Quirks-We all got 'em

A friend asked me the other day if he had any quirks. The thing about quirks is you always know what they are except at the exact moment someone asks you to point them out. I've decided to out my own quirks. I think this is an important step in my becoming more self-aware. So, here they are, listed in no specific order.

1. I'm a terrible backseat driver: I've always kind of known this, but I have sincerely tried to not let on to the fact that most of my time as a passenger has been spent secretly driving the car. In my head I often adjust the speed (up or down- usually up) and plan out lane changes that would get us through the freeway traffic. Again, I keep most of this to myself. One of these days I think I might try looking out the window at the scenery. One of these days.

2. I always have to eat even numbers of candy & fries (something for each cheek): I don't know if I should really explain this one. It's a little weird, but at least no one has to know...until now, that is.

3. I count traffic markers: This one is also a bit crazy but probably requires some explaining. I don't count them 1, 2, 3, 4... I usually just match them up in pairs to make sure there are even numbers. It's amazing how many roads have uneven markers, it's like they don't care.

4. I talk while eating: I hate this one! Mainly because I hate it when other people do it. I'm so hypocritical! I really just hate the noises of eating, the two worst ones are crunching and smacking, ugh! With that being said, I often just can't wait until my food is properly chewed and swallowed before I comment on what you are saying. See, I'm there for ya! And my food, too!

5. I think in tangents upon tangents: I have a web of thoughts constantly running through my head. I think most people have events that remind them of other songs, images or memories. The difference is that they can usually keep them organized into a continuous line of thought. Apparently, I cannot. This wouldn't be such a big deal if it just stayed in my head. The problem is you can say something which gets me thinking about something else that actually kind of reminds me of so-and-so who once went on a date with what's-his-name who really liked that one restaurant that played the song we were listening to yesterday so then I start singing you the song and you have no idea where it came from. It's a problem.

6. When I'm just standing around I put one foot on top of the other and balance like a flamingo: This one I can blame on my mother. I remember my mom always cooking and standing on one foot with the other one rested on top. I didn't think anything of it until a friend mimicked me one day, apparently I do it all the time and never noticed it. Thanks, Mom.

7. I bite the inside of my cheeks: Some people bite their nails, I bite my cheeks. Problem is that this practice still doesn't keep me from saying stupid things, as it should. I just end up with sore cheeks.

8. I eat fast: If you've eaten anywhere with me you know this. I blame my large family. I decided that 10 kids at the dinner table rushing for the limited number of seconds has turned my entire family into fast eaters. Only when I eat with my sisters do I feel less like a pig. It's pretty bad when I eat more and eat faster than most of my dates.

9. I have to iron every day: It's really up there with brushing your teeth in the morning, it's just something you do. Well, I realize that not everyone enjoys this activity. The quirky thing about me is I REALLY enjoy it. It's like a mini makeover every time I iron a shirt. It's amazing what a little ironing can do for your wardrobe. The funny thing is that people enjoy having pressed clothing, they just hate the task even more. Just for the record, my ironing services are always available!

10. I watch movies on tv (commercials and all) more often than picking from my own: Less commitment. I don't always get to watch the greatest movies, and it usually takes longer to finish with all of the commercials, but the important thing is that I didn't have pick it out. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of opinions, often too many. But when it comes to picking a movie, I really don't care. So, I'd much rather have someone I don't know take the blame for wasting my two hours with a stupid movie than take the blame myself. Besides, it takes me just as long to pick it as the movie lasts. Tell you what, if you pick the movie, I'll iron your shirt and we'll both be happy!

Well, my list could go on but I feel I've bared my soul enough. If you have any to add, I'd be extremely interested to know.