Sure, most of my friends and blog readers know that I love to read, run, and write. They’ve picked up on the fact that I enjoy coaching (soccer or running), and that I dabble in painting and photography. They might even suspect that, as a Word Nerd, I silently correct grammar. However, for this month’s Who I Am prompt, Dana asked me to share a few things that people don’t know about the Word Nerd who loves fitness.
Three Things You Might Not Know About Me
I lived in Germany for a year and a half and during that time visited Neuschwanstein castle. Sadly, I was an infant, screamed during the tour, and don’t remember anything about Germany or the castle. My dad was in the U.S. Army and stationed in Stuttgart, Germany when I was born; we returned to the states before I was old enough to form memories. After Germany, we lived in New Jersey, Arizona, Wisconsin, Norfolk, VA, and finally settled in Alexandria VA. So, this Word Nerd with an army background knows words like commissary (the post grocery store) and exchange (the post “K-mart”).
Hopefully, one day I’ll get back to Neuschwanstein, preferably during a castle tour of Europe. I won’t scream inside the palace. 😉
I love Coke, particularly from a soda fountain. Most people think I’m super healthy, and I try to eat lots of plant-based foods and limit sugar, fat, and salt. But I love my Coke. There’s something about the combination of fizz, burn, and sweet that picks me up at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. And nothing pairs better with pizza or popcorn than Coke. (Note: I hate beer.)
I’ve tried to give it up, but I can’t kick it, even though I know it’s terrible for my body. For example, one can of Coke has 10 teaspoons of sugar. In most cases, you’d puke if you consumed that much sugar at once, but the phosphoric acid cuts the sweetness and inhibits the action of sugar for a bit. It also rots your teeth. One article I read said that Coke has the same effect on the brain as heroin; I’m not surprised. On those days when I’m tired or cranky, that first fizzy sip feels like a fix.
Clearly, Coke can’t be an everyday drink. Or every other day. But how about every other week? I’m currently in a soda detox challenge with my sister-in-law. So far, I’ve only had two Cokes in the month of June. That’s good, right?
Nirvana’s in my running playlist. I particularly like “Breed” for hill work. I’ve explored eclectic music styles over the years, including Twisted Sister, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest in middle school, and Candlebox, Nirvana, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the 90’s. When daughter downloaded a ton of Linkin Park, I was a bit concerned. Why all the screaming? Then I remembered what I listened to at her age. Sometimes you need an angry song, and not all Linkin Park involves yelling. (Take ”Leave Out All the Rest”, for example.) When I recently found her jamming “Baby Got Back”, I panicked. That came from my music library: parenting fail! She said, “Mom, I’m doing a leg workout. It’s perfect.”
If you had to share three quirky things about you, what would they be? I’ve bared my soul… how about you?
Thanks for stopping by this installment of the Who I Am Project, hosted by Bev and Dana. If you’d like to join in, visit Dana’s blog for details.
That first photo was downright … alluring. Yes, I’m going with alluring. I wonder how many of we coaches (us coaches?) are hooked on Coke.
Three things:
1. I lived in Tallahassee for a year and a half. I loved it.
2. I love Pad Thai. Like, I hate that 44 years passed before I tried it.
3. Melody Gardot is on my play list. She makes me feel smooth.
These are great, Eli! I love Pad Thai too, but since I live in the boonies, I rarely get it. And I think the proper word choice is “us coaches”, since you would say “how many of us love Coke.” 😉 Thanks for playing!
Coke is my go-to cure for a headache or the just general not feeling well blues. Hearing that it has the same effect on the brain as heroin is both understandable and horrifying!
Yes Mo, it’s my go-to for the same things, and I agree – a horrifying revelation. Thanks for stopping by.
On my second day of college I decided to bust a move to “Baby Got Back” to an audience of two new friends I had just made. Thankfully I didn’t seem to turn them away because I’m still friends with them to this day!
I used to drink Coke every night at dinner. While I think I did turn out ok despite that, it’s hard to believe I ever drank that much. I actually can’t remember the last time I drank a soda! But it does pair very nicely with pizza & popcorn (and I say this as someone who does really enjoy a good beer).
Thanks for the new background info, Julia!
I would love to go to Germany and see the Neuschwanstein Castle. I did see a castle (Manzanares el Real) in Spain, which was pretty neat.
I think I met you through Nicole, and I’m pretty sure she loved fountain coke too! I think two a month is a very reasonable indulgence.
My daughter just left Germany (Munich) today and is now in Vienna, but she LOVED Munich. I’d love to visit that area of Europe one day too. I promise I won’t scream in any palaces either.
Word Nerd and Nirvana fan? The perfect combination, I think. So glad you are sticking with this project with me, Julia!
We did meet through Nicole, and I loved the fact that she is a runner who is also addicted to Coke. 😉
How exciting for your daughter! And hard for you? I guess it’s good prep for her going to college. “The goal is to launch.” 🙂
I’m enjoying the project. I’m so glad you’re hosting.