My weird, random, and yet still hopelessly banal list of 25 things about me...

Because I've been threatened at knife-point. Well, do eKnives count?I'm too proud to admit that I did it because everyone else is.

1) I procrastinate nearly everything. Especially this list. I am an expert.

2) I'm very sad that I possess no artistic talent in the area of drawing. I've always wanted to learn, but alas, even my stick people come out looking a bit wobbly and pathetic. I'm very jealous of those who can draw, and I get mildly upset when they refuse to entertain me with said talents at my whim. However, to appease my inner three year old, I very much enjoy coloring books. Colored pencil on recycled paper is my preferred medium.

3) I have a bucket list. I started it last week. So far it has only one item, but there are (of course) a bajillion other things floating around in my head that will eventually end up on that list. There's a process, you see, and it takes some time, because once something is on the list it's almost like a contract has been signed that will require me to experience whatever that item describes, but eventually "stay in an ice hotel" will have many friends.

4) a) Some of my most meaningful relationships are with people I've never met. I at once hate and love the internet.

    b) Some of my most meaningful relationships are with people who don't exist. I love books. There's no hate here.

5) I have a tendency to fall in love before my brain can tell me not to. Pfft. Who am I kidding? Since when have I ever listened to that babbling idiot?

6) My passion is writing; unfortunately, my expertise is procrastination (see item one). I'd start a revolution if I could get up in the morning.

7) For me there is nothing more thoroughly terrifying or exhilarating than a blank white screen with a blinking cursor. I think I like the feeling a little too much, though, because I'm constantly starting over or starting something else.

8) I attempt to play three musical instruments (not including voice). I've only played one of those in front of an audience (not including recitals) and it was a disaster. To my shame, I haven't yet tried again, but regular practice sessions may be overheard in the Liahona House common room (often accompanied by a rousing chorus of jeers and, my personal favorite, the classic "Make It Stop!").

9) As of tonight I will be re-starting an intensive workout program designed to roll me back to where I was about three years ago. I'll probably try again in another week or two. And then again some time after that. Mmmm, I made some really good chocolate ice cream last night. Perhaps I'll have some of that and watch a movie instead. I like this plan.

10) I'm currently in the process of redefining myself and my spirituality. It's a very interesting experience, thinking for yourself. I'd recommend it to some.

11) I very much hope to someday soon be an expatriate. In the good sense.

12) I love movies almost as much as I love books. I own hundreds. The first child that I have with my wife has been promised to Netflix. Watching the Oscars is very nearly a religious experience for me. Slumdog ftw!

13) I generally don't watch TV. The only time I'll consciously tune in to any show is Monday nights at 8 (CST) on NBC. Otherwise I'll wait until it's out on Netflix.

14) I'm extremely self-deprecating. I dunno. I'm kinda glad that my head isn't so large that it has its own weather system or gravitational pull. Those things are very off-putting for me. I am, however, beginning to allow myself just a little pride.

15) I'm hopelessly and irrevocably a cat person.

16) I don't like dropping bombs. I'm a relatively non-confrontational and peace-loving person, and I have little need to carry around a measuring tape.

17) I'm beginning to find out who my friends are.

18) I'm somewhat nervous that I'm going to say "lol" out loud in normal conversation. I'm online way too much.

19) I can't think of anything for number 19.

20) Last spring I quit a job where I was making roughly 4 times what I'm making now in order to pursue a dream. Yeah, that's working out real well so far. But the point of this is that I am impulsive and I have no problems doing somewhat stupid things if it means potentially making me happy. I still don't regret my decision, but I do miss the paychecks.

21) I love getting things in the mail. I just ordered a few things from Amazon.com and made three separate orders just so I could get three packages (free shipping ftw!).

22) I know what I want to be when I grow up. I just don't know HOW to be it.

23) My mom used to tell me that she wouldn't know that I had written anything until she saw my name on a book cover or in the credits of a movie. That's ridiculous. If I am ever published I plan to do so under a pseudonym and not tell anyone.

24) I have a plant that has been in my room for 25 years (it was in my nursery, so it is potentially older than I am). It is a Philodendron and her name is Evelyn. I also have an Aloe vera named Spartacus (who has had literally hundreds of children and survived two cats and a nasty incident involving an unsteady table) and a Peace Lily named Eleanor, after my grandmother who gave me the cutting. I also have a Christmas cactus, but it currently lives at my parent's house and I never got around to naming it.

25) This is how old I am. I know I'm not that old, but when you live with a bunch of people born in 1990 who act like they were born in 1995 then you start to feel somewhat on the aged side. Especially when I was the young one for the first 23 years of my life. It's a strange feeling.

This was fun.