#129: TAGGED, 25 Random Things about Me

Here's some 25 Random Things about Me. A copy of it is on my FB page, but I'm also putting it here...

1) I'm British by birth, Filipino/Chinese/Spanish by blood, American by naturalization and Southerner by marriage.

2) I am a linguist, teacher, artist, editor and mom.

3)I speak German and English fluently, enough Spanish and Italian to get myself into trouble, some Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, French and Arabic. I'm learning Scottish Gaelic for a story I'm writing...my sister told me I'm the only one she knows who learns languages for fun. LOL.

4)I've taught all ages from preschool to adults. My favorite subject to teach is English as a Second Language. Currently I have one Korean student.

5) I write poetry, short stories, novels and fanfiction.

6) I once did Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) and did a 50,018 word novel in 30 days. It's harder than it seems.

7) I graduated from VA Tech in Blacksburg, VA, and I taught for two summers at the University of Virginia. I'm still a true Hokie, though! :)

8) Big sports fan, esp. NFL. Favorite teams: Carolina Panthers (football), New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes (hockey), Miami Heat (basketball). Although I'm not a big NASCAR fan, I had to learn about it in self-defense...from my students. Hey, I live in Charlotte, NC!!!

9) I paint in watercolors and acrylics, draw in pastels and charcoal. I have my own art website, http://www.freewebs.com/creativeannie

10) I also have a blog at http://thefranticscribe.blogspot.com

11) Big sci-fi fan. Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate, etc. I was mad that Stargate Atlantis got canceled, and BSG's in its last season, but cautiously optimistic about Star Trek IX.

12) Favorite foods: Chinese, Italian and Chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

13) I love world travel. I'd love to visit Scotland, Ireland, Japan, China and Australia someday. And although I've got relatives in the Philippines, I've never been there. Yet.

14) I'm related (distantly) to Michael Copon (of One Tree Hill) and Liz Masakayan (an Olympic volleyball player and coach). My best friend (who is from Samoa) is related to Dwayne Johnson (aka the Rock) and knows David Tua's family (David Tua's a boxer).

15) If you looked at the playlist on my computer, you'd find a weird mix of: Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel, Gaelic Storm, The Wiggles, The Backyardigans and the Imagination Movers.

16) That said, I think I watch more stuff on Noggin, Nickelodeon, and the Disney Channel than almost anything else.

17) I'm a sucker for desserts. And coffee. Lots of coffee. And none of that decaf stuff.

18) Favorite international desserts: tiramisu, English Strawberry Trifle and Tim Tams.

19) I tried Haggis once, but didn't like it much (I think because I already knew what was in it). Irn Bru isn't bad for a drink, but I need to try out the fried Mars Bars. Love sushi and sashimi, rice balls and teriyaki, but not nuts about pickled plums. And kimchee.

20) My two older kids have been diagnosed with moderate to severe autism, mild MR and sensory issues. They've had years of occupational, speech and play therapy. Right now, Michael's in a self-contained AU kindergarten class, while Christina is in an AU preschool class. Both of them are doing wonderfully.

21) Needless to say, Autism Awareness in one of my big causes. I'm part of a Special Needs Moms group here in Charlotte.

22) I've had rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia for 3 years.

23) I have a strong interest in Chinese medicine. I probably could be a doctor, if it wasn't for the fear of needles and the C- in Chemistry.

24) Technobabble, Technobabble, Technobabble. I'm married to a computer engineer, so I'm used to it.

25) I'm the worst morning person. I'm more of a night owl.

Annie