Ten Fun Facts

I’m getting good at using other people’s ideas for inspiration.  I got the idea for writing “Ten Fun Facts” facts about myself from https://confessionsofarealteacher.com/2018/03/09/10-fun-facts/  Thanks, confessions of a real teacher blogger.  If you think it looks like a winner, give it a try!

1. I have lived in 13 different states and 3 foreign countries, including France, Germany, and Greece.  I loved it all! Thanks, Dad, for serving our country for 33+ years and for giving me the opportunity to “see the world!”
2. My favorite kind of dog is a Golden Retriever.  I am not really a dog person, but I am a Golden lover.  I got nipped as a little girl when I tried to pet a dog, and I think that really scared me.  My husband LOVES dogs-all kinds of dog–so…we got our Golden Retriever, Gracie, mostly for him…and the kids.  Surprisingly, or not surprisingly if you know this breed, she also won my heart right away. I loved her. She was a part of our family for 15 years and, sadly, died last March.  I don’t think any dog could ever replace her for me.
3. I have been a lifelong watcher of my weight.  That watching has included all kinds of fad diets (egg shell, orange/grapefruit, etc….I know-crazy!) and other healthier ones (Whole30, Weight Watchers, and TOPS). I want to be healthy and to fit in my clothes, but my ultimate goal is to eat like a thin person.  I, however, am still watching… I haven’t arrived, YET!
4. My favorite sport is biking or, to be exact, cycling.  (I didn’t know biking meant Harleys and motorcycles and such at first.)  My husband bought me my first “real” bike when we were expecting our first child on my birthday. (That was one month before she was born.  I think it must have been pretty funny for the salesperson.) We rode with the kids on the back of bikes, in buggers, and alongside us. Now, we ride as a couple on the beautiful bike trails in our state.  I love going fast, by the way.
5. Order, minimalism, and cleanliness are my jam, but I have trouble working that out day to day.  My house never seems to be totally clutter free. My desk has a never ending pile of paperwork and a book or two on display.  I never seem to squeeze enough hours in the day to get it all done. But, in my heart, I am orderly, neat, and clutter free.
6. I resigned from my first teaching job and chose to stay home with our children when they were young.  I loved, more than anything I have ever done, being that stay-at-home Mom. It was draining and exhausting and full of work, but it was rewarding and joyful and happy.  I am so thankful I made that choice.
7. I am in a job that I really enjoy.  One time I heard a speaker who, when asked how she got where she was, answered that when a door opened, she walked through it.  I have tried to take that advice to-heart over the years. So, as my little ones shut the door behind them on the way to college, I walked through my open doors.  The door to being a teacher again. The door to getting my Master’s. The door to Reading Recovery training. The door to Literacy Coaching and training. The next door?  I’m not sure, but I want to be ready to walk on through when it opens.
8. I love to travel.  I would rather go somewhere than to get something.  I am about spending time with people and experiencing things.  With such a big family, I haven’t always been able to travel as much as I would like, but if I can travel, I do.  The beach is my favorite destination, by the way.
9. I love change.  I know that sounds weird.  Most people despise change.  They like the comfort of what they know and how it feels. I like mixing it up.  My daughter says I have TCK (third culture kid) mentality. She hypothesizes that I am the way I am because of my experiences moving every two to three years when I was growing up. About every five years, I want things to change.  This has meant new wall colors, new type of teaching job, new furniture, etc. I’m wondering what will be next. This is my 5th year as a Literacy Coach.
10. I love to learn.  Learning to me is fun.  Attend a conference? Sign up.  Hear a speaker? That’s a yes. Read a book?  Mmm.huh! Learn? Yes, yes, and yes.

©B. Donaldson, 2018. All rights reserved