10 Things
About Me 

1. In elementary school
   I got pulled into the principal’s office because I tripped a bully and he retaliated by stomping on my glasses in art class. I wasn’t afraid because I knew the principal was terrified of my mom.

2. When my dentist told me I should get braces, I told him I’d rather live someplace where crooked teeth didn’t matter. My parents were thrilled to save the money. My teeth are still crooked.

3. The summer before my senior high school year
   I worked for Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), thirteen miles from the nearest town, a place called Happy Camp. 

4. In the middle of taking my SAT test
   at a school known for fires, there was a fire drill. We took the test through the fire drill. I flunked the basic English part of my SAT test. Later on, I took a challenge writing test and earned six college credits for English. Moral of the story: I don't test well but do know how to write.

5. I got suspended from my high school graduation ceremony
   for attempting to throw a pie.

6. An adventurous eater,
   I will try nearly anything. I even liked bardi grubs. One exception: anything that stinks as bad sauerkraut is not going into my mouth

7. I’m not technical but worked over two decades in high technology corporate marketing.
   One of the most useful lessons I learned: a willingness to look stupid when asking questions works wonders when it comes to getting a true handle on data gathering and decision-making.

8. I’m a reluctant minimalist.
   For seven years I’ve shared 150-300 square feet of living space with my husband. The hardest part is giving up long, hot showers with good water pressure.

9. There really is a place called The Hinterlands
   —and I’ve been there.

10. I do get seasick,
    but not often.