mercredi 17 décembre 2008

200

Yes, I reached 200 posts today. This is post number 200 and I'm pretty amazed...I'm not usually this good at sticking with things.

So, in the spirit of big long lists that celebrate landmark-blogposts (and blatantly copying the work of my lovely Irish Dutch Friend) I thought I'd give you one. Well, a big long list, anyway, he he.

I tried to get this to be 200 things you always wanted to know about me, but it's going to be just a mere 100. Trust me, this has been hard enough...

1. I have visited 64 countries and 24 states of the union.
2. I hate peas. Can barely look at them. Certainly can’t have them near my food.
3. White wine makes me sneeze.
4. I’ve been working for 20 years and have spent 8 of these years overseas.
5. I have one brother. We are polar opposites.
6. I’m really jealous of anyone who has flown on an A380.
7. I really want to go to Easter Island. More than anywhere else.
8. I like how I look, even though I'm not everyone's cup of tea.
9. My favourite song of all time is yet to be decided. There are a few contenders.
10. First contender is Laura Nyro with ‘it’s gonna take a miracle’
11. Second contender is Aznavour – ‘emmenez-moi’
12. Final contender, and probable winner is Rufus Wainwright with the whole of the ‘want one’ album. I appreciate that this is cheating.
13. My favourite country in the world for holidays is Japan.
14. My favourite place in the world is wherever my friends are.
15. I spend most of my life speaking French these days, but I could speak it so much better.
16. I drink too much. I’m a classic English binge drinker.
17. I’m in love with Mark Ruffalo.
18. I’m the fourth generation, following three generations of men who died before they hit 60
19. This worries me.
20. I love taking photographs but never show them to anyone.
21. I’m at my happiest and my saddest when I am in love.
22. My father never turned down an invitation. I’m my father’s son.
23. Since 2002, I have only worn Bjorn Borg underpants. They hold me well.
24. My hair grows really quickly, but looks better when it is first cut.
25. I hate the UK attitude to architecture. Holland has got it right.
26. I have grey hairs coming. This scares me.
27. I dance a lot and I dance badly. I don’t care.
28. My favourite journey was the train from Moscow to Ulaan Batar, Mongolia.
29. I have eaten live ants. They tasted like salt and vinegar crisps.
30. I slept with one of my best customers to win the business.
31. I slept with him again to keep the business.
32. The longest time I spent in pyjamas is five days (see 28 above).
33. I can’t stand James Blunt and often think about kicking him.
34. I turn the radio off if UB40 or the Police come on.
35. Fish and Chips from a proper chip shop is very hard to beat.
36. I wear a lot of white t-shirts. Ralph Lauren makes the best ones - they are long.
37. I try to be good and I try to be respectful. Sometimes it’s a chore.
38. I wish I had a hairy chest.
39. I’ve had two great suntans in my life. Both times I lived in hot countries for long periods.
40. Israel upset me. But now I think I’m ready to go back.
41. I just looked at flights to Tel Aviv. I’m not going back until it’s cheaper.
42. I'm good at meditating. I just don't do it enough.
43. I'm incredibly allergic to cats, dogs and guinea pigs.
44. If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be cheese.
45. And maybe tuna mayo sandwiches on good bread.
46. My family think I'm quiet. No-one else does.
47. The best sex I ever had was with a guy from the Cook Islands.
48. I've tried lots of different drugs. Despite what the song says, they work.
49. When I was a small child I was in love with my 40 year-old next door neighbour, Barry.
50. It took me a long time to decide that I prefer men to women.
51. Now I don't know why it took so long to work it out.
52. My favourite club is XXL in Birmingham. It's hilarious.
53. I used to get a thrill from the Men's underpant section of my Mom's grattans catalogue - when I was 7 years old.
54. I love being drunk. I hate not remembering it the next day.
55. I've been in love a few times in my life. I fall too fast, too hard.
56. People are often surprised to learn that I am gay. This, in turn, surprises me.
57. I love Brothers and Sisters.
58. I'm a Monoprix shopper. Can't bear the 'grandes surfaces'.
59. I'd love to be rich enough for money to not be a deciding factor, ever.
60. A week in the South of France, with friends, wine and cheese is a perfect holiday.
61. I wish I had been a airline steward. Just for a short while.
62. My favourite shop in the whole world is BHV in Paris.
63. But I'd rather be shopping in Tokyo.
64. My schoolteacher laughed when I said I wanted to be an architect.
65. I became a travel agent instead.
67. I lost my virginity at 16. Then again at 20. The second time was in a tent.
68. I'm always planning my next trip.
69. I love orange juice and will drink it till I itch.
70. The Beatles are my musical nemesis.
71. I have lived in 4 french départements - 45, 64, 69 and 75
72. Contrary to popular belief, American men are good lovers.
73. Equally, the French are not the most stylish nation on earth.
74. Forget what anyone else says - happiness CAN be found in a bottle of gin. I looked, and it was there, waiting for me.
75. The best concert I've ever been to was Pet Shop Boys at le Grand Rex in Paris.
76. The first concert I ever went to was the Smiths at the Birmingham Hippodrome in 1984.
77. I'm a platinum card holding Air France frequent flyer.
78. Given a choice, I'd be flying with someone else.
79. Given a choice, it wouldn't be British Airways (sorry, LaTanya).
80. I'm easy. I wish I wasn't, but I am.
81. I've been known to dance to 'respectable' by Mel and Kim. Last week. I even tried some of the 'moves' from the video. In public.
82. When someone hurts themself, my natural reaction is to laugh. I wish it wasn't.
83. I hate the trains in the UK, but love them in France.
84. Give me a young(ish) guy with grey hair and I'm in heaven.
85. I quite like the smell of a sour drain.
86. My dad died in a supermarket.
87. In my time I've been bleached, highlighted and permed. Although never at the same time.
89. I'm not averse to a nude beach.
90. I think I'm going to turn into my mother.
91. I spent the first sixteen years of my life as a church going boy.
92. I stopped believing in God when I was 11.
93. I buy too many shoes, but get a thrill from handing over my card in the shoe shop.
94. I give great head.
95. If I had to choose between "Yes" and "No", I'd say "Yes".
96. My best friend is more of a brother to me than my brother.
97. I believe that everyone has the right to marry their loved one.
98. The biggest surprise in my life is that my life is still surprising me.
99. I'm looking for a husband.
100. I hate writing lists.

Here's to the next 200. And thank the Lord I never have to write one of these lists ever again...it was hard work!

28 commentaires:

CawfeeGuy a dit…

how does one lose their virginity TWICE?

travelling, but not in love a dit…

Oh CG, first girls then boys.

You know, lots of ordinary, normal-looking people dabble with heterosexuality when they are young.

Even politicians and vicars.

softinthehead a dit…

But we are so glad you did, great to know more about you, hard to believe that there was more to know!! Loved #33 - it made me LOL but have to disagree. :)

Daryl a dit…

Brilliant.

And #94? Me too

;-Daryl

travelling, but not in love a dit…

Softy, you've gone over to the dark side? I'll send help, don't worry.

Daryl. Oh Daryl. You really are a minx, aren't you? But I'm glad, it's an undervalued skill, I think.

Lucky hubby, I say. he he!!

Anonyme a dit…

Congrats X So many plans to make - which is first, South of France with Wine, Cheese and Patrice? Easter Island? Nude Beach? the last is nearest to me but furthest away weather-wise!

A Lewis a dit…

I knew it, I knew it, I knew it...I should have sent a special picture for your special 200th post. Something the readers would admire and remember forever.

travelling, but not in love a dit…

Big C, you choose. Any of them will do me just fine. Except maybe a dutch nude beach in December!

We really should go taunt Patrice in the new year though....he he

travelling, but not in love a dit…

Lewis, I'm still trying to come to terms with the last ones! But hey, if you want to send me gifts, who am I to complain?

A Lewis a dit…

Oops, regarding #80....I am too except that I'm loving it. There's nothing like spreading the love around.

travelling, but not in love a dit…

Lewis, you see, the thing is, I say I wish I wasn't, but a big part of me enjoys the fact that I am.

And hey, the good stuff needs sharing!

Anonyme a dit…

I agree with many of those. Especially the one about peas.

Anonyme a dit…

Well done on your 200th blogpost. An interesting list. Hmmm. Share, don't scare!

Victor a dit…

Congratulations on your double century.

Ditto me for #53, so I am surprised it took you a few years to realise who you were. I never had any doubt.

And...you won me at #94.

travelling, but not in love a dit…

12oti - Peas - the official work of the devil. Evil evil things.

Rob - 'share don't scare' I like it! Sorry if I scared you....

Vicotr, the trouble is, I had most people at #94....he he.

amy a dit…

Love this list - congratulations on 200 posts. see you in BHV!

Brett a dit…

Great list, i've just passed 300 and there is no way i would try this, not least because i blog under my own name and 1/2 the things on it i would not want people who known me to known, that is if they don't already.

travelling, but not in love a dit…

Amy - you name the date! Really.

Brett, blogging under a pseudonym is great - it allows much more freedom - but also has disadvantages....I can't generate interest very easily - I can't say "check out my blog" to people, nor can I/do I discuss it with many people.

So i'm reliant on strangers 'happening upon' me....But I wouldn't change it!

Anonyme a dit…

Hairy chests are overrated. I'm banned from getting rid of my one.

cb a dit…

Wow, great list mate!! I wish I had more room to discuss all these things!! I am SO coming to Paris! Love items 30 and 31 of course. Also, don't hate me because I love the Beatles. Oh, and I too have a closet full of shoes!!

Tony a dit…

You should fly BA. That's all I'm saying

Lane Mathias a dit…

Congrats on 200!

Give peas a chance I say. Love 'em:-)

Anonyme a dit…

Amazing list - am I your hetro sexual mirror so many things we have done alike agree on and have happen. My dad died in a supermarket too.
I must do a list ,one day I am not good at doing stuff on me

travelling, but not in love a dit…

Alan/CB, you never said...this changes how I think of you all of a sudden.

he he. love you both.

travelling, but not in love a dit…

Antony, maybe I need someone to get me a seat in first to prove me wrong ;-)

Lane, I'll do no such thing! Hate them. Vile little round green things.

VM - I bet you look better in a dress than I do though! I'd love to read your list, get cracking!!

Anonyme a dit…

ok u asked for it

1. I have visited 27 countries and 8 states of the union.
2. I hate butter beans they remind me of primary school.
3. German wine and washing powder makes me sneeze.
4. I’ve been working for 30 years and have spent most of it enjoyably
5. I have no siblings but hundreds of cousins.
6. I hate the A470
7. I really want to go to Greenland. More than anywhere else.
8. I like how I look, even though I have stupid toes.
9. My favourite song of all time is yet to be decided. There are a few contenders.
10. First contender is Forever Young by Joan Baez
11. Second contender is Duke of Earl –by anyone
12. Final contender, and probable winner is The Rose by Bette Midler
13. My favourite country in the world for holidays is France, the Perrigord
14. My favourite place in the world is home when my kids are here
15. I really would like to be a fluent Welsh speaker
16. I love Red Alborg
17. I’m in love with Alan Rickman.
18. I’m Celtic, Welsh Irish and a little Austrian
19. This doesn’t mean I sing Edelweiss.
20. I love taking photographs but never show them to anyone.
21. I’m at my happiest and my saddest when I am in love.
22. My father was a gentle rebel I guess I am too.
23. Since 2001 I have had 5 different hair colours
24. I have 14 pair of glasses and now only 19 pairs of shoes
25. I hate the UK attitude to architecture. Holland has got it right.
26. I have grey hairs coming but I kill them dead.
27. I dance a lot and I love to dirty dance.
28. My favourite journey was the coach from Paris to Milan.
29. I have eaten sea urchin it was disgusting
30. I slept on a Beach near Marrakesh with a Frenchman.
31. I have a dream to have a beach house.
32. The longest time I spent in pyjamas is four days when I had woman ‘flu
33. I can’t stand James Blunt and think he is over estimated
34. I turn the radio off if any politician comes on.
35. Fish and Chips from a proper chip shop is very hard to beat.
36. I wear a lot of black and red Channel lipstick.
37. I try to be good and I try to be respectful. Sometimes it’s a chore.
38. I wish I had arched eyebrows.
39. I’ve have never had a great suntan.
40. India was not what I expected.
41. I just looked at flights to Tobago. I’m not going back until it’s cheaper.
42. I'm no good at meditating. I get bored.
43. I'm incredibly allergic to twats and numpties.
44. If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be rib eye.
45. And maybe tuna mayo sandwiches on good bread. Oh yes
46. My family think I'm crazy.
47. The best sex I ever had is with my present husband.
48. I' think sex toys are just the most fun.
49. When I was in the sixth form I dated my history teacher
50. It took no time to decide that I prefer men to women.
51. But I love being in a girlie huddle
52. My favourite club Llanelli Scarlets.
53. I Grattan’s catalogue was the Welsh Bible.
54. I hate being drunk. It’s a waste of good shopping time
55. I've been in love a few times in my life. But I love a lot of people
56. I love my kids; I fell in love with them when the midwife put them in my arms e.
57. I loved being pregnant.
58. I'm a discerning shopper. But hate pretentious shops '.
59. I'd love to be rich enough for money to not be a deciding factor, ever.
60. A week in the South of France, with friends, wine and cheese is a perfect holiday.
61. I wish I had been a designer; I am creative by nature, being an economist isn’t really me.
62. My favourite shop in the whole world Magasin in Copenhagen or maybe Jorge Jensen.
63. I have an ambition to write an erotic novel for women.
64. I wanted to be an actress but my mam insisted I go to University and got a proper job.
65. I went to LSE
67. I lost my virginity at 20 Chapel has a lot to answer for.
68. My first car was a John Player Special 3 litre Capri I love fast cars.
69. I love ginger beer.
70. The Beach Boys remind me of days on the beach with a six foot eight yank I almost married.
71. I live in the Mountains and love it I could never live in a flat country
72. Contrary to popular belief, American men are good lovers.
73. Style is about flair not conformity.
74. Happiness CAN be found in a bottle of gin. Especially homemade sloe gin.
75. The second best concert I've ever been to was an Everly Brothers reunion one I didn’t even like them, went with a friend who didn’t want to go on his own.
76. The best concert I ever went to was Queen.
77. I have an Equity card.
78. I have some famous friends
79. I am not a royalist.
80. I was at Greenham
81. I've been known to belly dance I was taught in Turkey
82. When someone hurts themselves, my natural reaction is to laugh. I wish it wasn't.
83. I hate the trains in the UK, but love them in France.
84. I had a Toy Boy for a few years but he became too serious.
85. I quite like the smell of tar.
86. My dad died in a supermarket.
87. In my time I've been bleached, highlighted and permed. Although never at the same time.
89. I'm not averse to a nude beach.
90. I think I'm going to turn into my grandmother. She was a purple hat lady
91. I have a friend who a professor of feminist theology, she is one cool vicarette
92. I believe in the Goddess.
93. I buy too many handbags.
94. I would make a great Dominatrix, or so my husband says
95. If I had to choose between "Yes" and "No", I'd say, "Yes".
96. My best friend is a crazy amazing woman when we get together we are really silly
97. I believe that everyone has the right to marry their loved one but not steal another’s
98. The biggest surprise in my life is that my life keeps opening up to more and more great people and experiences
99. I'm looking forward to being a Nain, but not too soon
100. I hate writing lists.

travelling, but not in love a dit…

VM - where do I begin? I love it all and think that the Rose is a great, great song too.

I'm pretty amazed at the things we do have in common - we really should start a 'my dad died in the supermarket' club. I can't imagine there'd be many takers.

If you said it was Sainsbury's at Selly Oak, then I'd be too freaked out for words though!

Louise a dit…

So, can you believe I'm here?

First, when I read Conjorte's version of this, I was convinced that I would do it myself for my 150th post--because I'm weird like that and don't want to do anything like other people do it. But here you've gone and done it on your 200th, so not maybe I have to wait until my 250th! I started my list last night (a Facebook tag),and I already have 196. I'm sure it's not nearly so interesting as yours.

OK, some are numbered, some are not...

-I'm a little worried that you may be the 4th generation to die before 60. The odds are not good. Is your lifestyle different? (If it's the binge drinking that's different, I'm guessing that won't prolong your existence!)

-Why do you never show your photographs? If you love taking them, aren't there some you are just dying to show. Did you take the ones on your FB page? Whoever did is very good.

-The answer for grey hairs (for a time at least) is tweezers.

#74-Just made me laugh.

-I'd really like to go dancing with you. Just to watch.

#94-me, too.