25 Things About Me.

1. Two things inspired me to write this list: all these lists on which I’ve been “tagged” on facebook, and Mary’s latest entry. If you’re reading this, chances are I want to know 25 things about you and more.

2. I am embarrassed and scoff at my own New-Agey nature. I also celebrate and love it.

3. I am highly self-critical and highly narcissistic. I will scorn and worship you equally.

4. I think in poetry. Example: paper = white = cloud = bird/dove = dove/love.

5. I don’t think I hate anybody; probably because I consider it a waste of effort.

6. I will text you things like, “the clouds are beautiful out today.” If you think texts are purely for sending information, I will probably bombard you with said messages.

7. I like annoying. I like pushing. I like being ironic. But I don’t like those things being done unto me.

8. I discovered speed dialing only recently. People on my speed dial (in order that their numbers are recorded) are Kailash (my brother), Mom, Dad, Joe, Nagham, Youssef. (I don’t have international dialing). Only 2 of those know about this blog. (As of 6 March, 3 people know, welcome Nagham!)

9. I love Kailash the most.

10. I think most people are lovable. I just don’t love them all; may again have something to do with effort. I often let my friends choose me, rather than vice versa.

11. I would like cats more if they liked me more. I love dogs unconditionally.

12. I love quotes. I used to keep diaries full of them, even the ones I didn’t like. Most of the times when my friends think I’m being “wise,” I’m just recycling quotes.

13. I have a good memory, I just wish I could remember right now what is the nature of things I remember well. Ah mostly they are the “you said…” type of memories.

14. My biology teacher – who tends to be quoted a lot in recent conversations – told me that I displayed a good grasp of things but sometimes had “alarming gaps in my knowledge.” This holds true for all areas of my knowledge. Some of you may remember my, “but wasn’t (Gamal Abdel) Nasser also assassinated” faux-pas.

15. History bores me. I think I want picture books about it so it’s easier to understand.

16. I learn a lot from picture books and cartoons. I was watching “Alice in Wonderland” today with Katherina, gaily clapping hands, and asking her questions. I don’t know why I don’t agree to sit and watch cartoons with her more often.

17. I think the universe sends messages to us. So when I watched “Alice in Wonderland,” it told me that when you need to be tiny, the world will send you a “drink me” and “eat me” potion that makes you tiny so you can fit through a door. The world will send things your way to help you with what you want to do.

18. I think that formal education is shit. I wish I could take Katherina out of school to a place where she studies music, dancing, and just being her. I still think I’ve had a fine education though.

19. If there’s one thing I could have changed about my education, it would be doing an MFA in writing instead of an MA in Comparative Literature. I think I may have at least come out with a book instead of bipolar disorder.

20. I’m happiest when I’m dancing or having a super witty repartee. And you can see it all over my face.

21. You can see me all over my face. I am pretty transparent. It’s a shame, because people can easily tell if/when I’m bored with their conversation.

22. I cannot read books, or do anything linear. Step-by-step bores me. I like leaps and bounds, and ages of rest.

23. I like the number 23. And I used to like the number 5. Numerologically, it works, because my birthday is 23rd May (05) 1979. But someone worked my numbers out and apparently I’m numbers 8 and 9, but more 9. I don’t really consult numerology.

24. In an interview for “International Student Leadership Conference,” I think they asked us what we’d like engraved on our tombstone. I had said, “She loved.” I think now my answer would be, “Yes, she loved you.” (Maybe because that’s what I think people coming to my grave would like to know, and what I’d like to tell them. Here is where this post again resembles Mary’s).

25. I think I’m still going Indian style – cremation. If you love earrings, you may end up in my will. :)