tag...you're it (think cousin it)

Ms. Skit (aka Barb at Skittles Place) has tagged me. I've enjoyed reading this little gig on sooo many other blogs that it would be truly bitchy to avoid it. Plus I admire her much...her blog was one of the first I ever visited on a regular basis. She is an incredibly strong woman who bravely shares the serious issues of her life…and entertains with the more frivolous ones.

1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. (I’m probably not gonna obey this rule cause just about everyone I read has already been tagged…some of them TWICE)
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog. (see number four)

Eight Things About Me:

I live within a minute walk from the Ocean…within a few minutes drive to the Redwoods. Just about everyday I walk along the cliffs or on the beach with the surfers, cyclists, strollers, seniors, skateboarders...and wannabes. This is just about the only place I can't use life's everyday distractions to protect me from my thoughts. The Ocean is the only place I find the perfect combination of God's power and peace.

From my father I got the belief we should create a student exchange program within the United States. One semester of high school spent in a part of the country different from where you live. The kid from California goes to Louisiana….from Kentucky to New York, from Florida to Montana…you get the idea. The medical coverage, language, currency is all the same…and it is easy to get to your child in an emergency. They may have to learn a new language (smile) but it would be far easier than French or German or Spanish. We are such a country of blessed diversity. Cultures, manners, environment, nationalities…et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Think of what an informed, cohesive, appreciative generation we would produce!

Teddy Roosevelt is by far one of my historical heroes. He was a true Man. He had an amazing vision for our country. He was an excellent father, and acknowledged how the affairs of the heart influenced his life. Not to mention his efforts to preserve our natural wonders and creation of the National Parks system for which I am grateful.

My all time favorite novel is Shibumi by Trevanian. The main character Nicholai has (among other things) an ability to perceive undercurrents to which I can somewhat relate. There are hundreds of pictures of me with my eyes closed, Volvos with dented doors, and I experience an asphyxiating loss of sensory input when I am angry. (you have to read the book)

Nothing infuriates me to the point of violence except for the intentional hurt or harm to children. I would support (and participate in) the PAINFUL death penalty for any and every predator, molester, and abuser of a child at the first proven offense. These people do not get better and they can not control their evil.

I’ve been unmarried (not necessarily single) for just about 22 years. I recently decided I might actually want to be married again. (long story) I am amazed to discover the vast difference in the attributes of a man I would marry as opposed to the attributes of the men I would date.

I collect people. I like to bring small groups together (for brunch, barbeque, poker, whatever) who would not cross paths in real life if left to nature or their own devices. Usually it works….well….most of the time.

The Lord is my strength, my song, and my salvation. I am pro choice, pro stem cell research, pro immigration reform, pro amnesty, I do not vote along what is considered conventional Republican, Christian issues. And while I may not agree with everything you say or do I will stand by you and your right to e-phn be who you are. This is the United States of America. There are active entities (both foreign and domestic) who threaten our personal freedoms. Pay Attention.