25 Things

Because I'm new to the blogosphere (and because I was inspired by a post on the Chic Runner's 25 Things post), here's a little insight into my world with my own list of 25 Things:

1. I'm left-handed. And whenever something goes wrong my first (joking) response is, "It's because I'm a lefty."
2. I am obsessed with all things French; I've only been to France once (and got to see the finish of Le Tour de France!!!) but if all goes according to plan I'll be spending a month there next summer.
3. I have been running since elementary school and I'm not sure I could live without it, although we do tend to have a love/hate relationship
4. I'm currently training for my first triathlon; I've been cycling and running more seriously for a few years so the only ingredient I had to add was the swimming.
5. I'm not a fan of tomato products; cold tomato paste, canned tomatoes, ketchup, & canned tomato sauce really actually gross me out.
6. I don't have a shopping problem until I'm confronted with workout clothes/gear. Or books. Then it's all over
7. I was quite terrible at baking until just recently; when I was younger I had the knack of messing up even boxed cookie mixes. Thankfully I no longer have that problem.
8. I will never, ever say no to free food.
9. I am terrible at remember names, and they usually slip my mind just minutes after meeting the person, but I can recognize faces without fail.
10. Carbohydrates are my downfall; I am a pasta and bread addict.
11. I love hiking and being outdoors; there's something so peaceful about walking through the woods...even if the trail is steep and rocky and a little scary. I'd like to do a trek to Everest base camp one day. Oh, and Machu Picchu.
12. I just recently started taking ice skating lessons. Left-over-right crossovers are giving me a little bit of difficulty but I love skating because it makes me feel, well, graceful.
13. I'm in school to become and audiologist (a hearing doctor, to put it simple). I never thought I would be so interested in an ear, but the inner workings are truly amazing. Such tiny little parts doing such important things.
14. I'm addicted to Starbucks vanilla lattes...but trying to wean myself off. I even bought my own milk-frother so we'll see if I actually make good use of it.
15. I'm a first generation American and, although I hated it when I was little, I'm finally starting to appreciate my culture and being 'different'.
16. I've been to Norway (cross-country skiing trip), France (sight-seeing/Tour de France), Greece (visiting family), Canada, and various states. And if I weren't so broke, I'd be traveling that much more.
17. In May I'll be moving into my first roommate-less apartment and I have never been more excited. It has me feeling 'grown-up' and, well, really looking forward to decorating and making it my own spot.
18. I'm New England born and raised but have lived in the South for the past 2ish years and I don't think I could move back to my hometown without some extensive persuasion. I love living in new places and meeting new people and trying new things so settling down doesn't appear to be in the horizon any time soon.
19. Baklava is my baking specialty. Secret recipe though!
20. I finally landed myself a part-time job in my school's library and am looking forward to spending some quality time with books and recharging since most of my days are usually spent interacting and talking with people.
21. If I could do anything, regardless of cost, I would move to France for the summer and live as much like a local as possible. I get bitten by the travel bug quite frequently, although I'm pretty happy with the city I'm living in now and plan on being here for at least the rest of my degree.
22. I. Love. Cheese. And dark chocolate. That is all.
23. I used to really want to be a photographer for National Geographic. And I'm not gonna lie, that type of career still does appeal to the more free-spirited, artsy side of me. That and baker...
24. Grocery shopping is my favorite "chore"
25. I like to ramble...a lot!