11 Random Things...

Erin posted a few questions and since I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks (!) I thought it would be a good idea to answer! :)

1. What is your maiden name (girls), nickname (now or from your youth), embarrassing middle name, or something special/unusual about your name?

My maiden name was Esmer, which was nice and short, but often mispronounced, sometimes really terribly.  (I was actually called "Esemocker" on TV once...)  Although my full name is Catherine, I have never really gone by that, not even professionally (although it's on my business cards).  When I was younger it was Cathy and sometime in high school/college it changed to predominately "Cat".  I usually go by Cat now because I find people remember it much better than Cathy.  But you can tell when people met me by what name they call me. :)  Oh, and my dad always called me "Pookie."  

2. What is your favorite animal and why?

I think I'd have to go with dog, although I have always loved horses. I've never owned a horse and haven't even ridden that much, but my sister and I were obsessed as children.  I still kind of dream of owning one someday... That being said, I really love my dogs.  They can drive me crazy (!) but I can't imagine NOT having a dog.  I've nearly always had one, growing up and most of my adult life too.  They are just a great comfort. 

3. Do you like being alone?

Yes and no. I do get lonely at times, but I really need some alone time.  Much of my time at work is alone or at least on the solitary side and for the most part I don't mind that too much. I would go crazy completely cooped up all the time, but I do get even more crazy when people are around me 24/7.

4. What is a quality about yourself that you like?

That I'm competitive and determined. When I REALLY set my mind to something, I get it done. Now, there are lots of times I will say I'm going to do x, y and z and don't do it, but in those cases I haven't really put my heart in 100%.  Once I do that, I get 'er done, in large part because I'm very competitive - even with myself - and hate to "lose."  As a side note, this is also a quality that I don't like - it can add unnecessary stress very easily.

5. What is something that drives you crazy?

Lying.  Huge pet peeve. 

6. What did you want to be when you grew up when you were younger?

An artist and a veterinarian.  I used to love to draw, paint, etc and many Christmases were full of art supplies.  I have always loved animals and seriously assumed for a long time I would end up at MSU for vet school.  And I ended up in law school - go figure.

7. Are you a night owl or a morning person? 

Neither really. :) I often wake up early to get my runs in (and fairly early even if I don't run, due to work, kids, etc), but it's not my preference. However, as a result, I am not terribly functional late at night either. 

8. What is a personality trait about yourself that you would change if you could?

 As mentioned above, my competitiveness causes me some serious stress.  I am also very wary of being judged.  I think there is a legitimate basis for this feeling (well, obviously no one likes it!) but I hate how this fear of judgment can make me unnecessarily defensive about silly things.  Not very pleasant.

9. Favorite flavor?

Mint.  Mmmmmm

10.  What is a game you are terrible at?

Yahtzee.  Awful. Terrible.  It's a game of chance that I can never win.  Hate it.  Second runner up might be golf. 

11. Do you belong to a running club?

Nope.  Would be interested but haven't been able to fit it in the schedule...

12. Giants or Pats?

Eh, I'm indifferent.  Go Lions!