Strange, I know.

So instead, dear faceless internet, you get to read the 25 random things about me.

1) I don't like the feeling of suspense. I cringe in movies, skim the scary parts in books, and fast forward scenes in DVDs. (Also, when the character is doing something really stupid.)

2) My first CDs were Christmas gifts -- a bunch of Oldies collections ("Take a Letter, Maria"), a kids compilation of Purple People Eater (along with Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer, and more), and several classical compilations (Nutcracker Suite and some by Schuman). I was 14.

3) I only buy things on sale. Rarely do my clothes cost more than $10 an item. The exception: groceries. I am a horrible grocery shopper.

4) I don't really like food. I would be happy to drink all my nutrients and calories in smoothies, as long as I had some carrots to crunch and of course a hot fudge sundae from time to time.

5) I've moved a lot since I was 19 (in 2000). By "move" I mean, I've lived somewhere for 3 months at least. I moved 10 times between 2000 and 2007. In 2007, I went to 9 countries. In 2008, I moved 4 times.

6) The first story I remember writing was about a unicorn who got lost on the way to her birthday party. (I have since gotten lost on many other occasions.)

7) I'm very protective of my parents. When I was growing up, my worst nightmares were ones about my parents getting hurt.

8) The night before my youngest sibling was born, I dreamed I would have a brother. And I did.

9) I was a very sensitive child. Movies especially frightened me. Sinister movies like Feivel the American Tail and Sleeping Beauty. I had nightmares for years.

10) I am very curious about other people. This got me into "trouble" when I was little. While I waited in the car for my dad, I was watching the people in a car across the parking lot. I must have been staring too intently, because the man in the car (probably a teen) started sticking his tongue out at me. It made me cry and I later asked my dad why he was so mean. "He's just immature," my dad said.

11) I first met my husband when I was 15. I thought he was shy and not nearly as interesting as his friends, though we did exchange rounds of sarcastic emails for several months. Now, I know he's anything but shy and I definitely couldn't see myself with any of his friends.

12) I think marriage is the best thing that has happened to me. I highly recommend it.

13) I used to give crazy socks to my friends in middle school. It was my "signature gift."

14) I used to get so nervous talking to "the popular people" when I was in middle and high school that I would choke on my words and turn bright red. I despaired of ever getting over my social awkwardness.

15) I still feel awkward in social settings (like parties) when the people are around my age. I'm much more at home in a room full of 40 and 50 year olds, for some reason. Or a room of pre-teens.

16) I used to create skits, elaborate dances, and wear creative costumes...and would perform these in front of all my parents' guests and friends. (They were my friends, too.)

17) Growing up, I had two birthday parties. One with friends my age, and one with my parents' friends. Birthdays with my parents' friends were much less traumatic.

18) I avoid bees at all costs, even if it means looking like a fool. The last time I was stung, I was 3. I stepped on the bee. I still remember that day.

19) I haven't had any near-death experiences that I know of.

20) I wanted to be an English teacher for about 3 weeks...then I substitute taught for a bunch of seniors. Now I no longer want to teach English, especially to high schoolers.

21) I secretly want a Snuggie and think it could solve all my major life dilemmas.

22) I like colorful shoes. I have hot pink and golden yellow high heels.

23) I have a collection of flutes from other countries.

24) I prefer small journals because it is so satisfying to complete the last page. Sometimes, I will grow tired of a journal before it is done and abandon it completely.