Seven Things About Me Meme

Not to plagiarize your title, aka lucy , but there you have it . . .

I was 'tagged' to participate in this 'meme.' (OK, that sentence sounds like a foreign language--like, have I landed on another planet? On the other hand, I guess I asked for it, putting myself out here in cyber-space.)

So, here's the deal:
People who are tagged start by thinking about 7 random facts/habits about themselves. Each player then must write about those seven things on their blog, as well as include these rules. Players then need to choose 7 people to tag and list their names. Don’t forget to leave each person a comment telling them they’ve been tagged.

I don't know 7 bloggers, in fact, I only know 4--one of them is the one who 'tagged' me and another probably isn't a good fit for this post. I'll do my best, but . . .

1) From the above, you can already tell that I'm a 'rule follower.' I have a long history of doing what others expect me to do. In fact, it's only been in the last year that I have begun to feel okay about not following all the rules. Hence, I've left my profession and am trying my hand at writing.

2) When I'm driving over the mountains to Chimayo, I love to turn my CD player way up and sing along--at the top of my lungs--to the Indigo Girls and (complete with southern accent and use of the f-word) to Lucinda Williams.

3) I hate to ride in the car with my husband (although I love him dearly) because he listens to 'smooth jazz'--a genre (if you can give credit by calling it such) that is nothing more than a yuppified version of elevator music.

4) Sometimes I worry I don't worry enough about my children. So many parents start thinking about Stanford when their kids are in preschool and I'm just not into it. My son (a junior in high school) could not be talked into taking the SAT this year because he's decided to take a year off after he graduates. That was fine with me; in fact, that's what I think is best for him. Last week, in a panic, he decides he needs to take the test anyway--for practice. Sounds good, I say. The only problem is that the SAT is given in Seattle just once more this year--and all the sites are filled. Now we have to drive to Winthrop so he can practice . . .

5) Although I'm known as a pretty gnarly telemark skier, my absolute favorite outdoor activity is backpacking. I'm planning to celebrate my 50th birthday by hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail--from the Mexico border to the Canadian border--in one fell swoop. It's still 4 years away, but I'm keeping a list of those who might want to accompany me on certain sections of the 3 month hike (any takers?)

6) My faith has been transformed numerous times. Despite my 'rule-following' nature, I'm not a 'black and white' gal when it comes to issues of morality, ethics and Christianity. I feel as if my beliefs are in constant flux--I've never doubted the presence of God or the deity of Christ; I've never doubted that God loves me--yet, I often wonder if we put our God in a box. For instance, last summer I attended two weddings of same-sex couples. There are many out there who would castigate me for 'showing support,' and there are those out there who would castigate me for even mentioning the issue as something out of the ordinary. All I can say is that my faith--and my interpretation of God's Word--is in flux. People are people. Love is love . . . and we need more of it, as far as I can tell. I won't excuse myself anymore; and I'm okay with it.

7) I love the mountains best of all. Snow-traced rock, flower-filled alpine meadows, glaciers, trails above timberline that meander through bear grass and columbine; streams gushing white and frothy. And then, I go to the desert . . . .
And find I love the desert, best of all! Blood red sandstone against an impossible blue sky, cow dung and ghost towns; deep canyons so narrow I can span them with my arms; blooming cactus, water seeping from solid rock, nights spent under a clear sky layering eons of stars.

That's it. That's my 7. I could write more but I'm a rule-follower . . .
I'll tag SnowLine and WeeBug Knits--that's all I have.

Photo by v.sakata:
me, enchantment lakes in october; Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington