The Randomness That is Me

I was tagged by several people on Facebook to post 25 random things about me. I haven't posted there yet, but thought I'd toss it up here as well since the few who read my blog probably aren't on Facebook too.... just a guess. Reading through the list again I guess somethings aren't so random, but they are me.

1. I LOVE to be outside in nature.
2. I will eat almost anything, or try it atleast once, but I really don’t like pickles, horseradish, and sauerkraut.
3. I love to travel and some of my favorite places are 3rd world countries.
4. I love taking pictures and at some point I want to learn more about being a better photographer.
5. I am addicted to fresh fruit & dark chocolate.
6. I like to cook but don't do it very often (cooking for one isn't so much fun). But I like to try new recipes on unsuspecting guests.
7. In my former life I was a chemist – complete with safety glasses and a white lab coat – and I loved it!
8. I wish I had a green thumb and I love plants and flowers but I manage to kill most house plants. Maybe when I actually have my own space I will keep something alive.
9. I randomly certified as a phlebotomist (a person who draws blood) one weekend because I thought it would be fun, and it was.
10. I run half marathons just for fun, and because I can.
11. I used to be a ballerina.
12. I’ve wanted to write a book for several years now on Personal Parables, maybe someday I will.
13. When I was younger, actually all the way through college, I wanted to be a doctor.
14. I don't have a favorite color but if I had to pick it definitely wouldn't be anything pastel. I chalk that up to growing up in the middle of 6 boys.
15. I ruptured my Achilles tendon when I was 18 and was told I’d never walk normal again (but I do!)
16. I drive quite often with my knees.
17. I am a bargain shopper and revel in great deals when I find them.
18. I never understood why people wore slippers until I moved to Minnesota… and now I love them.
19. I have a small birthmark on my foot.
20. I can’t keep a journal to save my life… probably because I hate my handwriting and I hate to write.
21. I really don’t like shopping very much – even though I’m a bargain shopper.
22. I hate spending money.
23. I am not a germ-a-phobe... unless it is a public restroom. I do everything possible not to touch anything in a public restroom with my bare hands after they are washed... including, well maybe especially, the door handle.
24. I didn’t get my ears pierced until I was in college and I didn’t get my first cell phone until 2004.
25. I have hiked the Grand Canyon by myself… twice.