Sunday, December 30, 2007

I've been tagged!!

It looks like I've been tagged by Sloan, which means I get to write 8 interesting things about me that not very many people know. By the way, someone should remind me to stop at 99 posts so I can avoid having to come up with 100 things about me :)

1) I am a class 3 whitewater river guide. I am also a sea kayak guide. I volunteer with and organization called Environmental Travelling Companions. and we take people with special needs whitewater rafting, kayaking, and cross country skiing.

2) I spent a week trekking around the Karen villages on the border of Myanmmar in Thailand, and loved every minute of it. We stayed at each of the village leaders homes (it's customary for them to let guests stay even if you come unannounced and can't speak the language). Luckily, we had our mountain guide with us so we were able to communicate and ask a bunch of questions. We also climbed to the top of Ti Lor Su Falls. Scary but so worth it.

3) I am an opportunivore, meaning that I am not a picky eater whatsoever. You can take me anywhere and I will find something to eat, seafood, meat, veges, other unrecognizable food stuff, you name it, I will eat it (at least once or twice). And yes, I am willing to try the Kyrgyz "national drink", that fermented mare's milk. I can't wait until trip 2 when I will have more time to check this out and will have a few days to recover in case my digestive system decides to show me who is boss. Mala warned me but I am too curious and stubborn.

4) I have crocheted 6 baby blankets over the past year (most are for gifts). I found out that this relaxes me, so now I guess I am taking "commissions" from friends so that I don't end up with a hundred blankets.

5) I study a martial arts style called Kajukembo which originated in Hawaii and combines karate, jujitsu, kempo and Chinese boxing. I'm not all that good but I love the workout and the knowledge. D will be enrolling as soon as he is old enough.

6) I have had 2 ACL replacement surgeries, one on each knee. The first one from skiing in Utah and the next one from martial arts but not during a fight or anything. I was just doing roundhouse kicks with an advance. It's entirely possible that I should just stay home and watch TV since I seem to be dangerous to myself. But I may only live once (depends who you ask) and I may as well live my best life.

7) I was born in the Philippines but I am mostly Chinese in ethnicity. I moved to the U.S. (San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles) when I was 12. Therefore, when I am hanging out with my sisters, the Valley Girl accent usually rears its ugly head. "Like, oh my gosh, that is sooo grody and like, soooo embarassing!"

8) Since I was a little girl, I loved to draw and paint. I've always thought I was going to be an artist. Instead, I ended up in business school and now, I work as a director of finance in the telecom industry. Far cry from being an artist, but surprisingly, I really like that too. And I still paint from time to time.

Phewww!! I was worried I wasn't going to come up with 8 things which would lead me to explore other crazy stunts to perform, like chasing lions and bears!

Now, I tag Channing!

5 comments:

mel@livvyloowho said...

There's always time for the lions and bears:) You have led a very exciting life, and are adding to the excitement by bringing your little one home.

Julie and John Wright said...

WOW
I sure hope it works out that we will see you over there. I would love to get you out to some of the orphanages If we had time, you sure have a lot to offer... You could be a real encouragement to the older girls in the orphanage... it is hard for them to amagin all that life has to offer.
Blessings John

Sloan said...

Wow Ivy! So fun to hear of all your interests and talents! You have led a very exciting life and have yet another amazing adventure ahead of you with bringing your little one home soon! Thanks for sharing!
Love, Sloan

Hilary Marquis said...

DON'T DO IT!!! Stay away from that drink! I was there when Mala's husband tried it...NASTY!

Gen 's Family Story said...

My husband is in awe of you. We love boating too! We just bought 2 skirts for the kayaks but can't figure out where to put Michael-maybe on the ergo on our backs. As for the wipe warmers? YES!! YES!!! YES!!! I had the same reaction but then my friend gave us one and guess what? My baby does not scream when we change his diaper and he also doesn't jump or cringe! It made it worth gold to me to make him comfortable.