I Hereby Accept the Honest Scrap Award

I have been tagged by fellow outdoor blogger Shannon of Backyard Mama for the Honest Scrap Award. Thanks for the nod, Shannon, and for wanting to discover a little more about me.

So here’s how this game of blogger tag works: I have to share 10 really honest things about myself that you wouldn’t necessarily know from reading my blog, following me on Twitter or Facebook, or interacting with me in any other social media format.

I then tag seven other bloggers to do the same.

I usually don’t like to veer too much off topic when I blog, so this is a bit of a challenge for me. But I do think it’s fun to learn more about the actual people behind the blogs — and I’ve got a playful spirit — so I’m game. If I’ve tagged you, I hope you’ll do the same.

Here is my list of 10 honest things, in no particular order:

1) At the age of 10, I helped lead my Little League team to a first place finish – as a pitcher. That was back before girls really played boys’ sports. And yeah, I was good.

2) I don’t wear any makeup. Really. Absolutely none. Unless moisturizer and lip balm count.

3) My hubby and I dated for 10 years before getting engaged. He still managed to pull off a surprising (and romantic!) proposal on a gondola ride in Venice, Italy.

4) I have a big-time fear of flying but have managed to fly drug-free on everything from a large jet to a floatplane. Trouble is, half of my bucket list includes trips to faraway places, making the “getting there” part seem quite daunting.

5) I’ve got a tattoo and will likely get another in the future. Betcha didn’t see that one coming.

6) I have a small collection of vintage salt and pepper shakers that I’ve recently inherited from my great-grandparents. This is far and away my favorite set:

7) I really wish I could take better, more natural-looking pictures. It’s not like I haven’t tried to improve my skills — I’ve even taken a class. Still, my husband can snap a shot worthy of blowing up to poster size without even the slightest effort. And me? Not so much.

8) My hubby and I are in a lifelong race with his cousin to see which of us can visit all of the major league baseball parks first. So far, we’re in the lead with 18.

9) I’ve spent nearly 40 summers in Yosemite National Park but have yet to hike to Half Dome. The problem? I’m afraid of heights.

10) I’ve been writing letters (in a bound notebook) to both of my kids since before they were born. Sometimes I go a long time in between entries, but I hope someday it’ll give them some insight into the wonderfully hectic, insane, exhausting, emotional and utterly priceless thing this parenting ride has been.

And now, it’s my turn to spread the love and tag seven bloggers I’d love to learn more about. Hope you’ll feel like sharing:

• Melissa of Adventuroo, whose honest writing about outdoor adventures with her little one is always a great read. Her photos rock, too.
• Sharlene of Double the Adventure, who reminds me constantly how much I love to travel.
• Catherine of Adventures With Kids, my blogging buddy on the other side of the world!
• Beth of Remarkably Domestic, a longtime friend, new blogger and green living momma who somehow manages it all (her blog is aptly named).
• Jessica of Wild Earth Integration, because her blog continues to teach me something new about wild things. It helps that she writes things I’m always thinking but wouldn’t dare say. Maybe I should …
• Carolina of Kids Go West, who inspires me with her travel adventures as a single parent.
• Michele of Fun Orange County Parks, who I hope will keep in mind that her pals in the playoutdoors’ sandbox are oh-so curious to learn more about her!

There it is. Hope you enjoyed it. And remember: Go explore your world and take the kids with you!