The truth is out!

So here are some of the weird stories from my past. Okay, they're really not that exciting when they're explained...

1. Willie Nelson sweat on me. All true. I grew up in Southern Utah and so during high school my friends and I would go to Mesquite, NV (outside of Vegas) to eat at buffets and swim when it was still freezing in Utah. On one trip we saw a man sitting by himself in front of one of the casinos. Being the popular culture magnet that I am, I recognized him instantly as Willie Nelson. His stylish belt confirmed the fact by having his name along the back of his waist. This encounter was during his money issues with the IRS and he was thrilled to have young girls (probably the fact that we were in our swimming gear didn't hurt) recognize him and want a picture with him). The tank-top clad country singer gave us very sweaty hugs to round off the experience. Ahh, my brush with fame!

2. I attended an anti-nuclear protest surrounded by hippies. True again! My sweet parents are hippies at heart and when my brother and I were kids they jumped at the chance to take our family to this protest in Nevada. The protest was actually against underground nuclear testing - which looking back I totally agree with being banned (we have many family members who have suffered from radiation effects from the nuclear testing prior to WWII). I remember thinking it was weird and singing some rocking versions of Blowing in the Wind. I'm not quite sure, but I think I was also wearing a poncho - doesn't that make it cooler?

3. I spent a summer wearing knickerbockers. True again. Back in the day when I played the cello way-to-much, I spent a summer at the Interlochen music camp in Michigan. They have the unusual dress code of navy knickers or shorts with a light blue top. After trying the corduroy knickerbockers, I immediately loved the serious comfort this piece of clothing provides. I gladly wore them all summer with classy light-blue knee socks to top off the ensemble.

4. I've had my life threatened by a federal felon. This is my lie! In my pre-motherhood life I worked at the U.S. Attorney's office for 5 years as a federal financial agent. This job meant that I had to do some serious research (snooping) into convicts financial affairs and make them repay money they owed to their victims. We also had to force many to come back to court. So, even though I was sworn at a lot and many hated my guts, I never got an actual death threat (even though co-workers did!).

5. A member of my family has injured themselves participating in terrorist activities. True again! My dad's side of the family is all from Ireland (he moved here for graduate studies and then he met my mom) and my great-uncle on this side became briefly involved with the IRA (fanatical Irish group). In his craziness, he blew off his thumb building a bomb. Even though he has an exciting past, he is one of the nicest people ever!

Thanks for the fun idea, Cassi. Now I tag Christine!