Eight things

My friend Richard posted eight things about himself that no one, or at least very few people, knew about him. Then he challenged me to do the same. I can't say that I've performed aerobatics in three different planes ... but here are eight things you might not know about me ...

1. I took private speech/drama lessons when I was in grade school. Though I loved performing in plays, I never pursued it in junior high or high school because it required taking "Speech." I had no interest in the course because, in addition to putting on all the school plays, speech students were required to write and give speeches in class. Not my thing! Today, I exercise my dramatic flair by playing a recurring role in KidzWorld (at First Baptist Church of Shawnee) as Gloria Finkenhoffer.

2. My first musical instrument was a clarinet in sixth grade. I wasn't very good, and I also broke my front teeth in the sixth grade. So, midway into 7th grade, I switched to flute and had much more success. I recently had my flute restored and am starting to play again.

3. I'm the only (adult) woman I know who doesn't have pierced ears. I had them pierced in 7th grade, and I never wore hoops or dangley earrings. After I graduated from college, one of my ear lobes tore all the way through, and I had to have it repaired by a plastic surgeon. His advice was to wait a year and have them re-pierced. I waited two years, and the same thing happened again. Evidently, God did not intend for my ears to be pierced! I'm not trying a third time!

4. One of my favorite "treats" as a kid was a Swanson's TV dinner. Long before the Happy Meal was invented ... on Friday mornings, I went with my mother to the beauty shop. After she had her hair done, we went to buy groceries, including a couple TV dinners. After we got home, we would heat up our TV dinners for lunch. My favorite was mac & cheese with spiced apples.

5. My first car was a Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon. It was beautiful navy blue with a powder blue interior -- used, but in great condition. Most people don't remember this car because it got totaled when I was hit broadside in Columbia, Mo. ... within the first 30 days I had it.

6. I didn't drink coffee at all until my friend Richard introduced me to Starbuck's in 2002. Now, my favorite beverage is a raspberry mocha!

7. The road to my sweetheart (Mike) was paved with Steves. I dated seven different guys named Steve between 9th grade and marrying Mike.

8. I once drove a hearse. And that's all I have to say about that!