25 things you did (or didn’t) know about Hilary
I’ve been tagged!
Yes Gary Simpson got me on his blog This is an idea that he picked up from Michel Fortin’s blog and the Gazz-Man has come up with an interesting (!) list, so I’d suggest you hop over and have a look at his post too. Come back to mine though if you want to find out about me! 🙂
Here are the rules.
Alex Jeffreys has urged us to make ourselves known to those reading our blogs and other communications so this is a good way to start.
So how did I get to my own list?
Well I thought of things myself, but I also asked my family, who came up with some interesting ideas. They also didn’t want to say some of them though. I wonder why?! I don’t know that these are necessarily strange, weird or bizarre, but they’ll do.
So here goes – a mixture of who I am, what I have done and what I am like. Maybe it will give you more of an insight into why I am taking this journey.
Oh and watch out! As the rules of this game say that I have to tag five other people to do the same – it could be you!
1. I am the middle of three daughters. My dad used to complain that even the budgie was female as our family is so full of females. When my son was born he was the first male in my maternal line for over 100 years!
2. I was (am sometimetimes still am) something of a tomboy. If there was anyone climbing the trees, getting into scrapes, willing to have a go at ‘interesting’ things, that was likely to be me (though not exclusively so).
3. I’ll usually try to do most things. This follows on from no 2 – I’m not worried about breaking a fingernail or helping to shift heavy objects. I’m fairly handy practically with DIY – much of it taught me by my dad.
4. Much of my working life has been in a male dominated environment. A reaction to no 1 perhaps?! I currently work in a college for 16+ learners where I work mainly with construction and engineering students.
5. I spent 11 years as an Air Traffic Controller. Perhaps I enjoy telling people where to go!
6. I once interrupted an after dinner speech dressed as a cleaning lady. We did clear it with the speaker’s PA first and made sure that he was in a good mood, otherwise it could have cut my career short! I got a few drinks out of that one.
7. I enjoy a glass of the Irish black stuff. Despite growing up in a nearly tee-total household, my parents wondered how they managed to bring up 3 Guiness-drinking daughters.
8. I flew over the school in which my sister was teaching in a Red Arrows aircraft. I worked with the Red Arrows aerobatic team for nearly 2 years (yes I told them where to go as well!). I was the passenger on a training flight – not an aerobatic one though.
9. I played the violin and bassoon. Sadly I rarely play either now, though I did take part in a makeshift band’s one-off performance at work just over a year ago.
10. I completed a course in organic horticulture. I love gardening, though I don’t do as much as I would like to at the moment and I believe in growing things as naturally as possible.
11. I love words and language. I usually win when we play Scrabble and like to spend time reading the dictionary. I have a degree in English Language and Medieval Literature.
12. I have always loved books and reading. Ever since learning to read I have always been able to lose myself in a book and I read as often as I can.
13. I sell second hand books on Amazon. Follows on from my love of books I suppose. The trouble is I have boxes of books everywhere which cause problems with no 14.
14. I love things to be tidy. But it doesn’t always happen! I keep trying to get sorted out but… (I’m sure that a lot of parents will know what I mean. lol!)
15. I like routines. I think that this helps to get things done more quickly so that I can get on with doing the things that I enjoy. I’m quite capable of being flexible though!
16. I have an interest in dyslexia. Follows on again from words and routines. I started a dyslexia course this year, but circumstances meant that it has had to go on hold for a while.
17. I like being outdoors. I enjoy walking, though certain members of my family are not so keen.
18. I don’t enjoy shopping and only have about 6 pairs of shoes. It is not a favourite pastime of all women – honestly! You’re more likely to find trainers, wellies and walking boots in my cupboards.
19. I like animals. We currently have two young cats, two guinea pigs and tropical fish in our home.
20. I once played the part of ‘Little Buttercup’. She is a red, round and rosy bumboat woman in Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘HMS Pinafore’. I was rather the opposite and had to be well padded out!
21. I love singing and have sung in cathedrals, the open air, theatres (and in the shower!).
This is a great way of relaxing and I have sung in church choirs and an African township choir with lots of other styles in between.
22. I have lived outside the UK. I have lived in Cyprus and Germany and think the experiences will always stay with me – especially as I met my husband in Cyprus.
23. I make an amazing pasta dish. I wouldn’t class myself as a brilliant cook, but I do basic things fairly well and this seems to go down well with my family. My daughter added (yumm….) after she put this comment down.
24. I have run 2 half-marathons. This was a while ago, but I would still like to run the London marathon. Trouble is I don’t do enough exercise at the moment…
I thought that I would add a special one for the Gazz-Man because I know how much he likes Slade:
25. I was born and brought up in the next town to Slade’s hometown.
If I were to summarise all of this in one it would be:
My family and friends are most important to me which is why honesty, integrity and trust must always come first.
Well, are you enlightened, intrigued, puzzled? Let me know what you think. You can ask me further questions if you want, but I might not answer them all – yet.
So tagging. Well a quick look through my commenters would give Becky Carter, Gaielle Sharp, Ken Douglas, Dean Holland and Valerie Davies.
Don’t worry if you can’t do it immediately as you have other things going on, but do let me know when you have done it so that we can all come and take a look.
It’s a great way for us to get to know one another better and also to tell our story to others.
Mission Completed Well Done!
Becky Carter
Ken Douglas
Hey Hilary,
I find you more and more amazing as I read through your post. I love reading the comments you leave at other people’s blogs. I feel like I’m really startint to know you.
One day I would love to break nails and play scrabble with you, while I eat all the yummy stuff from your garden. Or maybe you’ll share some pasta while we compare our slight shoe inventories.
Talk to you soon,
Renee
Mrs Renee Olson’s last blog post..I Am Woman by Helen Reddy
Hilary,
Once again I have enjoyed learning more about someone who i have been following. To answer the question you asked on my blog. I am not a tennis player(to learn any more you will need to wait until I complete my list:) ). I chose an area where I felt there was potentially a large volume of traffic. well I’m off to start my list…..
Ken
Ken Douglas’s last blog post..Internet marketing…..spreading our wings
Hilary – That was indeed an interesting list. The uncensored one would have been even MORE interesting.
I love to play Scrabble too but nobody wants to play with me – boo hoo!
What? You only have 6 pairs of shoes? Are you fibbing on that? I don’t know ANY woman with only 6 pairs of shoes. In fact, I have MORE than 6 pairs of shoes. Hmm, come to think of it… I have about 16 pairs of shoes.
You get the coverted “elephant stamp” for your effort. And well done for tagging the next five.
I saw this as an excellent way to help other people who may have been struggling with a topic to write about and also, as an interesting exercise in viral propagation. NB: I wouldn’t have used that word on another blog. (I do so lie – YES I would have! LOL!)
Thanks for being a good sport Hillary – and tell Lizzie I thought that was a cute thing to do (yumm). It is nice to know you are appreciated for the things you do well and that was a great example in just one small gesture.
Gary
Gary SIMPSON’s last blog post..Internet Marketing – Alex Jeffreys – Triple Threat Affiliate – Module #6
Hils,
Just noticed something on your blog and also Renee’s. You should ask Linda how to get your permalinks sorted out. It is an easy process and it will get your blog posts indexed much better in the search engines.
I’d tell you myself but Linda has a better code – naturally. LOL!
Gary
Gary SIMPSON’s last blog post..Internet Marketing – Alex Jeffreys – Triple Threat Affiliate – Module #6
Me again!
Can you get me Noddy Holder’s autograph? Like can you go and bang on his castle door and tell him Gazz-Man want’s his scribble on a bit of paper? Any chance?
Gary
Gary SIMPSON’s last blog post..Internet Marketing – Alex Jeffreys – Triple Threat Affiliate – Module #6
Hi Hilary
Great to read all about you and I am amazed how alike we are on numbers 2, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19 and 23. Great idea from the GazzMan.
Wendy
Wendy Wood’s last blog post..Video Upload
Hi Hilary,
Back again… I needed to see what Gaz said about the permalinks here. If you get an answer from Linda before I do, email me.
Renee
PS I wouldn’t play scrabble with Gary, but I think you could give him a run for his money.
Mrs Renee Olson’s last blog post..I Am Woman by Helen Reddy
Thanks for everyone’s comments – I’m afraid exhaustion got the better of me yesterday, so I apologise for not replying to you all.
Renee
Thanks – your comments are so good to read and yes, I’m getting the feeling that we are kindred spirits, so I’m sure that we will enjoy breaking the nails, playing Scrabble (perhaps even with Gary though I might just have to watch some of his words!) etc.
When things are not as crazy perhaps we’ll have to set up an online game – triangular to begin with and invite any others who want to join us!
Yes I did read Gary’s comment – I have had problems with the permalinks. I was trying to sort them out, but was too tired to concentrate so left it as it was. I haven’t contacted Linda yet, but will do soon.
Ken
Thanks for your support too, this is what I find so amazing about this group and the friendships that have been forged. I haven’t had chance to return to your blog yet (see above) but will do soon.
Gary
So three comments all in a row eh?! Getting greedy now? No, seriously I love your comments here, there and everywhere. How do you have the time? (Maybe because you don’t have to run a household, with all its duties, at the same time?)
Well maybe I might let the odd uncensored comment slip in in the future, so you’ll just have to keep reading (here, there and everywhere!).
I’ll play you at Scrabble one day, but I think we have too much on our plates at the moment.
Well, I did lie a tiny bit about my shoes – I’ve just been and counted and I have 9 pairs of shoes, boots and sandals, then wellies, walking boots and trainers. Why do I need any more?
Yes, this is a great way to get people posting as well as giving us all an opportunity to get to know one another better. It makes those of us doing the writing think about ourselves too, which isn’t a bad thing.
I like to think that I can be a good sport and Lizzie was great in helping me to get the list going. I just need to help her with her blog now.
As in my comment to Renee, I’ll contact Linda about the permalinks.
I’m going to the Black Country in just over a week for the start of my half term holiday. We’re still trying to sort out my aunt’s house after she moved into a sheltered flat here last August. I’ll knock on Noddy Towers if I get chance!
Wendy
It’s great to see that there are more people like me out there. You, me and Renee will be roaring yet!
Hilary
Hi Hillary,
Just popping over to you after your comment on my blog. I can pretty much empathize with nearly all of you list although some rang more with me than others,for better or for worse, and they are as follows.
7, Can´t get enough of the stuff, love it like my first born, I sound like a real lush, I´m not =O)
8. I lived in Caistor which is 19 miles from Scampton were the Red Arrows are now based.
9.musically incompetent, strange as my mum got to level 7 piano and my sister played both piano and guitar.
10, If it´s green it´s a weed
19, Lexy, my beautiful Mallorcan ratting dog, she´s a member of the terrier family, but oh so cute with a beautiful nature.
21.I sing like a rutting goat, so no grammy´s for me =O)
When I mentioned the fact that you are interested in your own family tree to my mum, she said if you want any help she would love to get you started.
I don´t think the weather here is that different from England today, well apart from the snow, it´s grey and raining =O(
All the best,
Paull
Paull Hamilton’s last blog post..My own personality disasters
Hi Paull
Thanks for your comment. Good to hear from you.
Black stuff – I don’t drink a great deal but I do enjoy a glass now and then.
Yes I worked at Scampton; the Vintage Pair of Meteor and Vampire were also there when I was, although just as I left some of my friends were killed in an accident. Display flying can be dangerous.
I have made a start on the family tree and am on Genes Reunited, with several other members of the family doing their bit. It’s just a matter of bringing things together.
I’m particularly interested in the family members who were in the RAF (I wonder why?), especially one who was involved in the development of radar during WW2.
I just need to get things running more smoothly with an income that will allow me to spend some time doing what I want to. Then I can enjoy doing these other things (including learning to play the piano properly!)
Sorry you haven’t had the sun today. I’m following the Stansted departures at the moment – my son should have left on his school exchange visit half an hour ago, but it says the gate is open at the moment. Hopefully he won’t be delayed too much.
Hilary
Hi Hilary,
What a great idea, and its great to learn a little bit more about the person behind the blog! I have to apologise, I have hit ANOTHER wall just recently but as I type I am listening to module 6( so frustrating it only went to the members area yesterday!)
I take it that being tagged means I’ve gotta take on the mission of baring my sole aswell??!!
Well I will take my mission seriously and aim to get it up tomorrow so people don’t think I’ve dropped off the face of the earth!!
Thanks for the kick up the bum.
Becky
Hi Becky
Yep! You have to bare your soul too – blame the Gazz-Man!
Actually I think it is a great idea to help us all get to know one another better, so I look forward to reading your list tomorrow and thanks for taking up the gauntlet.
Hilary
Hilary,
I just read your comments over in the “TEMPLE”
re: Linda’s audio. I sounds like you are close to breaking out. You are having the same thought that I had a short time ago before I decided I needed to be doing something. I have started to see some results for my efforts and actually have made my first bit of profit on line (it is small but it is the first step 🙂 ).
It sounds as if you know what you need to do and now you need to start failing foward( not that I expect you to fail) as Alex would say.
Ken
Ken Douglas’s last blog post..Internet Marketing gaols for 2009
PS. I am working on my list and will post it soon
Ken
Ken Douglas’s last blog post..Internet Marketing gaols for 2009
Thanks for leaving such a great comment on my blog. I really admire your blog! It is wonderful that you are so open with your readers. I love the “black stuff” too, especially during the cold weather.
Margaret
Margaret Flanigan’s last blog post..ViralTweets Example
Hilary,
Thanks for the comments on my blog.
Ken
Ken Douglas’s last blog post..Internet Marketing gaols for 2009
Hi Hilary,
Great idea that Gazz-Man started! I read his and now yours. Will have to keep up to see all of these. It really is a great way to get to know people in the group.
We have some things in common like having been somewhat of a tomboy, liking things tidy, breaking our nails and loving animals.
Debbie
Hi Ken
Thanks for your comments – I’m just researching an area I’m interested in, though I’m not yet sure how I can best work with it to bring in income. I’ve still got my thinking (and researching) cap(s) on at the moment.
Congratulations on getting your first other income. I’m looking forward to your list.
Margaret
Thanks for coming over to my blog – I’m glad you like it and the Guinness too!
Debbie
Yes the Gazz-Man knows how to get us to do something and if you fancy having a go at this I can always tag you too!
The good thing about having written this list, which is only a very small part of who I am, is that it is helping me to find more people with whom I have things in common. I’m loving that and I’m sure that it will help us to find people that we will work with in the future too.
Hilary
Hi Hils,
It’s a pleasure to finally catch up with you on your own blog, after reading so many of your wonderful comments on other F500 blogs.
I’ve been ‘tagged‘ by the Gazz-Man too!
Still in the process of compiling my list.
Should have it up soon.
As you’ve said, it’s such a great way to find out more about the members – and push the comfort zone more and more.
This course is certainly totally changing my perception of my abilities and pushing me to do things I previously never thought I could do.
Now I can’t wait to see what I’m going to do next.
To your success,
Dave
Dave Pumfrey’s last blog post..Why Working For ‘The Man’ Leads To Empty Pockets!
Hi Dave
Good to see you here and thanks for your comment. I love reading other blogs and I usually end up writing rather long comments so it takes me a while to get around the blogs.
I’m looking forward to seeing your 25 things.
I’m really enjoying learning more about other people, because that way not only do we feel that we know people more, but also we can find people with whom we have things in common and can work with in the future.
I’ve been thinking about my way forward and have come up with a route that I am interested in but I will need input from other people to help me to move forward.
I had hoped to post tonight but had a phonecall from a friend I hadn’t spoken to for a while. So I will let you know when my new post is ready and I look forward to seeing you again then!
Yes I think so many of us have been pushed out of our comfort zones – but this is fun and I’m on this journey for good!
Hilary
Hils,
Heh…heh…
Just shot and edited the Motivational Moment Video #2 today – out by the Gazz-Man’s swimming pool. The Lizzard cracks a mention. Lizzard = Lizzie. LOL!
Gazz-Man
Hi Hils,
I’ve done my 25 now as well – although mine are all a bit random! I’ve got a fat comment coming your way about the education post as well, it’s going to be a bit of a beast I’m afraid as I’m standing so high on my soapbox!!
Nikki
Nikki’s last blog post..I Love This Record Baby But I Can’t See Straight Any More…
I can’t wait to see Nikki’s FAT comment. I do love it when she is a bit beastly, somewhat beastly and even VERY beastly.
Get on that soapbox darls – STAND & DELIVER!
Gazz-Man
Hilary,
I finally have completed my list. I am sorry that it took so long.
Ken
Ken Douglas’s last blog post..My list of 25 things about me