The All About Me Post

I was sitting here thinking I should write a blog today but found myself lacking a topic.  Then I read my friend Sam's blog (you should read it too) and decided to go with the flow and do a 25 facts about me post like she did.  Why not?  Maybe you'll learn something new.  Maybe you'll think I'm far more fascinating than I actually am....anyway, here goes!

1. I have had a love affair with all things medieval since I was a child.  I love the Middle Ages.  I have taken one year of full time graduate coursework in medieval religious studies.  I know way more about an era past than anyone should, but I don't mind. I will be presenting at one of the largest medieval academic conferences in the world for the second time this May.

2. I believe animals are often more compassionate and openly loving than most people know how to be.  Because I believe this with my whole heart I cannot turn an animal away or allow an animal to suffer when I can do something about it.  We have four cats and a dog--all rescues.  We have 3 foster kittens living on our porch and I feed both a raccoon and a possum.  I will never apologize for this kindness because these critters have beautiful souls and I believe God sends them to me so I will care for them because there aren't enough people in the world like me to help them (and humans keep eating up all of their habitats so they can't care for themselves as well as they should be able to).

3. I am brutally honest and you probably don't want my opinion on much of anything.

4. I was introduced to deep, intense loss at a young age.  My life has not been a bed of roses.  I believe this loss and all the pain I have lived through has made me a stronger, more compassionate human being. 

5. I believe in food, good food.  I believe in eating what you want when you want the way you want.  I believe if you pay to eat at a restaurant you should never order salad.  You should always order something succulent and delicious.  You can run it off later.  But you should enjoy eating.  There is joy in food.  Food is a simple pleasure.  Why deny yourself an occasional slice of cake or torment yourself over lasagna?  You don't have to  overindulge, but you don't have to be a monk either.

6. I believe religion is both beautiful and ugly, loving and hateful, just like the people who embrace it.  I am fascinated by the world's religions.  I am fascinated by the innate kindness of souls like Mother Theresa and Mahatma Gandhi.  I embrace world religions.  I believe in tolerance.  I love those "coexist" bumper stickers.  I think every person has the right to believe as they choose and be left to it.  My soul is my business.  Your soul is your's.

7. I am a published poet.  I will be a published author.  I love to write.  It's what I was meant to do. 

8. I am a first generation college graduate.  I truly believe that knowledge is power and a college education is the key to a new universe. I am so passionate about education.  Every one has the right to a quality education.  Every child has the right to learn.  I don't think that's just my opinion--it's a fact.

9. I think history belongs to every one of us.  Therefore, we all have a responsibility to protect it.

10. I live in a 111 year old house.  I never want to live in a new home.  I don't think they have character.

11. I'm a chocoholic.  Yes, really.

12. I exercise frequently.  I don't always love it, but I do try to stay fit.  Some exercises I actually enjoy:  running. Zumba, yoga, and pilates.

13. I want to adopt a child (or children) one day.  I honestly think if I were a millionaire I would give Angelina Jolie a run for her money.

14. I have known how to swim since I was 4.  I love to swim.  I am a strong swimmer.  If you don't know how to swim, give me an hour and I can teach you.

15. I never back down from my opinions or beliefs.  Sometimes my opinions and beliefs evolve.  They change over time just like everything else.  But you have to stand firm for what you think is right because if you can't do that then how can you possibly respect yourself?

16. I love autumn.  It's my favorite season.  I love the chill in the air.  I revel in the sound of leaves crunching underfoot.  I think the smell of a roaring wood fireplace is the best smell there is.

17. I enjoy the outdoors.  I would almost always rather be outside than inside.

18. I love to read.  It's my favorite thing to do.  Give me a good book, a glass of red wine, and a cozy place to sit and I will be happy for hours.

19. I cannot abide selfishness, willful ignorance, or intolerance.  If I believe you are chronically guilty of any of these cardinal sins then I will quickly eliminate you from my life.

20. I am still trying the whole positive thinking kick I started in April.  I've found trying to be positive does actually offer a person a little bit of peace, and a little bit of peace does the soul a whole lot of good!

21.  I thought twitter was a stupid waste of time.  Then one of my friends talked me into opening an account.  I now manage all social media at work.  Turns out it isn't a waste of time and I'm actually pretty good at it.  Who knew?

22.  I think holding a sleeping baby can sooth just about any heartbreak.

23. I love music and I enjoy dancing.  I'll shake my booty anywhere there's a beat!

24.  I enjoy public speaking.  I have never been afraid to give a speech.  I actually think I get more excited the bigger the crowd gets.  Weird, huh?

25. I blog for me, but I really hope other people read these posts and enjoy them.