8 more reanbean things

I really enjoy reading little bits of information about the bloggers I follow. I wrote my first post of random facts about myself back in December on my birthday. Today, you get 8 more little bits in honor of my half birthday.

The short version…

1. I only drink cold coffee.

2. I love to sing.

3. As a sophomore in college, I spent 10 weeks in Lyon, France.

4. I’ve recently thought that I might enjoy being a fitness instructor.

5. I had a lot of pets growing up, but don’t really want the same experiences for my own kids.

6. I took dance lessons for about 11 years.

7. I’d rather be cold than hot.

8. I have answered to the nickname of reanbean since I was in Jr. High.

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The slightly longer version…

1. I only drink cold coffee. I don’t really like the taste of coffee. But if it’s cold and mocha flavored with whipped cream and chocolate sauce drizzled on top, I’ll drink it.

2. I love to sing. I don’t have the greatest voice in the world, but I think it’s decent enough if I stay within my range (most likely an alto). I try not to be offended when my kids tell me to “please stop!” when I’m singing while driving.

3. As a sophomore in college, I spent 10 weeks in Lyon, France. During my first week there, I understood so little of the language that I didn’t even realize I’d been given a homework assignment in my first class. (Oops!) By the time I left France, I was pretty fluent. I’ve lost most of what I learned (now roughly 10 years ago), but I could probably carry on a conversation in French with a small child who spoke very clearly and with a very simple vocabulary.

4. I’ve recently thought that I might enjoy being a fitness instructor. Just 6 month ago, I was someone who dreaded going to the gym. I did it because I had to- to lose weight and be healthy, but it was never something I looked forward too. Somewhere in these last few months, all of that has changed. I look forward to going to the gym and especially to the classes I take (both dance and strength training). It’s made me so very, very appreciative of those who teach the classes and has given me the idea that it’s something I might like to do too. I have no plans to act on this right now, but maybe someday.

5. I had a lot of pets growing up, but don’t really want the same experiences for my own kids. As best I can recall, I had several hamsters, numerous fish, a couple of birds, a rabbit, and a cat (of course, not all at the same time). All the caged pets weren’t all that much fun, and I don’t remember it being me who was in charge of caring for them. So, if my kids ever request these types of pets, I will find plenty of reasons why we will not have them. We have a cat. A very nice cat. And that’s plenty.

6. I took dance lessons for about 11 years. I started taking dance lessons when I was 3, but then I took a little break from the time I was 10 until I was 13 or so. I took mostly tap and jazz, but did join a ballet class for a short time once in elementary school and then again for my last year of dance. Until recently, I’d forgotten how much I love dancing. I’m nowhere near the point of calling myself a great dancer, but I still think it’s lots of fun.

7. I’d rather be cold than hot. I’d prefer not to be either, but if I’m cold I can always put on a sweatshirt or snuggle under a blanket.

8. I have answered to the nickname of reanbean since I was in junior high. The rean part was given to me by a junior high school friend’s dad (he was teasing me). The bean part came just a little later, but I’m not sure who was the first to add it- probably another junior high school classmate. I never capitalize reanbean, and to this day, some of my closest friends still call me bean.