10 Things you probably didn’t know about me
I am 100% jumping on the bandwagon with this post. So many blogs have caught “10 Things…” fever, methinks I’ve come down with it meself. Here they are, 10 things you probably didn’t know about me:
1. I have a killer Howler Monkey call. So good in fact, that I can use it to call troops to the area. They are usually none too happy about it mind you, and are prone to projecting faeces on you, but what can I say? It’s an amusing hidden talent.
2. I used to beta test for Fujitsu. In 1985 Fujitsu created Habitat II, the world’s first online virtual world. In the 90’s they expanded to create WorldsAway. I beta tested the Dreamscape and the experimental Hallway world for glitches in gameplay, graphics, and the like. It was great. Because not many teenage females do such things as beta test (or not in the 90’s in any case) I always had great opportunities to beta text.
3. I’ve never ever had mustard, mayo, relish, pickles, or olives ever. ever. Well, okay, that’s a lie. I’ve had mayo in a couple egg salad sandwiches by accident(I make mine with sour cream or cottage cheese, and often forget others do not) and my friend Shar once cooked a sauce with mustard in it that was absolutely divine — but that was a freak accident, and I’m convinced it’s only because Shar is an incredible cook. I guess I can eat it if its a specialty mustard hidden in a sauce. Anyway, I can’t explain why I don’t like those condiments. I can’t even try them. It’s not that I’m close-minded; as soon as they get near my palate I gag at the odour each give off. In any case, they’re not particularly healthy for you, so even though I’m told I’m missing out, I see no point in starting to eat them now. I do enough to my arteries as it is. Here’s a pic done by my friend Donovan back in the 90’s, who thought it was hilarious that anyone would be afraid of condiments. My friends and campers used to actually terrorize me with condiments. Funny guys, real funny. (Sorry for the poor quality…that’s just my copy, not Don’s work!)
4. I’m an Irish dancer. I excelled with jigs (hard-shoe) though I can hold my own in reels as well. I no longer practice it, but get me drunk and take me to an Irish pub, and you can’t keep me off the tables. Combine that with my broken gaelic, and, well, you see why my friends no longer humour my requests to go to Irish pubs. I’m Chirish (that’s half Irish, half Chinese, with tidbits of other races on both sides) and I’m proud my heritage(s), and I like to actively experience each culture. I wish I had digital pics of my in the Irish get-up with the curls and all. A gas I tell you, a gas!
5. I can climb a palm tree with the aid of a machete. Don’t worry, the machetes are inserted at an angle into the dead bark and cause little trauma to the tree if done properly. Or so I’m told. It’s a handy skill to have when you want fresh coconuts or to look inside bromeliads. I learned when I was living in the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. An amazingly diverse area, the rainforest I was in was so isolated that you could only be airlifted or boated in at the time. I know many of you probably can’t imagine it, but some of the best memories I have were of being in the rainforest completely alone, with no one but my thoughts, the flora and the fauna. Sweet, sweet bliss!
6. I love learning music! All aspects of it. (Except those painful Rudimentary Elements books…anyone else have to do those?) Now I spend most of my musical time doing production (Ableton for now, until we get a Mac and therefore Logic) but I play the guitar, and was formally trained in piano, violin, drums (we have a set of original pearlized white Ludwig’s from the 60’s in our basement,) as well as I tinker with a few other instruments.
7. It’s only recently I can admit this one. I. Have. A. Problem. I am a Sims addict. Well, Sims 2 and the affiliated expansion packs, to be specific. I know it’s problably not something I should really let people know. But there’s so many people out there who share my affliction, I am hoping to meet others like myself, to maybe start a support group. Yeah right, ok its so we can swap cc (that’s custom content!) I guess it should bother me that there’s no way to win, no real point to the game, but it doesn’t. Simoleons, Simglish, plumb-bobs…I love it all!
8. I’m a seamstress. I love sewing. There’s something relaxing about it, and its obviously rewarding, as you have a piece of clothing to wear when you’re done! I did all of my prom dresses, which I’m quite proud of. It comes in handy when it’s 8 pm and I have nothing to wear — I can whip something up on the machine, et voila! I have a new outfit that I know no one else in town will have!
9. I’ve worked with some pretty amazing animals. I’ve touched rhino horns, patted elephants, hugged camels, and have had most of the insects of Fear Factor fame on my arms, face, or head at one point. When I worked at the zoo I was lucky enough to have had a job which allowed me to go into whatever area of the zoo I needed to. I got to become friends with many of the zookeepers, which always gave way to amazing opportunities. I am so thankful I got to work at the zoo, because I got to do some pretty stellar things while I was there. How many people get to play with baby Nigerian Dwarf Goats, or have ostriches crush on them? Animals are truly amazing, and I’m lucky to have gotten to work so closely with beasts of the not-every-day variety.
10. I am an avid bird watcher. My world list includes the Russet Nightingale-thrush (Catharus occidentalis) and the Resplendant Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) which is pretty sweet, especially the former find — the species is endemic to a mountain range in Mexico. Just because most of the people I bird with are retired seniors doesn’t mean it can’t get extreme. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen off cliffs, or into rivers due to an overexuberant bird hunt. Or how many cell phones I’ve ruined/lost that way.
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And what about you? Tell me something about yourself that most people probably don’t know! I love learning interesting tidbits about people.
Dish!!!
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omg! We worked together that whole time and I had no idea you were a Sims addict?!?!?! I am too! It’s such a guilty pleasure…Sometimes I wonder if it means I’m a control freak, or that I like to torture myself, or if it means I’m just plain sick…but then I remember, hey, I’m a student and the sims is my single most valuable procrastination tool!
oh and I almost forgot…something about me you probably didn’t know:
I used to be a baton champ!
Done.
Now don’t bother me about it.
Howler Monkies are FIERCE!!!! the other week they were outside my hotel and I had no glass on my windows and was on ground floor and i thought they were going to attack me in the middle of the night. but don’t worry, I am okay!
Phobin it’s pretty of neat to discover that you are equally as nerdy as I when it comes to getting excited about video games and computers!
But at the same time it’s equally as neat to see that you love animals and the nature.
Kudos for mentioning me and posting my artwork! That was actually my very first computer-based project. The poor quality is due to lack of knowledge about proper resolution and scanning techniques. Since then i’ve gotten much better and am actually in the midst of starting my own multimedia entertainment & production business called ‘Where It’s At!’ Stay tuned for website link
Oh and Guany my iguana is alive and well (having recovered from her great escape this past summer where she was roaming free in my neighbourhood for a good month! She is loving her big new escape-free home though and keeps growing bigger and bigger.
Let’s get together soon and have an Irish jig or two; i’m a pretty big fan of the drunken jig but i’d love a few pointers from a pro.
Cheers!
[...] glad Lisa posted this because I was toying with the idea for a while. I think it’s a great idea that we share some [...]
I’ve never had any of those condiments either, Lisa. Only, my Do Not Eat list is much longer. But, unlike you, I am pretty closed minded when it comes to food. I think I need counselling in this area. Haha.
I can’t count the number of times Miranda has offered her sandwich to me, only to have to say, “I don’t eat sauces!” Haha.
No sauces eh? Interesting…I love that you can do an Irish jig if your environment is fitting, hm, maybe we should have some sort of talent show.
Wow Lisa! That is a truly amazing list of things. Most people would say stuff like, I’m left handed (which I am actually), or I can touch my nose with my tongue (which I can’t), but you have this extraordinary list of things that could not easily be compared. It’s great!
Such a shame you don’t like condiments. I am probably the exact oppostite. I can make a meal out of condiments! And I eat everything with sauces! I don’t like seafood though. I’ve tried and tried but can’t stomach it. Maybe it has to do with my theory that I was meant to be a dolphin…anyhoo.
Two things I would like to know more about: 1. Living in Costa Rica–I want to know everything! I’m thinking of spending a good chunk of time there myself and would love to hear about your experience there. And 2. What the heck is Sims?????
Thanks for sharing chica! A =)
Okay take two—not sure what happened by the browser erased everything I just wrote (hate when that happens!) Let’s see if I can remember what I wrote…
I must say you have a pretty cool list. Most people would probably write stuff like, I’m left handed (which I am actually), or I can touch my nose with my tongue (which I can’t), but you have this list of things that are so diverse and probably not easily compared. Very impressive!
As far as condiments go, I would have to say I’m the exact opposite of you. I can make a meal out of condiments! And I eat everything with a sauce of some sort. I did notice that you condiments you mentioned all have similar ingredients and taste. They are very vinegar based and sour (except maybe relish). Any quams against vinegar?? I feel the same way about seafood, although I have tried it. In fact I wish I did like seafood but I just can’t stomach it. Even the smell puts me off. Anyhoo…
Great list overall, I just have to questions for you: 1. Tell me everything about your time in Costa Rica! I am hoping to spend a good chunk of time there myself and would love to know what it’s like. And 2. What the heck is Sims???
Thanks for sharing Lisa! A =)
Okay tidbits for you…
I love NBA basketball
1) I have a massive sweet tooth
2) I have a red belt in Kuk Sool Won (Korean Martial Art)
3) I can play the piano and flute but I’m a bit rusty
4) Former member of the Toronto media
5) I’m addicted to eBay
6) I used to play video games until my thumbs got sore
7) I wanted to be an artist when I was younger only to find out they make no money so I decided to pursue a real job (LOL0
9) I love playing in the snow
10) I’m obsessed with Baby Phat gear!
You know, its odd, but I LOVE VINEGAR, so there’s goes that condiment theory!
Alanna, The Sims (2) is a game where you can create human characters/avatars that represent… basically whatever you want or make them to represent. Then you make your characters live a life in front of you, on screen. There is no point, there is no way to win, no way to lose…even death can be a sought after thing, if for example you wanted to have a ghost appear on your lot. And yet, it’s so addictive! You can go so far as to customize everything in the game, if you have the design or hack skills. I think that’s part of its success, the high degree of customization…it allows players to become more attached, elitist, etc in their work. It’s honestly such a brutal guilty pleasure, people usually think only losers who have no real life, or control freaks play it. But those people don’t know the hilarity of building someone into a room with no doors, suppling him with only an alcohol bar, and watch him drink/pee himself into insanity before the reaper comes to get him….oh…okay, maybe there IS something behind crazy pschological theory…. lol
Natasha, eBay will be the death of you! or your bank account! Though no longer with the condition, I too was once addicted to ebay. It’s just amazing the amount of really cool and unique things you can find and get a deal on. I’d better stop talking about it before I reup my account! Also, tell me more about the Toronto media! We can chat over making snow angels
I should REALLY be studying, but my hangover attention span is not unlike a squirrel’s
also,OOooh this is too fun! and I just happen to love talking about myself.
here’s mine:
1. I am a mutant because I have 4 kidneys instead of 2. Seriously, I have to show every new doctor an Xray of them.
2. Arnold Schwarzenegger was my childhood hero and I watched his movies religiously.
3. On my nineteenth birthday, I saw two cops being assholes. I also saw their two cop cars parked in a row and spraypainted FUCK on the first one and PIGS on the second, covered their windshields in paint and ran the FUCK away.
4. I was raised in the research city Akademgorodok, until the age of six when my family took the trans-Siberian to Moscow and then Ottawa.
5. I had to live off being a pro thief while living with Ru. Which landed me in a cell at one point. All charges were dropped and fingerprints destroyed, because they found out…
6. I was chair of YOUCAN youth Canada for approximately a year.
7. My only “real” job while living with Ru was being a figure and portrait model for art classes (yes, w/ the occasional nudity). It paid 20$ an hour and I have some awesome portraits of myself.
8. When running the world dance club in highschool, I learned how to do religious hindu dances and performed them with a bunch of Indian girls at the end of year assembly.
9. I used to DJ and breakdance, but sucked at both.
10. I successfully faked being Jewish to go on Birthright Israel. Where I learned lots of interesting stuff about Jewish culture, got to eat delicious kosher, and got a cheap flight to Belgium where I met my favorite designer!