100 Things All About Me

I got a very difficult tag the other day and decided not to do it. Who wants to write 100 things about themselves? But then it occurred to me that maybe I could really use a little more self-exploration so here it goes:

100.) I love to dance. My body shape doesn't allow now for the smoothest of moves, but when I see true expression through dance, I can't help but dance along.
99.) I am incredibly clumsy. I fall down the stairs at least once a month. (more often than that if I visit my sister's house) I have even been known to fall 'up' the stairs a time or two. I think my mom put me in dance as a child just so I could learn to be graceful.
98.) I love to sing, but never sing in public. I was raised with a mother and a sister who could out-sing you any day of the week, and my passion for music grew through them.

97.) I am terrible at sports. In high school I was always so jealous of the jock girls.
96.) I always knock on wood because I'm afraid of jinxing myself.

95.) I sometimes feel like I'm a better mom in private than I am in public. I know this sounds backwards, but when I'm around people and doing things I can feel myself get distracted by less important things and my patience with my children suffers. When we're at home alone, I feel like I'm so much more patient and understanding.

94.) I love horseback riding. I have secret dreams of one day being old and gray, living in a small town with miles and miles of country to explore. Just me and my horse. (and possibly a grandchild or two along for the ride)

93.) I am a sore loser

92.) but I am a bad, gloating winner.

91.) I hate clutter. Especially on my walls. I agonize about which things will earn the right to hang there.

90.) It's easy for me to throw things away. I don't struggle deciding about sentimental value.

89.) but I am a terrible house-keeper. I am desperately ashamed of this fact. Whenever possible, I clean like a crazy when I know someone's coming over. Wouldn't want them to catch me with dishes in the sink and an un-swept floor.

88.) I have a cat who hates me. I have tried, to no avail, to win her love. She literally cringes when I go to pet her. I begged and begged Ryan to get her for me and now she loves him, but hates me.

87.) I love to read.

86.) I love taking car rides for pleasure. It's a little cost-prohibitive these days, but it's so relaxing. (even with 3 girls in the back seat)

85.) I love camping, hiking, being outdoors.

84.) I used to ditch high school every single day and go mountain climbing. (not necessarily something I'm proud of)

83.) If it wasn't for a really nice high school counselor, I probably wouldn't have graduated. It wasn't that I couldn't get the grades. I just got bored. My senior year of high school I stupidly decided to take AP psychology, AP computer programming, AP English, AP biology, some sort of crazy concurrent enrollment math class, and AP creative writing all at the same time, and and burned myself out within the first month or two. (again, not something I am proud of today)

82.) I've only ever dated 2 guys. I started dating a boy in high school as soon as I turned 16 and I dated him up until the day I met my husband.

81.) I absolutely love it when one of my kids comes up to me and says the most random thing like, "Mommy. You can't ride a train if you don't have a train ticket."

80.) I see myself becoming my mom and it's a little unnerving sometimes. (Not that I don't absolutely adore you mother.)

79.) I'll give it to you straight. Make sure you really want to know the answer before you ask me something.

78.) I think clearing the air is healthy. Tiptoeing around people and their ideas just leads to resentment. If someone has a problem with me or something I'm doing, I really do like to hear about it. I can dish it, but I like to think I can take it too.

77.) Which leads me to... I'm very blunt and sometimes lack tact. Take everything I say with a grain of salt and we'll all be much happier.

76.) I wear my emotions on my sleeve. I have a very hard time masking what I'm feeling, and I'm a terrible liar.

75.) I'm somewhat scared of the phone. I love if when you call me, but calling you is a whole different story.

74.) I've worn the same silver chain around my neck almost every day for the past 5 years. My mom gave it to me and for some reason I really like it.

73.) Last year I really thought we were going to move to South Carolina. I was devastated when it didn't happen. I have never been there, but it calls my name ever so softly.

72.) I watch way too many movies. You need a movie review? Give me a call. Chances are I've seen it.

71.) I have an excellent memory. My dad used to say I had a mind like a steel trap. I don't think he necessarily meant that as a compliment, but I always took it as such.

70.) The "child-who-is-just-like-you" that my parents often threatened me with, did indeed come to be. It's scary.

69.) I'm scared to death to move, but excited at the same time. I love new adventures.

68.) I'm always so sad when I drift from an old friend. I still think about my very first best friend who moved away in 2nd grade.

67.) But I'm terrible at keeping in touch. Lucky for me, I've discovered blogging.

66.) I think my husband is the funniest man in the whole, wide world. (well...most of the time)

65.) I love my family. I love that my sisters and I are so close. I love that I can just show up at my parents' house unannounced. I love that my nephews know me well, and that I'm not just some obscure aunt they barely see once a year. I can't picture my life without my family.

64.) I hate the dreaded Wizards of the Coast!

63.) I can type almost 100 wpm. Thanks TeleNotes!

62.) I wish I loved my body more, but I don't. I hate curves and am secretly envious of those women whose bodies resemble that of a teenage boy. What freedom they must have!

61.) I hate potty training, and if it was socially acceptable, I'd probably wait until my kids were old enough to potty train themselves.

60.) When I was little I always wanted to be a published writer when I grew up.

59.) I love tickling my kids, but I do not love being tickled.

58.) I am proud to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I find my appreciation for having the gospel in my life increases exponentially with each passing year. I am scared sometimes to think of what it must feel like to those living a life without the light of Christ to guide their way and help influence each decision made.

57.) I'm very spontaneous and impulse-driven, but I hate when plans fall through. (is that a contradiction in terms?)

58.) I always seem to learn life's lessons the hard way.

56.) I believe everyone comes into our lives for a reason. No matter how big or small the part they played, or how well we did or did not get along, I've learned a little something from every single one of you along the way.

55.) I'm a people watcher. Is that strange? A young couple all timid on a first date, or a parent's face when they're talking to their child... I love to sit and observe them.

54.) I'm pretty sure I'm one of those ladies who looks completely different with make-up than I do without. I really admire the talents of my two little sisters who are both true artists with a make-up brush.

53.) I love the name Nicole, but hate Nicki. Somehow our Nicole ended up going by Allie (?) and I want to change it back, but I'm afraid it's too late. I'd even take Nicki.

52.) I would rather be cold than hot. Cold you can do something about. Grab a blanket or a warm woolen sweater. But hot... well, there's only so much one can take off before things get a little inappropriate.

51.) I have to write things down or I will forget to do them. Even if I'm thinking, "I'm going to go to playgroup today" an hour before it starts, chances are and hour later I'll forget. I've swallowed my pride on this one a lot and have started asking for follow-up phone calls.

50.) but, I hate having my life mapped out on a calendar. It causes me a great deal of anxiety. Once I get more than one or two things on there, I just stop writing it down. I figure if it is truly important, I'll remember or someone will remind me.

49.) I love emoticons and I'm bummed that blogger doesn't convert my text into cute little emoticons. If it did, you'd be seein' 'em left and right. :)

48.) I hate Pergo flooring. I think it's dumb. Sorry if you have it and love it. I think it's a wicked-hard to clean and I HATE IT!

47.) Our new house has Pergo and I tried to have them upgrade to tile and they would do no such thing. It was spec'd for Pergo goshdarnit and that's just the way it was!

46.) I need find a way to love Pergo.

45.) I am incredibly shy, and people often sound shocked when they hear that about me. It pains me so to walk up to someone and just start a conversation out of the blue. I really want to do it, so most of the time I muster up the courage and go.

44.) I will watch my plants whithering and dying for days before I will crack out the watering can and give the poor fellas a drink.

43.) My favorite perfume is Jaipur Saphir by Boucheron Paris. I have no idea how to pronounce it, but I love it. Ryan picked it out for me all by himself one year as a gift, and he did a fabulous job. I was so touched that he went and smelled each and every perfume before deciding which one to get. (He's not the fondest of smelly things)

42.) I love color.

41.) I love the smell of coffee and can often be found walking down the coffee isle at the grocery store just to get a wiff.

40.) I think shadow puppets are hysterical.

39.) I think my sisters are hysterical.

38.) I often think I'm hysterical too. (Although it's not uncommon to find myself alone in that thought)

37.) I hate, hate, hate stinky feet.

36.) I love playing games. But not with Ryan. He wins EVERY TIME! Doesn't matter if it's a game of luck or skill, he'll beat me without fail.

35.) I'm a little co-dependant. I think I need people to come and do things with me all the time and it's hard for me to do them by myself. (although I am getting better at this)

34.) I'm time-telling impaired. If there's not a digital clock near-by, please don't ask me what time it is.

33.) I miss Barbie the way she was. This new politically correct Barbie kind of freaks me out with her wide hips and her big ol' flat feet.

32.) Caffeine + a late night = one slap happy Sarah

31.) I like to sneak a peek at my own eyes in my rear view mirror. Sometimes I even wink at myself.

30.) I am kind of a scary driver. I get offended when other people tell me so, but if I'm honest, I kind of scare myself.

29.) I absolutely can't stand when someone refuses to let me change lanes. What's that all about? Are you really going to get there any faster by hindering my lane changes? It always makes me think of one of my favorite songs from high school by Geggy Tah. Click here for a quick flash back.

28.) Which brings me to my next point. I always vowed that when I got older I would be the cool mom who listened to the newest, hippest music. I would absolutely never get stuck in my own era and refuse to move forward musically. Umm... that didn't happen. Bring on the 90's at noon! I will sing! I will dance!

27.) My sister Kristy likes to steal quick sips of my drink. This used to really bother me. Three kids later, I'm really not that put off by it. I still pretend I am and give her my best "Ew Gross!" reaction because she seems to get such a kick out of it, but secretly it doesn't really bother me that much anymore.

26.) I get headaches really easily. Bright lights? Bring on the migraine. Heavy lifting? Here comes a tension headache.

25.) I wouldn't be that unhappy living the life of a millionaire.

24.) I still remember the day when my cool cousins from Las Vegas introduced me to the fabulous world of The New Kids on the Block.

23.) I have kind of a crush on Kevin Spacey. He's not hot, he's just an amazing actor. Seriously! That guy knows his stuff!

22.) I will love, love, love anything Barenaked Ladies. Since 1996 I've been a loyal fan. I think I own every album they've ever put out.

21.) I HATE Carey, Bill, & Gina. (you locals will know who I'm talking about)

20.) My lovely cat (mentioned in item #88) is determined to scratch a hole in my couch. (She's been de-clawed, by the way, but that doesn't deter her at all)

19.) I love the Hallelujah Chorus. Very Entertaining.

18.) I'm very proud of my mother. She's been in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 18 years. It has taken a tremendous amount of commitment and she's never faltered.

17.) I sometimes like to mess with the minds of the telemarketers. It's fun. I've kind of made a sport of it. I feel a little bit mean whenever I do it. But hey... if they're going to waste my time, I'll waste theirs.

16.) I am very good at getting what I want. Especially when I feel like I've been wronged. I have this whole other side of my personality. She's Mean Sarah. 'Witch' Sarah, if you will. I don't really like her, but boy can she get the job done! This envious skill came in very handy in the work place (like 6 years ago). Took me places I never thought I'd go.

15.) I kind of miss working sometimes. I felt very important at my job. Looking back, I can see that my little world of Verizon was very small indeed, but it made me happy.

14.) I can be the most terrible listener if I have something on my mind. Usually I think I'm a pretty good active listener, but when I'm distracted... there's no prayer. I get a nice glassy stare and I every once in a while I'll "uh-huh" at the wrong moment. There's really no recovering from that.

13.) My alter ego is a slicked-back-ponytailed, master of Jujitsu in a business suit and stiletto hills who rides around on a motorcycle, can speak 10 languages, catch bad guys, and be home in time for dinner.

12.) The tops of my feet are so tender. If even little Audrey steps on them, I'll yelp in pain.

11.) I think spell check was the best invention ever and whoever came up with that idea should win the Nobel Peace Prize or something equally as fabulous.

10.) I've never been to Disney Land, but I did make it to Disney World a few years back with Ryan and Khursten.

9.) I am so, so, so, so, so happy that I had my surgery. It was a big decision, but I'm very pleased with the results.

8.) I am going to Hawaii next year for my 10th anniversary and I don't think I've ever been so excited for anything in my whole life. Go Hawaii!

7.) I went to Jamaica once with my in-laws and it was seriously the craziest trip ever. (Not because of my in-laws. They were great and a lot of fun.) But one of the highlights from the trip included a group of prostitutes breaking into our room at about 2:00 am, sitting on my bed, stroking my hair, asking me if I wanted them to braid my hair. The whole while I was trying to wake Ryan up (with no luck of course). The next morning we discovered some items missing (my brother-in-law's Book of Mormon) We were told that the prostitutes were there to scout out our room so their boss (or someone) could come back and snatch our stuff. Other highlights... being offered illegal drugs repeatedly while just walking down the street. Walking past a guy peeing in the road who then promptly put his stuff away and asked us if we wanted to buy a bag of peanuts from him. Marching into town twice with a strange Jamaican lady who was going to put extensions in my hair, and ending up spending an entire day getting said extension. (which fell out the very next day) That was a mistake. Those are the bad parts. There were plenty of good parts too. I guess I will mention those as well. Eating at an amazing restaurant on top of the island and being able to see the whole island. Gorgeous. Parasailing. Paying $600 for a pizza and thinking it was hilarious. Figuring out how to barter for stuff. I didn't realize you don't have to pay what they ask. Hiking up the Dunns River Falls. Beautiful. Watching some guy who makes his living by jumping off an extremely high cliff. Reading crazy street signs that said things like, "Drive, ride, and walk good." Or, "You can stand over here, sit over der or just relax where you iz, mon." Thanks for the fun trip guys.

6.) I'm quite loquacious. Both in speech and in writing.

5.) On my first date with Ryan we went to see There's Something About Mary. Let me tell you... NOT a good first date movie. Uncomfortable!

4.) I agree with Homer Simpson. Pigs are very delicious animals. It's the other white meat!

3.) I missed So You Think You Can Dance tonight and I can't wait until I have a chance to watch it on DVR tomorrow. Kind of sad, I know. It was for a good cause though.

2.) I really admire people who go after what they want in life. I have this friend who is always doing the coolest stuff, getting involved with things, never afraid to jump right in there. I have a dream that I will one day be able to do that too.

1.) I love my girls and my husband. I think we make quite a cute little family and we have a lot of fun together.

There's me in a nut-shell. Wow! That took a really long time. Who shall I tag?.... How about Jill (oh wait no! She tagged me!) How about Robyn, Tamara, Nicole, Christi, and Mindy Lou. Good luck and have fun!