I've been tagged!

My new friend Pink Poppet (http://thepinkpoppet.wordpress.com) tagged me to do a meme.

I am supposed to list ten things about myself that are true and you may not know about. Gah. Trying to come up with ten hopefully interesting things is going to be difficult.

1) I was born in Landstuhl, Germany because my dad was stationed there with the U.S. Army. Landstuhl is where the large military hospital is, you know, the one where all the soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan go. When I was born there, however, it was not a big fancy hospital. Mom tells me it was an old building and she could see areas on the walls where it looked like they had tried to sandblast swastikas off. I have had repeated problems with government people questioning my citizenship because of my place of birth, even after providing them with copies of my "Report of US Citizen Born Abroad", certificate from the State Dept, and my passport. One obnoxious woman even asked me how long I'd been a citizen. With an incredulous look, I answered "since birth."

2) When I was 16 I travelled by myself to Germany and Denmark. I stayed with family friends (and their friends) in Germany, and actual family in Denmark. It was an incredible experience. And no one warned me about the beaches! We went to a small lake and some people were competely nude, and then went to a beach on the North Sea ~~ changing in to swimsuits out in the open, topless bathing... A lot for a girl from a conservative small town to take in. I stayed quite a few places in Germany ~~ Ehlershausen, Bredstedt, Kiel, Hamburg; then took the train to Copenhagen, where I stayed with cousins in a suburb. Did lots of bike riding, walking, topless laying out.... I'd love to go back someday.

3) I am the oldest of four siblings. In many ways, I am your typical oldest child, but I am so not the natural born leader first borns are so often described as. I will if I absolutely have to, but I would much rather not. My siblings are conservative Republicans and religious (Mormons) ~~ I am moderate, non-partisan, and not religious (but very spiritual). Getting together can be uncomfortable to say the least. And that's without any discussions of sex and sensuality. Although that helps explain all the repression in my life.

4) I am not a good liar. I don't even like to lie, but I will do the small white lie to make things easier (yes, I mailed that letter for you; sure I fed the fish; etc.). Therefore, do not ask a question if you do not truly want to know the answer. Especially when it comes to the good stuff ~ sexuality, politics, sports, religion, etc. I will answer politely, but I won't just tell you what you want to hear.

5) I have a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries Biology, and I haven't used it in 15 years (had one related job, shortly after college). Realized early on that any job I got with that degree would probably not be family friendly. Zoos, etc. tend to be open year-round, including holidays and weekends. Other positions can require a lot of time in the field, and possibly very odd hours. However, now that the kids are older, I've been thinking about looking into it again.

6) Although I don't 'believe' in horoscopes, etc., I do believe they can get you thinking about and examining your life. That said, I did once have my horoscope done by an online company, and it was actually a little frightening how true it was. All I gave was my first name, birthdate, birthtime, and where I was born. Haven't ever gone back and reread it ~~ maybe I should.

7) I am somewhat of a packrat and hoarder. Drives my husband nuts, and also me. I just am not good at getting things sorted through with any immediacy. So magazines and such pile up. I am trying to get better ~~ not bringing so much into the house in the first place, and trying to regularly go through what is already here, organizing and throwing away. It's a long and drawn out process.

8) I am a loner. I unfortunately do not do the friend thing very well. It's not that I don't like people, or can't be friendly, or don't want friends, or don't ever think about friends... I just, well, I'm shy so I don't put myself out there, and I get pulled in so many ways that I often just shut down with anything that requires more effort. I'll get emails, etc., and I mean to respond, but before I know it, a month or more has gone by. It's probably why I like Twitter, Facebook and Blogging so much ~~ I can be involved, knowing what's going on and sharing from my life, without the constant back and forth. It's easier to pull back and take a break. And because of the whole shyness thing, I don't do well in public situations ~~ parties and such. I can't just go by myself ~~ I usually end up in the corner by myself. It's another aspect of my life I want to change, but it's difficult (beyond the above stated reasons) ~~ I'm working on it.

9) I must have one of those faces or personalities that make people, sometimes complete strangers, feel it's okay to share private things with me. Not necessarily secret, can't share with anyone, just private and very personal. Drs telling me about patients (no names), co-workers telling me about their sex lives, strangers telling me about their labor and delivery, and so on. I don't mind, it's just ... interesting? amusing? I do feel that I am pretty empathetic/empathic and maybe people pick up on that...

10) I was 21 when I first had sex. Came close in high school, nothing even close during my first 4 years in college. I was more than ready. I knew whoever the next boyfriend was, he would be the one. He was younger, experienced, made it a wonderful experience for me, introduced my to porn (visual and written), a variety of positions, anal sex, vibrators, oral, fun sex, serious sex... Looking back, I can see he was a dominant personality. If only I had been able to figure things out then... In my fantasies, I do it all. I love sex and wish I had it more often (daily, anyone?). I want to be more adventurous, try more things.... I know I love being dominated, in and out of the bedroom. Bind me, spank me, slap me, tell me what to do, when to do it, how to do it... and I'll be one happy, happy girl.

Now, I am not going to tag anyone. Take it upon yourself to do this meme if you want to. And if my ten things created questions in your mind, please feel free to ask me (email, comment, Twitter). It may take me a while, but I will answer.

Thanks, Pink Poppet. I really had to think hard to come up with 10 things. I hope people find them interesting.