Last year, I participated in a 15 Random Facts About Me blogging challenge, where I posted random facts about me. I got the idea from Nancy Stordahl’s 15 Random Facts & A Blogging Challenge Too! So when Nancy posted 15 Random Facts, Round Two, & Another Blogging Challenge! this week, where she shared 15 more pieces of information about herself, I just had to follow suit. And, as Nancy has done, I’m putting a challenge out there for you, dear readers, to blog or share 15 (or less or more) things about you in the comments section or in a blog.
Here are 15 random things to know about me:
1. The most exciting fact right now is that I have launched my book, Calling the Shots in Your Medical Care, which is about how to cope in a medical system fraught with difficult doctors and administrators. However, the book doesn’t bash all medical professionals, just the unprofessional ones.
2. I am a Type A personality, which means I’m a deadline-driven perfectionist. This is a good characteristic in some ways, but it also has its drawbacks. Wanting to do everything perfectly can be and has been crippling. Luckily, I have made a concerted effort to become a little more type B-ish and care less about being perfect because, let’s face it, nobody is.
3. I’m an extroverted introvert, whatever that means. I can be shy, but I also can feel comfortable around many people I don’t know.
4. Until recently, we had a HUGE goldfish. At four years old, Goldilox had outgrown her 40-gallon tank. If you don’t believe me, just look at the picture below. Luckily, this fish has a happy outcome. Our pet sitter has a pond, and she agreed to take the fish.
5. I have a passion for grammar and have been known by my students as the “grammar Nazi.” I take that as a compliment.
6. I still have two baby teeth, my central bottom incisors. Thank goodness nobody can see them when I smile.
7. I enjoy going to charitable events for good causes.
8. I happen to live not far from a mosquito sanctuary. That’s right! There is at least one sanctuary for mosquitos that I know of. Are they endangered? WTF?
9. From ages 5 to 12, I took tap dancing lessons and loved every minute of it.
10. When I was in junior high school, I attempted to play the flute in the orchestra. I blew out more air than I took in, which led me to faint — repeatedly.
11. I switched from the flute to art class. Better fit.
12. Throughout high school and college I played guitar and loved it. I’m not naturally musical (see flute incident above), but I love music. Also, breathing technique is not an issue with the guitar, so no passing-out incidents.
13. I love sunsets.
14. I love books. Unfortunately, I have more to-read books on my book list than I actually can read.
15. Writing is so therapeutic for me. I’ve wanted to be a writer from the age of 5, maybe even earlier. I want to write another book or two or three or more. I am thinking of a memoir or even a novel or series of short stories. I’m not sure which direction I’ll go.
There you have it: 15 more random things about me. I hope you enjoyed reading this!
Goldilox in her tank.
Goldilox in the pond (she’s the large one)
What are some random facts about yourself?
I would love to hear about you.
Tags: 15 Random Things, about me, Beth L. Gainer, blogging, Calling the Shots in Your Medical Care, writing, writing and inspiration
Have to think about this Beth. Had an interesting encounter with a dermatologist yesterday. He was abrupt, obviously thought greatly of himself, but mostly left me feeling like I was not there. Then my partner decided to correct me on the facts of one experience I described and it became clear that somehow I’ve become seen as an “unreliable” witness to my own life and need to work on changing that. Or changing people around me. Are we so impatient with each other that we can’t allow a person to describe themselves without editing?
Hi Scott,
You bring up a good point about the reliability of how we describe ourselves. I think so many of us try to be so accurate in the way we see our lives, but there’s always our perception, which is sometimes different from the reality. And our inner editor seems to always be at work when it comes to trying to understand ourselves.
I’m sorry about that insensitive dermatologist. Have you thought about finding another?
Great blog! Love the 15 facts. That is the biggest goldfish I’ve ever seen.
Thank you so much, Martine! Yes, Goldilox is huge. From recent pictures his new caretaker took from the pond, the fish already seems larger. Oy.
Great list, Beth! Congratulations on your book again. I am looking forward to reading it.
That is a huge goldfish! And did you say a mosquito sanctuary? I’ve never heard of that one before. I thought there were too many of them already. It’s nice that you’ve tried playing different musical instruments. I would have loved to learn the guitar or the violin. I love writing but I am the opposite of #2. I wish I was more like you in that area. But when I do decide to write, it is very therapeutic for me as well. And I love sunsets too!
For random facts about me, check out my recent post. This was def. a fun exercise to do. Plus I love learning more about my online friends. xx
Rebecca, I will definitely be checking out your 15 facts — I can’t wait to find out more about you!
Yes, the mosquito sanctuary baffles me. I, too, thought there were too many mosquitos in the world.
I’m so glad you write. Your writing is beautiful, and I enjoy reading your posts so much.
Love learning more about you Beth. I share the extorverted introverted trait with you 😉
Thanks, Marie. I’m glad there’s at least one other extroverted introvert out there.
Mosquito sanctuary?! OK that is a new nightmare for me!! EEEEK!
Dear Cancer Curmudgeon:
Yes, it is a nightmare. Why do they get their own sanctuary and from what? Oy.
Hi Beth,
I enjoyed reading your list and learning a few new things about you. I like how you refer to yourself as an extroverted introvert. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard that phrase before. I love the big goldfish story. We used to have koi back when we had a pond. Now we have an aquarium instead. I didn’t know you played guitar. You’re so artistically gifted! I love sunsets too. And reading, but now it takes me forever to get through a book. And of course, you know how I feel about writing. Great list. So fun to read it. Thank you for participating in my challenge, Beth, and for the mention too. xx
Nancy, thank you for your comment. Yes, extroverted introvert describes me well. I’m actually pretty shy, but I always find myself going out of my comfort zone in social settings. Goldilox is still happily in her new pond. In terms of guitar, I would definitely not think of myself as gifted. I was OK, nothing outstanding.
Thank you for presenting this challenge, Nancy! It was fun.
Great list! So fun to get to learn more about my blogging friends! Have never known of baby teeth sticking around into adulthood!
Thank you, Kimberly. Yep, these baby teeth are a pretty tenacious duo. I loved learning about you in your post!