I am caving...25 (or 20) Random Things

This has been all over Facebook. At first I wasn't going to do it, and instead just posted a snide comment on my profile about how everything I do is random.

But I did have a change of heart, probably after reading a lot of other people's 25 Random lists, and decided I would give it a try. I decided to post it here instead of Facebook.
Why? I'm not entirely sure. I think because I don't feel the need for all 300 if my Facebook friends to see it. Just those friends (and I don't think there are really that many) who actually regularly read this blog. And I guess all the strangers who stumble upon this blog. Here goes....

Ohh...and I'm only doing 20 because I think 25 is too many!


20 Random Things about Me

1. My pinky toenails on both feet are triangular. I have been to a few doctors about this throughout my life, and have been told that there is nothing wrong with them. It is actually common. Although I have never seen anyone else who has this. I also have crossover toes. I also have a strange baldspot right at my hairline above my nose.

2. I have been to over 60 countries and 6 continents in my life. But I have never been 3 hours South to the city of Branson, Mo. And it is a personal goal of mine to NEVER go to that city. What makes this funny, is that on many, many occasions in my international travels - when foriegn people have found out that I am from Missouri, they ask me about Branson. I actually get really annoyed about it.

3. My favorite word to say is "dallop". I don't get to use it much in normal conversation, but I think it is so very fun to say. The funniest spoken word, in my opinion is when British people say the word "scrotum". I think it is hilarious! I have been known to ask people with British accents to say that word, and I can't help but giggling and getting very entertained by it. It's not as funny when Americans say it...just Brits.

4. I do not really believe in counseling or psychology as a way to solve personal problems. Which is actually kind of ironic, because my mother is a psychologist. Nor do I buy into 12 step programs, and most self-help philosophies. I think we all have the ability to fix our own problems within. I do however believe in medication, and anti-depression drugs. It's am interesting paradox for me. I don't get people who are suffering and refuse to take medication for stupid reasons.

5. I really am not joking when I say I don't want children. I get very upset at people who try to question this, and convince me that I would be a great mother. My theory is ...why would you ever want to convince someone who states out loud that they are not cut out for parenthood? That they do not have the patience to deal with all the issues parents have to deal with? With all the bad parents, and abusive parents in the world, why would you even consider encourages someone who point blank thinks they would be bad at the job? Makes no sense to me.

6. I really believe that a sunny day, my convertible with the top down, a great CD of songs that I know all the words to, and a 44 oz fountain Caffeine Free Diet Coke from QT can fix all when I am depressed or in a foul mood.

7. I hold grudges. And it takes me a long time to get over things. I am still mad at folks for things that happen 15 years ago. It's not like I go out of my way to hate people or anything, but if I run into, or if someone that made me mad in the past is mentioned, I can't help but still be pissed at them. Not to their face or anything, but in my head. This is a big struggle for me. Because I know it is unreasonable, but the thoughts are always there.

8. I nap in the shower sometimes. Not the bathtub...the shower. I can't do this at my own house, because the hot water runs out too fast. But, when I stay at hotels, I have been known to actually lie or sit (depending on the size) on the floor of the shower with a washcloth over my eyes and dose off for more than 30/45 minutes while the water is hitting down on me. It is incredibly relaxing. I would probably nap in the tub if I wasn't afraid of accidentally drowning, but in the shower that is not possible.

I struggle with how much water I am wasting, but I recently gave up bottled water, and have been trying to be more green in my life to make up for it.

9. My favorite phrases that I use entirely too much, but love....

I got nothing.
I'm picking up what you're putting down.
There is nothing about this that is not awesome.
Word. (as a greeting)
I have no use for that person.
I hate (fill in the blank) with the fire of a thousand suns.
I wouldn't kick him out of bed for eating crackers.
Score.

I have also, thanks to Barney on How I Met Your Mother have started to embrace "High Five" in the last few years.

10. I gave up caffeine about 4 years ago. It was a great decision once I was truly able to break the addiction. Now when I drink caffeine (even a little bit) it makes me absolutely crazy. I shake uncontrollably, and I can't stop babbling. It feels like I am drunk. If I drink a lot of it (Like 2 or 3 fountains sodas worth in one day or some red bulls) , I get these crazy heart palpations that have actually landed me in the hospital twice. It's amazing that this happens now considering that I used to drink ridiculous amounts of caffeinated soda with no side effects in high school and college.

11. If I could live anywhere in the world besides the United States, I would live in Dublin, or another city in Ireland. My favorite international city to visit is Buenos Aries, Argentina.

12. I would love to meet and have a conversation with John Hughes. I think he is one of the most insightful and underrated movie writers, directors, and producers of our time. No one has better captured the spirit of the American teenager.

13. My mother is one of the most amazing and real people I know. I don't think we are a lot alike, but we have similar temperaments. We fight all the time, and we both get very frustrated with each other. This is going to sound strange, but I do not agree with a lot of the decisions she has made in her life. However, I really admire her for where she came from, and what she has accomplished. I love her a lot, and know that she would (and does) do anything she can for me. I know as I get older, we will find that very close knit relationship that I wish we had now.

14. I love my name, and always have. I beam when people tell me how much they like it, because I think it is such a great compliment. Vivian is Latin for "Full of Life". I think it suits me, and fits well with my last name. I have many nicknames, and never have an issue with them. The obvious one is Viv. My parents and mom's family call me Vivi (pronounced ViVe). That is mainly because my grandmother has the same name, and they called her Viv. Some people from college call me Vivi (VeVe). And of course, thanks to Pretty Woman, I went through many years of "Yo Viv Babe". But, I always introduce myself with my full name Vivian Costello.

15. I hate mushrooms. Even the sight and smell of them makes me sick. I tell people I am allergic.

16. I have an irrational fear of being poor. I don't know why. I am deathly afraid of credit card debt, and have never had a balance on a credit card. I am terrified of living above my means, and have been really scared to make major purchases in my life, even ones I know I can afford.

17. The only real goal I have in my life is to visit all 50 states and all 7 continents. I have Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Alaska, and Maine left in the US, and the continent of Antarctica left.

18. I love to go to the movies. I could go everyday. I have been known to go to more than one movie a day. I have no shame about going to movies by myself, I do it all the time. I am also very interested in the economics and business of movies and movie making. I often track those details like how much money they take in compared to the production costs; how and where movies are marketed; the breakdown and percentages of studios vs. theaters. I think it is a very interesting world, and would possible enjoy a career in the movie production and studio industry someday.

19. I can't carry a tune in a bucket. But I love to sing! I do it all the time....in the car, in the shower, etc. I love to karaoke.

20. I think I have a very wide array of interests. It sometimes surprises people the random subjects I care about. I ask a lot of questions. If something peaks my query, I am the kind of person who has to research and get the back story. This happens in conversations, TV shows, movies, books....anything. Thank God for the Internet. This is also why I seem to know a lot of silly little trivia facts. And piggybacking on this, I am pretty good at faking an interest of things I really don't care about in casual convos and stuff.