I was cleaning out folders on my PC today when I came across this list of 25 things I wrote about myself two years ago.  Not sure why I wrote it, but I found everything to be true yet today.

1. I ran away from home when I was 14. I became an emancipated minor so I could start college when I was 17.

2. I have a fear of dogs. I seriously have a panic attack if a dog so much as tries to touch and/or lick me.  My daughters inherited my dogaphobia (Cynophobia is the correct term) as well.

3. I love shoes and am the self-appointed President of Shoeaholics Anonymous -   I can do that when I own the website.

4. I admit I’m a terrible driver.  And I don’t drive at night (I have night blindness). Saves on gas money (just have to shell out more beer money).

5. I don’t like/drink beer. My favorite mixed drink is Rootbeer Schnapps with Diet Coke (tastes like Rootbeer soda pop). Unfortunately when I travel, most non-hicktowns don’t carry such, so then I just request “something fruity”. My favorite blended drink is a Strawberry Daiquiri with whipped cream on top.

6. Pizza is my favorite food. Old Chicago is my favorite pizza place. Tombstone stuffed crust is my favorite frozen variety.

7. I hate pork. I do not eat ham, pork chops, bacon, etc.

8. I could fill up all 25 spots with foods I do not like (ie ketchup, yellow cheese), but let’s just sum it by saying I’m a picky eater.

9. I took guitar lessons when I was little and still have my acoustic guitar.  The only song I remember how to play is “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love…”

10. I played the flute in our high school band, but I couldn’t march and play at the same time.  I think that’s why the band director let me be the drum majorette. And I looked cute in a short skirt (I was obviously skinnier then).

11. I have never had a broken bone. The only minor accidents as a child I had were stitches on my scalp and stitches in my chin – both happened while playing with my uncle (who is actually younger than me, as my mom and grandma were pregnant at the same time).

12. I got pregnant (and thus married) when I was 17. Divorced when I was 31. Still single. After hearing a lot of married friends bitch about their husbands, I think I may be better off!

13. My twins were over 13 weeks premature weighing 2 lbs. each with several complications. I thank the Lord they are relatively healthy now and “normal” per se  – you can read their NICU story over at PreemieTwins.com.

14. I am lucky that I have naturally straight teeth, as my parents would not have been able to afford braces for me.  My children were not so lucky – three down in braces, one to go (my youngest just got her braces on).

15. I proved to skeptics that a single mom can build a dream home without the help of a man.  And now that I’ve done it and realized all the things I’d do differently, I want to build another new house (stay tuned as I’m working on it).

16. Why would I ever want to get remarried? To get married in a church, to change my last name, and to use the registry gun at Target to shoot all the trivial stuff I’d like but would never buy for myself.  Group health insurance would be a plus, too.

17. I used to be a die-hard Pepsi fan.  When I decided I was going to switch to diet pop, I lost 11 pounds in 5 days.  I now drink Diet Dew (and I gained those 11 lbs back, ugh).

18. Some days I think plastic surgery would increase my self-esteem and have considered getting a “Mommy Makeover”.  Other days I just want people to notice my brains over my beauty.

19. On my bucket list, I want to visit every state, every continent and every country in Europe.

20. I also want to do missionary work while in Africa.

21. I have a fear of fires.  I rarely light candles and double-check to make sure things are unplugged.

22. I absolutely loathe liars. “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” ~ Mark Twain

23. I have never taken any foreign languages.  Me gustaría saber cómo hablar español. (gotta love Google translate)

24. I ran sprints in high school.  I was the only senior girl to go out for track. But I never qualified for state.  Top two spots in districts advance on.  I got third in three events.

25. I love marketing, as seen by the shameless self-plugs within my notes above. I truly believe one finds success by doing something one loves and has a passion for. I just wish I was a tad smarter to be able to develop all of the brainstorms that fly through my head.

After I got divorced, three of my girlfriends also got divorced, and we hung out and created our own “eligible bachelor list”. Well, either my demeanor really is that high-maintenance or my list is too demanding, because all three of them are now re-married AND they are all pregnant (one pregnant with twins)! Now we all know that I’m not re-married, and with all the cramps and PMS’ing I’m experiencing right now, I can accurately predict that I’m not pregnant.

I was surfing my friend Lizabeth’s website, and see that one of her clients was Caprice Crane (I read Caprice’s book, Stupid and Contagious a couple of months ago, good book). Anyhoo, I learned Caprice is the daughter of Tina Louise (Ginger on Gilligans Island). Interesting.

Before I read that book, I started to read Do I Need to Slap You?, but realized I wasn’t in the mood for a beating, so moved on. Then I realized that the author of that book, Michele Hickford, was the same Michele from Muleos.com that sent me some free shoe straps to review on my Shoeaholics Anonymous website. Small world.

I stocked up on some books from the Barnes & Noble bargain bin. I’ll see if I can find anymore correlations. Oooh, that word ends in “ions”, maybe I should add that to my category definitions.

What I’m Listening to on iTunes: “Face Down” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus I first heard this song when a classmate of my daughters sang this song at the 6th grade talent show. I was impressed with his singing and have loved the song ever since. His dad is also a musician and sang “Closing Time” by Semisonic the night I met my boyfriend, Patrick. And no, he didn’t take me home. That night anyway.

I just finished reading Stephanie Klein’s book. She even created a list of “the perfect man for me” similar to my specifications. I liked her list so much, I decided to steal this point of hers and add it to my list.. Hearty sexual appetite, but not so much so that he is willing to stray. Obviously her and I both have experienced similar calamity.

Next up on the book agenda: Funny – He Doesn’t Look Like a Murderer But Margie is Dead by Shirley Pierce Bostrom I heard about the true-story book from my friend, Gayle, as the the story happened near her. Should be a twist of turns from the chick flicks I’ve been reading.

I’m headed to Colorado for Memorial Weekend to see my boyfriend (and he fits all my requirements), so I’ll have a chance to read at the airport. May go watch a pro-soccer game: Colorado Rapids vs Los Angeles Galaxy, but rumor has it pretty boy, David Beckham isn’t gonna show. I’m sure we’ll find other things to occupy our time. One being, eating at Old Chicago; I’ve become infatuated with thier Meat Me pizza.

My lawn is near complete. Retaining walls are done. Sprinklers are in. Bushes are planted. Rock Garden is set. The price of sod has more than doubled since last year, so cheapstake me opted for seed. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and obviously the consensus is that I should have sprang for sod. Hopefully this grows fine, so they can’t all say “told ya so.” Next up, I’ll need a new lawn mower. I’m gonna leave my POS-mower at my dad’s for the kids to use to mow his lawn.

Everything was done just in time for my sister’s graduation last weekend, and the graduation party was held here. I think I need a maid. Cleaning four bathrooms is not the funnest (yes, I know funnest is not a real word, but it’s my blog). And once school is out tomorrow for the summer, I think I’m gonna need a nanny. Why can’t I live somewhere with year-round school?

Is it true that if you put an American Flag in your front yard that Jehovah’s Witnesses won’t knock at your door? I ask cuz one woke me up from a nice nap yesterday morning by ringing the doorbell. And I thought they only went out “calling” on Saturdays? I’m all for freedom of press/speech/religion/yadda yadda, just don’t try to convert me.

Why was I napping? Cuz I can. I work from home. And my youngest daughter was up most of the night puking her guts out. Thirteen times. She kept count. Poor thing had to miss her third grade field trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo. Oh, and she donated her hair to Locks of Love, too.

What I’m Reading Now: Straight Up And Dirty: A Memoir by Stephanie Klein. It’s a true story about a gal dating after divorce. Although I don’t like that she skips around the time line throughout, I find a lot of similarities between her and I so far. She has her own blog and is a little more vocal than I am about her private life. She even has preemies twins. And now my cousin is expecting twins!

I never have been much of a book reader. I tend to start a book and never finish it. So when I finally did read a book in it’s entirety a couple of years ago, I was so proud of myself that I wrote a book review.

Well, it seems like I’ve been spending more and more time just sitting and waiting (ie the kids’ doctor appointments, airports, etc), and I can only read so many celebrity gossip magazines (after I read my Revenue magazine). So, I ordered a few “chic novels” (aka romantic comedies). Sure, they are all funny and mainly about a girl chasing a guy and living happily ever after in the end, but I’m tending to grow fond of them.

In the last month, I have read Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick and Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane. And this past weekend, while traveling to the Mile High City (no, I didn’t join the Mile High Club as I flew alone), I started to read A Total Waste of Makeup by Kim (great name) Gruenenfelder. And I’ve ear-marked a couple cool quotes I’ve read so far…

Money can’t buy happiness. But it sure can rent it for awhile.

Good ones, eh? I’m now to read some more…

What I’m Listening to on iTunes: “Crazy Bitch” by Buck Cherry – I must confess I had an old boyfriend once tell me that song was written about me.

My mother sells Mary Kay Cosmetics (I want the new TimeWise® Cellu-Shape™ Contouring System that is coming out!) Anyway, when she asked me to watch a video on “the secret of success”, I rolled my eyes thinking it was probably some recruitment video. But lo and behold, it had nothing to do with Mary Kay Ash’s business plan at all (although rest her soul, she probably knew the “secret”).

As we watched the video, my mother turned to me and said, “Kim, you already know the secret and didn’t know it… You wanted a new house, and you got it.” Maybe I do somewhat, but I feel one can never be too successful. So, I’ve been pondering the secret over and over by thinking positively and adding pictures of my goals to my internet start page. Not only monetary goals, but intangible goals as well.

This past weekend, my friend, Barb, told me she is reading a new book out entitled “The Secret” and how inspirational it is. And from what she told me, it sounded exactly like the video we had watched. Figuring I can always use more motivation, I immediately ordered a copy of the book from Amazon (and one for my mom, and one for my brother). Amazon’s editorial review explains it best…

Fragments of a Great Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life-transforming for all who experience it.

In this book, you’ll learn how to use The Secret in every aspect of your life — money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world. You’ll begin to understand the hidden, untapped power that’s within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life.

The Secret contains wisdom from modern-day teachers — men and women who have used it to achieve health, wealth, and happiness. By applying the knowledge of The Secret, they bring to light compelling stories of eradicating disease, acquiring massive wealth, overcoming obstacles, and achieving what many would regard as impossible.

I just received my copy today. Guess I’ll retire early from the computer tonight to start learning how use the secret more to my advantage. Want your own copy? Order from Amazon.com (for the best price, I checked).

A couple of years ago, the talk shows were raving about the book: He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys. I fell for the hype and headed to Amazon.com to buy my own copy. Of course, Amazon likes to recommend other things to purchase. The “Buy Both and Save” button landed me Why Men Love Bitches: From Doormat to Dreamgirl-A Woman’s Guide to Holding Her Own in a Relationship as well. I actually didn’t save any money by buying both at the same time, so I commend Amazon for the excellent marketing ploy.

Well, I just had to read the back cover of He’s Just Not That Into You to realize that the guy I was dating was just not that into me. So, on to Why Men Love Bitches.

My friend and I both read the book and used the techniques on our boyfriends. They were seriously eating out of our hands. We both gave the book rave reviews and recommended it to all our other friends (Note, it worked for married couples as well). But once I got him hooked, lined and sunk, I realized that I was just not that into him. I seem to have that problem once the chase is over.

I’m not much of a book reader. I don’t even like to read long newspaper articles. But I did read the Bitch Book in its entirety. Twice. Right now I’m reading 20 Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak. Karyn was that chick that created SaveKaryn.com and got strangers to pay off her credit card bills. Smart Girl. And she can write, too. The dating humor reminds me a little of The Year of Yes by Maria Dahvana Headley. (click for my review).

I must appear desperate. A male colleague (thanks B) sent me an ebook he recommends for my dilemma “Catch Him & Keep Him: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Mr. Right… And Keeping Him Hooked For Good!”

The Introduction starts with “Success with men isn’t as simple as learning to drive a car”. I’m already doomed. Those that know me well all agree that I’m a terrible driver. Hey, I can’t be good at everything. But at least I can admit it. That’s always the first step to recovery.

I have honestly learned a few tips and tricks (stuff I’ve done wrong and stuff I need to do) just after reading the first chapter. But I can’t share those secrets due to copyright mumbo jumbo. Guess, you’ll have to read the book yourself.

Don’t feel left out men, David DeAngelo also wrote a book for you! “Double Your Dating: What Every Man Should Know About How to Be Successul with Women” and surprise, surprise, the latter is more popular among readers. Not that I’ll ever admit I surf the dating sites, but I know males by far out number females looking for love online.