How are you unique?

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than you.” – Dr. Seuss

Do you fit in? Or do you stand out? Do you embrace your quirks or leave them in the closet?

Have you ever thought about this? Really, really thought about all the ways you are you. I’m not talking about comparing yourself to others or about fitting in. Interestingly, what makes you unique, just might also make you part of a bigger group; a tribe of people just like you. While no one has your exact DNA, you might discover shared commonalities. Or maybe you’re just weird.

Here’s a list of things that make me unique, but in no way is this all inclusive (I’m sure my family has a few things they would like to add):

1. I have Una Mas – the hopeless, tack-on-one-more-thing-to-my-already-busy-life, incurable, obsessive-compulsive disorder. I’m organized, detailed, efficient and simply unreasonable when it comes to time.
2. I’m a comma-klutz (thanks, Tricia).
3. I’m a leather-wearing, vegetarian.
4. I cry easily, but I’m really very happy. I think it’s because my hormones are whacked out from having a baby… 9 years ago.
5. I’ve never been athletic, but after having James, my reaction time has really improved. I can catch small objects in mid-air while leaping over the dog.
6. I have a bionic eye. Actually, it’s an implant called an intraocular lens to replace a cataract and allows me to see better than normal.
7. I hate needles. And I don’t like looking at real blood, especially my own.
8. I talk about poop everyday. It’s reached the point where my family accepts it, yet is still slightly embarrassed by it.
9. My Uncle is Ramon Santiago – a brilliant painter who died before his time. Today (September 4) is his birthday.
10. My Dad is my hero and a fabulous artist in his own right. Unfortunately, I can only draw stick figures.
11. I still have my original Barbie and Ken dolls, thanks to my Mom – who never throws anything out.
12. I’m a prolific writer trying not to suck.
13. I believe you can learn something new everyday – even if you’re over 40.
14. If you call me a soccer mom, I’ll bite you. (see #28)
15. My first dog Gunnar died hours before I gave birth. I think Gunnar’s spirit is alive and living in an exuberant 9-year-old boy, who thinks his mom is crazy.
16. I have a large brass Buddha that I rub for good luck.
17. I enjoy getting up between 5:00 am and 5:30 am to write, think, drink coffee and stand on my head (not necessarily in that order).
18. I don’t mind if you wear shoes in my house. My floors are rarely clean, so what’s a bit more dirt?
19. My family and I took in a 22 year-old soccer coach from England. We had tea and chocolate together.
20. I think soccer should be called football and football (American) should be called tackleball.
21. I hate confrontation. But don’t push me. I’m a mommy-on-the edge.
22. I have a temper and tend to throw things. I think I inherited this trait from my mom.
23. I love a good story. This American Life is a brilliant storytelling podcast.
24. I am NOT a perfectionist. I just like things perfect.
25. I’m fashionably challenged, so my husband buys most of my clothes.
26. No matter how hard I try, I can’t scramble eggs.
27. I hate traffic circles almost as much as Grammar Nazis.
28. I love vampires and have the t-shirt to prove it. (Thanks Jo-J0.)
29. Like Linus, I have a security blanket. It’s pink, but now I leave it at home.
30. I kissed Dennis Miller. This happened more than 20 years ago after I interviewed him for RIT’s Reporter Magazine.
31. I have a half-uncle who’s 7 years older than me.
32. The best job I ever had was working in a movie theatre during high school. I’ll never forget the cloying aroma of stale popcorn and weed; the audience revelry during midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and my boss who claimed she was a witch and regularly made clouds disappear. (RIP)
33. My hobby is watching Mad Men while drinking a cosmopolitan. Without a new episode this summer, I just drank cosmos. Maybe it’s time for a new hobby.
34. I’m a messy cook. Just ask my “sifter,” Morna.
35. Instead of a chair, I sit on a balance ball to type. it helps me focus.

Now, show me yours ☺. What makes you unique?

“Be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s a great balancing act. And will you succeed? Yes! you will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed). Kid, you’ll move mountains.” – Dr. Seuss