12 things you may not know about me

Writing a blog is strange to me. Really strange. Aside from the fact that English was my least favourite subject at school – I’m quite a private person, not an over sharer and I don’t like attention. I’m not sure where motivation for writing this blog comes from, but it’s a much loved hobby and I love having a creative outlet. My main hopes for those reading my blog are that they enjoy it, that it feels like a positive space and that the voice feels genuine. I love life, I try to live thoughtfully, I love parenthood and I hope that these are all evident through my writing.

This post is really just to step outside from hiding behind interiors, crafts, recipes, clothing, holidays, my boys and whatever else I write about, because I appreciate that people like to know who is behind the text. I have just written twelve unrelated snippets of me that I thought readers may not know, in the hope that you can get to know me a little better – sometimes it can feel like a one way relationship.

So, here goes (nothing too juicy, I’m afraid):

1. Although I take life seriously, I am not a serious person – I’m a really silly person. My sense of humour is straightforward, childish even and I often get described as ‘quirky’. Gentle is the other word people use, which is very sweet of them (but I do wonder if they’re missing something!) I’m semi-organised, and a combination of a realist, an idealist and an optimist. I am equally happy on my own, or at a party, although I really have to force myself to talk to new people. On first meeting me people mistake me for being quiet with nothing to say, but once they get to know me this swiftly changes.
2. I passed my driving test fifth time round. I was in two minds whether to admit this or not, as it’s quite embarrassing, but contrary to my reputation – I am actually a really good driver. I had to do tests in between university terms, and it never really worked. My second is the only one that should have been a fail – in my eyes, but of course my opinion was irrelevant.
3. I love dancing, but I am really uncoordinated. I’m ok dancing alone, but if I have to follow a routine – I’m useless. There is nothing I love more than letting loose in the kitchen with my favourite tunes on.
4. I never thought I would get married young. Jared and I met when I was 19 and two years later we were married. I wasn’t looking for love, or a relationship, but it found me, and it has been the best thing ever. I like to think that if I were still single, and child free, then I would still be incredibly happy and fulfilled. That fulfilment would just come from different sources. It’s hard to imagine my life differently – a lot has happened since we met.
5. I played a lot of sport growing up – everything but tennis, which I’m still terrible at. I have a small lump inside my lip from getting hit with a hockey ball that can make putting lipstick on a little tricky, but I quite like it. I played hockey at university, and played in a 5-a-side football league when I first got married. I’ve been wakeboarding a few times over the last year or so, and it is the biggest adrenaline rush ever! So enjoyable.
6. I’ve worn glasses since the age of 8, and have to wear contact lenses. There is no way I could go a day without glasses or contact lenses. I remember going out for the first time without glasses (at 18) and I felt totally naked. Now, when I go out wearing my glasses I feel like I’m hiding. Glasses really do become a part of your face. I’m thinking about getting laser eye surgery.
7. I have a thing about numbers. I only like even numbers and I can immediately tell you which number I prefer between two. 27 or 21? Definitely 21. My favourite number is 8, and I’m one of those people that can’t have the volume on an odd number. 33 or 81? 81. 7 or 9? Definitely 9.
8. I know very little about make up and beauty products, yet am rarely seen without a scrap of make up. I don’t wear lots of make up, and I don’t vary my routine at all (other than adding lipstick), but I think I look so much better with the bit I do wear. This is said in a very a matter of fact way, not in the hope of receiving: ‘Oh-but you look great’. Cringe. Going completely make up free for a week would actually horrify me. My eyebrows are virtually non-existent, and my hair and humidity do not mix well.
9. I come from a musical family. My dad could play to a decent level on the piano and I used to love hearing him play. My mum is a singer, plays the piano really well and can have a good go at other instruments too. I’m the only daughter that doesn’t have grade 8 on two instruments, although I do have Grade 5 piano and Grade 7 Oboe. One day I would love to play well again, and have some proper singing lessons too.
10. Jared and I are the same shoe size – a 7. It’s quite handy for sharing shoes, although he seems to borrow mine more than I borrow his – just trainers, before you get the wrong idea.
11. I would love to be a Dietitian. It’s something I have dreamed about for a while. I applied for it as an 18 year old, got in, but decided to do Homeopathy last minute. I don’t regret my decision, but I do wish I’d taken a year out before starting university.
12. When I was younger I loved Hilary Duff. Like really loved her. Some people even commented that I looked a little like her, but I also often got asked if I was half Chinese, or half Swedish. None of which seem to go together.

…and there you have it – a little more about me. I’m feeling awkward, and would love you to share a random fact about yourself, so I can get to know you a little better too.

Thank you so much for reading. I am so thankful to anyone who takes the time to read, comment, follow along on social media, or just say something nice. It is so appreciated.

Thank you!

E xx