I’m “It”

My friend Shannon tagged me and now I’m supposed to share six little known facts about me. Shannon traveled to Siberia with Harry & me in the summer of 1998, so it seems unsuitable to include that trip as one of the facts. For those of you who didn’t know that little tidbit, count yourselves lucky to learn seven.

1) I really like to dance, even though I have quite limited talent and Harry and I haven’t gone out dancing in years. This leaves me to find other opportunities- Harry & Charlie get to watch me do silly dances around the house fairly regularly, my previous co-workers in Seattle used to occasionally be graced with my moves, and I like to work it into cleaning whenever possible. I think someday soon I’m going to take dance classes–either swing &/or ballroom with Harry or modern by myself. Both sound like fun.

2) For as long as I can remember I have loved whales. Dolphins in particular. I wrote almost every “free write” report from junior high through high school about one aspect or another of whales. Sometimes I still can’t believe I didn’t become a biologist. One of my biggest dreams is to swim with wild dolphins and kayak alongside whales. We came close one time in the San Juans, but weather turned the orcas in the opposite direction. I’m not too sad that we’ll have to try again someday. Once it happens, we’ll keep trying!

3) I have run three half marathons and completed a sprint triathlon. When I got pregnant, Harry & I were training for the Seattle to Portland bike ride and I was going to do the Danskin tri again. I really grew to love road biking and can’t wait to go on rides with Harry & Charlie once we get a trailer. I also hope to do another tri next summer. My knees and running haven’t gotten along well lately, so I may have to walk that portion, but I’d be alright with that. I would encourage all women, no matter what shape and age, to give the Danskin triathalon a consideration. It is an incredibly inspirational event. For those wary of all three sports, portions can be divided among teammates.

4) I’m trying to live in a more earth-friendly way these days, though I realize I have a long way to go. Nonetheless, it’s good to be headed in the right direction. I’ve done simple things, like recycling, since childhood (I grew up in Boulder…plus, Seattle’s recycling program is probably the best in the nation). Since our current town doesn’t have curbside recycling for cardboard, we are storing it in our garage until we can take a big load to Eco-cycle. It cracks me up to have a three car garage filled with one car and lots of cardboard. We also use cloth diapers (& often cloth wipes) for Charlie. This has been much easier than I expected and something I’m really happy about. We clean, launder, wash dishes, shower, etc… with non-toxic, non-chlorine, non-petroleum based products. I hope to begin doing grocery shopping and most errands via bike & bike trailer very soon. Harry & I have learned that many green choices are also good for the pocketbook, despite what many people think.

5) I speak Dutch. I used to speak fluently, but it’s been 13 years since I lived in Monnickendam (a small village north of Amsterdam) as an exchange student, and there aren’t too many people to Nederlands spreken with here. I have kept in touch with many friends there so it is high on the list of vacation spots for our family.

6) Harry & I love board games. We have played them our entire marriage and will probably continue to do so until death do us part! We are currently (and have been for years) stuck on Ticket to Ride and Risk.

Off to play a game!

Shan~ Do I need to tag people now or is my “duty” fulfilled? :)