100 things you always (or perhaps never) wanted to know about Alyssa

So what could be easier than just doing a little free association and writing down a hundred random things about myself. Here goes:

1. I was born 9 months and 5 days after my parents got married (can you say honeymoon baby?)
2. I used to label my socks by side and number (ex. R1 and L1) so the foot pattern would always wear the same.
3. I'm a reality TV junkie (yes, I'll admit it) and would love to be on the Amazing Race.
4. I got a parasite on my mission (to the Dominican Republic) and named him Charlie.
5. I skipped a grade in elementary school...only did the first half of 2nd grade and the second half of 3rd grade.
6. Because of #5 I do not know how to write in cursive.
7. I am horrible at small talk.
8. Even though my mom does not believe me, I am ADHD.
9. I was an only child until age 11.
10. My Grandma Wilson lived around the corner from me and was my best friend growing up.
11. I worked at the laundry in Yellowstone Park for 3 days...the 3 longest days of my life!
12. I seriously think I am addicted to chocolate.
13. I love to play racquetball.
14. My dream job would be to have a show on the Travel Channel (you know, like a much less annoying and much funnier Samantha Brown) and get paid to experience new places and cultures.
15. My first overseas trip was to Taiwan at age 15 where I toured the country for 10 days playing violin with a performing group.
16. I love to go on canoe or rafting trips.
17. One of my favorite places in the whole world is Waterton Lakes National Park near Cardston, Alberta.
18. I am 37.5% Canadian give or take.
19. I am afraid of little babies...I'm quite sure I will break them.
20. I wish I were more self-motivated.
21. I hate change.
22. I studied German for 5 years and then got called on a Spanish-speaking mission. Go figure!
23. If I could be a Latin singer, I would be salsa queen Celia Cruz (azucar!)
24. If I could be an English singer, I would be Norah Jones.
25. I'd love to wear flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt year-round.
26. I have a BA in Psychology and Sociology (double major).
27. I have a Master's degree in Social Work.
28. My dad died in a house fire in 1997.
29. I would love to devote more time to photography and have fancy cameras and equipment.
30. I have been snorkeling twice but scared out of my mind both times because I don't want the fish to touch me.
31. I don't want to eat fish or any sea creatures/items either.
32. I hate running just to run.
33. I have ridden an elephant in Thailand.
34. I have been to 3 of the New 7 Wonders of the World (Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, Taj Majal).
35. I helped build 2 houses in Posoltega, Nicaragua.
36. I am afraid I will die young of a terminal illness.
37. Because of #36, I am afraid of doctors but recently went to one for the first time in many years.
38. As of today, I have NOT been diagnosed with a terminal illness. :)
39. I love buying shoes and have way too many for my own good.
40. I have a red miniature poodle named Hurley.
41. I have done numerous radio, print and television interviews in Mexico. Soy famosa!
42. I am a pack rat and have a sentimental attachment to many silly things I should just toss.
43. I love Dr. Pepper!
44. If my dishwasher is not loaded the way I like it, I will unload it and reload according to my likes.
45. I inherited #44 from my mom.
46. I had a bulimic college roommate that would purge while listening to church music. Go figure!
47. Another college roommate from that same year is a member of the Surly Girlies roller derby team in Arizona. Go Candy Cannons!
48. I have to plug my nose when I go under water.
49. I'm not very creative when it comes to blogging...either that or my life is too boring.
50. I hate folding clothes and ironing.
51. I wish I didn't snore.
52. I like to listen to NPR.
53. I've been in a singles ward so long I can hardly remember what a family ward is like.
54. I do not like other people's naked feet.
55. Despite #54 I actually like getting pedicures...the mecca of others' naked feet.
56. I wish I had more patience.
57. When I was little I once used my mom's toothbrush to brush our dog's teeth. She found out about it later from my grandma's neighbor.
58. I am a lot more emotional, sentimental, nostalgic, sappy etc than I let on to.
59. Almost every movie can make me cry (ex. I actually shed tears in "To Wong Foo--Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar."
60. I almost drowned in the ocean while boogeyboarding.
61. I am a worrier.
62. Sometimes I think I have a communication disorder.
63. I have been in a long distance relationship...more than once. Obviously it doesn't work for me.
64. I had a Navajo foster sister when I was in 4th grade.
65. The first night she stayed at our house I fell off the top bunk of our new bunk beds and broke my arm.
66. I am allergic to bee stings and make a fool of myself whenever one comes around.
67. I tend to overanalyze just about everything.
68. Historically, I have not been very good with money but am getting better.
69. Math is not my friend.
70. I love to tease people.
71. Some of my nicknames are or have been: Lys, Lyssy-Lou, Grover, casco de chivo (goat head), Alyassa and some others I can't remember.
72. I am afraid of dying in a plane crash.
73. I hate wearing make-up.
74. I am an impulse buyer and emotional spender.
75. I worked a summer as a camp counselor and went by the name Snow.
76. I love Air Supply and have been to two of their concerts.
77. My first car was a 1984 Honda Accord manual transmission that I bought without knowing how to drive a stick.
78. I am a horrible procrastinator.
79. I used to be an amazing speller before learning Spanish.
80. I sleep smack in the middle of my queen size bed.
81. I would love to be in a play if I were a bit more confident.
82. I am a karaoke addict under the right circumstances.
83. I have a ghetto alter-ego named Laryssa.
84. I get nervous when I have to call someone on the phone.
85. I sing alto in a community production of Handel's Messiah each Christmas.
86. I love the beach and the mountains. I wish I could be close to both at once.
87. I only have 12 cousins total between both sides of my family.
88. I think I have changed a lot and wish I could go back to being more like I used to be.
89. I am afraid of heights.
90. I am deathly afraid of snakes and rats/rodents.
91. You couldn't pay me enough to relive high school.
92. I like to people watch.
93. I wish I hadn't quit playing the violin.
94. I wish I could play the guitar.
95. I love camping and hiking.
96. I wish I were a better cook...or at least had more of a variety in my repertoire.
97. I would like to learn Portuguese.
98. I should be in bed right now instead of doing this. I tend to stay up way later than I should...I'm not as young as I used to be.
99. I don't know my blood type but hope to remedy that soon.
100. I'm a much better dancer in my head than what my body exhibits.

A new addiction?

This blogthings place has too many quizzes period. I think I am easily entertained. I've probably taken another 20 quizzes but this has been the tops in terms of ringing home with me:

The Part of You That No One Sees

You are balanced, peaceful, and sincere. You're the type of person who goes along to get along. And you're definitely afraid of rocking the boat. Underneath it all, you fear your world falling apart. You'll put up with a situation that you don't like in fear of changing it. Disruptive and forceful people intimidate you - and sometimes exploit you.

What's" the Part of You That No One Sees?

Here's another one...

Ok, this one I agree with a little bit more:

Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence

You shine in your ability to relate to and understand others. Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel. You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations. A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict. You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Is this who I really am?

Thanks to Chanda, I ended up taking this personality test. I'm not entirely sold on my description, although some of it hits close to home. What I'd really like to know is where my inner chef is hiding? Cooking is mentioned twice but it's not something I do regularly nor do I think I'm especially good at. Hmmm...

Regarding the other parts of my personality results, the ones I don't really agree with, I wonder if I am going through a phase or if my overall personality is changing? There are parts of my "old" self that I miss...so I'm hoping they 're not lost or changing but rather just buried for a time. Anyway, on with the results:

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal. A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways. In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music. You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for. In love, you express your emotions through actions. Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well! At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time. You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist. How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut

What's" Your Personality Type?

Our prophet dear...

PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY

1910-2008

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Today I waited for three and a half hours for the opportunity to pay my last respects to our beloved prophet. I waited outside for nearly an hour as we were then ushered into the Conference Center to sit and await our turn. While waiting, we were able to watch the 95th birthday celebration for President Hinckley and again reflect on his work, his example, his humor, his love for his wife, the profound effect he had on members and non-members alike and his unwavering devotion to the Savior.

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Section by section we were brought across the second level of the Conference Center to then go up to the third floor to the Hall of the Prophets where the viewing was held. As we got closer to the area where President Hinckley lay, the Spirit intensified. It was an honor and a privilege to be able to file past his casket and to see the vessel that housed such an immense giant of a man. I can honestly say that, even in death, he is the most beautiful, kind, gentle soul I have laid eyes upon. It couldn't have been much more than 15 seconds that I was able to see him as we filed through that room but I would have waited double the time for even a glimpse of the man that has been my personal prophet, seer, revelator and leader for almost half my life.

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The organization and management of such large numbers of people was just amazing to me. I was deeply impressed by the many, many volunteers who were helping to keep things moving. The lady in front of me kept commenting to these volunteers on what a long day they must have experienced. I was touched by one man's response who said, "It does not matter if this ends at 7 p.m. or 2 a.m. We are happy to be here. President Hinckley is worth it."

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I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who were gathered with me to participate in the viewing. In a way, I felt a sense of responsibility to attend, not only for myself, but for my family and friends who would have wished to have gone but live too far away. As I have reflected on President Hinckley's life and mission, there is not much I can say to add to what I have heard said by many others. His influence, love, kindness, genuineness, humor, leadership, dedication and example reached across the world and touched the lives of countless numbers of God's children.

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We rejoice in the plan of salvation and the understanding that we have regarding what happens after death. And although we will miss President Hinckley greatly, we rejoice in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved companion Marjorie. We rejoice in knowing he has been welcomed home by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We rejoice in knowing that he will receive a just recompense for his service in building up the Kingdom and in loving and leading us, his brothers and sisters.

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God be with you 'til we meet again our dear and beloved prophet. The world is tangibly dimmer without your light, your laugh, your love and your leadership. With grateful hearts we celebrate your life and vow to do our best to follow your counsel to "stand a little taller, rise a little higher, be a little better..."