Exploding with Quirky Goodness

My friend Sara tagged me in her blog to reveal six of my quirks. I fully intend to reveal a few quirks about all the members of my little family.

But first, myself:

1. I am a compulsive finisher. If I start a project of some sort, e.g. reading a book, sewing an article of clothing, cleaning something, I go faster and faster to get it done. I read two cozy mysteries today instead of watching Planet Earth because once I started them, I wanted to know how things were going to turn out. (They were also short, easy reads.)

2. If I see something labeled Celtic, I have to at least look at it/examine it/peruse it. I have a book of Celtic myths, a large scarf with Celtic knotwork on it, Celtic knotwork jewlery, Celtic fonts on my Word programs, and a huge collection of Celtic and Celt-inspired music. I've loved all things Celtic from the time I was 15 or so and first discovered Enya. Thankfully, my taste has become more refined in the last *cough*15*cough* years and I don't buy EVERY THING that claims to be Celtic like I used to.

3. I keep separate notebooks for the different categories of ideas I want to work on. I have my craft/sewing notebook, with a portable spiralbound for quick sketches and ideas. There's the writing notebook (one for each novel. This means I have two), along with its portable companion. And there's the spiralbound for everyday ideas, like lists of Christmas gift ideas, moving lists, etc. I intend to add a homeschooling notebook very soon so I can have a distinct place to develop curricula. I write down everything.

4. In line with the compulsive finishing thing, if I start a series of books, I feel like I have to finish them. AND I have to read them in order. I've mistakenly read books out of order and it has driven me crazy until I could get my hands on the correct first book in the series.

5. On Fast Sunday, I read cookbooks and plan elaborate dinners to prepare. By the time I feel ready to eat, I'm too wiped out to follow through on any of my plans. Surprisingly, reading cookbooks does not make me feel more hungry. It's just a way to pass the time.

6. I can't go to bed unless I've checked to make sure that all the doors are locked and my children are fine. It's an obsessive thing--I tried NOT to do it one night and couldn't sleep at all.

Kids' Quirks:
1. Afton will randomly talk about whatever movie/tv show is running through her head at any moment. She has to tell you a few details of the plot and you MUST acknowledge them or she won't quit repeating herself.

2. Annika used to have a strange quirk when she was less than a year old. We would sing her to sleep every night, but after a few months, she indicated in her infantile way that she didn't like it. So we took a book that we'd memorized, Dr. Seuss's ABCs, and recited it to her instead. Most nights she would be out before we got to Z. Thankfully, she's grown out of that one, though occassionally a phrase from the book will pop into my head during normal conversation.

3. Afton is a magpie--she's easily distracted by shiny things, such as watches or earrings, and always asks if she can play with them. She's delighted when the answer is yes.

4. Annika has a game called "Big Sister" that apparently requires elaborate set-up and is not easily interrupted for mundane things like cleaning up her messes in another room or eating meals.

5. A biological quirk: Afton and Annika are approximately 19 months apart, 5 inches different in height, but Afton only weights 3 pounds less than Annika. The genetic roulette wheel at work.

6. Afton doesn't like having too many blankets on her bed at night, though I'm convinced the girls' room is the coldest in the house. Annika, on the other hand, would probably take 20 quilts on her bed and still not be warm enough.

And Mat's quirks, as vetted by Mat:
1. Mat is a normal human being and has no quirks.