One Thing About Yourself

[WalshFan88]

Just an idea for a thread, I looked back a few pages and didn't find anything.

What's one thing we don't know or may not know about you that you'd like to share?

---

Mine is that I dislike sports. I get SOOOOO many people asking me "do you play football" or telling me to play because of my height and build and I have to say to them "I don't care for sports". It's like watching grass grow for me. I'd be just as happy as going to the dentist. I admire that someone has something they passionately care about, and I love Super Bowl parties themselves and will hang out with any sports fan and shoot the breeze, but I just don't watch it. I just don't get it. My dad however is a huge sports fan and lots of them in the family but I don't like them. I do like that people are passionate about something, but sports ain't it for me. The closest I've came to liking a sport would be NASCAR, and that's pushing it. But sometimes it's fun to watch them. But again, I'm not into it.

[sad-cafe]

My husband is legally blind and doesn't drive. I drive everywhere and sometimes I resent it even though I knew it would be this way when we married. I hate myself for thinking that

[WalshFan88]

Sorry to hear that. I'm blind in my left eye, so I cannot drive. It is extremely frustrating at times. But it's not worth taking that risk and just relying on one eye to see everything, especially when it's nearsighted too.

[sad-cafe]

Oh I know, and most days I totally understand. Hubby was born with 20-200 in one eye and 20-100 in the other. With glasses it is 20-60 + and he has a wonderful job. He was born gifted with computer knowledge. It is just the little things like when he wants something from Walmart. He can't just run to the store, I have to go too. I get tired of it sometimes. Then I am ashamed that I get tired of it.

[VAisForEagleLovers]

Honestly, Austin, I totally get what you're saying, but to someone like me, it's like we're from different planets. If everyone here doesn't know it already, I live and die for sports and specifically Black and Gold teams. I had a friend ask me the other day to try and explain why I go to so many Eagles concerts, if it was an obsession or something. I said it was nothing like my Steeler/Penguin/Pirate/Panther (PITT) obsession, and since he's the same way, he didn't really consider those to be obsessions!

Along those lines, one thing probably none of you know is that I used to play sports with nearly every free moment I had. Softball and volleyball. I played in leagues and before my knees forced me to quit, I played four nights a week and tournaments on weekends. I played co-ed and women's, six-man and doubles. I played county squads and USVBA level after high school, and was primarily a setter, although in women's I was of course a hitter when in the front row. When my knees kept getting worse and worse, I tried to slow down, not play as much, but I ended up playing more. So I had to quit 'cold turkey', about twelve years ago, after playing nearly non-stop for about 25 years. I still dream about it at night. I refuse to even touch a volleyball, let alone play even at picnics. When I went to an orthopedic surgeon back in 2001, I never told him I played sports, let alone what I played. He knew I was a volleyball player from the x-rays. I had my right knee operated on and still desperately need my left knee operated on, but I keep putting it off.

[WalshFan88]

I understand that. I love the passion for something, no matter what it is. For me, other than music, my passions are technology and photography.

[sodascouts]

After almost eight years and over 23,000 posts, I feel like there's very little I haven't shared on here (that's fit to be viewed by the public)!

Hmm. Perhaps some of you might be surprised to know that as a adolescent, I was very shy. I wore thick glasses, had no idea how to care for my hair (my mom thought my hair should be brushed 100 times every night even though it was curly - love her, but BAD IDEA), and I was overweight. I was unpopular and an easy target for mockery by cruel kids who called me "Gonzo" because my glasses were so thick. I hated having to interact with other people; if there was some kind of church social or school event I was forced to participate in, I would find a corner and wait for it to end. I spent most of my time reading books and writing stories. The only place I felt good about myself was in class because I always got terrific grades and praised by my teachers, placed in the "gifted and talented" classes, etc. I had friends, but they were few and we were an insular group. Certainly I was not someone who made friends easily or that people gravitated towards. Quite the opposite.

Thankfully, a lot of my circumstances changed in high school and I changed a great deal, too. I became much more confident and outgoing. Humor was the key for me. If you can make people laugh, they accept you a lot more readily - especially if you're willing to be self-deprecating. On a more serious note, I also realized I had a lot to say... and I started to say it. I've never stopped talking since, lol. I don't think many people would use the words "shy", "quiet", and "reserved" to describe me now!

[WalshFan88]

I'm still super shy - lol. You wouldn't guess that by how much I talk and post online - but yeah - in person I'm extremely quiet. Especially if I don't know you at all, or even haven't met you in person. I have severe social anxiety - I hate big crowds. However, I'm fine when there is a guitar around my neck. That is when insecurity goes away and confidence comes. I feel strong as they come and as proud as they come, but just standing around in a public place, I'm a hermit crab. I am very self-conscious - so much so that it really affects where I go, because unless I can play guitar (guitar store, a gig, a jam, whatever) - I don't go out other than Dr Appts and things I absolutely have to do. And even then, I find the quietest corner possible.

I met one of my guitar idols in Nashville, and my dad literally had to push me out of my chair and force me to go up and say hello to him, and ask for a picture. And I'm so glad he did because I'm glad I did, though I would have never had the courage to do that.

Alcohol helps, I did jello shots at the last gig at the end of the night and it became the Austin show, I was running the show at that point. So it can be helpful, as long as you don't drink too much and become too carefree, lol.

[Witchy Woman]

I have OCD, and it gets in the way of things a lot. I HATE pens with blue ink, and I refuse to use them. Most of the time, I carry a pen with black ink, but sometimes I forget, or don't have my purse on me. I was filling out a typical first time at the doctor questionnaire and they handed me a blue pen. I didn't have a pen with me, and I refused to use the blue pen. They had to dig for a black ink pen. I won't touch anything that came from the house I lived in with my Mom, because I still don't know what killed her, and I'm afraid I'll get it too if I touch anything from the house, even though it's been over 20 years. I wear rubber gloves to take out the trash, because I don't want to touch the trash can, as it's been sitting outside. If I post anything on here and the time adds up to 13 I delete it and re-do it again.

I know I'm not the only one to have these issues, but sometimes it can make you feel awful lonely.

[GlennLover]

I'm still super shy - lol. You wouldn't guess that by how much I talk and post online - but yeah - in person I'm extremely quiet. Especially if I don't know you at all, or even haven't met you in person. I have severe social anxiety - I hate big crowds. However, I'm fine when there is a guitar around my neck. That is when insecurity goes away and confidence comes. I feel strong as they come and as proud as they come, but just standing around in a public place, I'm a hermit crab. I am very self-conscious - so much so that it really affects where I go, because unless I can play guitar (guitar store, a gig, a jam, whatever) - I don't go out other than Dr Appts and things I absolutely have to do. And even then, I find the quietest corner possible.


Alcohol helps, I did jello shots at the last gig at the end of the night and it became the Austin show, I was running the show at that point. So it can be helpful, as long as you don't drink too much and become too carefree, lol.

Austin, I know exactly how you feel. I have been painfully shy most of my life. I have been diagnosed withSocial Anxiety Disorder. In recent years I have come a long way but I am still terrified going into a new social situation by myself, especially if there are a lot of people there.

Be careful of the alcohol though!

Nancy, you're right. I never would have know that you were like that when you were a child. What a transformation!

[thelastresort]

I dislike films and have only ever seen about 5 complete ones in my life, including Gone With The Wind (as part of American politics at college). I'd rather watch paint dry...

I also suffer from OCD a bit, mainly checking things are secure / switched off etc. Different aspects come and go, like sometimes I'll have to check intensely if a door is locked, yet at other times a passing press will suffice. It's bad when I need to lock up at work though - safes, windows, alarms etc all need to be checked and it can sometimes take me upwards of 20 minutes to actually do them all... Still, only one shift left before I (probably) leave for uni, where I hope to find a job not so secure-critical :evil:

[WalshFan88]

Sorry to hear that WW and TheLastResort. I have had family members with it and some of it myself (mainly anxiety) and it is exhausting. Best of luck to both of you.

GL - yes it is a major frustration in my life. I had to sit in a busy doctor's office waiting area once for a long time and by the time they got me back and had my BP taken, it was 170/92 - just from sheer fear and stress. It is no fun.

I'm not a big drinker (at all really) but some in little amounts helps me when I have to be around others.

[MaryCalifornia]

This thread is fascinating. I love learning about all of you guys.

Most people would not know (and certainly not by looking at fair/blonde/Scandanavian-like me) that I am an enrolled member of the Creek Nation (Native American - one of the "five civilized tribes"), as are my children. My mothers' relatives were a founding family of Tulsa, OK. I am waiting for the big casino dollars to come rolling in. I have been waiting a long time.

[GlennLover]

Austin, I can relate to the experience in the doctor's office. I always say that that isn't the place to get an accurate BP reading.

I was just teasing about the drinking. :laugh::wink:

MC, that's very interesting about your heritage!

[WalshFan88]

This thread is fascinating. I love learning about all of you guys.


Glad you like it. That was my idea. To just share some things you WANT to share to help everyone get to know each other better. And definitely not to but in or try to ask personal info, just something you want to share willingly with others.

[TimothyBFan]

Austin, after the whole no sports thing, I was just getting ready to tell you that we can't be friends anymore then you go and post the following, and I realize why I love you so much. The "Austin show". :hilarious:



Alcohol helps, I did jello shots at the last gig at the end of the night and it became the Austin show, I was running the show at that point. So it can be helpful, as long as you don't drink too much and become too carefree, lol.

I was trying to think of what I can put here that any of you might not already know. I guess the talk about alcohol made me think of one. I've been clean and sober for 17 years now. I come from a long line of alcoholism and saw myself on that slippery slope and decided on my 33 birthday I'd had enough. I've had exactly 1 drink in 17 years and that was a very weak strawberry margarita that I had promised my "adopted mom" Millie I'd have with her on her 90th birthday. I've been tempted to have "just one drink" many, many times, especially the last half dozen years when so much in my life was happening but knew if I did, the sobriety was all over with and I just couldn't risk it.

[GlennLover]

Austin, after the whole no sports thing, I was just getting ready to tell you that we can't be friends anymore then you go and post the following, and I realize why I love you so much. The "Austin show". :hilarious:



I was trying to think of what I can put here that any of you might not already know. I guess the talk about alcohol made me think of one. I've been clean and sober for 17 years now. I come from a long line of alcoholism and saw myself on that slippery slope and decided on my 33 birthday I'd had enough. I've had exactly 1 drink in 17 years and that was a very weak strawberry margarita that I had promised my "adopted mom" Millie I'd have with her on her 90th birthday. I've been tempted to have "just one drink" many, many times, especially the last half dozen years when so much in my life was happening but knew if I did, the sobriety was all over with and I just couldn't risk it.

Willie, that is a tremendous accomplishment! Congratulations! I really admire you for recognizing that you were going down the same road as other family members, revealing this to us & foremost for staying the course for 17 years despite all the hardships that you have been through!!! Wow! Keep on hangin' in there!

[Glennsallnighter]

Willie you are a very strong person to see that slippery slope ahead of you, make that life hanging decision not to drink, and most of all stick to it for so many years. Of course it is eminently possible you may never have become an alcoholic, but you were super to stick to your resolve, and I'm sure your family are the better for it.

Austin, I know you have mentioned a few health problems occasionally but I never realised that you do not have full sight. Something I definitely realise about you is that you never let any health issues get in the way of making the most out of your life and you grab any opportunity to play and entertain by the neck! Keep that spirit my boy!

Soda you had mentioned that shyness at some stage before. In many ways you remind me of myself during my school days. I'll say more on that later!

To all of you who have mentioned anxiety and / or OCD, I think it is a lt more prevalent than many people think - sure don't we all get anxious occasionally?

I like Sport and support the Dublin Gaelic football team, we don't really 'do' basketball here so I guess I support the Lakers. I like movies too, my favourite is 'Gone With The Wind'

My obsessions are music, photography, and coffee, but I think most people realise that by now. Oh and as Troub would say..... A certain dark haired guitarist.....

[Houston Baby]

TBF - GlennLover is right, that is a HUGE accomplishment! Be proud of yourself for recognizing the situation & then doing something about it. That took and I am sure still takes a lot of strength and courage! :hug:

[Houston Baby]

yes it is a major frustration in my life. I had to sit in a busy doctor's office waiting area once for a long time and by the time they got me back and had my BP taken, it was 170/92 - just from sheer fear and stress. It is no fun.

I get that white coat BP too sometimes Austin. Especially with a new doctor. Once with a new doctor, I was running late & had to drive across town on the busy Houston freeways to the appointment. By the time I got there, my BP was 190/110. I think I scared the doctor, he thought I was going to stroke out. Thank goodness I have been seeing my GP for 13 years now & the white coat BP has subsided!

[WalshFan88]

Austin, after the whole no sports thing, I was just getting ready to tell you that we can't be friends anymore then you go and post the following, and I realize why I love you so much. The "Austin show". :hilarious:

:hilarious:

I was trying to think of what I can put here that any of you might not already know. I guess the talk about alcohol made me think of one. I've been clean and sober for 17 years now. I come from a long line of alcoholism and saw myself on that slippery slope and decided on my 33 birthday I'd had enough. I've had exactly 1 drink in 17 years and that was a very weak strawberry margarita that I had promised my "adopted mom" Millie I'd have with her on her 90th birthday. I've been tempted to have "just one drink" many, many times, especially the last half dozen years when so much in my life was happening but knew if I did, the sobriety was all over with and I just couldn't risk it.

Congratulations! :partytime:


....

[WalshFan88]

I get that white coat BP too sometimes Austin. Especially with a new doctor. Once with a new doctor, I was running late & had to drive across town on the busy Houston freeways to the appointment. By the time I got there, my BP was 190/110. I think I scared the doctor, he thought I was going to stroke out. Thank goodness I have been seeing my GP for 13 years now & the white coat BP has subsided!

My fear isn't so much the doctor, it was the waiting in the waiting area with a bunch of people. I feel instant relief once I'm back to the room. But the waiting room is a huge stressor for me. That said, I think I probably do have a bit of the white coat thing. But most of it is having to sit in a busy waiting room.

[WalshFan88]

Austin, I know you have mentioned a few health problems occasionally but I never realised that you do not have full sight. Something I definitely realise about you is that you never let any health issues get in the way of making the most out of your life and you grab any opportunity to play and entertain by the neck! Keep that spirit my boy!

Thanks!!!

To all of you who have mentioned anxiety and / or OCD, I think it is a lt more prevalent than many people think - sure don't we all get anxious occasionally?

I think everyone gets anxious but it's when it becomes a consistent and debilitating thing to where it has a severe impact on your life. I know my Social Anxiety has really limited me in my life and you feel so helpless. I think there are varying degrees of anxiety and depression, but it's when it starts to truly affect your daily life that's when it becomes a condition and not just daily life's normality. It's all about functioning I think, at least from what I've heard from my specialist. I've tried every drug in the book for anxiety. Benzos (Klonopin, Ativan, Xanax), Buspar, SSRI's, you name it. I might as well be taking a vitamin. It doesn't touch social anxiety. It does however, work for situational anxiety like fear of flying (I take a Klonopin before I fly) or something like that.


....

[MaryCalifornia]

Looking at the Eagles schedule brings to mind one other surprising thing about me:

I HAVE BEEN TO SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN - my friend married a hockey player and I was in the wedding. Anyone else????!!

[Houston Baby]

I don' t believe I could even locate Saskatoon on a map MC!:hilarious:

[Prettymaid]

I'm having trouble pronouncing it!

This is really a great topic and I'm enjoying learning more about everyone. I can't really think of anything to share about myself. I'll just say this... when I went with Soda and TBF to Timothy's solo show in Chicago in 2009, I met several other members of The Border. I remember after talking to luvthelighthouse for awhile, she said to me, "You're pretty quiet for a Joe girl." Lol! I guess I don't fit the stereotype!

[Troubadour]

I have enjoyed reading this thread, too!

TBF, that is commendable - congrats on sticking to it for so long.

One random little fact that I doubt anyone here knows is that I used to play football (soccer) in a league when I was a teenager. I was the only girl in a league of around 90 players. I'm quite proud of myself (with hindsight) for going along week after week and not being put off by the fact that I was the only girl. I was only around 11 when I started playing.

[Prettymaid]

You're right Troub, I don't think I knew that about you. Did the boys and/or coaches give you a hard time?

[Troubadour]

Yeah, I did used to get a bit of a hard time (and it took ages for the boys on my team to even pass the ball to me) but it got better!

[Tiffanny Twisted]

guys I am still thinking about mine.
sorry but am enjoying reading about you all

[Freypower]

I have enjoyed reading this thread, too!

TBF, that is commendable - congrats on sticking to it for so long.

One random little fact that I doubt anyone here knows is that I used to play football (soccer) in a league when I was a teenager. I was the only girl in a league of around 90 players. I'm quite proud of myself (with hindsight) for going along week after week and not being put off by the fact that I was the only girl. I was only around 11 when I started playing.

I'm surprised that you aren't a bigger follower of the game; you are more into Rugby Union now, isn't that correct?

I have refrained from posting in this thread but I hated playing sport. I was no good at it & as it is a religion in this country, I suffered for it. I will watch it, as people who see some of my FB posts will know, but I can't play it & never could. I can swim fairly well though, which marked me out when I was at boarding school in England where none of them could swim.

[Troubadour]

I'm surprised that you aren't a bigger follower of the game; you are more into Rugby Union now, isn't that correct?

Yes, I love rugby. I still like football but I'm not crazy about one team - I do like to see my local teams, such as AFC Bournemouth and Southampton, doing well though. My Grandad follows Bournemouth closely and they were the first football team that I saw play when he took me to see a game against Bury as a child. I used to be really into football when I was a child/teenager, mainly because of my Dad, but I admit I will choose rugby any day now! I do like watching international games though, and enjoy league games when I watch them.

[Brooke]

Enjoying this thread! I love reading about everyone!

Troub, the only girl, huh! Good for you!

I'm trying to think of something about myself...............:shrug:

[Freypower]

Yes, I love rugby. I still like football but I'm not crazy about one team - I do like to see my local teams, such as AFC Bournemouth and Southampton, doing well though. My Grandad follows Bournemouth closely and they were the first football team that I saw play when he took me to see a game against Bury as a child. I used to be really into football when I was a child/teenager, mainly because of my Dad, but I admit I will choose rugby any day now! I do like watching international games though, and enjoy league games when I watch them.

You will be happy today, then. I am not so happy! :censored: Hubby's team Newcastle were also beaten & so were Rosalind's team Sunderland.

[GlennLover]

I have refrained from posting in this thread but I hated playing sport. I was no good at it & as it is a religion in this country, I suffered for it. I will watch it, as people who see some of my FB posts will know, but I can't play it & never could. I can swim fairly well though, which marked me out when I was at boarding school in England where none of them could swim.

I'm the same FP. Hated to play sports & was never any good either, except for swimming. I spent my summers growing up either in or on the river by our summer cottage so I had lots of practice.

[WalshFan88]

Very interesting everyone. Glad you all like the thread.