The one with Patrick's favourite colour...

Monday, October 6, 2008

As you probably already know, most people will say that I'm not a very "normal" person (whatever that means). I grew up with two brothers, was a bit of a tom-boy, lived in Maunu/Maungatapere (which was considered the whop whops back then), our family didn't have very much money & the Gartons and the Randersons (Mum's family) were (and still are) a little bit, or probably even a whole heap crazy (according to some). I don't think my dad will ever grow up no matter how old he gets!

We got almost all of our clothes from the Sallys (this explains my love of op-shopping), my cousins or even the dump on some occasions. Those were the days: when you didn't have to pay for the dump and you could take whatever you wanted! We found tyres, old bikes, and all sorts of goodies there.

Most of my childhood was lived outdoors or playing computer games. I was climbing almost before I could walk and when I was in trouble or things were just too much, my haven became my favourite trees. I love adventure and the adrenaline of doing things that are just a little bit crazy. You can hear about our antics HERE.

Now I am not your typical girly girl (yes Jacksta, I know what you're thinking tehehe). For example, until about 4 years ago, I probably only owned about 10 (if that) soft toys all up. Now my collection is rather large due to a friend of mine who was really good at those claw machines. My only times playing with dolls was when my mates came over (which was hardly ever as we lived so far out of town back then) or when I could convince Stephen (who was not very old at the time, so go on easy on the bloke) to rearrange the doll's house (that I built myself) with me. Pretty much most of the time I just did whatever my brothers were into at the time & hated sleepovers because they meant a bunch of screaming hyperactive girls gossiping about who liked who! You can read about the best sleepover I've ever had HERE.

After about the age of 10 I began to despise the colour pink, hated wearing dresses & would grab any opportunity for a fight (just ask Kevin for more info on this; I'm sure he'd be dying to tell you). This continued right up till the age of about 16 or 17 probably, when I started to be asked to perform at weddings (which meant I had to wear a dress). Then, the unthinkable happened, I went to buy a pair of jandals and the only colour they had in my size was PINK! So I took the plunge, and to this day, everytime I wear something pink I get comments on it. So maybe it will grow on me, maybe not, I don't know. But I do know this: wearing pink IS NOT the ultimate crime, it doesn't mean I have to suddenly turn into one of those "ooh let's paint our toenails and talk about boys" type of girls... And that's my spiel for the day :)