I know someone who recently sought out and purchased a titanium spork. It was something that I would never contemplate, totally random and I thought it was kinda cool. It was quirky.

I like quirks because they’re the smallest, unseen but best parts of what make up an individual.

So I thought I would share some of mine:

• I think the best feeling in the world is wearing a brand new pair of socks. If I could have one indulgence it would be to wear a brand new pair of socks everyday.

• I don’t like the sunshine in the morning. I’m not a dark person by any means, quite the opposite actually. I just love the gray sky and smell of rain in the air, since it’s so rare. It’s my favorite kind of weather.

• I don’t like to drink anything other than water. Not because I’m a health nut or anything but only because I’m extremely vain when it comes to my teeth and want them to always be their whitest.

• If I like a song I usually listen to it over and over again for a few days straight. Then I tire of it and never want to hear it again. I get mad if it comes on the radio and say something completely hypocritical like “gah, they play this song all the time.”

• “Urban Cowboy” is, in my poor opinion, one of the greatest movies ever.

• If I find a book that I like then I will read every single book by that author that I can get my hands on. During that time I won’t read any other book by another author. I think it’s a commitment thing.

• I’m harboring a secret addiction to the breakfast bar. I’ve tried so many of them and always like to have a box or two of them around.

Call me weird or silly, but I prefer quirky.

Last year Clovis News Journal’s team “Write On” took first place in the annual Word Worm contest. So, what is Word Worm, you’re probably wondering.

Word Worm is a contest that is held by the Curry County Literacy Council. The Council works towards raising awareness and providing service for literacy needs in the community. Proceeds from this event go towards the Council.

The contest itself has five different word games such as “Scrambler” and “Weird Wordz” where teams face off against each other ultimately narrowing down to a final winning team.

Where can I sign up?
To sign up contact Nancy Clark at 769-4096 or email  curry.literacy at clovis.edu
The entry fee is $48 per team.

By when do I need to gather my team?
The deadline to register is April 1.

Who can participate?
Teams of four with a suggested alternate person, from any kind of group or organization can participate.

When is the event?
1 p.m., Saturday, April 12 at the Master’s Centre

Hope I see you there!

In my purse I am carrying:

• Receipts

• Mail

• A mis-matched wallet

• Four lip glosses (and I’m upset now because I realize I’m missing my lip plumper)

• Two AA batteries

• Two boxes of Acuvue contact lenses

• A pair of earrings

• Two USB drives

• Gum in the following flavors: Orbitz Peppermint, Stride Sweet Peppermint, Stride Sweet Cinnamon

• Two pink pens

• One purple pen

• Checkbook

• Keys

• Travel size shoe polish

• Tide to go pen

• Plastic spoon

• Keys

• Cell phone

• Various, ID, bank, gift, insurance, movie rental and business cards.

My purse/the suitcase was purchased earlier this winter when my hat, gloves and scarf weren’t able to fit in the cute little bag I was carrying around. I have found that it is comforting to carry a bag that can accomodate my “just in case” personality.

A friend of mine emailed me the other day just to say hello and joke about whether or not I had met the man of my dreams yet. Normally I would have found myself firing back something witty about my celeb crush, Jacoby Ellsbury, but instead I thought long and hard about my answer. While I hope a future for myself includes a husband and children…someday, my dream for now is just to be self sufficient. I’m figuring out how to stand on my own two feet, except sometimes I feel like I’m kind of wobbling on two feet. So before I start dreaming I think it’s important for me to:

Stop cursing under my breath and feeling sorry for myself when I have to carry in all my grocery bags.

Finish my degree.

Not have an anxiety attack when my car is making funny noises or things in my house are breaking down. Like this weekend, “I don’t know what’s happening with my washer, water is just coming out,” I wailed to my parents.

Be able to look at my bank account without buyer’s remorse.

Realize that if I’m bursting with great news it’s okay if the only person I have to share it with, immediately, is my dog.

Relish in the fact that I make all of my own decisions and deal with the consequences of some of those decisions.

These are just a few, there are plenty more. Mainly, I think it’s important for me to appreciate my solo status and enjoy it. I guess at the end of the day, whether I feel like I’m barely standing, what’s important is that I’m still standing.

“I know isn’t it great? I got it from Ikea.”
“Oh that? I got it from Ikea.”
“You like? I got them from Ikea.”
“So, I was at Ikea….”

After hearing all about Ikea it began to take on mythical proportions. I thought, “I must go to Ikea.” So I did, a few summers ago while I was visiting San Diego.

I could hardly contain my excitement as I drove up to the mass household goods store. There was family parking, family bathrooms, a restaurant and child care center. I don’t have children, but the whole family oriented theme was still appealing. Once inside, it was better than I could have ever imagined. There were levels of numerous living, dining, kitchen and bedrooms on display with everything for sale and for cheap. You even get a map to help with navigation purposes.

“Oh my gosh there is so much stuff”
My head starts pounding.
“Wow, everything is really cheap”
My stomach starts turning.

I had to bolt for the nearest exit. It could have been that I had spent the entire day under the blazing sun at Sea World, but I prefer to think that Ikea was too much, too good and caused a sensory overload. I’ll never forget the heaviness in my heart as I drove away from Ikea, glancing wistfully over my shoulder every couple of seconds. The big, bold, yellow letters grew smaller and smaller in the rear view mirror. It was the greatest shopping experience I never got to have.

I caught my first waves of various shades of pinks and reds, stuffed animals and overpriced boxes of chocolates last weekend when I ventured out to do some shopping. I winced for a second at the thought of Valentine’s Day, but a smile quickly returned to my face, because I know I am never forgotten.

Regardless of how old I am or whether I’m living a thousand miles away, I can always look forward to receiving a little something from my Dad. It’s a simple gesture, but for myself, it carries meaning.

I have the kind of Dad who remembers things like oil changes and would rather do the work around your house than let you borrow his power tools. He’s raised four girls and shown us what it means to be a man of integrity. He has a knack for making pretty ponytails. He likes desserts like oatmeal cake and pecan sandies. (I definitely don’t have his palate.) Along with my mom, I can easily call him my best friend.

Besides inheriting his nose, smile and sense of humor my Dad has given me the things that matter most -his love and encouragement.