Quirky Smirky

New York is quirky, like me. (Yeah, I know, huge stretch, but I gotta have a photo. Aren't we happy little honeymooners?)

This is the revelation of 8 quirks I don't mind admitting (to steal the words of my friend Michelle, who tagged me for this). Smirky doesn't have anything to do with it, but it rhymes with quirky in such a fun way. It's a good rhyme for teaching kids the words in the "irky" family. Anyway, on to the quirks . . .

I'm a rebel. When I was in college I had a pack of Days of the Week underwear that I wore with utter disregard as to which day of the week it was. When Josh was born I was given a pack of Days of the Week bibs, and I'm sure you can guess what I do with them. That's right, Noah wore the Sunday bib today.

I am easily amused. Little phrases like, "gold Peruvian shawl" or "refreshing peach scrub" can be just the thing I need to feel silly inside. This is a good thing since I'm such a stress-head most of the time. And if there's nothing I can find to smile at, the dusty bum story never fails to bring a giggle. (I hope I've told you that one.)

There's something about bulk. When I see things in bulk, I really feel like I need to do something with it. In a craft store I think, "Bolts of felt! I'm sure there's a whole lot I can do with that." In a hardware store I think, "So much wood! Must build." In Sam's Club I think, "Who do I know that wants a giagantic tub of Cheez-ums for Christmas?" I'm serious, I can't help myself.

I just can't stop. When I feel socially awkward, I talk more to fill the supposed silence. I know I'm saying odd things, but I feel like I need to keep making up for what I just said. Again and again and again and . . . yeah, time to stop.

The phone is scary. I get really nervous to call people a lot of the time. This is most likely because of the last item.

De-junking is such sweet sorrow. I LOVE getting rid of things. Big bags of things. More space for me! However, I have a really hard time parting with some things I've collected. Gary just barely convinced me to get rid of my spray-painted-gold Barbie (It was an award!), but every time I go through my VHS tapes, "Mystery Science Theater 3000 - Prince of Space" stays. Sure I've had it for 6 years and never watched it, but I'm positive it's a good one.

I've got high standards. 6 years ago I declared that the man I would marry would be the kind that would play with me in the corn box at Hee-Haws (yeah, another corn maze experience). This was important to me at the time, but I never did test it out, until exactly two seconds ago when I asked him about it. He said if we went, he'd play. Phew! We're made for eachother.

Go big or go home. When I see in my mind what needs to be done, I feel like I need to do all of it. Now. So, I dig in, and then either I burn out or the day does. So, I end up with personalized booklets for each student in my class, but no lesson plan for tomorrow, or a pristinely organized pantry and every dish in my house piled in the sink.

I tag mom (yep, it's time to blog it up for you), Christina, and Ashley. I'd really like to read some quirks of my sister and brother in-laws, and YOU, too, but I shan't bestow an official tag on anyone who doesn't desire one. Unless you want me to.

Right after I got that tag, I got a similar tag from my friend Anna. I've already done the quirks part of that one, but there was another part to hers where I need to say 6 nice things about the person who tagged me. Gladly!

1.Anna is a fantastic person to talk to if you're having a tough time.

2.Anna was awesome when I was dating Gary - so encouraging and happy for me.

3.Anna is generous - I always had something to wear when I was her roommate.

4.Gary says Anna is complimentary. I agree.

5. We both love laughing with Anna.

6. He also says she's thoughtful and kind. I agree and I agree. We could keep going!