Day 20: Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

1. When I was . . . 5 or 6 (Not sure), we were on a family vacation to Oregon and then to California. While at California we went to a pool where I stood by the side while my older brother, and cousins played and swam. I remember being jealous that they could swim and I did not know how. My younger (by only 2 months or so) was even swimming. And so, being rebellious and upset, I climbed by my self up a very tall slide, (I at least remember it being tall), and slid down. Nope. Still didn't know how to swim. I popped up gasped, and dipped back down. I felt as though no body knew I was there as I thrashed about, trying to get some air. I was terrified. I did not know where the edge of pool was, where I was and if I'd be able to get back up. I remember being under the water, reaching  up when a hand grabbed mine, dragged me, (only a foot or two) and placed it on the ledge. I was then pulled above the water. There, climbing onto the ledge, and turning around to haul me up was Tim, my older brother. He had seen me, (he was literally the only one that saw what had happened), gotten in the water and pulled me to safety. I remember a very strong feeling of wanting to give him something. Haha. It sounds funny now, but the gratitude I felt as a 5 year old was about more than I could bare. I am still grateful. Who knows what could have happened.

2. Many of my memories are from the woods and forests that we lived near in North Carolina. I really miss them. There just aren't forests like that here in Utah. They were beautiful. We would explore them for hours. Play hid and seek, do dangerous stuff, throw rocks, become snipers and ninjas, build fires, swing from vines, get stung, skin knees, watch the moon, catch fireflies, climb and climb and climb, and fall in love with the world around us. It seems now like something Mark Twain could have written. It gave me a love of nature and of exploring and in my adult life I want my kids to have those same experiences. It has greatly shaped who I am. These truly are some of my favorite memories. I was lucky to have the childhood I had.

3. My Dad took Tim and me on a late night walk once, on the "Greenway" in North Carolina. I don't remember who saw it first, Tim or me, but there was a small flash of light and then it went away. My dad, while we were on a bridge, leading over a small creek, stopped us and crouched. "That could be a homeless man with a cigarette." At the time, I had no idea why it would light up randomly, but I was scared nonetheless and ignored my ignorance and questioning mind. We saw it again and he held us, not sure if we should turn around or continue one. Finally, he began creeping forward. I didn't want to go. I had seen homeless people before, found their clothes or "homes" in the woods, but for some reason, I thought this one was dangerous. Perhaps because it was dark. It turned out to be the moon reflecting on the water of the river. I really never knew if my dad was just joking with us or not. I suspect he was now, but at the time he freaked me out pretty good.

Day 19 : If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

I am fairly certain that no explanation is needed.

Day 18 : What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

Forgive? Wow. . . I can't think of anything I haven't forgiven. . . Maybe no one has every really offended me, or I just get over stuff quickly. Oh, wait . . . There was this time that my older brother, Tim, wouldn't let me get on the computer to check my email. (I think I was hoping for something from a girl). He was playing Command & Conquer, so obviously, emotions were high. He said in 5 min. and so I waited. But after five min he continued on his quest of domination. I insisted it was my turn, but he relented and continued to attack and slaughter his enemies. So I did what any hormonal, impatient, taken advantage of, misunderstood and so obviously unique and alone teenager would have done. I pushed the power button.

Tim was furious. So furious, in fact that he stood up and in one fluid motion picked up a nearby stool and smacked me in the side with it. I punched him once in the stomach in a frail attempt to get back at him and quickly ran up the stairs. (He was/is much stronger than me and I wasn't going to risk more injury than I'd already sustained). This was the only physical fight I can remember us ever getting into.

I probably will never forgive him for playing as the evil Brotherhood of Nod. He really needs to stick to GDI. Sheesh. It was embarrassing.

Day 17 : What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

Currently, I'd say microbiology. Still mad I need to take it again. But I think I wish I was better at science. I really enjoy it and feel like I understand it, but only after a lot of study. Like, I feel that it doesn't come as naturally to me as I would like. I think basically my wish would be to be done with my bachelors and already have the knowledge... well, that's not true. Maybe, I would wish that it came more naturally to me. Eh, I don't know what I wish... How about, I wish I was better with money management.

Day 16 : What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

1. Completing a Mission
2. Getting Married
3. Having kids
4. Getting an honorable mention for my story, Beacon
5. Beating Lesa at Monopoly

Day 15 : If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

An animal? Uh, human, I guess. haha.

I think I'd want to be some sort of bird. Like a Hawk or something. I'm not really hunted and I can fly. I would love to be able to fly. Plus, I'd be able to "CAW" and could go really fast. So, yeah . . . a hawk.

Day 14 : Describe 5 strengths you have.

1. Good at biking. I really think that I am a very good biker. I've been serious biking sense I was 14, so... 12 years.

2. Writing. I write a lot and love it. I've won a few things because of some stories I've done.

3. Labs. I do really well in labs. The hands on part of science I do very well at.

4. I think I'm a really good dad. I love being a dad. I hope I'm right.

5. I can do a head stand.