Leslie tagged me

And it is now my duty to share with you six random facts about myself or my life.

1. I love my ab roller. I got it when I was 16 as a Xmas gift, and let me tell you how awesome that gift was. That I still use it 10 years later (oh dear, that's a long time), should be evidence enough. Not that I have rock-hard abs or a 6-pack, but I most definitely enjoy using this in my weekly workout. My time in grad school without it was quite depressing.

2. I love early American culture, as in the pioneer times. Probably from reading and watching Little House on the Prairie and other related time-period books and movies, but I requested a pioneer girl outfit in first grade. Mom made it for me and my first unveiling of this lovely ensemble, complete with bonnet, dress, pinafore, and pantaloons, was my costume for my Betsy Ross oral presentation. We were to dress up like and take on the persona of our report individual, and I chose an early American woman, the one who made the first American flag. I wore this costume for at least 4 years until it was so small and worn that the elastic was no longer useful.

3. I hate large groups of people. Sometimes, when I walk into a room filled with 15+ people, I will immediately start sweating. Nervous sweating. And I take note of every escape -- doors, windows, bathrooms -- in case I need it.

4. Contrary to popular belief, I do enjoy trying new things from time to time. Maybe one new thing per year. It could be a food, an experience, a place, etc. This year, however, has been the year for new experiences and new things, in general. I went skiing. I fell in love. I visited a wild cat rescue center. I got engaged. I spent a week at the beach with my dear Sara. I got married. I tried asparagus for the first time in about 15 years, and I liked it. I went to Costa Rica, somewhere I've always wanted to visit, but hadn't yet ventured to. I bought a king-sized bed. As one might expect, I kind of feel like this is a huge list for one year. Lots of changes and new, yet ongoing experiences. Perhaps this is some sort of an indication why it's been a bit challenging for me to grasp onto and embrace the newness.

5. I'm addicted to water. And to chocolate. This is what one of my Bloomington friends dubbed "The Lana Diet". It includes remarkable amounts of water and equally astounding amounts of chocolate. But I'm happy people, so SEE, there's the "Lana Diet" difference. I'm happy. Not starving. Not pale and wan. HAPPY! And my cells are each, individually, applauding their well-watered existence.

6. I am fully and totally ridiculous. While I work very hard to maintain a logical, rational, and "with-it" demeanor and existence, I am constantly finding myself doing, saying, and simply being ridiculous. Whether it's flipping out for no reason (just ask Kyle) or running into corners, door jambs, or tables, everything I do is couched in ludicrousness. A friend asked last night, "Have you ever thought about being a stand up comic," and I assured her that I would be a flop. Despite my detestation of public speaking, when comedy is needed, I have none. And when it is totally inappropriate, it overflows from me.
Whereas I used to take myself way too seriously in middle and high school, now I have awakened from that unreality to find myself nearly incapable of being serious. Whether it's a blessing or a curse, you decide as you interact with me. All in all, I think I'm in a better place now than I was at 18, but perhaps I should poll my parents and siblings who were forced to put up with me during that time.

There you have it. I have produced my six random facts. I don't know if they are interesting, but it's all I have. Again, when forced into something, I am generally incapable of successfully producing.

More on the honeymoon to come. My muse has been sleeping for weeks, trying to catch up on her beauty sleep this last month. Soon to arise, however, and astound you all!