25 Random Things

This is going around on Facebook, but I thought I would post here, too. I'm not going to tag anyone because I think everyone I know has already been tagged. (case in point - I was tagged 3 times, just today)

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you.

Since today is Chinese New Year, I’ll start off with some random Chinese facts about me:
1. I was born in the Year of the Ram. Here are some of the Ram’s characteristics:
Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, creative, gentle, compassionate, understanding, mothering, determined, peaceful, generous, seeks security. Can be moody, indecisive, over-passive, worrier, pessimistic, over-sensitive, complainer, wise.

2. My daughter was born in the year of the Ox. So was my father and sister.

3. My Chinese given name is pronounced “Show-Yi” and I am told it means “Little Spring”. And the name Shirley is derived from it.

4. Although “Chang” is quite common, my Chinese surname character is not a typical last name:



5. I learned to speak Mandarin as a little child, before English. Sadly, I’ve lost most of my ability now.

6. Growing up, I attended Chinese school every Saturday morning.

7. I’ve visited Taiwan once, in third grade.

8. I’ve visited China once, in 2006.

9. I played violin from 3rd grade through freshman year of college. I picked it back up last year.

10. I also played piano. I had the piano I played as a child shipped out from Massachusetts a couple years ago when my parents moved to a smaller home.

11. I met my husband at a work seminar and my first impression about him was “gosh, this guy is a dork”. I guess I was wrong.

12. Just out of college, I went a year without a TV. Dating Scott was my downfall.

13. Scott taught me how to play golf and drive a stick shift. While we were dating. He is one patient man.

14. I love to sing and was in a mixed a capella group in college. I have a CD to prove it.

15. With all my musical background, it shouldn’t be surprising that I didn’t participate in sports during High school. I was a “band geek” (and not even in band!).

16. I once planted over 200 tulip bulbs in my garden. The spring show was absolutely worth all that work. I love plants and growing things, but with other “stuff” going on with my life, it has taken a backseat.

17. My first car was a gold Chevy Station Wagon. The first car I bought myself still resides in our garage - a red Capri Convertible, purchased in 1990.

18. I grew up in Massachusetts and went to college in Cambridge, so I consider Boston to be my home city. But I would never choose to live in that area now. Too much traffic and congestion. We still get to visit and enjoy all that New England has to offer.

19. I have always been a photo buff and photo organizer. I have very organized photo albums starting in high school - all labeled, documented and in chronological order.

20. I started scrapbooking in 1997, after the birth of my daughter, Erica.

21. My love for photography really took off when I bought my first D-SLR in 2004 - my Nikon D70. It is still my main camera, but I plan to upgrade soon.

22. I don’t watch any regular TV series. I don’t have the time with all of this Facebook / Blog / Photography / Music stuff going on.

23. I have very poor eyesight - one eye is negative 7.0 diopters and the other is negative 7.5. Can’t see a thing on that eye chart!

24. I am double jointed in the arms and fingers. I passed this trait on to both kids. They love to freak out their friends by hyper extending their arms.

25. My favorite floral scent is lavender - so soothing.