Backyard party as captured by the uber talented Abolfazl Bayat @https://www.instagram.com/abolfazl.bayat.new/
There are many things I could tell you about myself, my professional background, where I live, how I engage in the community etc.… but just for fun, here are some random facts you won’t find on a résumé that give a wider picture of who I am, where I’ve been, what I love and what I live for.
1. I’m the oldest of four kids with three younger brothers. This also makes me the oldest grandchild on my Dad’s side.
2. I grew up in a small town on Georgian Bay.
3. I studied in four different universities.
4. I speak English, French and Spanish.
5. I lived in Veracruz, Mexico for a year in the late nineties.
6. I drink white wine in the summer, red in the winter.
7. I wear the same clothes almost daily from October-April: Buffalo jeans and a black cashmere sweater.
8. I stopped dyeing my hair three years ago and suddenly it began to curl.
9. Engaged at la Basilique de Fourvière, still going with the same better half 20+ years.
10. I once won an investment contest by buying stock in all my favourite cosmetic companies.
11. I’m secretly jealous of all the people with the willpower to do the Keto diet.
12. I’m a mom to an amazing daughter.
13. … and a spectacular son.
14. My friends are my wealth. Once I fall for you, I’m loyal to the end. Fair warning.
15. I love spending afternoons drinking tea with old people.
16. I love coffee shops that smell like coffee, not bacon.
17. I wore the same watch for twenty years every day.
18. I’m always on time.
19. The only author whose books I re-read is Maeve Binchy – R.I.P.
20. But – my favourite genre is historical fiction.
21. …. And mystery.
22. I write poetry to figure out my faith.
23. I’ve read the Bible twice but I’m starting to think you can learn more about God by going to church potlucks and paying attention to the details. (Who needs seconds? Who cooks with love? Who sweeps the floor when it’s all over?)
24. I like smoking but I’m too vain to keep it up. Smokers have terrible teeth, skin, lips and breath.
25. I run so I can eat cheese after 8pm and watch Netflix. I’ve rarely had a “runner’s high” that’s rivalled my enthusiasm for camembert.
26. My favourites meal is shrimp and bacon tacos.
27. If my husband dies before me, I’m getting a dog. A beautiful golden retriever or a mutt like my childhood dog, Ace. If I die first, somebody please find him an Abishag. (18+ and reasonably ugly.)
28. For unknown reasons, the universe has filled my life with Colombians. Thanks, Universe.
29. I planned on having two kids, then along came Papí.
30. I stopped reading the newspaper from November 2016-November 2020.
31. I love to cook, especially for a crowd.
32. I love egg white sour cocktails.
33. Someday I want to skate on a canal in the Netherlands like Dave and Morley.
34. I still miss Stuart. (see above.)
35. I’m pretty good at writing eulogies and other people’s cover letters.
36. I like driving in the car late at night with my kids and talking about everything and nothing.
37. I’ve been a downhill skier since grade one and I still like hot chocolate and ketchup chips in the lodge.
38. I know I should wear sunscreen, but I don’t like cream.
39. I used to collect ceramic frogs. I don’t anymore, but I still can’t get rid of them.
40. I’ve tried knitting a gazillion times. (Okay, maybe four.)
41. On more than one occasion, I’ve met celebrities and not realized they were “someone famous” until they left the room.
42. I drive my cars (always a standard) until they fall apart.
43. I grew up on an apple farm and have worked since I was ten years old. I still like apples and I still like working.
44. People on the street sometimes tell me I look like Hilary Swank. It’s flattering every.single.time.
45. My one musical regret is not going to see Hilario Duran and the Buena Vista Social Club when I had the chance.
46. I like a big house party or an old school Buck and Doe.
47. I never do crosswords or Sudoku but I can sucked into a puzzle pretty good.
48. I wish I had more time to paint and draw, especially outside.
49. When I look up facts online, I click on ALL the links. Hours later, I’ll turn back to my work and write, “she nodded.” Sigh.
50. I can’t remember the last time I was bored.