I was recently tagged by Nickie at I Am Typecast in an old school, this is me post. Not so much because Nickie wanted to tell us more about herself, but more because she wanted to participate in a blog post meme like we all used to do when we first started out on our blogging journey. When not every post was sponsored or a review (which I am aware I am very guilty of) but were more personal, or were more linked in to some way to others in the community. I long to have the brain space to sit and write things down more often, to comment on stuff in the news (I have had a blog post about the press coverage of Ant’s drink driving arrest since about an hour after it happened on Sunday floating around in my head), but sadly I find myself just staring at the screen and unable to form a sentence. This then was an easy post to join in with, set questions and all I had to do was fill in the answers. Hopefully you might learn something new too!
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
About an hour ago. There is a lot going on in my head at the moment, none of it particularly cheerful and if I am honest I am struggling to hold it all together. But that is probably a discussion for another day. But I do cry quite a bit.
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE A FRIEND OF YOURSELF?
I like to think so. I also like to think I am a good friend. And loyal too.
DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Er…. seriously?
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their shoes. Brown shoes with black suits make me rage. RAGE. Why?! Brown shoes with jeans, or a blue suit, yes. But with a black suit? No. Or nails. Dirty nails will make me judge you, I am sorry, I can’t help it. I have never had very nice nails which is why I get have gel put on them every fortnight. Without it they look awful and because I am more aware of them now I do tend to look at other people’s nails much more now.
SCARY MOVIE OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
I really don’t understand the point of a scary movie. Why on earth would you want to go to the cinema to be terrified? That is not my idea of fun at ALL! Though I rarely see a happy ending as I have a habit of falling asleep during films so rarely see the end. I slept through American Gangster a few years ago, one of the loudest films we have ever been to the cinema to see. And if a Bourne Film comes on the TV now I have an almost Pavlovian response and begin snoring before Moby has even finished strumming the opening lyrics.
FAVOURITE SMELLS?
Freshly cut grass, anything by Jo Malone, leather handbags,
WHAT’S THE FURTHEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN FROM HOME?
I actually had to look this one up as I wasn’t sure if it was Bahrain or California. Google tells me it is California, by a long way. So that would be it then, on a Thelma and Louise style holiday back in the early 90s where we did San Diego, Las Vegas, LA and many a small town in between.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL TALENTS?
I can say words backwards. For some bizarre reason I often turn words around in my head and say them the other way around. I have no idea why I do this, or when it started. I can also make a mean gin and tonic.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
Gosh there were lots of things. Forensic Scientist, but I was rubbish at physics. The first female F1 Champion, but have you seen me drive? And a Nanny. The last one I actually achieved.
HOW MANY COUNTRIES HAVE YOU BEEN TO?
.I had to get a list of countries up to work this one out. Apparently it is 29. Blimey, that feels like quite a lot! (and no I didnt count Wales / Scotland and Ireland as separate countries).
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE / WORST SUBJECT IN SCHOOL?
I hated school. Hated it. Possibly also because I was not very academic at all. I hate the mainstream subjects, and don’t get me started on PE. I do remember liking sociology and psychology though. I think child psychology is the only subject that I ever got an A in.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DRINK?
Tea. Without a doubt, a good cup of tea. As much as I spend a lot of time talking about gin, I spend a lot more time drinking tea.
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE NAMED YOUR CHILDREN?
Well I named them Caitlin, Jonathan and Ellie. Caitlin because we wanted a Katy but thought if we named her Catherine she might become a Cathy and that would have made us cross as we spent all our time correcting people. And my ex husband had a friend called Caitlin and he had always like the name. Caity however gets cross with all the incorrect spellings of it so would probably have preferred a more “normal name”. Jonathan was very nearly called Dave as that was what I named my bump. I had no idea if I was carrying a girl or a boy but it was named Dave. To the extent that it is where Jonnie’s nickname of JD comes from, the D being for Dave. Officially though he doesn’t have a middle name. Ellie is really Elena and I wanted to call her Molly but I was persuaded that wasn’t a very good name for a child. Kicking myself now as I still love it and know several Molly’s who are all amazing. But Ellie is definitely an Ellie, or Els.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE YOUTUBERS?
<whisper> I don’t watch Youtube.
HOW MANY BOYFRIENDS HAVE YOU HAD?
I have no idea. Is that really bad? Is a boyfriend somebody you have been out with on one date? Or is it only for longer term relationships. I have an ex husband and an ex fiance if that helps.
FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM CHILDHOOD?
Family ski trips over Christmas. We used to go away with other families and Christmas presents had to be small and no more than a fiver. So much thought went into them that they became really special. I loved those trips, and they make me realise that I miss skiing as it’s been about 15 years since I last went.
I don’t think you can win with kids’ names. I honestly thought Madeleine would be fine, given that it’s the ‘correct’ and original spelling. It really isn’t fine at all, and as for Joia, Maddie (not Maddy) hates me for trying to be cool with a middle name. Ironically, she wishes I’d gone with my second choice – Caitlin…
This is great – I’ve learnt a couple of new things about you for sure!! I love the story behind your childrens’ names. Thanks so much for joining in.
Thanks for asking me to join in!
I don’t think you can win with kids’ names. I honestly thought Madeleine would be fine, given that it’s the ‘correct’ and original spelling. It really isn’t fine at all, and as for Joia, Maddie (not Maddy) hates me for trying to be cool with a middle name. Ironically, she wishes I’d gone with my second choice – Caitlin…
oh how funny is that! I love Joia, never heard that name before but its fab!
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who ca say words backwards or has that special talent!
It is not a particularly useful skill, I admit!
ah love to read more about you!
Thanks for the blog inspiration T, loved reading more about you 🙂