View Full Version : The most interesting thing about you
Today at work I was asked by an Officer who was working in my office on light duty what I thought people found most interesting about me. I am a pretty bland person but I have been told that the fact that I married my husband after only knowing him for three months. We were planning a wedding a year out but decided to just elope.
What would people find interesting about you? Any cool talents? Are you a local hero in your town? Did you do something completely out of the norm for most people? I am interested to hear what you come up with.
I am often asked, Do you have to analyze everything to death?". Being analytical, that is my unique quality, I think.
I am often asked, Do you have to analyze everything to death?". Being analytical, that is my unique quality, I think.
Being a thinker will serve you well in life.
People are usually surprised I have been to all the lower 48 states with a kid and occasionally a dog in tow, but not other adults.
Currently people are surprised by all the presidential candidates I am going to hear, because they don't come to my state, I go to an adjacent state to see them.
People are usually surprised I have been to all the lower 48 states with a kid and occasionally a dog in tow, but not other adults.
Currently people are surprised by all the presidential candidates I am going to hear, because they don't come to my state, I go to an adjacent state to see them.
Wow! I have never been far from the East Coast my entire life unless you count being born in Kansas. Moved to VA before I was even 10 months. I would love to see Montana, Idaho, the Dakotas one day.
I have traded drinks and stories with one of the Chicago 7, or in this case, 8. Not "the most interesting" but I have enjoyed telling the story to a few who remember who they were or are.
Wow! I have never been far from the East Coast my entire life unless you count being born in Kansas. Moved to VA before I was even 10 months. I would love to see Montana, Idaho, the Dakotas one day.
Idaho and Montana are gorgeous. I've lived in the Northwest since 1971.
People are shocked to learn that a short little early 50s chick is downright obsessed with diving Great Lakes shipwrecks, knows loads about their history, and is a “boatnerd” (into Great Lakes freighters). I’ve been told multiple times “I’d never expect it from you!” :laff:
Pretty funny. Then when I ask if they want to see photos, I whip out my phone and then they’re fascinated.
iris lilies
1-8-20, 11:54pm
People are shocked to learn that a short little early 50s chick is downright obsessed with diving Great Lakes shipwrecks, knows loads about their history, and is a “boatnerd” (into Great Lakes freighters). I’ve been told multiple times “I’d never expect it from you!” :laff:
Pretty funny. Then when I ask if they want to see photos, I whip out my phone and then they’re fascinated.
We here still can’t believe it! I mean you *do* go after something long and hard when you want it, like the liturgy study course and your professional certification for shipping regulations, so I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. I just wonder what’s next.
I have traded drinks and stories with one of the Chicago 7, or in this case, 8. Not "the most interesting" but I have enjoyed telling the story to a few who remember who they were or are.
Had to google that as I had no idea who they were. My Dad was deployed twice to Vietnam.
Idaho and Montana are gorgeous. I've lived in the Northwest since 1971.
Husband and I have talked about moving out there once I get my 30 years in at the PD. I don't think either of my boys would follow and it would kill me to be so far away from them and future grandchildren. We will probably end up in TN or Northern GA.
People are shocked to learn that a short little early 50s chick is downright obsessed with diving Great Lakes shipwrecks, knows loads about their history, and is a “boatnerd” (into Great Lakes freighters). I’ve been told multiple times “I’d never expect it from you!” :laff:
Pretty funny. Then when I ask if they want to see photos, I whip out my phone and then they’re fascinated.
Wow! That is awesome!!!
iris lilies
1-9-20, 9:30am
I have traded drinks and stories with one of the Chicago 7, or in this case, 8. Not "the most interesting" but I have enjoyed telling the story to a few who remember who they were or are.
They are making a Hollywood film about the .chicago 7. I don’t know if your #8 is in it but I suppose he is. I should know who that is but have forgotten. Without looking it up, I have a vague recollection that #8 honorary title was given to Wm Kunstler?
Once at a lily convention luncheon I sat next to a guy who said he was, in his youth, Bernadine Dorn’s boyfriend, they lived together. Bernadine Dorn of Weather Underground fame. She is married to Bill Ayers.
So now this old guy, my luncheon partner, is a peaceful, lily growing retired college professor.
iris lilies
1-9-20, 9:34am
About me: I once adopted six French Bulldogs in one day.
Sad Eyed Lady
1-9-20, 9:35am
I have traded drinks and stories with one of the Chicago 7, or in this case, 8. Not "the most interesting" but I have enjoyed telling the story to a few who remember who they were or are.
Now, I find this very interesting. Any talk of plans to levitate the pentagon? ;)
About me: I once adopted six French Bulldogs in one day.
I love love love Frenchies!! So adorable!!! I would love to get one but husband is holding out for a Bull Terrier (Spuds McKenzie/Target dog). I got to pick our last dog (Alaskan Malamute) so he gets his choice next time. But Bull Terriers are like the unicorns of the dog world. Never see any up for adoption and so freaking expensive from a breeder. We paid over $700 for our Malamute but BTs are a lot more expensive than that!
iris lilies
1-9-20, 10:41am
I love love love Frenchies!! So adorable!!! I would love to get one but husband is holding out for a Bull Terrier (Spuds McKenzie/Target dog). I got to pick our last dog (Alaskan Malamute) so he gets his choice next time. But Bull Terriers are like the unicorns of the dog world. Never see any up for adoption and so freaking expensive from a breeder. We paid over $700 for our Malamute but BTs are a lot more expensive than that!
Bull Terriers are so odd looking! I always stop and look when they show up on TV. I do like their looks.
I think you are better off getting a Spuds dog. From my casual observation, they are not all over the place. I do not see them on the street.
French bulldogs are a a dime a dozen now and that means backyard breeders and mills are churning them out. Several of my six pack were Champions from the guy in Missouri who pioneered and popularized cream colored Frenchies. Mine were solid little blocks of muscle and bone.
You can’t get that quality of dog todayon average, they all look skinny and they lack bone.
I have to say that the Frenchies seem not very bright to me. We prefer the big bulldogs, English bulldogs. Another fact about me: we have had 50 bulldogs thru our house in 25 years. We foster, we adopt, and we host hospice dogs.
gimmethesimplelife
1-9-20, 10:52am
I'd say the most interesting thing about me......I don't follow society's script but have managed to avoid the streets/homelessness. Rob
Teacher Terry
1-9-20, 11:07am
I got married young and had 3 kids and then obtained 4 college degrees. Kelly, people now are so mobile so you never know where they will end up. My youngest lives in Vietnam and teaches English and math.
Bull Terriers are so odd looking! I always stop and look when they show up on TV. I do like their looks.
I think you are better off getting a Spuds dog. From my casual observation, they are not all over the place. I do not see them on the street.
French bulldogs are a a dime a dozen now and that means backyard breeders and mills are churning them out. Several of my six pack were Champions from the guy in Missouri who pioneered and popularized cream colored Frenchies. Mine were solid little blocks of muscle and bone.
You can’t get that quality of dog todayon average, they all look skinny and they lack bone.
I have to say that the Frenchies seem not very bright to me. We prefer the big bulldogs, English bulldogs. Another fact about me: we have had 50 bulldogs thru our house in 25 years. We foster, we adopt, and we host hospice dogs.
You say "odd looking", I say "ugly as heck!" :laff: I figure Frenchies would be popular with the puppy mills and don't want to support that. My Malamute came from a very reputable breeder who practices ethical dog breeding. She even sells older dogs once they are past a safe breeding age. Her facility was very nice and we got to meet the mom and dad. I just love how Frenchies talk and will watch those Walter the Frenchie videos and just laugh and laugh. I am sure husband would go batty listening to that but I would love it. Plus our Malamute was well over 100 lbs and thought she was a lap dog. I would like a smaller dog to cuddle. I grew up with cocker spaniels and miss having small dogs.
Teacher Terry
1-9-20, 11:16am
The best dog I have ever had was a husky/shepherd mix. Everyone thought he was malamute. He was beautiful, smart, loving, protective and let my 5lb Maltese boss him around. He was a rescue. I would love another one but my allergies/asthma disagrees.
I got married young and had 3 kids and then obtained 4 college degrees. Kelly, people now are so mobile so you never know where they will end up. My youngest lives in Vietnam and teaches English and math.
That is true about being mobile and not knowing what the future holds. My oldest will be out of college and will have just started a career by the time we are able to move so that may determine (in my mind) where we end up. Our youngest will still be in college so he would probably follow us. Both boys have told us that they don't want to move cross country which I understand. I just have a more adventurous spirit and would love to just leave all that I've ever known and live in a place completely different with different wildlife around. I want bears, elk, moose, etc. Wow! Four degrees!! Awesome!! I don't even have one. It became apparent my Sophomore year that college and me weren't a good fit so that's when I applied to temp agencies and ended up landing a job that turned into a career.
Teacher Terry
1-9-20, 11:23am
I have lived in 5 states because of needing to move for work and when my first husband was in the military. 23 years ago I interviewed by phone for a state job in my field and had never been out West. Took the job in Reno and love it. At one point all 3 of my kids moved out here but now only one is still here.
I am a member of both SWOP-Seattle (Sex Workers Outreach Project) and SEPIA (Society of Erotic Professionals in Action).
I have lived in 5 states because of needing to move for work and when my first husband was in the military. 23 years ago I interviewed by phone for a state job in my field and had never been out West. Took the job in Reno and love it. At one point all 3 of my kids moved out here but now only one is still here.
My Dad was a Lt Col in the Army but stopped getting transferred around the time I was born. I was born in KS (Ft Leavenworth) and then we moved to Northern VA when I was under 1. Lived there until I was 25 and moved to Southern MD with my now husband. I tell my husband all the time that we need to get a RV. My inlaws were going to give us theirs when they got too old to use it but then decided that we made too much of a success of ourselves and told us that since we didn't "need" them to never contact them. Yes... my husband's family really is that weird.
I am a member of both SWOP-Seattle (Sex Workers Outreach Project) and SEPIA (Society of Erotic Professionals in Action).
:0!:0!:0! Sounds like you live quite an interesting life. :laff:
Teacher Terry
1-9-20, 12:12pm
That’s so sad about your husband’s family. I would rent a RV before buying one. If we had we wouldn’t have bought the one we are now trying to sell.
We here still can’t believe it! I mean you *do* go after something long and hard when you want it, like the liturgy study course and your professional certification for shipping regulations, so I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. I just wonder what’s next.
Longer, deeper dives requiring planned decompression stops. This really ups the ante. Should start class with a pool session this weekend. Bookwork is all done. I’m putting in massive time at the gym. Now on the recumbent bike daily. Did 14.5 miles in 62 minutes yesterday.
Teacher Terry
1-9-20, 12:22pm
I had a coworker that did cave diving with her boyfriend. As I remember she had to get special training and certification.
That’s so sad about your husband’s family. I would rent a RV before buying one. If we had we wouldn’t have bought the one we are now trying to sell.
Yes, it is. They prefer to treat their 57 year old daughter who took a 10 year break for adulting to drink herself almost to death like a Queen instead of being proud of their son who got a job, married, had kids, bought a house, has money in the bank, etc. Makes no sense to any of us. As far as the RV, there is no place even close to us to rent one plus husband wants a camper, not an RV. I told him that I have this dream of sitting in the big chair overlooking the sites through that big windshield as we drive down the road and a camper just doesn't fit that dream. ;)
Longer, deeper dives requiring planned decompression stops. This really ups the ante.
With your detail-oriented mind, you should excel at this!
Teacher Terry
1-9-20, 12:46pm
Luckily we bought it used but still lost money. We have used it more as a guest bedroom. We didn’t buy a trailer because none of our vehicles could tow one.
I had a coworker that did cave diving with her boyfriend. As I remember she had to get special training and certification.
You have no idea how extensive/involved cave training is. A friend went though it last year. Dang! I’m not interested. Wet rocks in the dark seem just boring. Love my wrecks.
With your detail-oriented mind, you should excel at this!
The in water work is going to be hard hard work. But fun, too!
I once broke the sound barrier in a T-38 trainer (Don’t worry, I wasn’t driving).
I sold Microsoft in the early nineties because I thought they had run their course and oil shale was the wave of the future.
As a young man, I joined Mensa as a way to meet women. I was unsuccessful.
I once broke the sound barrier in a T-38 trainer (Don’t worry, I wasn’t driving).
I once sat overnight on a T-38 crash site when a reserve pilot took it nose down in an Indiana farmer's field. Had to wait for the nearest EOD team to respond and disarm the ejection seat so the pilot's lower torso could be safely recovered. The nearby but crispy upper torso smelled like chicken cooked with a flame thrower. I still see it in my mind every time I hear or read that particular plane's designation.
I emmigrated from The Netherlands as an infant. My parents are WW2 survivors (Rotterdam was horrifically bombed). We started our life with 2 old cars gifted from our parents. As a RN, I have retired a multimillionaire. Hubby is still working-he made min wage well into the 90s so has some bankrolling to do to have the retirement he wants.
I don't know that "normal" people would find this interesting as jealousy runs rampant for those with a bit of wealth. They are too damn busy living above their means and working like slaves to make their monthly payments.
It's sad success in our culture is celebrated by the latter. but here? HERE WE CELEBRATE frugal living!
I just checked my asset total: I drew 1/24th this month of what I earned in the recent 2 weeks. I think I'm going to be OK for the long run.>8)
I once sat overnight on a T-38 crash site when a reserve pilot took it nose down in an Indiana farmer's field. Had to wait for the nearest EOD team to respond and disarm the ejection seat so the pilot's lower torso could be safely recovered. The nearby but crispy upper torso smelled like chicken cooked with a flame thrower. I still see it in my mind every time I hear or read that particular plane's designation.
I think I was assigned a better AFSC than you were.
I think I was assigned a better AFSC than you were.
Oh, I don't know about that. 812X0 served me well enough later in life.
Yes, it is. They prefer to treat their 57 year old daughter who took a 10 year break for adulting to drink herself almost to death like a Queen instead of being proud of their son who got a job, married, had kids, bought a house, has money in the bank, etc. Makes no sense to any of us. As far as the RV, there is no place even close to us to rent one plus husband wants a camper, not an RV. I told him that I have this dream of sitting in the big chair overlooking the sites through that big windshield as we drive down the road and a camper just doesn't fit that dream. ;)
Sounds like a narcissist family dynamic and your husband is the scapegoat. They are really resentful and success.
iris lilies
1-9-20, 1:54pm
I had a coworker that did cave diving with her boyfriend. As I remember she had to get special training and certification.
Tradd does not have my permission to do cave diving. Ever.
i worry about her like a mom. The scuba diving is bad enough.
Oh, I don't know about that. 81250 served me well later in life.
Back in the late eighties, they made a big effort to get officers into EOD. But reflecting on the number of electrical shocks I have received doing home maintenance tasks, I thought it prudent to decline.
iris lilies
1-9-20, 1:58pm
I once broke the sound barrier in a T-38 trainer (Don’t worry, I wasn’t driving).
I sold Microsoft in the early nineties because I thought they had run their course and oil shale was the wave of the future.
As a young man, I joined Mensa as a way to meet women. I was unsuccessful.
In my last fling before meeting DH , I had a short lived but fun junket with an adorably cute, smart, and nice boyfriend. He later met someone who was cute, smart, and nice in
Mensa. They are still together decades later.
I was not cute, smart, or nice enough for him, and I say that sincerely, no snark.
Two claims to fame: I once killed (two witnesses) a fly middair with a dishtowel snap. I also hit a bullseye shooting a bow and arrow blindfolded. (about 8 witnesses)
One other....my dad was one of the original LE officers searching for DB Cooper....he had to leave Thanksgiving dinner to go out.
iris lilies
1-9-20, 2:20pm
The DB Cooper reference is way cool!
My uncle discovered the age of the earth.
oh but kay we shouldnt ignore your mad athletic skillz!
The DB Cooper reference is way cool!
My uncle discovered the age of the earth.
oh but kay we shouldnt ignore your mad athletic skillz!
No one ever believes me, Iris.....but I do have witnesses!
Also, I used to be a sportswriter...that's the one that usually surprises people the most.
Teacher Terry
1-9-20, 3:53pm
My coworker’s parents were not happy that her boyfriend got her into diving let alone cave diving. She was a only child with severe asthma.
As befits my usually-beige personality, one of my biggest claims to fame is that I once discovered a bug in Microsoft Excel.
Two claims to fame: I once killed (two witnesses) a fly middair with a dishtowel snap. I also hit a bullseye shooting a bow and arrow blindfolded. (about 8 witnesses).
IMPRESSIVE!
I once broke the sound barrier in a T-38 trainer (Don’t worry, I wasn’t driving).
I sold Microsoft in the early nineties because I thought they had run their course and oil shale was the wave of the future.
As a young man, I joined Mensa as a way to meet women. I was unsuccessful.
It's never too late! (Wearing my Mensa t-shirt, waving from the Seattle Eastside...)
No one ever believes me, Iris.....but I do have witnesses!
Also, I used to be a sportswriter...that's the one that usually surprises people the most.
My uncle and a couple cousins are sports writers. They have interviewed many famous athletes. One cousin has said in the past that Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky were his favorite people to talk to. Can't remember any more recent favorite athletes.
I was featured in a weather report in a bikini and represented Hampton VA (which I have absolutely no connection to) on a Rose Festival float--my brief career as a hottie.
I really don't know what others might find interesting about me. I know most people are surprised that I was in the Marine Corps, or maybe they are just surprised that there ARE women in the Marine Corps - LOL.
Not about me but it always fascinates people that my father was a NASA physician to various Apollo astronauts during their heyday. I recall going to a few crazy astronaut parties with my father when I was a little girl. I guess about me is that I can draw anything photo-realistically.
Not about me but it always fascinates people that my father was a NASA physician to various Apollo astronauts during their heyday. I recall going to a few crazy astronaut parties with my father when I was a little girl. I guess about me is that I can draw anything photo-realistically.
That's cool, PT, both your dad and your drawing ability. I can barely manage stick figures.
I was featured in a weather report in a bikini and represented Hampton VA (which I have absolutely no connection to) on a Rose Festival float--my brief career as a hottie.
Woo-hoo, Jane!!!:0!
Woo-hoo, Jane!!!:0!
I like to say I peaked at 19...:D
I emmigrated from The Netherlands as an infant. My parents are WW2 survivors (Rotterdam was horrifically bombed). We started our life with 2 old cars gifted from our parents. As a RN, I have retired a multimillionaire. Hubby is still working-he made min wage well into the 90s so has some bankrolling to do to have the retirement he wants.
I don't know that "normal" people would find this interesting as jealousy runs rampant for those with a bit of wealth. They are too damn busy living above their means and working like slaves to make their monthly payments.
It's sad success in our culture is celebrated by the latter. but here? HERE WE CELEBRATE frugal living!
I just checked my asset total: I drew 1/24th this month of what I earned in the recent 2 weeks. I think I'm going to be OK for the long run.>8)
Gardnr: That is so impressive! I was very much a late-bloomer financially speaking. Frugality never crossed my mind until late 2007 (I joked that I stopped shopping for recreation and the great recession ensued). I was able to take early retirement 10 years later in a decent financial position thanks primarily to wisdom and motivation gained from the Simple Living Forum, MMM, GRS. Imagine if I had been optimizing our finances all along!
Teacher Terry
1-9-20, 6:13pm
Gardn, I am confused about why your husband can’t retire. Do you keep your money separate?
And I ... am not. >8)
Klunick, what a smart way to introduce yourself. Welcome to the boards!!
And Jane ... oh, just :D.
Gardn, I am confused about why your husband can’t retire. Do you keep your money separate?
We do not keep our money separate. Our investment funds however are all my savings as he works for the state so his entire tax deferral is required to be there-hence we know who earned what savings. He wants BIG stuff out of retirement that will take a LOT of money so is willing to work longer to get it. Plus he made minimum wage until 1993 so he's a bit behind his investment goals.
Once he retires we will go through money very quickly for about 10 years (as long as we are physically able to walk/hike for hours. 7 of our grandparents all made it to or past 88 (my GMs were each 94). We are just 58 and have to plan for a 30y retirement minimum or 94 :~)so we don't become wards of the state.
Also, he is thoroughly enjoying his work. He is in IT. In April he became chief Security officer for his office. He is loving it and is getting a lot of support for education and certifications that are beneficial.
If he were unhappy at work, we would regroup, reevaluate, consult with our financial adviser about projected possibilities and move forward. It is entirely up to him whether we 'downgrade' the retirement intentions.
Teacher Terry
1-9-20, 9:27pm
G, I am always interested in how couples handle finances. Thanks for explaining. Interesting that he has expensive plans but I see nothing wrong with that. Some years we spent between 8-14k on vacations. We can’t do that every year. We are definitely traveling because I am 5 years older at 65 and don’t want to have any regrets.
Tradd does not have my permission to do cave diving. Ever.
i worry about her like a mom. The scuba diving is bad enough.
Really? Thank you! That’s sweet. :)
iris lilies
1-9-20, 11:35pm
I like to say I peaked at 19...:Dway to go jane!
G, I am always interested in how couples handle finances. Thanks for explaining. Interesting that he has expensive plans but I see nothing wrong with that. Some years we spent between 8-14k on vacations. We can’t do that every year. We are definitely traveling because I am 5 years older at 65 and don’t want to have any regrets.
I have no issue with the expensive plans either. I am grateful for his support in my request to retire in July. Dude is a keeper!
Teacher Terry
1-10-20, 12:33am
So am curious what are your husband’s dreams? I love traveling so very interested. Where does he want to go?
Sounds like a narcissist family dynamic and your husband is the scapegoat. They are really resentful and success.
Narcissist doesn't even come close to describing them... and my Father in law was a Pastor!! I could understand them helping the sister out when she was drinking but she has been sober for almost 20 years and still lives with them. She also acts like she is still 13. Doesn't help around the house, doesn't pay rent, complains about dinner nightly. I would have to bite my tongue every time we'd go down for a visit. I pretty much wrote them off when they lied about why they couldn't come to our oldest's HS graduation. They claimed they had an event they NEEDED to attend but we later found out that the event happened several weeks after my son's graduation. And to make matters worse, this Christmas, my oldest drove 10 hours in one day to spend the holiday with them and all they did was trash his Dad. Son was livid when he got home because he basically wasted Christmas because of them. We do Christmas big at our house and he missed it.
Sad Eyed Lady
1-10-20, 9:44am
Two claims to fame: I once killed (two witnesses) a fly middair with a dishtowel snap. I also hit a bullseye shooting a bow and arrow blindfolded. (about 8 witnesses)
One other....my dad was one of the original LE officers searching for DB Cooper....he had to leave Thanksgiving dinner to go out.
Love the DB Cooper reference. He has always held some fascination for me as for many others.
catherine
1-10-20, 10:11am
This is such a neat thread!
As for me, one thing that people might find interesting is that, as a theatre major, I spent a semester studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. I also worked at NBC, and while there, got to work in the NBC production offices at the 1976 Democratic and Republic National Conventions. One time I had to greet then-candidate Jimmy Carter at his limo and take him up to Studio 6B for an interview. All the small talk I invented in my head cleared out, though, when I found myself utterly intimidated by his Secret Service agents, who all seemed to be about 7 feet tall. I did get to meet him and shake his hand, though.
In my work at NBC, I also typed up original Saturday Night Live contracts for Gilda Radner and Chevy Chase
Teacher Terry
1-10-20, 11:08am
Catherine that’s very cool.
So am curious what are your husband’s dreams? I love traveling so very interested. Where does he want to go?
Travel-fine hotels, rental cars, fine eateries. (Our camping days are over). He is currently considering a Glacier/Banff vaca. $300 is the starting point with the simple motor lodge being $200 in Glacier. So travel can easily be $600 plus daily. And that is today's rates.
Woodworking is EXPENSIVE! He is very sparing using a $120 piece of wood right now (this is not a big piece). He'd like to do more work with those pieces rather than a smidge in a project. Can you say $2k cutting board? But it will last 200 years. He doesn't have some of the priciest toys yet.
He is an avid cycler. Great bikes are well over $10k and avid cyclers don't have 1.
Downhill skiing. Cost effective right here near the cabin and we both love it. Traveling for it? Plan on $400/day for the 2 JUST for skiing costs and food service at resorts.
These are his primary interests.
That IS cool, Catherine!
Reminded me of another "dad" story---when St. Helens erupted, he got to meet Jimmy Carter. Dad was really sick (nerves, exhaustion) that day and told us he almost barfed right on him at one point.
Teacher Terry
1-10-20, 1:39pm
G, the hotels in national Parks are insane. We paid 75/night at the grand Tetons just for a RV spot. Our camping days are also over. We never spend much time in our hotel room so we don’t stay in fancy places unless I get a deal. In Miami I got a $300 room for 150 with all fees included through hotels.com. For our Europe trip I have been able to book the first half at around 100/night. Still have to book Ireland and Scotland which may prove more challenging.
G, the hotels in national Parks are insane. We paid 75/night at the grand Tetons just for a RV spot. Our camping days are also over. We never spend much time in our hotel room so we don’t stay in fancy places unless I get a deal. In Miami I got a $300 room for 150 with all fees included through hotels.com. For our Europe trip I have been able to book the first half at around 100/night. Still have to book Ireland and Scotland which may prove more challenging.
And the goal is to go all of them! We've been to a whopping 5 so far. Yes, camping. I've been to 2 that he has not so 7 for me.
whisperingpines
1-11-20, 8:38am
Gardnr,
Can you adopt me???;)
Gardnr, Can you adopt me???;)
That's what my nieces/nephews say:~)
I don't know if it is the most interesting thing about me, but I was a competitive figure skater through my childhood and into my teenage years in the 1970's. I never went anywhere with it as I tended to get last (or close to) at all the competitions I was entered in. I gave it up rebelliously when I was 14 because I felt like a total weirdo compared to what the neighborhood kids were doing at the time. I then became a total stoner to make up for lost time, and in college I got into the punk scene and ended up shaving my head at one point.
Yeah, I think I have many interesting things about me and have certainly packed a lot into my 58 years!
rosarugosa
1-11-20, 4:54pm
I couldn't think of anything, but I finally came up with something!
When I was in the 6th grade, one of my teachers recruited me and 4 other kids to be "guinea pigs" for a friend who was doing a study at MIT. We were some of the smarter kids in her class, and I had a stay-at-home mom with a car, which probably was my primary attraction, lol. So we went to MIT every day for about 6 weeks during the summer and played with computers with a bunch of professors and grad students. This was in 1970 or thereabouts, so we were probably some of the first people of our vintage to interact with computers! We did fun and silly stuff and they also showed us how to use a bongo board (I can balance on a bongo board forever) and stilts. It was all fun and games for us, but in retrospect, this is the guy who was heading the program: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seymour_Papert. We were in the presence of greatness! We made a contribution to the early science of Artificial Intelligence, and some of the fundamental computer logic I learned then stood me in good stead in college and later in the workplace. I and others my age were around before computers and cellphones were common, and my stint at MIT helped me make the transition more easily - plus it was wicked fun!
Speaking of the presence of greatness, I hung out with this guy for awhile when I was kid. He exposed me to the Palestinian point of view on the Middle East situation, and I will always be grateful to him for helping to expand my horizons. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fawwaz_Tuqan
rosarugosa
1-11-20, 6:17pm
Catherine: So cool about the SNL contracts!
I couldn't think of anything, but I finally came up with something!
When I was in the 6th grade, one of my teachers recruited me and 4 other kids to be "guinea pigs" for a friend who was doing a study at MIT. We were some of the smarter kids in her class, and I had a stay-at-home mom with a car, which probably was my primary attraction, lol. So we went to MIT every day for about 6 weeks during the summer and played with computers with a bunch of professors and grad students. This was in 1970 or thereabouts, so we were probably some of the first people of our vintage to interact with computers! We did fun and silly stuff and they also showed us how to use a bongo board (I can balance on a bongo board forever) and stilts. It was all fun and games for us, but in retrospect, this is the guy who was heading the program: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seymour_Papert. We were in the presence of greatness! We made a contribution to the early science of Artificial Intelligence, and some of the fundamental computer logic I learned then stood me in good stead in college and later in the workplace. I and others my age were around before computers and cellphones were common, and my stint at MIT helped me make the transition more easily - plus it was wicked fun!
Speaking of the presence of greatness, I hung out with this guy for awhile when I was kid. He exposed me to the Palestinian point of view on the Middle East situation, and I will always be grateful to him for helping to expand my horizons. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fawwaz_Tuqan
That is really interesting to read.
My plane landed in San Francisco - Nov 1978 about the same time as a delegation returned from the Jonestown mass suicide - sea of reporters in the concourse, so I followed them - having a long lay over until my next flight - in the path of history being made.
Nov 1984 decided not to go running on Pre's trail while at the University of Oregon, only to learn a sniper was shooting at runners from Autzen Stadium. Phew, I would have been an easy target :-(
Shook hands with both Robert Kennedy and Rosalyn Carter.
happystuff
1-14-20, 8:09am
My plane landed in San Francisco - Nov 1978 about the same time as a delegation returned from the Jonestown mass suicide - sea of reporters in the concourse, so I followed them - having a long lay over until my next flight - in the path of history being made.
Nov 1984 decided not to go running on Pre's trail while at the University of Oregon, only to learn a sniper was shooting at runners from Autzen Stadium. Phew, I would have been an easy target :-(
Shook hands with both Robert Kennedy and Rosalyn Carter.
My first thought was "wow!". Amazing how much little choices/decisions can have life-altering consequences.
My first thought was "wow!". Amazing how much little choices/decisions can have life-altering consequences.
I had a similar experience where a split decision changed things. I had just had my second son and my in-laws were in town to meet him. We took them out for dinner but there was a wait for seating. With a newborn and a 3 year old, we decided it was best not to wait around and just go somewhere else. Got outside and happened to look down at my newborn. He was turning blue. Since we were close to the hospital, we decided to go there instead of waiting for an ambulance. Found out he had a hernia at birth which ended up tearing and his intestines went up into his chest and collapsed his lung which is why he had turned blue. I think if we had waited for a seat, we wouldn't have noticed him turning blue and things may have turned out badly.
Teacher Terry
1-14-20, 11:36am
K, wow what a scary story.
K, wow what a scary story.
Yes, we found out babies are normally diagnosed while still in the womb and 50% of them don't survive. Doctors think the hole was covered with a thin layer of tissue so his lungs grew normally and the tissue didn't rip until he was 10 days old and that's when he turned blue.
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