25 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Me

Written by Michele T on February 8, 2009 – 10:48 pm -

By

Michele L. Tune

Hope you’ve been having a fantabulous weekend! Here’s a few fun facts you may not know about me. Enjoy!

Thanks to Steve, over at My Wife QUIT Her Job, I’ve decided to share 25 random things you don’t know about me. (I can’t forget Angie from Freedom Freelance. She recently tagged me for a meme requesting I share 7 things about myself–hopefully she’ll think 25 is even better!)

  1. I know you don’t know this: My Mom named me after Michelle Lee (from Knots Landing)–only she chose Michele with one “L” and spelled my middle name differently. Can you guess how she spelled “Lee” in my name?
  2. I lived in California when I was a kid, from the time I was 2 until I was 4 (although I have no memories of it). That’s a shame, considering I supposedly got to go to the beach and play in the ocean all the time. :-(
  3. My favorite place to go (according to my parents) was Der Wienersnitchel — a cool place that sold hot dogs. That’s hilarious, ’cause now I wouldn’t eat a hot dog for a million dollars! Oh, and Mom and Dad still laugh at how I tried to pronounce the name. Every time I said it, they knew where I wanted to go though.
  4. When I was in the 2nd grade, my teacher told me I’d be a writer when I grew up. When I asked her why I wrote so much, she replied: “It’s because you have so much to say you can’t say it all, you have to write a bunch of it down.” She was right; I’m a writer–although I wonder some days if I’ve really grown up. :-)
  5. I attended both public and private schools growing up. Both experiences were totally different. While I missed my friends from public school, and had some issues with my experiences at the academy, I do have warm memories I’ll always cherish. (And, yes, I had to wear a uniform: tan skirt, white oxford shirt, navy blue vest, panty hose, closed shoes [meaning no open toes/heels]–go ahead and laugh. I’ll wait.) ;-)
  6. Spelling and English were my two favorite subjects in school. I always made 100% on my spelling tests and my teachers were always pleased with my enthusiasm–and talent–for writing essays and doing book reports. While other kids cringed, I jumped for joy.
  7. P.E. was my least-favorite part of school. Well, that and the bullies!
  8. I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout. I never became a Cadette, though, because I left public school and went to private (see above).
  9. My parents paid for professional swimming lessons–I still can’t swim and don’t like to be in the water! (Sorry Mom and Dad.) :-(
  10. I almost flunked Home Ec. Why? ‘Cause I loved eating the cookie dough. :-)
  11. My grandma always wore shawls in cool weather–with panty hose and white sandals. I wanted to be just like her, so I insisted my parents buy me the same exact shawls and sandals–I was her shadow and I looked the part, too!
  12. When I was in 5th grade, my teacher asked us to write an essay starting with: If I were a turkey on Thanksgiving Day... He gave me an A+ and proudly put it on the bulletin board out in the hallway for everyone to enjoy–I’ll never forget that achievement! However, I’m convinced someone morphed my words and ideas into the movie Babe. Seriously! ;-)
  13. Judy Blume was one of my favorite authors. I read Blubber, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, and so many others. I loved her! I dreamed of having my name on the cover of books someday, just like her–I’m on my way! Wahoo!
  14. Some shows I loved were: Charlotte’s Web, Reading Rainbow, The Patty Duke Show, Mork & Mindy, Different Strokes, Laverne & Shirley, I Love Lucy, The Brady Bunch (I still remember the entire theme song!), The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, The A-Team (gotta love Mr. T!), Silver Spoons (Rick Schroeder, anyone?)–ah, those were the days, eh?! :-)
  15. As a kid, I went to see Tojo Yamamoto. Can any of you tell me who he was–without a Google search? ;-)
  16. Growing up, I was one of the few children in a neighborhood made up mostly of elderly folks. I had lots of grandmas and grandpas and I loved every minute of it. They’d spoil me with special baskets on the holidays filled with freshly-baked cookies, old-fashioned candies (that they remembered and loved from their youth) and other goodies. I’ll never forget those baskets–or those special people who loved me like I was their own granddaughter. It’s a huge reason I’ve always loved making baskets filled with homemade goodies and taking them to nursing homes, shut-ins, the sick, or any elderly person I adopt.
  17. I sing. Not all of you know that I sing. I have since I was a little girl. Surprise: I’m working on another website and will eventually have both audio and video of me singing up there. It might be a little while, as I’m doing it in my spare time. I’ll let ya know when it’s up. :-)
  18. I have the uncanny ability to turn (most) extremely stressful situations into bearable moments by finding humor or the silver lining right away. Not everyone appreciates my enthusiasm, but I try…
  19. When I was obese (near 300 pounds), I went to a doctor and he accused me of going to the all-you-can-eat buffet every single day (like I could afford that?!) and he ticked me off–I lost over 100 pounds. Anger is a good thing when focused in the right direction. ;-)
  20. I’m blessed with empathy. I not only have compassion for people going through crisis or any trouble or pain, I am overwhelmed with empathetic feelings and always do my best to comfort the person/people any way I can. I don’t take this gift lightly, and I feel it truly is that: a gift.
  21. I fantasize about sitting on a porch/deck in Hawaii and writing as the sweet scent of Plumeria wafts with a gentle breeze for my enjoyment. Oh, and I’m sipping herbal tea. And since I’m dreaming here, I’m eating a ginormous piece of German chocolate cake–which just happens to be my favorite. :-)
  22. My favorite color is pink. Always has been. I love pink clothes, pink flowers, pink office supplies…
  23. Another fantasy I have is to win a shopping spree in an office supply store. Oh, my! I know, I’m a sad, odd gal. I’d be a happy odd gal if that happened, though! :-)
  24. At this point, I really don’t want to travel the world or anything, but if I ever get to New York, the first place I want to visit is the library. Yes, I’m serious. When I was in college, my Speech Instructor told me she was astounded when she walked in the door. She said as far as you can see bookshelves spiral up, up, up. That is so intriguing to me! (What, I’m a writerly kind of gal.) ;-)
  25. Something I’ve always wanted (since I was a young girl)… a classic Mustang: candy apple red, black leather interior, with a black convertible top. My favorite styles are the Mustang GT Coupe and the Mustang GT convertible. I don’t like the Shelby–or the late 60/70 body styles. Only the 64 1/2 and 65-66 body styles appeal to me.

Whew! I never thought I’d think up 25 things about myself–this is hard! So, there you have it. I’m assuming most of you didn’t know these 25 things about me.

What about you? Have you done this meme? Do you always share stuff like this with your readers? Share your thoughts and 25 things links with us in the comments!

Be sure to subscribe to Writing the Cyber Highway’s Feed or by email, so you won’t miss upcoming posts and updates. Look for news from my own writing life, as well as interviews with amazing and inspiring folks. I’ll even be sharing the links to my mom’s  new website and blog!

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    Posted in Creativity and Fun, Inspiration, Michele's Life, Writing Thoughts | 28 Comments »

    28 Comments to “25 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Me”

    1. Steve C @ MyWifeQuitHerJob.com Says:
      February 8th, 2009 at 11:29 pm

      Hey Michele,

      Thanks for the props. Let’s see… Of all of your random facts, I can relate to #13 and #14 the most. Loved Judy Blume and all of the tv shows you mentioned, especially the A team! Glad to know you better!

      Steve C @ MyWifeQuitHerJob.coms last blog post..25 Random Things You Don’t Know About Me

      [Reply]

    2. Michele T Says:
      February 8th, 2009 at 11:33 pm

      Hi, Steve!

      Ah, you’re welcome–thanks for the fun idea! :-)

      Judy Blume’s were awesome to me in those years! Yeah, Mr. T was the coolest! LOL

      *smiles*
      Michele

      [Reply]

    3. Rebecca Laffar-Smith Says:
      February 9th, 2009 at 8:17 am

      I’ll be in New York later this year and have just added, “New York Public Library” to my list of ‘must-see’ while I’m there. :-) I’ll have to take photos and blog about it while I’m away.

      It’s so interesting to read these 25 things about you. What wonderful memories you have. It must have taken some time to pull them together like this. *chuckles* I’m considering writing my own list of 25 things. I’ve done similar in the past on old blogs.

      Perhaps it’s time to walk down memory lane again.

      [Reply]

    4. Michele Says:
      February 9th, 2009 at 3:29 pm

      Wow, you’re going to New York! Lucky you! :-) Are you going to a writing conference or…? Yes, do take photos and blog about it!

      I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Rebecca. For the most part, even though I’ve shared stuff about my past with domestic violence and obesity and goals about my future, I haven’t shared much about myself so that readers really get a sense of the (shall I say “colorful”?) ;-) person I am.

      Oh, I can’t wait to read your 25 things!

      *smiles*
      Michele

      Micheles last blog post..Featured Health Site: Hillbilly Heaven Herbs

      [Reply]

    5. Angie Haggstrom Says:
      February 9th, 2009 at 8:10 pm

      Wow! I can’t believe how much we have in common and are opposites at the same time. This is cool!

      Mom named me after a girl in a soap opera. With the exception of a few years, I’ve pretty much been stranded in the land of cows and wheat. My teacher always told me I never shut up lol.

      Spelling and English were my least favorite (go figure!)I was a math/geometry/trigonometry/calculus girl. I couldn’t swim if my life depended on it, and was a music junkie from day 1. I sing too, which is cool!

      I really want my own private island with no boat. I love to travel (although marriage=no travel), and I can’t stand pink lol I’m probably the least girly-girl you’ve ever met lol

      Fascinating! Thanks Michele! I learned a lot.

      Angie Haggstroms last blog post..What Is The True Definition Of ‘Quality Content’?

      [Reply]

    6. Devon Ellington Says:
      February 9th, 2009 at 8:20 pm

      When you get to NYC, the NYPL is GREAT, but the Morgan Library, with its rare manuscript displays and amazing collections is breathtaking, as is the collection at the New York Historical Society.

      Devon Ellingtons last blog post..Monday, February 9, 2009

      [Reply]

    7. Katherine Says:
      February 10th, 2009 at 12:28 am

      This was such a fun read! I like how you took a look back at your past through the 25 things. When I put together my own list, I realized I could have easily written a 100 things. :) I’ve been thinking about doing another one.

      [Reply]

    8. Michele T Says:
      February 10th, 2009 at 12:43 am

      Thanks for sharing, Angie! I’d love my own island, too. And, I forgot to mention that on every single report card I ever received, the teacher wrote “Excellent student, she just talks too much”. LOL How funny is that?!

      I loved your comment. I was never a calculus girl–ick! ;-)

      Thanks for stopping by!

      *smiles*
      Michele

      [Reply]

    9. Michele T Says:
      February 10th, 2009 at 12:44 am

      Hi, Devon!

      I’ll keep that in mind. You have me craving a trip to New York–and I detest traveling! ;-)

      I appreciate your visit!

      *smiles*
      Michele

      [Reply]

    10. Michele T Says:
      February 10th, 2009 at 12:46 am

      I’m glad you liked it, Katherine! Did I somehow miss your 25 things? I don’t remember reading it, if I did! Another 25 things post sounds awesome. Come back and share the link if you do decide to write another one. Hope you’ve been doing well!

      *smiles*
      Michele

      [Reply]

    11. Write and Earn a Living Says:
      February 10th, 2009 at 1:51 am

      I know what you mean about school. English was my favorite subject and it never felt like work.

      When other kids were groaning over an assignment, I was already writing it in my head.

      My English teachers loved me! It wasn’t often they say a student who actually liked writing.

      [Reply]

    12. Michele T Says:
      February 10th, 2009 at 2:01 am

      Write and Earn a Living (I’d love to know your name. :-) ):

      That’s exactly how I was in school. I gobbled up every single writing assignment like a writerly kind of gal. LOL

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your English experiences–seems like such a long time ago, those essays and book reports!

      *smiles*
      Michele

      [Reply]

    13. Melissa Donovan Says:
      February 10th, 2009 at 9:13 pm

      Unless I’m crazy, I think I left a comment here already. But alas, I don’t see it. Maybe the comment monster ate it. I’ve noticed that Akismet and/or WordPress has been moderating comments from previous commentators on my site, so maybe there’s a ghost in the machine.

      Anyway, it was fun to learn all these new things about you Michele ;)

      Melissa Donovans last blog post..The Serial Comma

      [Reply]

    14. Michele T Says:
      February 11th, 2009 at 12:08 am

      Hey, Melissa!

      I’ve searched through the comments and akismet and I can’t find anything from you. Maybe WordPress just gobbled it up for some reason? Wonky things happen in cyberland. LOL I’ve had my comments go into spam folders and be swiped by the moderation monster before.

      Anyway, I do thank you for commenting again! I’m glad you enjoyed my fun facts post. :-)

      *smiles*
      Michele

      [Reply]

    15. Rebecca Laffar-Smith Says:
      February 11th, 2009 at 9:49 am

      Yes, I’m going to Writer’s Digest Writer’s Conference during Book Expo America. You might remember my Postcards from L.A. series last year. I never did finish posting those postcards. I have a few still in my draft folder I’ve been meaning to publish despite my being home. Not to mention a PILE of notes from the conference I wanted to share with WRA readers. :-)

      I’m looking forward to my time in New York. I’ll definitely blog about it while I’m there.

      [Reply]

    16. Michele T Says:
      February 11th, 2009 at 2:23 pm

      Wow, Rebecca, that sounds so exciting! You’re braver that I am ’cause I don’t think I’d plan to travel by myself… ;-)

      Have fun and definitely blog about it — I still remember the music wafting up from the street as you sat by window writing about the experience. That was an awesome blog post!

      *smiles*
      Michele

      [Reply]

    17. IrreverentFreelancer Says:
      February 18th, 2009 at 11:42 pm

      Any chance we can read the A+-earning essay of which you speak in #12?

      IrreverentFreelancers last blog post..The Flaky Irreverent Freelancer Returns

      [Reply]

    18. Michele T Says:
      February 18th, 2009 at 11:56 pm

      Hi there, Kathy!

      If I come across it, I will absolutely scan it and update this post. But I haven’t been able to find it for years. :-( I can only remember snippets of it, like the talking animals and the farm house and how they were peeking through the window. Stuff like on the movie Babe. ;-)

      Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate your visit!

      *smiles*
      Michele

      [Reply]

    19. Mary Says:
      February 24th, 2009 at 5:40 pm

      Michele,

      What a wonderful post. I got to know you so much better through your words.

      Yes, I know who Tojo was–a wrestler.

      I would also like to visit the library in New York. I’ve heard it is magnificent and awesome. I’m hoping to make that dream a reality one day.

      Love the candy apple red mustang. I do hope that one day your dream of having your name on the cover of a book and this beautiful car, are realized.

      One thing we have in common is that we both had teachers tell us we would be writers. I’ve been published but only in anthologies and on the web. At the present, I’m taking a writing course to learn to write for children. I have a goal to write picture and YA books.

      Have a wonderful day and stop by when you can.

      Blessings,
      Mary

      Marys last blog post..Update on Dakota

      [Reply]

      Michele T Reply:
      November 2nd, 2009 at 4:12 pm

      Thank you, Mary! Not everyone knows who Tojo is, so kudos on that! ;-)

      Hopefully you’ll get to see the library in New York – maybe we both will!

      Yes, I wish I could see that teacher again. She’d be pleasantly surprised, I think.

      Thank you for your kind words…

      Hope your day is fantabulous!

      *smiles*
      Michele

      [Reply]

    20. Katherine Says:
      May 17th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

      There’s a writerly hotel in New York, too. I forget the name of it. Always thought it would be fun to stay there, then go to the library…

      [Reply]

      Michele T Reply:
      November 2nd, 2009 at 4:13 pm

      That does sound fun, Katherine – hopefully you can do that some day!! :-D

      [Reply]

    21. Cindy Says:
      July 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 am

      oh my goodness M!

      I go NUTS in office supply HEAVEN….
      PINK is next to HEAVEN as well
      I can sing every jingle known to man from the late 70’s and 80’s… God knows why my brain retained THAT data..
      JUDY BLUME….don’t get me started

      you kill me! Love the 25 things about me.

      I should do one!

      xo

      [Reply]

      Michele T Reply:
      July 2nd, 2009 at 12:42 am

      LOL! Thanks so much, Cindy! This was really fun to do. You should do one!!! Yeah, pink and Judy Blume and office supplies… that about sums up my youth. Nah, I’m just kiddin’! ;-)

      [Reply]

    22. For the Writer.html |A Real Writer's Life Says:
      September 10th, 2009 at 4:53 pm

      [...] Michele Tune of WritingtheCyberHighway.com (@MicheleTune) — Freelance [...]

    23. Jeanne Grunert Says:
      November 2nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm

      I worked just down the street from the New York City public library and went to graduate school on the same block. Visiting it gave me the same feeling as when I walked into St Patrick’s Cathedral – holy awe. There are literally book shelves spirally up to the ceiling, marble floors, old fashioned reading tables and lamps. It is like a shrine to knowledge. And when I last went, they had an exhibit of 19th century women writers and I actually got to see a manuscript page written by Jane Austen herself. I totally get it!

      [Reply]

      Michele T Reply:
      November 2nd, 2009 at 4:15 pm

      Wow. That’s awesome, Jeanne! Thanks for sharing!!!

      Oh, the way you describe it is so amazing. I can just picture it!!

      “…like a shrine to knowledge.” <— I LOVE that description!!!

      *smiles*
      Michele

      [Reply]

    24. Jeanne Grunert Says:
      November 2nd, 2009 at 3:08 pm

      The writerly hotel (I think) is the Alguonquin. The famous bar where the writers hung out is the Oak Room at the Plaza, which I believe is now closed.

      [Reply]

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