and feeling the pulse of other women who are just like me – messy, hurt and deeply desparate for God.
Thank you for this Alia… thank you for sharing pieces of you!!!
Tonya
Tonya Salomons recently posted..Ani Ma’amin (I Believe)
Girl, you’ve got to claim it. Repeat after me, “I am a writer.” You are when you say you are. And don’t we all scratch things down? Isn’t that the process? Just like your guidance counselor discouraging you for years, not claiming your dreams can put everything on hold. I knew I was a writer from the time I was very young. In journals throughout my life, I wrote. In high school, I carried around a notebook and pen at all times so I wouldn’t lose words when they came to me. I rarely, if ever, wrote publicly, but I was a writer. Then when I started writing on this blog, publicly, I suddenly doubted it. I’m not as good as so and so, or no one is reading me, or no one commented, etc. Finally, I rejected all of that and said, “I am a writer.” And that has made a huge difference in how I approach this blog. I love my readers, but I love writing even more, and would do it even if I was the only one benefiting from my words. Don’t get discouraged, our dreams can help point out God in our midst.
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
I am a writer. I. Am. A. Writer. I AM A WRITER!!! Thanks girl!!! Love you!
Tonya Salomons recently posted..Opportunity – Five Minute Friday
Love that!
Alia Joy recently posted..The Muck and the Glory: a recap of my one word 2012
Ha! This is great. Just so you know, I won’t “pop in”. I can’t because I’m probably over here across the neighborhood in my PJs too.
#7 made my heart sing. I really hate cards too. I love letters though.
Cards make me feel guilty. 1. Because I feel I have to keep them and 2. because I feel I have to actually like them – ie. laugh, feel inspired or touched. Yeah, really I just don’t care that much.
Debi @ FunkiPlanet.com recently posted..Holiday Planner AWESOMENESS!
That’s so funny! Ok, well I won’t be giving you any cards and you don’t ever have to give me any. We’ll just sit home in our pj’s and know we like each other without all that sentiment.
I do love a good letter, or note. And really, I like getting cards if they say more than what’s written in the card and not just signed. But I still won’t keep it. I almost never read card text unless it’s funny. I just skim the blah blah words.
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
Too scared to share dreams…I totally get that. I said that to my Josh the other night, and he insisted I tell. In our house, I am usually the dream see-er, and he is the dream holder. We are so content with that, and each so grateful for the other’s role. I am in awe of how God matches people sometimes. Do you find anything similar in your relationship?
Nicole recently posted..Unexpected Roots
I thought about this awhile ago because Jon Acuff wrote something about how one is often the dreamer and the other is the practical one and in our relationship we switch back and forth. I tend to be more pragmatic in things, overall. But I am also very emotional and that roller coaster is one that my Josh is seldom on. He is very stable and even. So there’s definitely balance there. I tend to be more afraid of change than he is, so he’s the dreamer in those areas. But I start stuff all the time while in my “dreaming” phase and then the details overwhelm me and it gets shelved. He typically finishes everything he starts but he doesn’t start as much stuff in general. Funny how that works.
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
How I loved getting to know you better — your light side along with the deep. I can relate in that combination.
Not too many deep thoughts from me right now, but here’s two facts about me:
1) Despite many lessons, I still cannot cut broccoli.
2) I once got my head caught between my legs in middle school PE class, showing off my flexibility and the way I could curve my head all the way through my legs in a back bend. It was a show, that’s for sure.
Ashley Larkin recently posted..The Frost
I know, a lot of people that know me and read my blog are like, You are so serious. And the ones that read my blog and meet me are like, You are so funny. So yeah, both. I vacillate between the two from one moment to the next. I am just now realizing that I am mulit-dimensional and that my writing can be both. Sometimes, I wonder if I come across too much of one and not enough of the other because I write a lot out of my angst and struggles, of which there is never a lack. After the Influence conference, I am realizing that I can do both because I am not just one-sided. Maybe that was the nudge I needed to keep from burning out on this blog. Whoa, long comment.
Also, I never knew you could get broccoli cutting lessons? I don’t even know how that would look. I usually just hack at it until it falls apart. Ok, I lied. I actually just buy it precut in a baggie. So, I don’t really know.
And you get the awkward flexibility award! Hurrah. Now that would have made a fun picture for sure. At least in my mental picture, it’s entertaining. Can you still do that? I’d love to see that at Jumping Tandem. Maybe for the Be Brave portion of the day, y’know, right after rope walking or zip line time. We could gather round and watch your weird flexibility. I’m sure there’s a life lesson in there somewhere.
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
I loved getting to know you a little better through your list. Wish I could have talked with you more at Influence – that was so overwhelming!
I always have the hardest time thinking of things about me to share for things like this and completely blank, so looking at the comment above mine reminds me that I broke my nose when I was in junior high by running into a (closed) glass door. My nose is still crooked from that and my glasses always have to be adjusted so that they look completely wonky when they’re off me, just so they’ll look straight once they’re on.
Sheila @ The Deliberate Reader recently posted..Book Review: My Life in France
It was a tad overwhelming. Conferences in general go so fast and there’s always a million people and things to do. I wish we could have talked more too. I am enjoying your book suggestions so much.
I love that about your nose. Not that you broke it but the story behind it. That must have really hurt! I’ve walked into a door before but my face is really flat so nothing sticks out too far. I can smoosh my nose flat into my face. It’s totally cartilage and almost no bone. Just FYI, in case you wanted to know even more stuff about me.
I never would have known that about your nose, It looked perfect at Influence so I guess the proof would be in your wonky glasses. I think one of my ears is higher than the other on my head. I can’t prove it but it’s a suspicion I have because of the way glasses seem to fit but maybe it’s my nose. I’m not sure.
Alia Joy recently posted..29 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Me
Please add to your list…
30. I once witnessed the senseless slaughter of a beaver on the way to the dentist.